A few years ago, as part of Youth in Government, I wrote a proposal for the National Issues Forum. My big idea? A circular economy—no waste. Everything, I argued, should be one of three things: recyclable, repairable, or biodegradable.

My family has a history with forests. 

One of the benefits of living in a house full of English-teacher volunteers from around the world? I get to laugh as people struggle.

You know the scene in Beauty & the Beast where Belle is running around the little town with her face in a book? Poland—at least where I am—is basically it. Those villagers were right—she ought to look up. 

Every few seconds, our paddles sank into the depths, creating two little whirlpools as they glided through, then rose again, scattering water droplets like rain. The sun glittered on the water, and the soft lull of voices echoed from the other canoes on the lake.

It must be instinctual: that special kind of glee that can only be achieved by being perched up in a high place. In my case, attic trusses.

Happy holidays everyone!!!!! 'Tis the time of forgetting to preheat the oven and wondering if the dough is too gooey.

As I’m writing this, I have 4 days left.