A Place To Rest Your Eyes 

The task of defining a theme for this issue proved challenging. There is no simple explanation; life just got in the way with its incessant interruptions of pings, nags, and whatnot. Let’s not ignore the fact that it took me two years to summon the stamina and courage to relaunch this edition. During this hiatus, I kept insanely busy, which seems to be a running theme in everyone’s life. One other major occurrence during the past eight seasons: My dearest sister passed away. It was a very abrupt departure from a swift bout with a wholly unexpected cancer. Her passing spurred a realization: There’s a pressing need for goodness and positive endeavors in this world, and it became a driving force behind seeing this issue through.

Throughout its creation, I found myself in a perpetual haze, which could be attributed to taking on too much simultaneously or the lingering effects of mourning. Although it may not solely be either — the current state of our collective conscience seems to have been hijacked. Too much information is floating around with not enough space in our brains to process it completely. Compound this with the ongoing world-altering events that dominate the news, leaving one feeling overwhelmed and helpless. Even as I pen these words in the comfort of my upstate home, recognizing my limited ability to effect change, they seem somehow inadequate. Technology and media are advancing too quickly to be ignored, and global shifts are too distant for me to extend much of a helping hand — though I do pray daily, in my heart, for peace. 

In contemplating all of the chaotic themes and instances that surround our intricate lives, I wonder if there is at least one thing that I can do, a thing that I am good at. After finishing this issue, I realized that my ultimate objective remains clear despite there being no coherent theme. I can aspire to contribute beauty and healing. I wish for these stories to serve as a source of comfort; perhaps they distill a measure of joy in readers; maybe they can be a space for inspiration, self-reflection, or simply a moment of repose for weary eyes. If any of these outcomes are realized, I can take solace in knowing that, at the very least, I’ve put some form of goodness back into this world. 

@Nhi Mundy, founder

Masthead

Editor in Chief Nhi Mundy

Senior Editor Janet Mercel

Associate Editor Mandy Coon

Art Director Bridget Lee

Design Intern Jinny Chiang

Marketing Intern Briana Pinales