Welcome to Abu Halen.

If you listen real heard, you can actually hear the good times roll. Or at least limp. Maybe crawl.

Friendly Ghosts (or, "Happy Haunting")

Al-Karak, Jordan; 2007: My son rode my shoulders while we explored Al-Karak castle, the centerpiece of a Jordanian city perched on the rim of the Dead Sea valley. Newborn Grace was tucked in the crook of Shannon's left arm. Savannah's hair was still a cascade of little-girl ringlets. Shannon's mom caught this moment near dusk on a Saturday in November.

Moments are strange. They slide through your fingers but settle down in your brain. Friendly ghosts, they are. I'm glad they haunt the hallways of my memory.

Ode to My Sweet Poker Face (or, "Explain to Me Why That Joke is Funny")

When the Blood Don't Boogie to the Brain