Monday morning at Maeklong railway market
Photos by Louise O’Brien Stafford It wasn’t just another manic Monday. It wasn’t the kind of Monday we’d have someday when we are back in our home countries. It wasn’t a Monday that I’d had in a while, between Covid and a routine way of life. It wasn’t just another manic Monday. The invitation to […]
The first road trip
A second lockdown was looming, Covid cases were ramping up and somehow our already downsized holiday plans seemed to be on the cusp of being broken. As Thailand braced for its second wave the timing seems less than desirable with a holiday already, heartbreakingly, adjusted to stay in Bangkok, safe and assured we knew we couldn’t […]
The helpers
When I was little I was laid down to sleep by hands that have felt darkness and light, eyes that have seen grief and pain, yet never allowing us to see it in their gaze. My pancakes were made extra doughy by a woman who has cared for children from third world countries and children from […]
An American in Bangkok running the khlong
There’s this place, there’s actually at the most recent count 1,682 of them. You can see them, smell them and hear about them throughout Thailand. They are a means of transportation, floating markets and sewage disposal. They may appeal to you, interest you or make your stomach turn. They are a part of Thailand’s history, […]
Please be kind to all Gods creatures
We did it. I’ll be honest. I won’t lie. That experience, you think it’s right, you think it’s what you might be meant to do. It’s not, you learn quickly, some of us too late, some of us early on. Riding elephants. Riding elephants that are tortured to carry roughly 2-3 people with a bamboo […]
A family journey together
A few years ago, I could be heard saying I would never, ever, and I mean ever, fly with the kids without another adult beside me. Pardon the fixed mindset statement, judge or not there are some things in life that feel too far from reach, be it from a safety perspective or a ‘that’s […]
The Road to Khe Sanh
I’m sitting in an SUV, driving through the rain, flooded roads, tunnels that travel through mountains that seem to never end. I look out the window, I see rice paddies and cemeteries and I wonder just how old they are. I see children sitting on the curb by their homes, that look more to me […]
From the US to Thailand
Last June, I wrote about the boys back to school journey and what it looked like, how they did with the long journey, little sleep and entered into another school year with more ease and comfort than I could have ever imagined. The piece I wrote was published right before we were heading back for […]
Back to School
Mum to four boys Brody, Camden, Parker and Ryke It’s how this year has been, my writing has taken a back seat. Again. Other things take the front line, little pinky finger walks with my newest walker, three older children going to school full time, Mom duties here and there, a new volunteer opportunity… I’ll […]
Our first Spartan race
I felt him touch my arm. I turned away. Surely it was not time yet. He said my name. I said “No it’s not time.” “Yes it is, let’s go buddy,” Pete said. I replied, “I can’t do it, I didn’t sleep babe, not a wink.” He said, “You are going to do it. Imagine […]