James Andre, the Artist

I’m known by many names: Old Glory The Stars and Stripes The Star Spangled Banner The Red White and Blue That Grand Old Flag I demand care, respect and honor. I stand for all that we citizens hold dear: Freedom and Democracy Our government — OF, BY, and FOR the People. That’s Us! I represent a living country. Citizen soldiers follow the flag into battle “Some carry the flag in peaceful protest And sometimes not so peaceful.” From that huge banner That flies over the Capitol Dome and in all 50 states, To the flag posted at the door of the most modest home, To the flag draped over a

“Let’s get a little crazy here.”  Bob Ross Art and the creative world have always been important to both Bella and me personally, and with that, we have decided to introduce a new Creative each month. Not necessarily an Artist, but a Creative and, at least to me, it is important to note the difference between the two. Although I think Creatives are Artists, I do think using the title “Creatives” expands the series in an important way. Let’s take just a minute to explore the differences between Art, Artist, and Creative. “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”  Thomas Merton Art, according to

Each month we will select a book to read and then publish a review. The selection will be posted on Instagram and Facebook before our publication date for anyone who would like to read along. This month we read Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate. This story caught our attention because of its partial setting in Aiken, South Carolina, as well as its basis in the true events involving the Memphis Children’s Home scandal. I, for one, am looking forward to the books Nichole “Book Nerd Nikkie” Miller will select in the future. Be sure to follow Aiken Bella Magazine on Facebook and Instagram for updates and our next