Author Archives: ivanbenson

About ivanbenson

I am a former singer, guitar player, writer, story teller, voice over talent, and a current heart attack survivor in the Atlanta, Georgia area.

The Concession Stand

Posted on May 8, 2025 by ivanbenson

I have never understood concession stands! I mean, I know what they are, and have made use of them through the years when I’ve been hungry or thirsty at a sporting event. But what I don’t get is WHY they’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Family, Life, politics, travel, writing | Leave a comment

The Demon of Unrest

Posted on January 29, 2025 by ivanbenson

I just finished a fabulous book about the beginnings of the American Civil War; the author is none other than the esteemed Erik Larson. It is a 2024 publication filled with information I have never seen before, and it is … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories, Uncategorized, World War II | Tagged books, Civil War, Erik Larson, History, Japan, movies, politics | 2 Comments

Lex Oliver: Getting Old Ain’t for Sissies

Posted on May 19, 2024 by ivanbenson

Lex, our black Lab/Pit mix, turned 16 last November, so he is officially “old.” In dog years that makes him 115.5. “Mr. Routine” often sleeps in till 10 AM now, and his now-varying patterns control our day. If he’s not … Continue reading →

Posted in Assisted Living, Family History, Stories, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

It’s A Small World After All

Posted on December 22, 2023 by ivanbenson

Horrific war in the Middle East, Israel versus Hamas, unspeakable brutality and loss of life; the continuing struggle between Ukraine and Russia; health care concerns over RSV and new strains of Covid; economic upheaval and the rise in the prices … Continue reading →

Posted in Family History, Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged Alvin Toffler, Christmas, cold, cold weather, Covid, Donner Party, Future Shock, Hamas, heating, Israel, It's a small world after all, middle east, news, RSV, Russia, Ukraine, winter | 9 Comments

I Miss Mayberry

Posted on October 31, 2023 by ivanbenson

When Rascal Flatts released the song “Mayberry” in 2002 they struck a chord that is universal in our modern culture: our desperate need to slow down, find peace, and be known. So that when they sing the chorus, multitudes of … Continue reading →

Posted in Comedy, Family History, Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged 1960s, Abraham Maslow, Andy Griffith, Andy of Mayberry, Ararat VA, baby boomer, Dan River, fictional, Floyd's barbershop, I miss Mayberry, Kafka, Mayberry, Mt. Airy NC, nostalgia, Rascal Flatts, reality, Snappy's, The Andy Griffith Show, true stories | 13 Comments

In the End . . . .

Posted on September 20, 2023 by ivanbenson

I know that Mary Poppins suggested we “start at the very beginning,” and I agree with her “that’s a very good place to start.” However, I am captivated today with a phrase I heard in a meeting with several men … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging Parents, Family History, Fathers, Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged impression, legacy, Mary Poppins, ripples, the end | 9 Comments

A Family Affair

Posted on August 11, 2023 by ivanbenson

Divorce, suicide, sexual addiction, child custody case, alcohol abuse, estranged siblings, stillbirth, murder, dementia, autism, food addiction, breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart attack, opioid allergy, etc. Shall I go on? This is just a cursory perusal of some of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Family History, Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged aging, alcohol, autism, breast cancer, child custody, cousin Eddie, dementia, divorce, doctor, estranged, family affair, food addiction, funeral, heart attack, hospital, murder, opioid allergy, prostate cancer, sexual addiction, stillbirth, suicide, support group | Leave a comment

THIS Comes HIGHLY Recommended!

Posted on August 1, 2023 by ivanbenson

I had the opportunity recently to say, “Thank you” to two persons who first influenced me over four decades ago; one has terminal cancer, the other is recovering from a stroke. Both are in their 80s, and interestingly . . … Continue reading →

Posted in Aging Parents, Family History, Fathers, Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged thank you | 11 Comments

A World of Hurt

Posted on June 8, 2023 by ivanbenson

We spent seven hours yesterday in the ER! After a lovely time enjoying breakfast with good friends, solving all the world’s problems, and seeing beautiful pictures of Greece and points beyond (from their recent cruise) . . . my wife’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Stories, Uncategorized | Tagged a world of hurt, anger, drowning man, emergency room, ER, hospital, meaningfulness, pain, rescue | Leave a comment

He who has ears to hear, let him hear!

Posted on May 15, 2023 by ivanbenson

My recent trip to the ENT doctor has left me with a new revelation: I’ll probably never hear like I used to hear in my left ear. All this started about seven years ago when a particularly bad sinus infection … Continue reading →

Posted in Family History, Uncategorized | 10 Comments

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