Am I Not Altered?

What we need is here. And we pray, not for new earth or heaven, but to be quiet in heart, and in eye, clear. What we need is here. – Wendell Berry I have two short, short weeks left in Oregon, which will be filled with cookie parties, dancing with whole hearts, and lots and …

Sprig O’ Fig

It is from our roots that we draw sustenance (Maathai 293). Waters of life swirling amidst microorganisms, bitter dirt, and waste. Waters of life rushing, carrying the burdens of the soil, punching at the tenderness of root walls. Flowing, cleansing water pushes through roots, knocking on the tenderest spots of fragile walls. Tapping, drumming, pounding …

Zucchini Bread and Thoughts of Home

More and more recently I find myself searching for things that feel like home, like the zucchini bread my Grandma Donna used to make for us at my grandparents’ cabin in Tawas, Michigan. That place was such a special hideaway for my family. It was a place where we all came together to celebrate holidays, …

Politics, Goats, and Tea

“Why, for instance, is the ‘wilderness experience’ so often conceived as a form of recreation best enjoyed by those whose class privileges give them the time and resources to leave their jobs behind and ‘get away from it all’? Why does the protection of wilderness so often seen to pit urban recreationists against rural people …

A Farewell Note

As my time here abroad is officially coming to an end, I can’t help but feel a mixed bag of emotions upon my departure from London. When leaving the states, one tends to have certain expectations and hopes for the adventures that await them within the next four months. Upon reflection, I can confidently say …

Theatre Scene

As London is home to the renowned West End, I have been able to take advantage of the countless plays and musicals being performed for months on end. Before coming to London, I had seen plays and musicals before in the States but London has revolutionized my love and appreciation for theatrical work. I have …

Familiar Faces in Different Places

Having little traces of home while abroad has been a great blessing to remind me there’s a whole other side of the world that awaits me when I get back. For me, some of that has come through seeing some dear friends from home. Throughout my time abroad, I have been lucky enough to have …

Find your Niche

A city like London will present oneself with a handful of options to fill up one’s day. Every possible source of entertainment can be found within the 38 boroughs that make up this city. Finding your niche can be one of the most pleasurable ways to have that cherry on top feeling to the novelty …

Beauty of Spontaneity

As I’ve reached the halfway point of my stay in London, I’ve taken some time to reflect on my time here thus far and all that I’ve done. I would consider myself to be a very reflective and independent person and I think that has helped me get the most out of my time while …

Scottish Lands

As London is central to a lot of other countries in the UK and Europe, it’s easy to take off for a weekend and explore a new place. This past weekend, I did exactly that. Personally, a big part of my heritage comes from Scotland. Before I came to London, it was a place I …