Peach v2 i05 by David Atlanta Magazine

Cuddle Up! Fitness: Give It a Rest New Gay in Town: Keep It or Leave It

Sensational Snuggles Your Winter Reading List

Amsterdam Atlanta

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February 9 8pm - 3am

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CONTENTS JANUARY 31, 2018

V2-05

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32 From the Editor

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Who doesn’t love to cuddle? Cuddling is probably the best way to give and receive affection, and during this winter season we, for one, can’t think of a better feeling than cuddling up in someone’s arms to get closer, comfortable, and cozy. We recommend you to nestle up with this issue of Peach which gives you the essentials to making your cuddle session the best possible. While enjoying some snuggly downtime why not read Jamie Kirk’s piece on slowing down and taking the time to refocus. We also guide you to your updated winter reading list, and if you’ve been hitting the gym hard as part of your new year’s resolution, Darren Floro-Bryant suggests you should put some rest into your gym routine – it’ll actually make you even fitter and healthier. Finally, we review the gay-themed rom-com Signature Move, and Branden Lee gives you the next installment of his New Gay In Town column about dating (or not to be dating) in Atlanta. Enjoy, Peaches!

James Hicks Gregg Shapiro Tony Kearney Casey Deynton Branden Lee Jamie Kirk

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The content of Peach ATL Media is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice. The opinions expressed by any writer, advertiser, or other person appearing in the Peach ATL Media are not necessarily those of this publication, its management or staff. The information and materials appearing in the magazine are not guaranteed or warranted as to accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness, or suitability of the information and materials found or offered for a particular purpose. It shall be your responsibility to ensure that any products, services, or information available through Peach ATL Media meets your specific requirements. Peach ATL Media is not responsible for claims made by advertisers, content of information, changes, events, and schedules. The magazine contains information and material which is owned by or licensed to Peach ATL Media, including but not limited to articles, advertisements, design, layout, graphics, and logos. No part or portion of Peach ATL Media may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Unauthorized use of Peach ATL Media may give rise to claims for damages and or criminal offenses. Your use of the information or materials in Peach ATL Media is strictly at your own risk.

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Out Front Theatre’s The Mystery of Love and Sex To kick off 2018, Out Front Theatre will stage the Southeastern premiere of The Mystery of Love and Sex, a poignant and humorous love story set in the deep American south.

The show shares the story of Charlotte and Jonny who are growing up in the deep American South and have been best friends since they were nine. She’s Jewish; he’s Christian; he’s black, she’s white. Their differences intensify their connection, and they contemplate if their friendship might turn into something more. Their growing sexual desire proceeds to complicate everything in surprising, compulsive ways and reveals intricate dynamics of race, sexual identity, and family. The Mystery of Love and Sex is a compelling and unexpected love story about how souls meet and learn from the consequences of coming of age and growing up When: February 1-18, 2018. Where: Out Front Theatre, 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, Tickets: outfronttheatre.com ($15-25)

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NEW GAY IN TOWN: Keep It or Leave It Only one month into 2018 and my love life feels like a mess. Zimbabwe and I called it quits for the millionth time, despite only just getting back together on New Year’s Day.

By Branden Lee

T R O B I S

B A R

ECLECTIC

V O T E D “ Midt o w n At lan t a’ s be s t n e igh bo rh o o d ge m ” “ At lan t a’ s be s t Am e ric an C o n t e m po rary f o o d”

TUE - SUN D INNE R S U N D AY BRUNC H H A P PY HO UR PR I V AT E P ART I E S C A T ERI NG

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LOCATED BETWEEN THE ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS & BOY NEXT DOOR 10 | 01.31.18

I’ve spent five months in a toxic cycle. Loving, fighting, breaking up, making up, repeat. I don’t want this to be my love life forever. I don’t want this to be my love life for 2018. It’s hard breaking the cycle when not knowing what happens next. I love Zimbabwe. I want things to work out between us. I need stability, and he doesn’t seem capable of granting me that since most of our breakups are his choice. He chooses to run away, instead of staying to solve problems. Which is a problem for me. I’ve always had hope that things would get better. That the problems would end. They just seem to fester, and get worse. On the outside, everyone tells us just to move on. Break up. Get over each other. It’s easy to say that to someone else about someone else’s relationship. I used to be that friend that got annoyed hearing my friend’s repeated cycles of dysfunctional relationships. Now that I’ve actually had a relationship of my own, I know not to judge others. Love is hard. I feel like things shouldn’t be this difficult to make a relationship work. I also feel like if I’m not willing to make a relationship work, then I don’t deserve a relationship. I do think many people are guilty of expecting relationships to be easy, no drama, no fighting, no disagreements, and everything is perfect. That’s unrealistic. Peo-

ple that assume that deserve to be alone because they have no idea about relationships. Logically I can see that the constant cycle of breaking up and then wanting to reconcile is unacceptable. The basics I crave in a relationship are honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and someone who loves and wants to be with me. A guy that always breaks up with me at the first sign of trouble isn’t loyal or faithful. A boyfriend that’s hidden he’s secretly Instagram famous for our entire relationship isn’t honest. I do know that Zimbabwe loves me. I just can’t discern how much a guy truly wants to be with me if it’s so easy and frequent for him to run away. Moving on is even scarier. I thought I found the man I loved and wanted to build a future with him. Things with Zimbabwe weren’t ever perfect, but I had hope we’d get better. There was progress, in the beginning at least. I truly thought I’d found the one, and felt fortunate to do so, but now I don’t know. I’ve only been in Atlanta for six months, but I think I let the bitterness and jadedness of everyone I’ve met and that’s lived here longer infect me. All the negatives I hear about Atlanta men. The fuckboys, DL guys, liars, cheaters, STDs, HIV, guys that can’t commit, etc. So, do I fix the guy I’m already with, or dive back into the dating pool even though Atlanta seems like a hopeless place?

Granted Atlanta hasn’t even been that hopeless for me. I’m still fairly new here. I don’t have much baggage in the city. I’m still somewhat fresh meat. I did find a guy three days into living here, and after one month someone to date consistently. If I caught one, I can catch another one. Honestly, I just don’t want to give up on my relationship with Zimbabwe and regret it. I don’t want a one that got away. I want one that I love, want to be with, and knowing I did everything possible to make things work. I don’t feel like we’ve done everything possible, but I’ve already tried a lot, and it’s not succeeding. Reconciling feels pointless if the cycle is just going to repeat, and we end up breaking up again. The hope that we can finally break the cycle and stay together and be happier than ever still remains. I like to think when I no longer feel that hope or love for Zimbabwe is when I’ll truly know it’s time to give up and walk away.

Branden Lee is a writer and actor now living in Atlanta . Follow Branden on Twitter and Instagram @Brandeness . and watch Branden on his YouTube channel SexxxPerTease.

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February 18, 2018 • 5:00PM - 8:00PM The Wimbish House 1150 Peachtree St NE $45 adv • $50@door 21+ • ID Required

Beats by DJ MIKE POPE Cocktails by

joininghearts.org

Sensational Snuggles

Cuddling is by far one of the best means of physical affection. You get closer and more comfortable with each other, and you even get happier as a good cuddle session releases anti-stress hormones into your body. And as with any cozy cuddling, there’s no telling what it can lead to of other activities. Here a few essentials for the perfect cuddle.

By Mik Hyldebrandt

The right onesie makes you want to just live in it, It’s comfortable, cozy, and kind of sexy too. Boohoo Onesie, $54

If you’re more of a traditionalist, there is nothing wrong with going the pajama route which are practically made for a little, cuddly nap. Hanes Pajama Set, $27

Need a little cuddle assistance? Try on a large teddy bear for size … Teddy Bears, $35

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Pillows are a must to make you both as comfortable as possible – plus a good pillow adds a touch of style to the whole thing! H&M Home Pillow (Case), $6

To turn up the heat, why not cuddle under a blanket together? Eddie Bauer Cabin Plaid Flannel Sherpa Throw Red, $32 A good hoodie is another live-in piece of clothing that should instantly make your heart rate go down just from wearing it. Mack Weldon Hooded Sweatshirt, $88 Shorts that stretch and are made of the softest material are perfect for getting close to your boo. Vuori Evolution Yoga Short, $79 When you lounge why not do it in the softest – and yes, cuddliest – kind of cotton? Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirt, $10 These slippers are like a blanket for your feet – so comfortable and cozy! Mahabi Slippers, $110 peachATL.com | 15

Give It a Rest By Darren Floro-Bryant

You’ve been working out hard at the gym. You’ve been running for miles each day. You’ve been practicing yoga daily for weeks. So why am I plateauing? We have all felt like our efforts seem to be wasted when we don’t show improvement. What could be the issue? You eat well, you give 100% while you’re training, you wake-up and commit every morning.

Bottom line: rest will help you be better at whichever activity you participate in. Simply put, avoiding rest and recovery will put you at risk of suffering from tissue breakdown, depletion of energy stores, and fluid loss.

Rest, Restore, Repeat

Even with all of this information outlining the benefits of rest, many of us still fear it will set us back. The challenge and the key is to find a way to physically see and feel the benefits. You don’t get a “pump,” there’s no endorphin rush, and no “burn.” So, Taking a break or adding a rest-period what do you get? to your schedule is an integral part of Rather than focusing on what you any exercise routine – in fact, your don’t get from rest, we should look overall health and wellness depends at what happens to your body and on it. Contrary to popular belief, rest your training when deprived of adewill help with your gains, growth, quate rest. This is often classified as and development. It will also allow overtraining. your body to heal, mend, and build. Have you taken the time to add REST to your routine? So many of us, especially beginners, worry that adding rest to our training schedules will set us back or, even worse, give us an excuse to stop.

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A few common signs of overtraining include: • Tiredness (lack of energy) • Staleness • Depression • Decreased sports performance In addition to these signs, a lack of rest can also lead to an increased risk of injury. To help prevent some of these issues, try incorporating the following into your overall workout schedule:

• Add massage or restorative practices to your regimen • Periodically take a week off to keep your body guessing • Listen to your body; it will tell you when it needs a break • Take a break when you’re sick, give your body time to recover To take you to the next level, to simply stay energized and motivated, or to avoid plateaus, adding rest days will help you achieve a better balance between home, work, and your fitness goals.

• Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night • Plan for at least 1 day off a week from your exercise program

Pro Resting Tips “Rest is essential, and without it, your body cannot repair the damage to muscle tissue from exercise and day to day life. Your body gets stronger from tearing muscle fibers and building them back…, and without ample rest that rebuilding process never finishes, therefore impeding your growth and development.” – Ashley Mitchell, Fitness Professional “Rest is important because it gives your body the time to recover from the stress you’re putting on it during exercise. Also, a good night’s sleep is an essential step in contributing to performing at 100% for your workout the next day.” - Kyle Krebs-White, Fitness Professional

Darren Floro-Bryant is originally from Ontario, Canada, but now lives and works in Atlanta, GA. Darren has worked as a certified Group Fitness Instructor, Fitness Coach, and Personal Trainer for more than 25 Years. Currently, he owns DFB Fitness and Foundation Fitness, operating out of Gravity Fitness. DFBFitness.com / FoundationFitness.co.

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Your 2018 Winter Reading List By Gregg Shapiro

Words and pictures Readers should consider themselves lucky that, presently, gay writer and photographer Bill Hayes has two books for them to enjoy. The first is the paperback edition of his breathtaking 2017 memoir Insomniac City: New York, Oliver, and Me (Bloomsbury, 2017/2018), which interweaves essays with journal entries, photos and poetry to tell the story of the writer’s romantic relationship with the late writer and scientist Oliver Sacks. The second Hayes book, How New York Breaks Your Heart (Bloomsbury, 2018), focuses on his street photography through four-color and black & white images of his “chance encounters” with a fascinating assortment of New Yorkers, including Sacks, who said “yes” when he asked if they could take their picture. “Assembled from the completed but unpublished works in the Silverstein Archive”, Runny Babbit Returns: Another Billy Sook (Harper, 2017) by the late writer and cartoonist Shel Silverstein (The Giving Tree, Where The Sidewalk Ends), features more of the authors whimsical wordplay where he transposes the first letters of 18 | 01.31.18

some of the words to new and occasional nonsensical effect, along with accompanying drawings. Combing humor, history and hotness, Hottest Heads of State – Volume One: The American Presidents (Holt, 2018) by J.D. and Kate Dobson, described as a “Tiger Beat for U.S. presidents” gives us a fanzine view of our leaders, from Washington to Trump, minus the staples and photocopy smell. The “illustrated exploration” Portals: Gates, Stiles, Windows, Bridges & Other Crossings (Wooden Books/ Bloomsbury, 2018), combines original drawings by artist Miles Thistlethwaite and antique pictures with author Philippa Lewis’ examination of “liminal boundaries” and how we cross them.

Words and music Countless LGBTQ folks have found comfort and inspiration in the music of legendary singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell who is the subject of the biography Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell (Sarah Crichton Books/FSG, 2017) by David Yaffe. Both an insider’s look at the `90s grunge scene in Seattle and a personal portrait of addiction, Hit So Hard (Da Capo Press, 2017) by Hole drummer Patty Schemel, with Erin Hosier, shares its title with P. David Ebersole’s 2011 documentary about the lesbian musician. In light of the recent electoral victory in Alabama, singer/songwriter, environmentalist and social justice advocate Dar Williams book about her life as “bridge builder”, What I Found in a Thousand Towns:

A Traveling Musician’s Guide to Rebuilding America’s Communities – One Coffee Shop, Dog Run & Open-Mike at a Time (Basic Books. 2017) is more essential reading than ever. If you are among those gay men and lesbians who have forgiven the late disco goddess Donna Summer for her rumored homophobic transgressions, then you are sure to find something to your liking in the informative and thoroughly entertaining Record Redux: Donna Summer (Joy of Sound, 2017) in which author Quentin Harrison takes us through the seasons of Summer’s career, album by album and single by single.

True words

Lady in the Van), is an epic read if there ever was one. Now in paperback, Brooklyn-based writer and educator Melissa Febos’ highly praised collection of linked essays Abandon Me: Memoirs(Bloomsbury. 2017/2018), follows the out author as she attempts to reconnect with her birth father and also deals with an obsessive long-distance love affair with a woman. “The Invention of Ronald Pinn,” the second of three essays in The Secret Life: Three Stories of the Digital Age (FSG, 2017) by Andrew O’Hagan, author of the gay-themed novel Be Near Me, features a gay central figure.

Gay journalist John-Manuel Andriote, author of the groundbreaking Victory Deferred: How AIDS Changed Gay Life in America and others, has returned with his latest non-fiction Stonewall Strong: Gay Men’s Heroic Fight for Resilience, Good Health and a Strong Community (Rowman & Littlefield, 2017).

Cinematic words

Out in March, gay writer Rigoberto Gonzalez’s What Drowns the Flowers in Your Mouth (University of Wisconsin, 2018), is subtitled A Memoir of Brotherhood. Telling the emotional and complex story of the author’s Mexican immigrant family, who settled in the Coachella Valley, while struggling with “poverty, illiteracy and vulnerability, and the different paths taken by Rigoberto and his brother Alex.

Joel and Ethan Coen are not known for gay visibility in their movies, with Hail, Caesar! and Miller’s Crossing being two exceptions. Somewhere there are probably queer fans of the Coens’ 1998 comedy The Big Lebowski who will also enjoy I’m A Lebowski, You’re A Lebowski (Bloomsbury, 2007/2018) by Bill Green, Ben Peskoe, Will Russell, and Scott Shuffitt. Reissued in time for the 20th anniversary of the movie, the book features a foreword by Jeff Bridges and a new afterword by Daphne Merkin.

Also out in March, the memoir The Rest of It: Hustlers, Cocaine, Depression, and Then Some 1976-1988 (Duke, 2018) details the historian and prominent player in gay and lesbian studies Martin Duberman’s 12-year period of “despair, drug addiction and debauchery” following the death of his mother. At 702 pages, the American edition of Keeping On Keeping On (FSG, 2017) the third installment in the collected prose writings of gay British playwright and memoirist Alan Bennett (The History Boys, The

Glenn Frankel’s High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic (Bloomsbury, 2017/2018) tells the revealing story behind the 1952 classic Western film, starring Gary Cooper with a screenplay by Carl Foreman and direction by Fred Zinnemann, set against the backdrop of the insidious House Committee on Un-American Activities and the career-crushing Hollywood blacklist. Had she lived, actress Virginia O’Brien (who died in 2001) would be turning 100 in 2019. Virginia O’Brien – MGM’s Deadpan Diva: The Authorized Biography (BearManor Media, 2018) by Robert Strom celebrates the life and career of “one of the more unique talents under contract” at MGM.

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AMORETTES 39TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

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CALLANWOLDE ART FEST PHOTOS: Sher Pruitt

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TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT HRC.IM/MAR DIGRASBOWL INDIVIDUAL: $25 TEAM OF 6: $150 LANE SPONSOR: $150 LANE SPONSOR: $150 WAVE 1 REGISTRATION: 12:00 P.M. BOWLING: 12:30 P.M. - 2:30 P.M. WAVE 2 REGISTRATION: 2:30 P.M. BOWLING: 3:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. THIS IS A FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT AND OPEN TO EVERYONE. YOUR TICKET INCLUDES TWO HOURS OF BOWLING, SHOE RENTAL AND HRC MEMBERSHIP OR RENEWAL

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3 2018

MIDTOWN BOWL 1936 PIEDMONT CIR NE, ATLANTA, GA 30324

GRAB YOUR BEIGNETS AND BEADS AND SHOW US YOUR EQUALITY! HRC ATLANTA IS GOING TO BOURBON ST. WITH OUR 21ST ANNUAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT, MARDI GRAS BOWL. JOIN US FOR A FUN AND FESTIVE MASQUERADE-TH EMED AFTERNOON OF BOWLING, PRIZES AND MUSIC.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

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Brandon Parker | (404) 333 - 9078 brandonparkerloans.com

ALSO, BE SURE TO JAZZ UP YOUR BEST MASK AND PULL OUT YOUR FEATHER BOA AND MOST FABULOUS BEADS TO ENTER OUR BEST GROUP COSTUME CONTEST.

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COWTIPPERS LUNG LOVE BENEFIT FOR KIM BELL PHOTOS:Sher Pruitt

PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK AND OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE PHOTOS 24 | 01.31.18

WHISKEY & WIENERS

wednesdays

Eric grew up in the NC mountains and lived at the beach for ten years before moving to Atlanta. He works as the manager of Prada at Phipps Plaza, which is also one of the reasons why he owns far too many pairs of shoes. He enjoys spending time outdoors staying active and keeping fit but also likes pizza and tacos a lot. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incredibly important to him to be a genuinely nice person â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something you will notice and feel immediately, once you meet the handsome ginger in person.

Eric Vander Straeten

Towns at Druid Hills

Gated Community | Townhomes from the low $500s Sign a purchase contract on a select Quick Move-in Home between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018 and receive:

5,000

Up $ To Towards Closing Costs* When financing with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title company, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PLUS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; For Quick Move-in Homes with unfinished basements:

Half Price Off,

Up To

$25,000 Value**

For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com. Available only when you close on the purchase of a quick move-in home in the Towns at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Receipt of up to 50% off discount (up to $25,000 value) the costs of unfinished basements is applicable only to quick move-in homes that have unfinished basements. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897 , Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL491

Feb 01 – Feb 07

Kudzu 3rd Edition

DILF Atlanta Jock Underwear Party

This third installment of Kudzu presented by FWM Entertainment will feature the DJ skills of Kai Alce, Tocayo, Ash Lauryn, and Curt Jackson.

Dilf and Joe Whitaker present another Daddy jock and underwear party at the Heretic where DJ Tommy of Seattle will be spinning the beats. theDILFparty.com.

Friday, February 2

The Bakery Atlanta

The Heretic

STAFF PICK!

HRC Atlanta’s Mardi Gras Bowl Bowl for equality at the masquerade-themed afternoon of prizes, bowling, and music. Don your mardi gras mask and get ready to throw some beads!

Saturday, February 3, 12-5pm Midtown Bowl

The Valentine’s Puckin’ Fuppet Show

Superbowl Sunday Funday

Get your V card punched at this Valentine’s variety show at the Village with special guest Matt Scott of Rasputin’s Marionettes.

This is the Sunday Funday sportsball edition, so wherever you choose to go, be there well in advance of the 6:30 pm kickoff. Expect standing room only, but a whole lot of Superbowl fun as the Patriots and Eagles decide who will take the trophy and title.

Saturday, February 3

Sunday, February 4

The Village Theatre

All across Atlanta

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Sign a purchase contract on a select Quick Move-in Home between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018 and receive:

5,000

Enclave at Druid Hills

Gated Community | Townhomes from the upper $500s For more information, please call 404-634-4485 or visit CalAtlanticHomes.com.

– PLUS –

25,000

Up $ To

in Flex Credits**

Towards Design Center options and upgrades, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs.

Available only when you close on the purchase of a quick move-in home in the Enclave at Druid Hills community pursuant to a purchase contract you sign on or between January 8, 2018 and February 18, 2018. *Up to $5,000 towards closing costs is subject to limits and is contingent upon buyer closing a loan with our affiliated lender, CalAtlantic Mortgage or, where permitted by seller, another seller preferred lender, and obtaining title insurance and closing services from our affiliated title agent, CalAtlantic Title Atlanta, LLC. The offer to pay closing costs does not include payment of prepaid taxes, property or mortgage insurance, or mortgage installments. Pre-payments of HOA assessments are typically subject to lender limits. **Up to $25,000 Seller provided Flex Credits may be applied to available upgrades and options at Seller’s Design Center, price discounts, closing costs and/or temporary rate buy downs. Availability of items may vary, including whether buyer’s lender permits such credits. Offer does not have any cash value. The combined value of seller incentives, credits and other seller contributions may exceed lender limits established for the loan program for which buyer qualifies. Buyer should ask his or her lender about the impact of such limits. Prices, plans and terms are effective on the date of publication and subject to change without notice. Depictions of homes or other features are artist conceptions. Hardscape, landscape and other items shown may be decorator suggestions that are not included in the purchase price and availability may vary. CalAtlantic Mortgage, Inc., NMLS# 203897, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee License #24225, 8660 E Hartford Drive, Suite 200A, Scottsdale, AZ; 1000 Mansell Exchange West, Suite 210, Alpharetta, GA License #68278. CAATL491

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InSaNiTy By Jamie Kirk

he definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over and expecting to get a different result.” Why would you continue to do something often and repetitively that is not giving you the results, you desire? With the seasons changing and the holidays gone, it’s a great time to reflect on the past, take a look at the current and plan for the future. We can set back and literally CHOOSE what we want/need to do very carefully. Decide to cook soup or chili, decide to brave the cold and hit the bars, bundle up and go for a run outside or on the ‘dreadmill,’ read a book or binge watch a Netflix show. We need to back up and make decisions using care and control. Making small decisions now, helps us avoid making bad big decisions later on. Making the decision to do something different is huge. Whatever the outcome of the decision, comes secondary to being able to have the balls to say: “I have decided.” Who cares WHAT you decide, the focus needs to be on THAT you decided. I admire folks that can step away from their day to day hectic life and consciously make a choice. Good or bad, popular or not, spontaneously or over a lengthy period. Once you do the hard part (i.e., deciding), don’t be afraid to decide again. Once you have made the decision to go back to the gym, try the Ketogenic diet, sell your condo, leave your relationship or quit your job; just make sure it is working for you. Assign yourself milestone

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dates or “checkpoints” to assess how the choice is panning out. I know people think “how could going to the gym not work out?” Simple. Maybe you are only going to the gym, without changing your diet. This would mean, all the pumping of iron (and gym selfies) are in vain. Just because the decision appears to be fruitful, it may not be in the end. Make sure you are doing your due diligence before & after the decision-making process. And alas, if it ain’t working, fix it, change it, modify it, re-work it or STOP IT. It doesn’t make you weak to back-pedal, it makes you smart. What idiot sees something not working and continues to pursue it time after time? As the only idiot, I’m sure, that does this, take it from me: You can’t continue down a path expecting it to work when the path and the plan are unworkable. Do your best, try your hardest, surround yourself with “champions” and let destiny take its course. Your part is over once you decide, that is what is so great about free will. Deciding to decide again and again. How awesome is that?!

Jamie Kirk works for a software company and is a certified spinning instructor. He also enjoys yoga, swimming, bicycling and running. He aspires to start a blog about what we put in our bodies not only fuels our body but our mind and spirit as well. Follow Jamie on IG @tysonsdad

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Screen Savor

Move to This

By Gregg Shapiro

The best way to describe Jennifer Reeder’s multicultural lesbian rom-com Signature Move (Newcity) is to call it a delight. Sweet as a mango lassi but with a kick like hot salsa. From the opening shot of the street sign at the intersection of W. Devon Avenue and N. Oakley Avenue, it’s clear that we are in the section of Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood where all the East Indian and Pakistani restaurants and stores are located. Zaynab (Fawzia Mirza, who also co-wrote the screenplay) is a lawyer who helps her clients with the visa process and immigration issues, among other things. She wears a helmet when she rides her red motor scooter, and she lives with her widowed mother Parveen (Shabana Azmi), who moved in with Zaynab after he father died the year before. Parveen spends her time watching Pakistani soap operas and looking out the window through binoculars, searching for a husband for Zaynab. When client Jayde (Audrey Francis) aka female wrestler Jolt is unable to pay for Zaynab’s services, she offers to train her in her gym and Zaynab accepts. One afternoon, Zaynab stops into The Hideout for a drink, and she meets bookstore owner Alma (Sari Sanchez). They don’t click immediately, but after a few shots (okay, a lot of shots), they end up dancing together vertically at the bar and then horizontally at Alma’s. 34 | 01.31.18

Alma has a considerably different relationship with her family than Zaynab has with hers. Alma is out to her mother Rosa (Charin Alvarez), a former wrestler in Mexico, and openly discusses Zaynab with her. Zaynab, on the other hand, is deeply closeted, and worries about upsetting her religious and conservative mother. The secrets that Zaynab keeps and the lies that she tells are the central conflict of the movie and threaten to sink her relationship with Alma before it ever has a chance to set sail. With a definite lean more towards the comedic than the serious side, Signature Move smashes the myth of the humorless lesbian like a piledriver. Mirza and Sanchez are splendid, as are the supporting players. Moviegoers would be wise to make the move to see Signature Move. DVD bonus features include audio commentary by director Reeder and actress/screenwriter Mirza as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with cast and crew members. Signature Move is released on digital/VOD on February 13 (iTunes, Amazon Instant, GooglePlay), and February 15 (Amazon Prime).

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clubs 28 Heretic 29 Jungle

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10 REASONS WHY CUDDLING IS THE BEST

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Text your Peach Pits to 256-60-PEACH, or e-mail mikkel@PeachATL.com Illustrations by: Jerel Ely

Finally figured out why I look so bad in pictures. It’s my face.

The sun comes out for half a day, and half of Atlanta goes out in shorts and flip-flops Him: Wow, you’re like really pretty Me: Awe, Thank you Did some financial planning and it looks like I can retire at 62 and live comfortably – for about 11 minutes…

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peachATL.com | 49

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ARIES (MAR. 21 - APR. 19)

LIBRA (SEP. 23 - OCT. 22)

This week sees you reacting to old news—maybe incredibly old news—but you should be much more sanguine next week. In fact, you may see it all as just a big distraction and flush it.

Try to tread water this week—otherwise, it may be time to sink deeper! Of course, that may be the only way you can get any help with your current big project, so don’t be shy about screaming!

TAURUS (APR. 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Your emotional security is like a warm blanket this week—you may not want to get up and face the day! Once you’re out there, some weirdness at the office or with friends confirms your suspicions.

That brain power of yours is all fired up and ready for some new challenges—so make sure that you’re applying all your resources to the right problem. Take time to ponder what’s most important.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUN. 20)

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Deal with mundane stuff like budgets and task lists this week before all the good social energy floods in and overwhelms you by next weekend. You can’t balance your checkbook at a party!

Your mood shifts are legendary right now. It’s vital that you let them guide you. It may be that your volatility shifts you away from someone who’s like poison to you!

CANCER (JUN. 21 - JUL. 22)

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Your emotional state is usually pretty easy to assess— and this week, you can read yourself with great ease! It’s a good time for you to check in with others who might not be so lucky and see what’s going on with them.

Big changes are coming, and you may be the instigator. That might strike some of your friends as extremely strange, but it’s not so bad—you sometimes are given to pretty extreme shifts!

LEO (JUL. 23 - AUG. 22)

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

You need to try something new this week—it could be anything from a new restaurant to a new way of looking at your career. It may also be a good time for you to move forward with a romance.

A new responsibility comes your way, and while you may want to think about it for a while, you’d be crazy to pass it up. Your energy is a bit out of balance now, but it realigns itself soon.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEP. 22)

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MAR. 20)

Your social life kicks up a notch this week—with or without your efforts. It may be a really good time for you to ask someone out, or to head out on the town with people you don’t know all that well yet.

Make something new this week—try a new recipe, start up a new flirtation or even write up a business plan. Your creative energy is still chugging along, and you really need to make the most of it.

WHAT happened was . . .

What Happened Was... Trouble in the love department? With sex? Or just people in general? Send us your queries, questions, and problems, and we’ll give you the answers served straight up and with a little ice. I made the mistake of trying to get together with an ex, and he ended up mistreating me once again. In fact, he blocked me on all communication platforms from one day to the other. Now, I’m left with all this rage against him, and I just want to tell him how not cute his constant eye rolls were, how obnoxious he was when talking about himself in the third person, and how he thought he had made all these changes, but in the end, he was still the same emotional punisher. I so want to tell him this is how I feel, and how much I’m DONE with his sorry a**! How do I let go of this anger towards him, because I really want him eliminated from my life altogether.

Sincerely Rage-Againt-The-Damned-Ex Dear Rage-Againt-The-Damned-Ex So often relationships end with many things unsaid and feelings unresolved. In essence, that’s exactly why you broke up in the first place, right? Granted, his sudden blocking of you is particularly inelegant and cruel, but that only speaks to the fact that he is not worth your time anyway. Let time heal the hurt, and you will discover how the anger will also dissipate from your mind. At least now you know his true character, and that he is the one who will ultimately lose in the game of love. In the meantime, talk to your friends about how you feel, and focus your energy on other and more deserving men out there. You’d be surprised at how easily another love interest will occupy your mind – soon enough you’ll discover that he was merely a distraction in the grander scheme of your life.

So, I’m going back to a family function for the first since I came I came out as gay. Everyone’s going to be there, and even though no one has said or done anything to make me feel uncomfortable, I’m still really anxious about it. I’m worried about any extra attention and if someone will say something to me – what can I do to calm down, and what do I do if someone says something?

Sincerely Out and Kinda Proud Dear Out and Kinda Proud First of all, kudos, hats off, and congrats on having the courage to come out to your family. That’s a major step, and you did it! That takes bravery and guts, so good on you. Going home again can be scary after you’ve just revealed your true self. With there be looks? Yes. Will there be awkward silences? Probably. Will there be questions? Extra focus on you? Most definitely! Ideally, everyone should be thanking you for opening up like this, but that is rarely the

52 | 01.31.18

case. Remember it is not up to you to educate that ignorant uncle who wants to know if you’re the ‘man’ or the ‘lady’ in a relationship. It is not up to you to defend a religious nut’s rant or even an insensitive comment about your sexuality. Allow yourself some space and peace. Take a walk of it gets too much, and if possible, find that family member who will listen to your frustrations. This is your journey, not theirs, and you deserve to figure things out on your own even though the situation may be difficult to navigate. And through it all, remember that you did this, and that already makes you a powerhouse of bravery.

I spent a long time pursuing this great guy, and after months of flirting and the occasional amazing hookup, we finally decided to give it a go – but now the thrill is gone! I don’t feel the same rush nor attraction to him as I did when we were in hot pursuit of each other. What do I do?

Sincerely Not-so-Hot Dear Not-so-Hot Yes, there is a certain thrill in pursuing someone. The excitement and passion of all the ‘what ifs’ and ‘maybes’ are fun and thrilling - and they can fade once the chase is over. The fact that you did an extensive chase of each other does not mean that you are meant to be in a relationship together. But you also have to shift gears for just a minute. Yes, the relationship is not the eternal f**k-fest it was before where every little rendezvous was the cause of excitement, and you were super focused on each other because your time together was fleeting. There are still plenty of thrills to be had, and it’s up to you to make sure that the new experiences you can have together don’t fall flat. You already took a chance and went after this guy, and you won him over – isn’t now the time you should enjoy him to the fullest?

NEED ANSWERS? REACH OUT TO US, AND YOU WILL GET THEM! SEND YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS VIA OUR EDITOR AT MIKKEL@PEACHATL.COM.