Imagine, for a moment, the imagination. Here is a list of some things that live there: The weather forecast That earworm song fragment you can’t shake. The entire planned and unplanned future, dragging its history behind it What the cat is thinking The taste of red licorice when you’re not eating it, and maybe even when you are Every reason for everything … [Read more...] about Imagine the Imagination
Tacit Galaxy
Twice in two days I’ve heard comparisons that link the number of neural connections in the brain to the number of stars in a galaxy. So now I'm imagining myself walking around with a galaxy inside my head. When we were kids, we drew on the most up-to-date scientific imagery available to us and wondered, What if every single atom was a solar system and out there on some of … [Read more...] about Tacit Galaxy
Teaching Spanish in Haiti
One of the more absurd things I’ve done in Haiti is teach Spanish. Not that it’s absurd for Haitians to learn Spanish. They share an island with the Spanish-speakers of the Dominican Republic. Due to Haiti's extreme poverty, young people consider slipping into the underground work force in the DR, living there as second class citizens, and facing situations where even the … [Read more...] about Teaching Spanish in Haiti
The Best Granola
I remember how surprised I was the first time somebody dismissed my opinion by calling me “just a granola.” The opinion I had expressed was about a décor—too much chrome, I had said, too many hard, bright surfaces, too black and white. Oh you’re just a granola. How could I argue with that? Earth tones and firewood remind me of home. Incense and yoga cushions make me … [Read more...] about The Best Granola
Our Dad
We sat at his feet in the living room and he quizzed us. Who made you? God made me. Why did God make you? God made me to know, love, and serve him in this world. Our dad. He was God’s stand-in, the head of our house. After the catechism, we moved to arithmetic. Then he read the newspaper. On Tuesdays he watched Combat! and on Wednesdays, The Gallant Men. Like … [Read more...] about Our Dad