The Reluctant Vegan

The Reluctant Vegan

I have a confession to make: about two weeks ago, I became vegan. I no longer eat animals, things made from animals, or things animals make. So: no beef. No chicken. No pork. No fish. No shrimp. No eggs. No milk. No cheese. No one is more surprised...

Non-Vegan Pork Skins

Non-Vegan Pork Skins

Nothing hits the spot on a 100-degree trade day like fresh pork rinds, cooked up in a kettle by a friendly local whose daughter was complaining of feeling feverish.

Funnel Cake

Funnel Cake

Poured from a waterin’ can, jittered around in dark grease, plopped on a plate, and snowcapped with powdered sugar: that’s a hot-from-the-oil First Monday funnel cake.

First Monday

First Monday

We’re in Ripley, MS, at First Monday, a post-apocalyptic trade day where locals barter for stolen dogs, illegal firearms, switchblades, and VHS movies.
John got strawberry ice cream.

The Visible Man

The Visible Man

We’re in the parking garage, returning home from a shopping trip. Our stops included PetSmart, so, in the back of the car, there’s a bag of Chelsea Chow. I scoop it up, hugging it close to my chest and belly, and walk toward the elevator...