Road Trip Rituals: Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)

A zombie amusement park sounds like fun, but the health code violations alone are enough to turn your stomach.Jim C. Hines We step in line. A sign several feet ahead: "The wait time is approximately 1 hour." "Only an hour! Let's do it!" Naively telling ourselves that they're overestimating. At the very least, some peopleContinue reading "Road Trip Rituals: Cedar Point (Sandusky, OH)"

Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland

My favorite place in Ireland is a place I never intended to visit. We hadn't highlighted it in our maps, travel guides, or list of "must-dos"; in fact, we had intended to spend that day driving along the famous Ring of Kerry. Granted, the entire trip was loosely drawn -- this was our Women's Walkabout,Continue reading "Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland"

Have Hearing Loss, Will Travel

Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear.Dr. I. King Jordan I grew up not being bothered too much with the world around me; the more exciting stuff was going on in my head. I trusted that, if it was ever really important, my sister and parents would steer me in theContinue reading "Have Hearing Loss, Will Travel"

Sedona, AZ Photo Series #1

Sedona, AZ - photo credit: author There was a boyA very strange enchanted boyThey say he wandered very far, very farOver land and seaA little shy and sad of eyeBut very wise was heAnd then one dayA magic day he passed my wayAnd while we spoke of many thingsFools and kingsThis he said to meTheContinue reading "Sedona, AZ Photo Series #1"

Birth-Month Celebrations: An Origin Story

Of all my childhood memories, what has touched my adulthood the most is my absolute love for birthdays. One of the most wonderful and enchanting traditions was the presenting of the gifts. Dad would go upstairs to their bedroom, and we would sit on the couch in the living room, waiting with anticipation. Mom wouldContinue reading "Birth-Month Celebrations: An Origin Story"

The National Mall, Washington D.C.

I walk by her side, and the darkness lifts from my soul. I walk with her, and I hear the gentle beating of mighty wings.Neil Gaiman, Sandman #8: "The Sound of Her Wings" Sometimes, not very often (insert 2020 joke here), I've had the luxury of traveling for business - and even rarer than that,Continue reading "The National Mall, Washington D.C."

Kimonos and Paper Parasols

As much as my visits to see my grandparents in New Jersey planted the seed, it was my grandmother on my father's side who nurtured the soil and inspired me to see the other side of the world. Grandma and Grandpa H were one of those Edward Albee couples, constantly bickering and jabbing at oneContinue reading "Kimonos and Paper Parasols"