
It’s a beautiful day in Amman, Jordan. The achingly beautiful sky holds nothing but the warm, bright sun. The temperature is a balmy 22 degrees Celsius (70F) and I hear the doves cooing out on the balcony as they check out possibilities for their new homes.
Buses are roaming the streets, disgorging happy, shrieking kids. More kids, without jackets, scarves, and hats are happily playing football in the street. Old ladies are puttering about in their gardens. All is right with the world!
We’ve been known to endure savagely cold weather, and even blizzards as late as April. But, just for today, I’m going to comfort myself with the idea that spring is preparing to knock on our door and bring another gloriously hot summer!
How are things in your neck of the woods?
About Ol' Big Jim
Jim L. Wright is a storyteller with a lifetime of experiences as colorful as the characters he creates. Born and raised in Piedmont, Alabama, Jim’s connection to the land, history, and people of the region runs deep. His debut novel New Yesterdays is set in his hometown, where he grew up listening to stories of the past—stories that sparked his imagination and curiosity for history.
Today, Jim lives in Leeds, Alabama, with his husband Zeek, a tour operator who shares his passion for adventure and discovery. Known affectionately as “Ol’ Big Jim,” he has had a diverse career that includes time as a storekeeper, an embalmer, a hospital orderly, and a medical coder. There are even whispers—unconfirmed, of course—that he once played piano in a house of ill repute.
No matter the job, one thing has remained constant: Jim is a teller of tales. His stories—sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking—are often inspired by his unique life experiences. Many of these tales can be found on his popular blog, Ol’ Big Jim, where he continues to share his musings with a loyal readership.
Jim’s adventures have taken him far beyond Alabama. For seven years, he lived in Amman, Jordan, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. His time there, spent in smoky coffee shops, enjoying a hookah and a cup of tea while scribbling in his ever-present notebook, deeply influenced his worldview and his writing.
When Jim isn’t writing, he’s thinking about writing. His stories, whether tall tales from his past or imaginative reimagining is of historical events should read from his past or imaginative reimaginings of historical events, reflect a life lived fully and authentically. With New Yesterdays, Jim brings readers a rich tapestry of history, fantasy, and human connection.
Visit his blog at www.olbigjim.com to read more of his stories, or follow him on social media to keep up with his latest musings and projects, one of which is a series that follows Bonita McCauley, an amateur detective who gets into some very sticky situations.
His book, New Yesterdays, can be found at Amazon US, Amazon UK, Smashwords, and Barnes and Noble.
Very mixed weather in my part of UK, Jim. Two days of Spring and the rain is back! Fortunately, I am not on the flooded side of the country!
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I’m sure happy to hear that, Glynis! Those poor folk on the other side are being drenched as well as frozen! I’ve a few friends in those areas, and I’m very fortunate I don’t live there! Stay dry and warm!
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Thanks, Jim, sun’s just come out so am going for a quick walk along the prom. Many cannot and I am grateful ours is still intact!
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You don’t want to know Jim, I can assure you – unless you’re a duck!! 😉
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Sure makes me glad I’m not up your way! Come on down and enjoy our nice weather!
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Alia and I were out in this magnificent weather today enjoying a picnic under an almond tree that is bursting into bloom. We are in sync again as I’ve got a blog post coming on this very topic! 🙂
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I’m anxious to see it! Your posts are always so beautiful!
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Thanks Jim, I always enjoy your posts as well. Especially the ones when you are reminiscing about your earlier years – they are so vivid with your descriptions of the events, people and places.
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Spotted the first fully opened jonquils in the yard today. Sunny and warm today, but bad storms predicted for tonight. Will sleep in my bike helmet over my CPAP mask.
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This is the coldest year in the Midwest since a long, long time. I hated it.
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Great to hear your weather is heading for Springtime, Jim. In UK we are seeing all weathers ~ April showers, winter winds, howling gales, beautiful sunshine. Still wearing hats, scarves, warm coats and waterproof raincoats. My dogs have winter coats too! But, on a sunnier note: it’s nearing March, so the weather can only improve, right?
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