amuse five25

amuse

WORK PLAY PASSION five 25

amuse a mini publication of things i like, love, and i want to share with others.

i hope you like it too, but if you don't that's okay.

jim five

2025 JIM CLARK

• AIR FORCE
• pre amuse
• TABLE OF CONTENTS
• 5 Sara LaVerne

9 SOFO Poets Society

15 What do you see? 17 Are we all alike? 19 kick off your shoes 21 Explore the AFAM

27 Is Graffiti Art?

29 fashion collabs

31 Who is your favorite? 33 word

• 35...the storm comes...
• 37 surfer thought
• 39 Marry me...

Sara LaVerne

From a young age, Sara LaVerne has known only one rhythm: create, evolve, repeat. Growing up captivated by an ever-changing world of textures and color, she found herself constantly drawn to new mediums throughout her life drawing, painting, dance, writing, music, photography, video, and more. Each form captured a piece of her heart, fed a side of her soul, and sparked a restless desire to explore everything life has to offer. Behind the lens, Sara doesn't just record life she reimagines it, freezing emotion, and inviting the viewer into a moment they didn't even know they were waiting for. Her photography skills extend from analog dark-room film processing and printing, to vintage Polaroid instant photos, to digital SLR and Adobe Photoshop.

But Sara doesn't stop at capturing reality - she transforms it. Guided by her intuition and vision, she taught herself to paint surreal, otherworldly scenes in oils, acrylics, and watercolors, using each medium to to describe the ineffability of her inner world. While living in New York City, Sara specialized in creating collections of abstract acrylic paintings, which have been described as invoking a sense of viewing the cosmic terraform of alien planets. Her drawings may take the form of pencils on paper, or, become the blueprint for the relief block, which she then hand-carves, channeling raw energy into hand-printed art. Much of her art tends to be highly symbolic, with many pieces having deep spiritual significance reaching beyond the literal image.

Since moving to Panama City in 2022, Sara completed a tattoo apprenticeship and began exploring the possibilities of art on the living canvas of human skin. The challenge of creating unique art that must be tailored to an individual's body has been demanding yet fulfilling. Sara crafts designs that carry subtle symbolism and serve her clients with a feeling of personal evolution. Tattooing for Sara has been an offering of both career and personal growth,

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and she values the experience and opportunities it's brought her, including the chance to connect with and uplift those who sit in her chair and give their trust to her abilities.

In addition to visual arts, Sara has been teaching herself electronic music production and live performance, creating a unique fusion of body, material, and sound. She approaches each project with an open, experimental mindset, embracing the emotions and imperfections that make each track human, and never boxing herself into any discernible genre. On stage or in her home studio, her beats pulse with organic intensity, a sound track to the kaleidoscope of her eclectic visual art.

Sara's diverse talents have also found roots in the modeling scene, where she often steps in front of the camera as muse and collaborator -

For custom artwork that can make your visions come true contact Sara LaVerne here I sarathecreator.com

4 tattoos | aura-alchemy-tattoos.com not just for the images, but for the stories. Her modeling sessions become creative experiments in embodiment: where her expressive and symbolic artistry can shine through the shapes of makeup, the textures of fashion styling, and the ambienttones of body language--all converging to shape an identity that is unmistakably hers. She doesn't create for views. She creates to live, to express, to connect. To blur the boundaries between artist and audience.

Simply put: with Sara, art isn't a hobby. It's a full-body experience. Everything she does is done with unmistakable detail. Every photo, every song, and every canvas becomes part of a larger tapestry. And if you're lucky enough to catch even one piece of that tapestry, you'll understand: Sara LaVerne doesn't just make art. She lives it.

amuse 7

SOWAL

Our mind is a garden:

water the flowers, not the weeds

Nurture and nourish only the seeds that blossom and bloom enough to give room to the radiance that resides round our hearts

No need to feed the corrosive parts

Explosive shards of self-deprecation keep us in stuck in a state of sickly sensation by strengthening our weakness and weakening our strength

Make a point to go to any length to protect the peace and purge the parasite for the garden of our mind is our most sacred site by Tricia Veldman

HOUSE

SOFO POETS

SoWal House recently hosted SOFO Poets Society, an evening dedicated to the art of words, music, and shared creativity in an inspiring setting. Guided by host Tricia Veldman and presented by the Emerald Coast Storytellers, the event featured a lineup of poets and an acoustic singer-songwriter, bringing original work. If you missed this gathering, don't worry, more are on the way. Visit SoWalHouse.com or Emerald CoastStorytellers.com to explore upcoming events and experience the magic for yourself.

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The vale is crowding up with stars, And I am stealing home- While everywhere the chirps and chirrs From secret cellars come!

The dusk is busy with applause, The crickets most rejoice- And everything, that had to pause, Has found a cheering voice!

Oh! have I really come so near

The risen shades of things- So near the spirits, that I hear The music of their wings!

from "Through Dust to Light"

by Robert Valantine Heckscher read by Maria Heckscher

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SOWAL

HOUSE

I didn't know I needed you, till you showed up

Now I don't know what I would do If there was no us

• I didn't know I needed you
• I didn't know I needed you
• I didn't know I needed you

It's a rare event a once in a blue moon

• If I know anything
• I know I love you
• Your my clearest sky
• My perfect shade of blue

I knew since we were three feet tall

At the top of the slide When nothing was as big As my fear of heights You held my hand and we slid down side by side cause I...

didn't know I needed you, till you showed up

Now I don't know what I would do If there was no us

I didn't know I needed you

I didn't know I needed you

I didn't know I needed you by Aubrey Jane

You're my late night call when I'm losing my head

Been there through it all Every tear I've shed

You stand up tall

When im sinking in my bed You said

• When we're 20 years old
• With new jobs and lives
• You'll pull yourself alway
• To call at night
• And we'll laugh the tears away
• Like we do every time
• Oh I...

didn't know I needed you, till you showed up

Now I don't know what I would do If there was no us

I didn't know I needed you

I didn't know I needed you

I didn't know I needed you so when we get old and our bones are weak as glass

I hope I'm not only a person from your past

But a full time friend you never turned your back on I hope that we are lifelong musicbyaubreyjane.com

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What Do You See?

When you stare up at a sky full of rolling clouds, the imagination can't help but stretch its legs a little. Suddenly, the world above becomes a giant canvas, splashed with shifting shapes and soft edges that beg you to name them. One moment, you're spotting a fluffy dragon drifting lazily across the horizon; the next, a perfect profile of someone you swear you once knew. Cloud-watching is basically the universe's version of a Rorschach test-playful, revealing, and just ambiguous enough to let your mind wander wherever it pleases.

Look long enough, and those drifting forms start to feel like tiny windows into something bigger. Maybe you catch a glimpse of what could only be described as heaven's waiting room- light beams slipping through the layers like warm reminders that there's more to this world than grocery lists and deadlines. Black and white photography amplifies the mystery, stripping away the distraction of color and leaving behind pure contrast, pure mood. It turns the sky into something cinematic, something that feels like it should come with a soundtrack.

Or maybe what you see isn't a place at all but a kind of energy-something superior, ancient, or quietly guiding. The way clouds stretch, gather, and dissolve can feel oddly intentional, like a cosmic rhythm we weren't meant to understand but can't help but feel. Some clouds carry that electric "you're exactly where you need to be" kind of energy. Others seem to whisper, "Slow down. Look up. There's magic here."

And sometimes... clouds are just clouds. Beautiful, majestic, dramatic clouds that look like giant puffs of whipped cream or smoky brushstrokes in a sky-sized painting. But even when they're just nature doing its thing, the sky still invites us to pause long enough to notice. That's the real charm of cloud-watching—it reconnects you with curiosity, wonder, and the thrilling possibility that the universe might be speaking in shapes, shadows, and silver linings.

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Are We All Alike?

Well, yes... and also absolutely not. We're all built from the same basic ingredients- hopes, worries, dreams, imperfections—but the recipe comes out differently for every single one of us. That's the beauty of being human. We share enough in common to understand one another, yet we're different enough to keep life interesting. If everyone walked, talked, thought, and acted the same, the world would feel like one long, boring elevator ride. Our quirks, our cultures, our stories-those are the things that give life color.

Should we treat each other the same? In the ways that matter, kindness, fairness, and respect yes. Everyone deserves that baseline of decency. But appreciating people's differences means we sometimes treat them differently in the best possible way: by listening to who they are, what they value, and what they need. Equality and sameness are not the same thing. The real magic happens when we offer kindness that's flexible, empathy that's personal, and respect that honors individuality.

A good person stands out in a crowd not because of what they wear, the job they have, or how loudly they talk. They stand out because of how they make others feel. You know them. They are warm hearted, full of energy, make eye contact, and have a genuine curiosity. They're the people who hold doors, ask real questions, and mean the words "How are you?" They don't need spotlight or applause; their goodness is the thing you notice even when they're not trying to be noticed. In a world full of noise, their authenticity has a way of echoing.

How can we change for the better? It doesn't require a grand reinvention. It starts small-tiny choices made consistently. Listen more than you talk. Apologize faster. Assume good intentions. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Challenge your own assumptions. Ask how you can help. And maybe most importantly, give yourself permission to grow, too. Becoming better isn't about perfection; it's about direction. A degree or two of kindness every day, pointed in the right direction, can change more than we realize.

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If I'm going to write about relaxing, I'll start with the basics: kick off your shoes. Literally. Let your toes wiggle, let the day slide off your shoulders, and settle into whatever chair, couch, hammock, or patch of grass feels right. Grab something you love to snack on-fruit, chips, cheese, leftover pizza, whatever speaks to your soul. And add a drink that makes the moment feel a little softer. Sparkling water, white wine, iced tea, a fancy mocktail... there are no wrong answers here. Comfort is the goal, and comfort rarely wears tight shoes or goes hungry.

Relaxation gets even better when you add good company. Call a friend or two or the whole crew and just hang out without an agenda. No schedules, no pressure, no "we should be doing something productive" guilt. Sit together, talk about everything and nothing, laugh about the small ridiculous moments of life, or sit in peaceful off your shoes silence. Somehow, being near people who make you feel safe and seen can lower your stress faster than any self-help book. Friendship has always been its own kind of therapy—cheaper, louder, and way more fun.

And of course, music is the finishing touch. Whether you're into old-school vinyl, streaming playlists, or someone's slightly questionable guitar skills, a classic old school jam makes relaxation feel effortless. Play something upbeat, chill, nostalgic-whatever matches the vibe. Let the rhythm smooth out the edges of your day. When you combine cozy comfort, good food, people you enjoy, and music that feeds your mood, relaxation stops being a luxury and becomes an everyday joy. That's how you reset, recharge, and remind yourself that life is meant to be lived, not just rushed through. Live every day like you're on vacation.

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• AIR FORCE
• MENT MUSEUM
• Explore the Air Force Armament Museum

• U.S. AIR FORCE
• GRAPHICS ROOM
• EMPLOYEES ONLY
• FT713
• amuse

KEEP EM FLYING MISS 18.A

U.S. AIR FORCE

Experience the legacy of military aviation with the extensive collection of aircraft and armament. Dive into the stories behind the technology and bravery that shaped our skies.

The Air Force Armament Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with Air Force Armament and its platforms of delivery. Thier unique collection includes aircraft

FU90 ranging from the WWII era to the present, and several hundred pieces of armament.

They also aim to educate and inspire through our meticulously curated exhibits, showcasing the evolution of military aviation technology and the valor of those who served.

The Air Force Armament Museum afarmamentmuseum.com

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Dad thank you for your service and for everything you've done for our family.

24 amuse

MER GRIS REY SEA SALT GRUS

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• VAGER
• SIDE
• AVC
• Ek A

Is Graffiti art?

Is graffiti art, or can art be graffiti? It's a question that's been spray-painted across cultural conversations for decades, often in neon, often in ALL CAPS. Take a walk down any alley, underpass, or forgotten wall and you'll find the debate staring right back at you. Is that burst of imagination a crime or a masterpiece? Is that bold message vandalism or truth-telling? Graffiti lives in that delicious gray area where rebellion meets creativity, and honestly, that tension is half the charm.

Not all graffiti happens in the shadows. Many cities now commission murals that borrow the style, swagger, and attitude of street art but wrap it in an official stamp of approval. Suddenly the same spray techniques once scolded by city councils are being celebrated on tourism brochures. Faces, symbols, abstract shapes, statement phrases-these elements jump from the street into galleries, clothing lines, and trendy cafés. It turns out when graffiti steps off the concrete and onto a canvas, people start calling it "urban art," as if changing the label changes the soul.

Then there's the irresistible pull of black- and-white graffiti-where the vibrancy of color gives way to raw contrast. Stripped of neon distractions, the lines feel sharper, the shadows deeper, the message louder. Black and white makes every drip, stroke, and smudge look intentional, adding a dramatic punch that feels almost photographic. It can transform the simplest tag into something bold and graphic, like the wall itself is speaking in high-definition.

So, is graffiti art? Or is art sometimes just bold graffiti in disguise? The truth is: it doesn't have to pick a lane. Graffiti can be beautiful vandalism, rebellious expression, community storytelling, or straight-up visual poetry. It can be messy, political, personal, abstract, or wildly Instagrammable. But whether it's splashed across a crumbling brick wall or framed in a sleek gallery, graffiti has one undeniable superpower-it makes you look twice. And maybe that's the whole point.

Check out weshinds.art Wes Hines' graffiti- inspired canvas work brings the grit and pulse of Northwest Florida's culture into the gallery space. His pieces blend bold linework, layered textures, and vibrant bursts of color with raw, urban energy-creating artwork that feels both spontaneous and intentionally crafted, like a conversation between the streets and the studio. The picture/art on the left is not Wes.

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Fashion collaborations are a little like creative potluck dinners where everyone brings their best dish, and somehow it all blends into something unforgettable. When models and photographers come together with open minds, fresh ideas, and zero ego, magic happens. That's exactly the vibe at the "Winter Solstice" event hosted by the Coastal Collabs Panama City group. Picture a crisp winter afternoon in December, sunlight catching on metallic fabrics and faux furs, and a field full of artists buzzing with excitement instead of attitude. It wasn't just a photoshoot, it was a community creating something bigger than themselves.

The outfits alone were worth the drive. Think bold textures, dramatic silhouettes, layered earth tones, sparkling winter elements, and a dash of fantasy flair. Models floated from set to set like characters from a storybook, while photographers circled around, sharing angles, ideas, and the occasional laugh. One minute someone was directing a moody portrait, the next they were lying in the grass trying to capture the perfect low-angle shot. It was a joyful kind of chaos, the good kind, where creativity flows, and every click of the shutter adds to the energy.

By the end of the day, the payoff was clear. Models walked away with stunning new images to elevate their portfolios, the kind that make agencies turn pages twice. Photographers left with full memory cards and the satisfaction of experimenting with new styles, techniques, and perspectives they may have never tried before. But maybe the best part? The friendships and creative partnerships sparked in the cold winter air. Proof that when artists collaborate with intention and enthusiasm, the results are always warmer than the weather.

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who's your favorite?

If you ask any cat lover who their "favorite" is, they'll usually gasp dramatically and insist they could *never* choose. But with a trio as quirky and cinematic as Misty, Midnight, and Mia Bella, the question becomes less about loyalty and more about personality. Misty, the eldest, carries herself like a wise matriarch who has *seen some things*. Found through Facebook after showing up starving and flea-covered on someone's doorstep, she's now the pampered queen of the household-extra treats, warm laps, and sunbeams reserved by royal decree. Misty's the type who pretends not to care, yet follows you from room to room like a shadow with opinions.

Then there's Midnight: the sleek, all- black mystery cat who could easily be Salem's understudy in a sitcom reboot. She came from heartbreaking beginnings-her owner, suffering from dementia, forgot she existed. Midnight has since reclaimed her confidence with slow blinks, dramatic entrances, and the kind of silent judgment only a black cat can deliver.

She's elegant, mildly spooky, affectionate on her terms, and endlessly photogenic. If cats handed out their own Oscars, she'd win "Most Likely to Summon Spirits But Actually Just Wants Treats."

And of course, the baby of the bunch: Mia Bella, the tiny survivor with the heart of a warrior princess. She nearly became a bobcat's dinner before you stepped in like a hero in a wildlife documentary. Mia Bella arrived with wide eyes, wild whiskers, and a story more intense than most reality shows. She's playful, sweet, a little dramatic, and forever grateful that indoor life comes without predators. Even better-you still see her sister roaming the neighborhood, living her own feral fairy tale.

So... who's your favorite? The dignified queen, the mystical beauty, or the rescued rebel? The real answer, of course, is the one every multi-cat household knows by heart: you love each of them most... just at different moments of the day. And honestly, that's exactly how they prefer it.

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• FOR THIN
• BLASTA
• SMKS
• X&NICOL
• Who
• Aka

PREJUDICE IS A PRECONCEIVED, BIASED FEELING OR BELIEF ABOUT A PARTICULAR GROUP OF PEOPLE OR THINGS.

I HOPE YOU DON'T HAVE IT

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Where Do You Go When The Storm Comes Near?

When a hurricane starts swirling its way toward the Gulf, everyone suddenly becomes a character in their own storm-prep sitcom. Some folks pack up the car, grab the kids, the pets, and a houseplant, and head north for what they lovingly call an *evac-vacation*. Others bunker down at home like seasoned storm veterans, insisting, "We've been through worse," while casually duct-taping windows (which doesn't help) and checking the radar every seven minutes. And then there are the indecisive ones, hovering between staying and going until the last possible moment, as if the storm might politely change course just to make the decision easier.

What people worry about most when a hurricane's on the horizon is a mixed bag of practical concerns and pure chaos. Will the power stay on? Will the roof stay *on*? Did we leave the patio furniture out again or throw it in the pool? And who bought all the bread and peanut butter already? Beyond the jitters, there's that tiny whisper in the back of the mind wondering how the hometown will look afterward, hoping the streets stay dry, the trees stay upright, and the neighbors stay safe. It's a cocktail of anxiety and community spirit shaken together with a dash of coastal resilience.

The planning? Oh, it starts strong. Gas up the vehicles. Charge every device you own, buy another flashlight, and get candy of course. Stock the pantry with enough snacks to survive the apocalypse or at least a few days without Wi-Fi. Water, batteries, candles, and canned food are the classics... but then come the oddball essentials: coffee, chocolate, board games, bug spray, and those "just in case" clean socks or underwear everyone jokes about but still buys. Because let's be honest, fresh socks and underwear make even hurricane stress feel slightly more manageable.

And through it all, the ritual becomes a strange blend of preparation and perspective. We check weather apps like it's a competitive sport, swap storm memes with friends, and make a mental list of things we swear we'll organize *next hurricane season*. Whether we flee, stay, or turn evacuation into a mini getaway, the shared experience ties our communities together. Because after the wind calms and the sky clears, we all know the drill: check on each other, share stories, restock the pantry... and wait for the next named storm to send us spinning into action all over again.

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How long do surfers wait for waves?

Ask seven surfers and you'll get eight answers. For some, the perfect wave is worth an hour or three of bobbing like a cork in the lineup, staring at the horizon with the optimism of someone who believes magic *always* shows up eventually. It's not impatience out there, it's anticipation. The good kind. The kind that fills the chest, narrows the focus, and makes every tiny ripple feel like a maybe. Surfers aren't just waiting; they feel as if they are connecting themselves to the pulse of the gulf.

But if you ask others, the wave is only half the story. Sometimes it's really about being outdoors with the salt on your lips, the sun warming your shoulders, and the seagulls sounding like they're fighting for their last meal. Even the lull between sets becomes its own kind of meditation. The gulf has a sneaky way of slowing you down until your thoughts match the rhythm of the tide. Waiting stops feeling like "waiting," and instead becomes time you wouldn't trade for anything.

And then there's the camaraderie. The silly jokes shouted across the water, the friendly competition, the "Did you see that?!" moments, and the shared groan when a perfect wave rolls through just out of reach. Whether it's big surf, ankle-biters, or something in between, the company makes it gold. And me? I love photographing it all. The stillness, the chaos, the wipeouts, the quiet, the shared stoke, the entire symphony of wave-watching. Waiting for waves might take minutes or hours, but capturing the story? That's instant magic.

amuse 37

Jim is at it again, plotting a second proposal, because apparently once just isn't enough when you're still head-over-heels nearly ten years later. Maybe it's nostalgia, maybe it's romance, or maybe Jim just likes keeping Mara on her toes. After all, their first "I do" adventure took them all the way to Paris, bundled in winter coats and glowing with that just-married sparkle. Now he's wondering: what will she say yes to *this* time? A new adventure? A renewed vow that love only gets better (and funnier) with time?

Back then, the cold Paris air made every photo look like a scene from a modern fairytale, thanks to Sonja J Photography, who somehow managed to capture warmth even when everyone's fingers were freezing. The limo driver whisked them through the city, hitting you marry me again?

every dreamy backdrop imaginable: ironwork balconies, winding cobblestone streets, and of course, the Eiffel Tower doing its best to show off. It was the kind of day that becomes a lifelong highlight-the kind you look back on and think: *yep, we nailed that one.*

So where should they go for proposal 2.0? Venice at sunset? New York in the snow? A mountaintop? A beach at golden hour? Or maybe something wonderfully simple, like their favorite café, the one where Mara laughs the loudest. Wherever it is, the magic isn't in the backdrop... it's in the two of them, still choosing each other with the same excitement they felt in Paris. And if Jim or I play my cards right, Mara just might say yes all over again, preferably someplace warm this time.

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whatcha think?

amuse amuse five

COVER IMAGE

My first b/w issue features artist Sara LaVerne who states "I've been dabbling in all corners of art for my whole life, actively creating new works regularly, and often experimenting with new ideas and concepts." This was the first time that I had the opportunity to photograph her but hopefully not the last one.

NEXT ISSUE:

How about this-send me an email if you'd like to be featured in an upcoming issue. The first person who reaches out will get a spot.* Let's make it happen!.

*I might even feature a few people especially if you're nearby or just a fun, adventurous soul who's up for something a little different.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF? LESS OF? LET ME KNOW-THANKS! Share your likes, dislikes, thoughts, and "love it or hate it" comments by sending me an email at jim@ iamjimclark.com. I'd love to hear from you! You might get a surprise?

AMUSE CONTACT INFO call 850.357.0088 and leave a message

• E-MAIL [email protected] SOCIAL @iamjimclark
• SUPPORT THE ARTIST
• VENMO @iamjimclark

I do my best to capture the real you in every photograph.

It might take a little more time, but the results are always worth the wait.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO CAPTURE THESE IMAGES.

IAMJIMCLARK photographer

Call me at 850.357.0088 to discuss your next photo session, a fun portrait or candid event coverage.

TMODE

[ uh-myooz]

dictionary.com verb (used with object), a-mused, a-mus.ing.

1. to hold the attention of (someone) pleasantly; entertain or divert in an enjoyable or cheerful manner: She amused the guests with witty conversation.

2. to cause mirth, laughter, or the like, in:

The comedian amused the audience with a steady stream of jokes.

amuse to occupy the attention with something pleasant. That which amuses is usually playful or humorous and pleases the fancy.

words related to amuse tickle, gratify, wow, please, delight, cheer, charm, regale, interest, gladden, divert, panic, grab, crack up, put away, knock dead...

3. Harlan's photos are even cooler in black and white.

4. Enjoy artist Sara LaVerne's article on page 5.

5. Go to page 33 to see the amuse word of this issue.

SUPPORT THE ARTIST on VENMO @iamjimclark

IF YOU MISS ANY ISSUES visit www.iamjimclark.com/amuse or www.blurb.com/user/iamjimclark