The Peacock 1452

Carl suddenly produces his laptop, places it gently on his lap and opens it. "Let's write in these details right now as a postscript on the article." He types something in, then says, "Okay Amanda. Speak." "I have just sold Aphrodite Boutique. Having undergone this series of interviews with Carl in preparation for the article has prompted me to deeply rethink what I am doing with my life. I am nearly sixty, and there are things, footprints, legacies for which I simply do not wish to be known by posterity, among other things, selling vibrators and sex aids and bondage and sado-masochist apparati. I am a Christian. Mennonite by upbringing, and I have chosen to reembrsace my spiritual heritage. During my ten years living in the Holy Land I could see up close the futility and utterly destructive, murderous stupidity of armed conflict as a solution to the many complex problems in that deeply troubled parcel of land. As a Mennonite, I have returned to my pacifist roots. And now, as a Christian with a deep desire to faithfully serve my Lord Jesus Christ, I an also reembracing my spiritual rebirth. This has brought me the most incredible joy and peace, and I would prefer less selfish and more thoughtful and socially responsible ways of bringing to expression my newfound Christian faith and joy."