Randi Ward is energetic. And interesting. And well-traveled. And lots of other good  things. The depth that comes from her experience shows up in conversation and her creative work. 
Randi touches on several of her interests in this interview, including her thoughts on imagination and the creative process, never standing still, and a pivotal trip to Cairo, Egypt.

Watch and listen to the full interview below.

Marlene Ratledge Buchanan is a southern humorist. She draws from a deep well of experience and has a keen eye for observation. Like all truly good humorists, Marlene subtlety sews wisdom with a smile. That rare gift comes through in her interview with alternate arts…

Alternate Arts: Tell us about your book, Life is Hard, Soften it With Laughter. What brought it about and what was your goal in writing it?
Buchanan: I have worked for over 34 years in high school as an art teacher and a counselor.  I rarely got a phone call that was good news.  I found that when you are talking to parents and kids alike, you need to break that hard shell of anger, grief, fear, whatever it is troubling the person.  Humor does that. If I could get a little smile or a giggle out of the person who was so miserable, I knew I could help.
That is my goal–make life a little softer. Life is Hard. We need to do what we can to make our lives happier and easier.  A giggle or two can do that for you...