Finding Light in Unexpected Places: An Anthology of Surprises

We expect inspiration in sunsets, blooming flowers, and mountain-top views. And in turn we've come to not expect it elsewhere: in the tragic or mundane. This essay collection challenges this categorization of wonder, light, and beauty. Fourteen authors share their experiences of finding light in unexpected places. In a disaster, on a dreary morning commute. In squawking gulls, aging bodies, and seeing the way a friend signs his name. Wherever you are, whatever thoughts might be racing through your mind, light is available. It might be just around the corner. Table of Contents Introduction CANDLES IN THE SNOW Kristin Procter, Snow and Bones Maria Jerinic, My Anti-Vegas Alaina Isbouts, The First Snow Amanda Nevada DeMel, Ice Petal Flowers HIDDEN LIGHT IN FAMOUS EVENTS World Trade Center Attack, New York, 11 September 2001 Erik Pihel, Toward Light Murder of James Foley, Raqqa, 19 August 2014 Emily Skelding, Long Distance Loss Mexico City Earthquake, Mexico City, 19 September 2017 Ligia de Wit, The Heart of the City Northern California Wildfires, Sonoma, 8 October 2017 Fran Braga Meininger, As the World We Knew Burned THE WONDER OF THE ORDINARY Toti O'Brien, Beautiful Bones Marcy Darin, Ode to an Expressway Egret Laura Valdez-Pagliaro, Two but Not Two Celeste Snowber, Gull Woman Wes Choc, Fore or Aft? UNTETHERED Beth Rosenberg, Untethered