MacLeod’s Folly
Above the Scottish harbor town of Portree on a wooded hill known as The Lump stands what looks like an ancient watchtower, gazing blindly past the shoulders of the mountains to the Sound of Raasay.
French Self Defense
When I finally figured out that my visa couldn’t be extended, and when my departure became imminent, my friends’ plans for extending my stay became more far-fetched by the day.
What the Cat Dragged In
A first family pet, unconventional as it may be. “What should we name him, Liam?” asked Charis. “Koonk.” A fine name, indeed. Simple and zany and oh-so-Liam.
Stephanie in Haiti
I didn’t meet Stephanie in the same way I meet most people. I don’t know much about her. I know she went to school, where not all of the kids were able to. She was one of eight children.
Monday Night
Founders is exactly the sort of place that my parents would hate, and I, too, will probably hate when the novelty of standing on a sticky floor until 12:00 a.m. wears off.
On the Past, and Nickelback and Skating Punks
Here’s the Wikipedia Definition: Aggressive Skating/Inline (n.) a form of inline skating executed on specially designed inline skates with focus on grinding and spins.
The Waiting Period: Reverse Jinxes, Umbrellas, and Rain
I reverse jinx myself. I close my eyes tight, like a constipated kid, and think of all the worst possible outcomes. Then I convince myself that if I was able to think it up, it will not happen.
On Prayer (Sort Of)
The idea of prayer “kicking things off” isn’t all that poor. God should be at the beginning of what we do. But it becomes a problem when the only time we pray is at the start of something.
Consider the Lilies
You think you are the glory of creation, but you are still within creation. For dust you are and all that. You think, I should see the redwoods soon. I should go to Tuvalu before it’s underwater.
Lost Dogs, Hawks, and Vending Machines
So, I scan the trees one last time, turn around, and head back to the campsite. “Did you find the dog?” my friend asks me.
Do I look like I found the dog? I think.
