Having a houseguest can sometimes be pure joy. That’s the case with Zeek and me right now. His Mom, from Amman, Jordan, is visiting with us. Her smiling, happy face and tinkling laughter make our house even happier than ever. We laugh together as we share memories and tell stories. And don’t forget, she prepares amazing meals for us! She loves walking about in our garden every morning and has taken on the task of watering the flowers.
The lush, green landscape both awes and overwhelms her. Coming from a nation dominated by desert, she is quite unused to the vegetation here. The amount of water we use on a daily basis is somewhat shocking to her, and even more so when we tell her of the low cost of using all that water.
Most of all, I think, she loves spending time with her son after a nearly five-year separation. Even though they speak on the phone daily, nothing quite takes the place of being together physically. My new favorite pastime is sitting back, watching their interaction. It delights my heart.
Last weekend, we took her to Chattanooga, Tennessee to visit the aquarium. It was a quick trip, but one she enjoyed immensely. As a result, we enjoyed it even more because she was with us. Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for more travels with Zeek’s Mama.

In the Butterfly House

Bored Shark

She didn’t care for this ol’ fella at all!

Late lunch at City Cafe. Lovely food and great service!

Under the flags on Tennessee River

And finally, our newly naturalized citizen!
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.
I always enjoy your stories but especially loved hearing about Zeeks mom. Sooo loved the pics! Love you guys. Tell mom I love her too. Maybe I’ll get to meet her someday.
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Thanks Kim! We’re having a blast having her here! I’ll pass your kind words along.
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Super post, Jim. Loved the City Cafe photo where the top of your head is in the mirror. Y’all look like you are having a good time.
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Thanks John! She’s a wonderful guest that we’ll be sorry to see go back home.
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😊
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Beautiful story and pictures Jim.
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Thanks Teresa, I appreciate you coming by today!
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