I often have conversations with friends that begin, “I just read this interesting article” or “In this podcast I was listening to…”

The world is big and interesting. Consider this digest and those to follow as my online repository for those conversations. Now those chance conversation topics live on.

Here is what I’ve been reading, doing, and looking at over the past week or two.

1. This article on nakedness is awesome. Could people stand to be a little more accepting of the human body in general? I think so.

The author follows with some fascinating scientific backing on the idea of accepting the human body as natural. Crazy, I know.

The studies on children raised in accepting and open environments are intriguing.

 

2. I started reading Bill Bryson about fifteen years ago. I began with In a Sunburned Country, which came out in 2000. He’s a funny, funny man: bumbling, humble, and unique.

Last week my Portland Literary Arts catalog came in the mail. I love to read it because it makes me think about books and reminds me how many other people in Portland love books. The catalog pointed me to The Archive Project by Oregon Public Broadcasting (are you down with OPB?).

Still with me? This archival project, in turn, led me to their podcast. If you know me well, you know I’m borderline addicted to podcasts. Is it an addiction if it’s a positive, value-adding experience that makes my life better?

I promise I could stop anytime I wanted…

I digress.

Bill Bryson gave this talk at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in downtown Portland. You can call it The Schnitz if you’re from around here. Or if you want to sound like you are.

This talk listens like three parts stand-up comedy and one part author talk. Bryson’s writings are approximately the same ratio: three parts comedy, tomfoolery, mishaps, and curmudgeon-ness; one part Americana, history, travel, and world perspectives by a man who’s traveled far and lived in different places.

Some amazing authors comprise this archive. I plan to listen to Gore Vidal and Sebastian Junger next.

 

3. I love colors and patterns. I had designs on going into this art supply store with Jakey even before I knew I wanted to buy a shadow box frame for his starfish (a tale for another time).

No shadow box at the used art supply store in Hillsdale, but I snapped a few quick shots before chasing him on his flight back out the door. Turns out, a store jam packed with cool things to handle is not so fun when you’re not allowed to mess with everything in sight. He was out.

I could spend quite a while sifting through all the arts and crafts goodies in this place. Maybe when he’s older.

4. One of my former swimmers at L&C is wrapping up two years in El Salvador with the Peace Corps. I love reading Rachel’s stories about her work abroad in this community.

She is funny and insightful. She gives us the flavor and colors of rural life in El Salvador coupled with stark realities and unclear futures facing so many of these families.

One of my favorite excerpts:

“As I leave them I just hope that I have shared as much with them as they have with me, that I have created a tiny crack through which they can peer out at a different future if they choose. And I hope so much that they do choose that.”

This post is about preparing to leave and considering what mark she herself might leave on this community and these kids in particular. I know Rachel and so I know her impact has been positive. I hope—as she does—it will be lasting.

Give this post a read and enjoy!

Thanks for following me down these paths. I bid you a great week!