My friend took an internet test to determine how big a footprint she is leaving on the earth.

After the computer condescendingly spat out, “Congratulations! If everyone in the world consumed the way you do, it would take 2 1/2 worlds to sustain us”, she decided to dramatically decrease her habits of consumption for a full three months.

I could have said, “That sounds interesting–tell me more.” Or, “Wow–do you think it will be hard?” Or even, “I may be interested in doing something like that someday. What are your guidelines?” Read more…

I sat facing my instructor, prepared to learn a new technique—an elbow to the windpipe, a devastating side-kick to the knee-cap, or palm-heel smashing upward into the nasal cavity.

But this class was different. It was quiet. There were no forceful yells or fast moving hands. There was no need for a mouth guard or extra padding for protection. This class, it would be revealed, was devoted to defending oneself against a hug. Read more…

The illustrations for The Magnificent Tree are coming along beautifully.  Click here to read the book and see a sample illustration.