Recently I submitted an essay to a Journal that had previously published my work. This time it was respectfully rejected. I had written about a personal experience of discriminatory treatment in 1980 and my involvement many years later with the very man who had earlier stood in my way. It was clear to me … Continue reading It’s Complicated

As I connect with friends, most often now by text, email or phone, when certain issues come up, I try to change the subject. If that fails, I discover that my cat urgently needs to be fed. I have closed the door on commiserating at length about the latest actions or tweets of prominent politicians, … Continue reading Too Much Talk

Consider this question posed by Byron McCauley, a columnist and member of the editorial board of the Cincinnati Enquirer. It was published in 2017 on the day the trial of a University of Cincinnati police officer accused of murder ended in a mistrial because the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Tensing was tried twice and twice the jury deadlocked. … Continue reading Am I Racist?

As we keep our distance from one another, what I miss most is touch, a handshake, contact with a steadying arm allowing me to safely match the stride of a companion,  and the pleasure of being pulled into the gentle embrace of a friend, feeling the texture of their clothing, their scent, the pressure of … Continue reading The Loss of Touch

Bea’s publisher/publicist, Nancy Nolan, here: Bea’s book, The Third Person in the Room: Stories of Relationships at a Turning Point, has been awarded a silver medal in the 2019 Nautilus International Book Awards. The book won one of 4 silver prizes awarded in the category of "Relationships and Communication".  Some other recent silver medal award winners are Ann … Continue reading “The Third Person in the Room” Wins Nautilus Book Award

When I explore the meaning of an important turning point in my life and share it with a friend or loved one, I’m better known, to myself, and another. Loneliness dissipates. And belatedly, I can acknowledge and express gratitude to someone who offered me a positive, fulfilling new direction. But what about recalling those memorable … Continue reading Another Turning Point

Recently I put pen to paper and in a matter of minutes made note of nine turning points in my life, times when unanticipated events caused me to shift direction in a way that significantly impacted important decisions about my future, not those well considered plans developed over time that led me to select one … Continue reading Turning Points

Public Library Event postponed Nancy Nolan, Bea's publicist here: Bea's appearance at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County has been postponed. For now the library is closed. Once a new date has been scheduled, we will let you know. In the meantime, take care and stay safe.

My friend’s son is divorcing, ending a twenty-five-year marriage. Although sad, my friend doesn’t question the decision. He sensed from the sidelines that neither partner had been happy for some time and he was aware of their sincere efforts to work things out.             He and his daughter-in-law had come to know each other well … Continue reading A Protocol Is Needed

I did not realize anger was in the room until they were walking out the door. A step ahead of her, looking away and with an edge to his voice, he said: It’s time for you to just get out. Was I meant to overhear these words? I wasn’t sure, but they surprised me. Only … Continue reading The Throwaway Line