It all began in June of 2020. Lockdown had tapered into mandataory masking. And the streets echoed with protests

and demands for justice and racial equality.

During this time of alarm, uncertainty and quasi-isolation, it seemed to be a good time to follow up on an idea I’d

had (after earning my MFA in 2018) to create a bridge to fellow creatives through an online, artistic space and

community. And so, (Re): An Ideas Journal was born. 

In this current climate, we face yet again, a period of questions, instability and for many, a self-imposed withdrawal

from the onslaught of “chronic bad news.”

Art, in all of its forms, is the salve for the world’s woes and a sanctuary for expression – all of which, we need now

more than ever.  

We thank the (Re) Contributors whose wonderful work has graced our pages over these years; and celebrate our fifth

year of publication with our continued journey in (re)velatory prose, poetry, film and art. 

—  Felice Neals

Featured in our current issue:

TEXT

Poetry:  Kimiko Hahn. Jose Hernandez Diaz. Cheryl Vargas.

Flash Fiction:  Kathy Fish. Heather McLoud. Katy Werlin. Francine Witte.

Flash Non-Fiction:  Nicholas Hetherington. Vrndavana Lila Powell. 

**

The Multi-Genre Science Corner

What’s in a number?

ART

Anne McGrath

MUSIC

A Tribute to the Fab Five

OTHER STUFF

Bits and Bobs and (various) Credits

POETRY

FLASH FICTION

FLASH NON-FICTION

THE MULTI-GENRE SCIENCE CORNER

“Science is the poetry of reality.” — Carl Sagan

The Art of Numerology or What’s in a Number?

So, first of all, you may wonder, as I did when considering this subject in honor of the running theme of 5 (for our fifth anniversary) – what exactly is numerology?

 In a nutshell, according to those in the know, it is the use of numbers to interpret a person’s character or to divine the future. And “is based on the Pythagorean idea that all things can be expressed in numerical terms because they are ultimately reducible to numbers.”

So, is numerology a science?

The answer as per the science community, is a hard “no.” All due to the lack of measurable evidence to prove the claims made by its practitioners. In other words, it is a process that relies solely on subjective interpretations and symbols and is therefore a pseudoscience. Or a practice that is often mistaken for science.

But when did that ever stop anyone from pursuing their esoteric interests?

The main areas of “prediction” are revealed throught the Life Path, Soul Urge and Destiny numbers.

In order to calculate one’s Life Path number, for example, add your month, day and year of birth. If it equals a double digit number, such as the number 10, add these two digits: 1+0 to form a single number. In this case it would be 1.

 Mattbeach.com is a great numerology resource and provides a free analysis of your “energy” path numbers for all three categories. If you’re curious give it a try, for who’s to say where our digits to the stars may lead?

As far as the (Re): An Ideas Journal number 5 year, this would indicate a dynamic project devoted to communication, exploring new experiences and somewhat risky, creative endeavors. Sounds good to me!

ART

ANNE MCGRATH

My creative process—for both visual art and writing—is guided by experimentation and play. I enjoy not knowing where I will end up. I am inspired by weathered graffiti that has transformed over time into something more complex and evocative than its original form. The interplay of natural elements—sun, rain, wind, and time—adds layers of texture and depth that blend with the underlying surface, exposing a layered history. These paintings are made by layering house paint, tissue paper, and repurposed collage papers. The surfaces are scraped and cut to remove layers and reveal organic shapes. The results look as if gravity and natural elements have decomposed the paint. 

16″ x 16″ on wood panel.

House paint, tissue paper, and varnish.

Anne McGrath is an artist, death doula, and editor based in the Hudson Valley. Her work can be found in literary journals including Fourth Genre, Creative Nonfiction, River Teeth, Indianapolis Review, Ilanot Review, and Thrush Poetry Journal. 

Find her on Instagram: @theannemcgrath 

MUSIC

Our celebration of our fifth year would not be complete without a musical note of gratitude. And who better than The 5th Dimension (“a name that reflected the fact there were five members in the group and that their music would encompass a new dimension of sound”) to do us the honor!

Here are some of their greatest hits to get you through your day.

https://youtu.be/VlrQ-bOzpkQ?si=H73hd274UWgPhsFz

Enjoy!