Brooke Lewis

Happy Feels Different After Loss

This thought persisted in the years since losing my Dad and resurfaced with my Mom’s cancer diagnosis.Photo by author.My husband and I met seven years after I lost my father in a tragic motorcycle accident, yet he calls me a happy person. He says it’s one of the many reasons he loves me. Before he mentionedContinueContinue reading “Happy Feels Different After Loss”

Ideas to Push Your Foreign Language Learning to the Next Level

Tips from a former foreign language teacher for pushing through when you’ve hit a learning slump.Photo by Siora Photography on UnsplashPush Your Foreign Language Learning to the Next LevelIf you’re learning a foreign language but feel like you’ve hit a wall and aren’t progressing as quickly as you’d like. Don’t worry. All language learners experience these slumps.ContinueContinue reading “Ideas to Push Your Foreign Language Learning to the Next Level”

My husband and I fought a cab driver in Colombia.

Stereotypes abound of “violence” in Colombia, but fist-fighting a taxi driver on the side of the road wasn’t quite what I’d anticipated.Illustration by author.When asked about our travels, my husband and I have several exciting anecdotes we like to share, but one of the most ludicrous occurred the day we moved to Colombia from the US.AsContinueContinue reading “My husband and I fought a cab driver in Colombia.”

Avoid Culture Shock in Colombia

Just a few of the shocking and unexpected cultural differences to be aware of when visiting Colombia for the first time.Cali, Colombia — Photo by author.Americans traveling to Colombia for the first time are often unsure what to expect since Colombia isn’t a top tourist destination. They’ll likely encounter some unexpected cultural norms which could interfere with their enjoymentContinueContinue reading “Avoid Culture Shock in Colombia”

The Language Wormhole

Linguistic observations during an international flight.Photo by author.I’ve flown the route between Colombia and the United States many times, and I’m often struck by an odd sensation from nearly the moment I reach the check-in desk.The airport is the place where linguistic worlds collide. It’s a place where everyone experiences the cognitive awareness of language useContinueContinue reading “The Language Wormhole”

Totto We Aren't In Pennsylvania Anymore

Every day’s a thrilling new adventure when you’re a gringa living in Cali, Colombia.Drawing by AuthorWhen I was young, my family and I always had cats. Since we lived in the country, they’d come and go from the house as they pleased.Our cats, like most, loved to hunt. So, it wasn’t uncommon to stumble upon offeringsContinueContinue reading “Totto We Aren't In Pennsylvania Anymore”

Perspective Gained from a Plane

A fictional story inspired by a moment of clarity on a particularly turbulent flight.Photo by author.Dear Diary,The plane’s just taken off. I don’t want to be on it.I’m supposedly headed to spend a pleasant holiday with my family. Yet, I sit here anxious, mentally preparing for the stress and heartache that surely awaits.My heart pangs watchingContinueContinue reading “Perspective Gained from a Plane”

Colombian Red Fire Ants — My Mortal Enemies

Growing up in the country, I spent a great deal of time outdoors. I’m not afraid of bugs or dirt. However, I recently learned the impressive Colombian Red Fire Ants aren’t my friends.Fire Ants enter their nest with a leaf. Photo by the author.Throughout my 32 years in rural Pennsylvania, I’ve lived more-or-less indifferent to ants.ContinueContinue reading “Colombian Red Fire Ants — My Mortal Enemies”

Guilt of a Long-Distance Caregiver

Death and dying go hand in hand with guilt and regret. It’s painful and tragic but not insurmountable.Photo of a painting by the author.It’s easy to imagine that if a loved one became ill with a terminal disease, you would drop everything and be at their side no matter what. Reality can be a bit moreContinueContinue reading “Guilt of a Long-Distance Caregiver”