The human condition is an intangible wonder. What makes you an individual human being? Is it a matter of voice? Identity? Occupation? What about your physical body, sexual orientation, gender identity, family, opinions, and desires? Who decides what makes you human? You? Your friends? Your family? Society? What is the truth and what is fiction? These questions called us like the dinner bell, and we came running with a watering mouths and curious minds.

Our hungry curiosity took us out into the world. Ask a polyamorous man what love means to him, and your perception of love may change. Ask an expert on the voice what she can deduce based on the way you speak, and you may learn about the power of your vocal cords. Explore through fiction what happens when you lose the voice or body you once had, and your definition of self may be radically transformed.

Alone and together, through the process of researching, reflecting, writing, and rewriting, we created our strange buffet. Along the way, we re-examined the recipes that have made us the cooks/artists/writers we are today. “I discovered who I want to become,” said one member of the group, while another declared, “Creativity comes from beyond our souls. It is not summoned—it is channeled.”

Between these pages you’ll find our responses to the big questions, a buffet of assorted tastes that expresses our wide variety of perspectives on the human condition. Our hope is that you will find some flavors that are close to your heart, and we dare you to try some forbidden fruit and bold spices that may stimulate you to reflect on life in new ways. Perhaps, like us, you will catch the smallest a glimpse of an answer.