Author Archives: jwbean

A Cold Greek Shower and Treasure In A Bag Had Me Questioning It All

A piercing cold shower had me gasping for breath between lathers as I did a survival dance between droplets. I recognize a cold shower is a first world issue as shampoo clings to my hair. It is June in Greece, but feel like I have immersed myself into harbor water in Helsinki. In February. MyContinueContinue reading “A Cold Greek Shower and Treasure In A Bag Had Me Questioning It All”

Dodging An Eye Infection From A Bidet On St. Kitts…

Swim-up bar cocktails were flowing, condensation from the cup danced over my hand, the sun was skipping light rays across the ocean’s surface. A large white bird had stolen our fries and regurgitated meat on the table when we stepped away to take pictures. But hey!…life was good, we were giddy in a pool. IContinueContinue reading “Dodging An Eye Infection From A Bidet On St. Kitts…”

Pandemic Reflections. May, 2020.

PANDEMIC = Psychological. Anxiety. No end in sight. Depressing. Erratic. Masks. Isolation. Change. Psychological My face is puffy from tears falling for humanity. My eyes are stinging, filtering emotional trauma that has been blocked for so long behind a busy life. When I blink enough salt droplets to fill a sea trickle down my mask.ContinueContinue reading “Pandemic Reflections. May, 2020.”

These Empty Terminals Are Temporary

As I walk through the empty terminal of Austin Bergstrom Airport I have to remind myself of one thing: This is temporary. You can hear a pin drop in the terminal. Aircraft engines are cold, jet bridges are empty, and wheels are chocked upon vacant tarmacs. Departure boards are red with cancelations, and social distancing is made easyContinueContinue reading “These Empty Terminals Are Temporary”

A Left Turn Landed Me In The ER With Grippy Fuzzy Socks

Attempting to stand my knee was a noodle. Ski patrol does not like knee noodles. I made a left turn, that was it. Time paused, I felt funky and fell, but had no pain. Something was off. I always wanted to experience the downhill sled method until it happened and I couldn’t physically stand. A pizzaContinueContinue reading “A Left Turn Landed Me In The ER With Grippy Fuzzy Socks”

You Just Don’t Know…

You don’t know what a soul is experiencing as you pass their vacant expression. I was in shock, I had received a tragic call. I was in a gondola heading to a clinic that rainy Sunday, but my cell rang twice, catching my attention. My gut sank. Via voicemail, did my Mom say dead?! Their dane barked theContinueContinue reading “You Just Don’t Know…”

Alto Progreso. A Shanty Town With A Ton Of Heart…

Scenery changed to dirt, our cab weaved obstacles, and uphill we climbed. The bumpy ride jolted not only my body, but the awareness of my surroundings. My jaw fell to the floor of our rickety cab, viewing a landscape that mirrored a Third World. Wheels halted at the base of a narrow stairway which climbedContinueContinue reading “Alto Progreso. A Shanty Town With A Ton Of Heart…”

Peruvians Are Loves

First 24 hours south of the Equator…Day 1, Peru. I forgot kids sell goods on the street. I forgot running water, toilets, warm showers, and safe drinking water are amenities. I forgot that some have dirt sidewalks and only torn shoes. I forgot that people with less, sometimes have so much more… I realized dirtContinueContinue reading “Peruvians Are Loves”