The Great Disconnect (or caught in the Net) by Ron Davidson (art by Shelby Moore) When we look back at some of history’s greatest achievements, will we so fondly regard the “Net” as one of them? An idea of sharing infinite amounts of information across an interconnected network conceived by great science fiction writers and…
Layers by Lauri Lemke Thompson (art by Mary Arneson) The intricate design, yet naturally flowing beauty of a pink rose. Who thought of such a thing? Petals upon petals, overlapping. Such are these Ozark mountains When one overlooks their rounded shapes – Hazy blue hill upon blue hill, arranged with grace In layers, Like petals.…
The Gate Test by Dave Loftin (art by Katie Rodick) Buying a new cow can be a daunting experience. Where did she come from? Where has she been? Will she fit into your program? Can she raise a good calf? Will she be gentle and easy to handle? All of these questions are good to…
PTSD: The Parent of Disease by Jody Johnson Godfrey, FRS (art by Sarah Hebert) For years, I wrote health columns for several publication conglomerates but, of late, I have come to realize that in writing about different diseases, I failed to go “backwards” enough in order to progress “forward.” However, in my defense, there is…
Toes by Jenn Parks (art by Melody Courley) Nine years that summer, my best friend and me Meandered the wheat fields adventurously. He always in blue jeans and I, a sundress, Never in shoes, despite parental requests. He laughed as I chatted with cows while they stood And he pretended to battle like he was…
No Wine for Ismenos by Anthony Cirilla (art by Janelle Patterson) The river was clear to the bottom. The rocks resting on the riverbed were worn smooth by the eternal current, through which small fish darted like unaimed arrows. Between the banks and beneath the reaches of the alder trees, a keelboat floated slower than…
Joe Benjamin by Joshua Heston Pen and ink artist, Joe Benjamin, is not only extraordinarily talented, but also one of the nicest of folks you’ll ever hope to meet. Five of Joe Benjamin’s 17 Silver Dollar City craftsmanship awards. Photo credit: J. Heston He and his wife, Janice, moved to Branson from the Quincy, Illinois,…
PLATE 1. “For the first one, we wanted to keep it pretty simple. All roads lead to Raleigh. We chose the banjo, the rolling hills, the iconic skyline from the PNC Building to the Convention Center’s Shimmer Wall, and we went with a horizontal format to allow for the typography.” — Tim Lee The Weird, Wonderful…
Mural in Silver Dollar City BY JOSHUA HESTON On the west wall of the unpretentious visitors’ exit of Silver Dollar City, a beautiful Kieffer mural celebrating the Ozarks in autumn can be found. Equally unpretentious in style, this work of George Kieffer is passed by tens of thousands of guests, often without a second thought.…
PLATE 1. “The painting Around the Bend is the westward view of the Finley River from the Highway 160 Bridge. I was inspired to create this painting by the contrast of the warm afternoon sun on the water and the deep, cool shadows of the enormous trees. The kayakers were added for a color center…