Boo! Got the privilege of having an evening snack and drinks at Mary Mahoney’s with Blanche DuBose of Laurel Mississippi and Stella Kowalski of New Orleans, along with The Chet Landry of WLOX, who is my Assitant Director for WATP’s upcoming production of Tennessee Williams’ classic Southern Gothic play, “A Streetcar Named Desire.” A Fun. […]
Anthony Kalberg
The Sunday Sermonette – God’s Song!
Have you ever heard a song that sticks in your mind, and you go singing it throughout the day? Hopefully, it puts a smile on your face and a skip in your step. But there’s an inner song, deep within your soul, that God composed just for you. Today, ask Him to hum its tune […]
This and That – Where Oh Where Did The Time Go?
Greetings! Forty-six years ago! Where oh where did the time go? To my young friends, enjoy the golden days of your youth. Time races by. And one day, like me, you’ll wonder where it went. But as the days, months, and years pass, keep the memories of those golden days safe in an old trunk […]
This and That – Throwback Thursday, The Bachelor Party!
While cleaning out an old trunk in the attic, I found this. In faded ink, these words were written: “Wow! What a Bachelor’s Party. Never tell our wives what fun we had. Always remember watering the flowers, the fire-ant dance, and throwing up in the ice chest.” It appears that everyone signed the back of […]
The Friday Funnies. – Bad-Boy Louie and the Bat!
This younger generation…I just don’t know what to think of them. I showed Bad-Boy Louie the bat from Gulfport Little Theater’s 1984 production of DRACULA, and he almost passed out. He’s such a wuss. But then he threw a rubber snake at me, and I peed in my pants. Don’t know who the bigger wuss […]
Dispatches from Home – Dear Lillian Gish.
Greetings! Dear Miss Gish lived to be 99. Apparently, her life’s philosophy worked. Smart lady from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Follies Of God · “I made a decision very early in my life that I was going to be happy and successful–a winner at things. I wasn’t going to be defeated by slights and trivialities. I have always […]
Dispatches from Home – Luxury, Steam, and a Pleasant Crossing.
“It’s hard to believe they are gone. The piers are still there. The bon voyage baskets, piled high with impractical fruits and jellies, still line the shelves of the gourmet shops. In midtown Manhattan, there’s even a postcard still for sale, showing the Queen Elizabeth, Mauretania, a Sylvania-class Cunarder, the America and the Independence lying […]
THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Where’s the Toilet Plunger?
When you’re up to your armpits in toilet paper, it’s hard to remember where you hid the toilet plunger. Don’t forget: to make mistakes is human; to stumble is commonplace, but to be able to laugh at yourself that’s maturity. How’s your maturity level? Giggle and laugh today. That’s an order! Later Gaters Who Follow […]
The Sunday Sermonette – R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
R. – Reverse someone’s disrespect for you with respect for them. E. – Everyone deserves respect, whether in agreement or not. S. – Saying I respect you and doing so are two different things. P. – Persistently strive to be respectful of others. E. – Earning respect is more advantageous than demanding it. C. – […]
This and That – Thought for the Day…Details.
Many years ago, I coined a phrase that I often remind myself of: It is the attention to detail that sets one above mediocrity. Oft times, when I’ve finished a project, I reflect on just that—the details. Should I have added this or that? Should I have asked for help? Should I have accepted that […]
The Friday Funnies – A Nightmare and Louie!
“Last night, I dreamt I went to Manderley again.” Oops! Wrong dream! () Last night, I dreamt I was flying; clocks and time meant nothing as I strove to become the wanna-be studly shadow that floated above me. Alas, disaster! During my imaginary flight, the bed collapsed due to my twisted contortions. I tumbled out […]
This and That – A Sweet Potato Vine and “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
Here’s the morning question: Where can I find a large, organic sweet potato? The only ones they have at Ye Ole Rouses are very, very small. The non-organic sweet potatoes are spayed with something to keep them from sprouting. I want to start growing a sweet potato vine to use as set dressing for WATP’s […]
That and That – It’s A Wonderful World.
Greetings! What a fun time we had Saturday afternoon watching “A Wonderful World” at the Saenger in New Orleans. The music, the costumes, the set, and the actors and actresses were breathtaking. When they all went to tap dancing, I thought I was going to jump out of my seat and hit the stage with […]
THE SUNDAY SERMONETTE – Pushin’ and Draggin’.
Long ago, my sweet Granny from D’Lo told me, “Andy, what ain’t pushin’ you forward is draggin’ you down.” In life, who or what is either pushing you up the mountain or dragging you into the valley? Ponder this and go forth. (Originally published August 21, 2022)
THE SUNDAY SERMONETE – I’m Sorry.
Apologies for callous words and hurtful actions are never easy. But until the words – I’m sorry – are spoken, the process of reconciliation cannot begin. Ponder this and go forth. (Originally published October 9, 2024)
Dispatches from Home – Pray for Florida’s Citizens! ALL of Them!
Greetings! This statement was posted on a former friend’s FB page, former being the operative word. This is a prime example of one of the many things wrong with our dear county. With the swirling rain demon approaching Florida and its terrified citizens, the only thing we, as American Citizens, should be doing is praying […]
Dispatches from Home – A Reality Check.
When it comes to acting, there are times when I find it easier to direct my energy toward the mundane than to practice the intellectual discipline and imagination that acting requires. As I sit learning lines for the upcoming production of “Scrooge The Musical,” the demons of doubt dance in my mind. They whisper […]
This and That – Slow Down and Avoid Embarrassment!
NOTE TO SELF: Slow down and concentrate when getting dressed! Remember to put your clothes on in this order: underwear, short pants (in summer), shirt, and shoes. That way, when you dash off to Rouses for a bit of grocery shopping, you won’t get out of your car and realize you’re bereft of your short […]
Dispatches from Home – September 1, 1985, A Great Discovery!
Mornin’ Y’all! Thirty-three years ago, we were battening down the hatches, awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Elena. She made landfall on September 2 as a Category 3 hurricane, sashaying up Gulfport’s 25th Avenue with pounding wind and thick rain. Because the Coast had other things on its mind, we missed the announcement of one of […]
This and That – Thought for the Day!
Draining the swamp of alligators doesn’t matter a flip if you fill it back up with crocodiles. Food for thought? Later Thinking Gaters or Crocs, as the case might be. (Originally published September 6, 2018)
Dispatches from Home – Wise Words.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Poignant movie dialogue for […]
This and That – A Cure for Baldness.
ATTENTION: A NEW REMEDY FOR BALDNESS AND THINNING HAIR. Create a poultice comprised of these ingredients in equal parts: alum, vinegar, and lemon juice. Vigorously rub said mixture into your scalp three times daily. No, it doesn’t regrow your hair. But in reducing the circumference of your head, this mixture allows what little bit of […]
This and That – Family Reunion – The Musical.
THROWBACK THURSDAY—”Family Reunion” was a hilarious musical written by the amazingly talented Kitty and Neil Stallings! What a fun show it was. Thanks to the amazing talents of the director, David Delk, and his sterling cast and crew, it was an audience pleaser—sold-out performances every night. As Bob Hope sings, ” Thanks for the memory…” […]
This and That – A New Morning of a New Week!
Good morning! As this new week unfolds before you, take time to take a quiet walk down a quiet path, if not literally, then figuratively. Take time to thank the Good Master for being your anchor in a world gone mad. Hold onto him…he’s holding on to you. Later Clutching Gaters! (Originally published October 8, […]
The Friday Funnies – The Outhouse of Life!
Ain’t life unpredictable at times! There you are, sitting and minding your own business, when BOOM, something happens to take away your peaceful, enjoyable day. Don’t let that happen to you today. Remember: Life always offers you a second chance…it’s called tomorrow. Later Looking-Forward-To-A-Great-Day Gaters! (Orginally published October 8, 2021)
The Friday Funnies – A Lost Meteorite and An Old Coot!
Meanwhile, in other news, it appears this old coot has lost more than his meteorite. His mind, perhaps? Did he not have a hairbrush to brush that thinning mop before going on the air? As you go through the day, try and look your best…it will make you feel better about yourself. Later Looking-Good Gaters! […]
Dispatches from Home – Horror and Death on the Day before Valentine’s Day.
“As a student in the 1960s, I knew only the legend of Dresden because it was just about all that was ever printed. Like so many others of my age, I had learned of the city’s destruction principally through a work of fiction: Kurt Vonnegut’s acidly surreal masterpiece, “Slaughterhouse-Five.” Frederick Taylor, author of “Dresden–Tuesday, February […]
This and That – EnterFear: The Next Wave! A Movie Premiere!
Good morning! What a fun night was had by all at the premiere of EnterFear: The Next Wave at Biloxi’s Premiere Lux Theater. Thanks to Tim Wall and Ryan Reinike for expanding my “movie career.” Strange seeing and hearing yourself on the silver screen. Mercy me! That’s all I needed…seeing my big nose get even […]
The Friday Funnies – A Good Book and Classical Art.
A good book and classical art. What more could a person ask for? Remember: Try and laugh while walking along life’s bumpy pathway. You have a choice—either you laugh or you cry. But Honey! Crying gives me a headache, a runny nose, and bloodshot eyes. Makes me look like I’ve been on a three-day drunk. […]
The Sunday Sermonette – A Rare Perfume.
In the mid-sixties, my Dad went to Chicago to visit his Father. While they were having breakfast in the dining room of the hotel where my Grandfather lived, they noticed an elderly woman just outside the dining room window struggling with some packages. Suddenly, she tottered and fell to the sidewalk. It […]
Dispatches from Home – Anne Frank’s Diary.
Good evening! Anne’s always been a fascination to me. She epitomizes the loss of an entire generation of Jewish teenagers in the Holocaust, who might have gone on to cure cancer, or write a world-famous novel, or paint a lasting image in oils. But her dreams, like the dreams of millions of Jews and Gentiles […]
The Friday Funnies – A Walk Down Memory Lane.
While wading through a slew of boxes filled with old papers and ring binders, I found my old KNS Publicity Folder from the early 90s. Its yellowing pages and envelopes packed with aging snaps brought a smile. Remembering all my friends who had entertained me over the years with their stage antics made me giggle. […]
This and That – Which One?
Good morning! For you philosophical types, here’s the burning question of the day: As we age, which is of greater importance, wisdom or intelligence? I’m getting ready for church, a comforting place to be in a world crumbling into madness. Later Contemplating Gaters! (Originally published October 4, 2020)
Dispatches from Home – Mr. Scrooge. The Old Teaching The New.
“Just think, young man,” Mr. Scrooge said with a sparkle in his eyes. “In an hour, this old theater will be packed to the balcony. “I’m scared,” said the young man with fear in his eyes. “My child, don’t be,” Mr. Scrooge said. “We rehearsed; we know our songs and our blocking. Just do what […]
This and That – A Streetcar Name Desire and Mo.
Greetings! Dear Mo as Stella in WATP’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Love this snap of her, such a lovely setting, so evocative. Big hug, ya’ll. (Originally published October 4, 2023)
Dispatches from Home – The Hand of God.
Morin’ Y’all! Ever endured a traumatic experience? Sudden loss of your job, home, or someone you love? Ever sat in the darkness of that loss, wondering where to go or who to turn to? Many will only turn to God when they are stumbling in the darkness, falling to their knees, begging for help and […]
This and That – Louie, Me and Fall!
Good morning everyone! What a lovely, cool morning it is. Even Bad-boy Louie is feelin’ it. Please start the week with a smile on your face and a song in your heart…try and end it that way too. Later Smiling Gaters! (Originally published October 3, 2022)
THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Fashionable Nerds.
For you youngsters (anyone under 45 ) who have wondered what hairstyles fashionable Nerds wore in the 1960s, here’s your answer. SNAP 1 – This nerdy Fashionista sports the Swooped-Back-With-One-Curl look. Pomade was a must. He augmented his look with oversized glasses in an effort to mask the freckles splashed across his face. A clip-on […]
This and That – National Son’s Day!
National Son’s Day! Well, ain’t nobody left but me, so I’ll wish myself a Happy Son’s Day. Later Gaters…who are Sons. (Originally published September 29, 2019)
Dispatches from Home – A Leap into Madness!
“This book explores the origins, manifestations, and treatment of Vaslav Nijinsky’s madness. The successful first half of his life has become legendary, but his breakdowns and terrible decline have never been fully described.” Thus begins Peter Ostwald’s powerfully evocative book about the life and times of one of the most successful performing artists of the […]
This and That – The Hourglass of Time.
Good morning on this crisp, cool morning. There are times I wish I could pour molasses into the hourglass of time. Big hug to all. (Originally published September 29, 2022.)
The Friday Funnies – Grandfather’s Ostrich.
For those of you who say I’m behind the times, let the record show the Kalbergs have always been on the cutting edge of technology. For evidence, I present a snap of my grandfather, Frank August Kalberg, Sr., and a lady friend of unknown origin. He told me the ostrich’s name was Silvester, who, on […]
The Sunday Sermonette – A Firm Foundation.
The Temple Mount’s Southern Wall, the Great Pyramid, the Parthenon, Norte Dame Cathedral, and the Lincoln Memorial—what do these monuments have in common? They each began with a cornerstone. This stone guaranteed the alignment of the edifices of these magnificent buildings. Since days of old, builders have used cornerstones in their building projects. It […]
Dispatches from Home – The – of Life.
For those of us who were privileged to know Dr. Bobby Perry, you know what a gentle but powerful man of God he was. His obituary was filled with his many lifelong accomplishments, as he took the gifts that God had given him, using them to bring folks from all walks of life to a […]
This and That – Mississippi Gulf Coast Theater.
The Coastal theater scene has been H-O-T HOT for several months now. First, it was Center Stages summer musical “Godspell.” Then it was “Xanadu,” produced by The Walter Anderson Theatre Project. Biloxi’s Little Theater’s production of “A Chorus Line” soon followed. And last, but certainly not least, was tonight’s production of “The Manchurian Candidate,” at […]
Dispatches from Home – The Ocean Liner Exhibition Has Sailed.
Greetings, Dear Ones! Thankfully, what took four weeks to create only took a mere three days to dismantle. The Ocean Liner Exhibition was a lifetime dream! A massive THANK YOU to those who made that dream come true. What would life be without dreams? Right? A big THANK YOU to all those who came to […]
Dispatches from Home – Good Memories!
Mornin’ Y’all! My dear friend, Janie Steel Walters, sent me this little happy via the morning post. As I age, I’ve found that a sense of humor-being able to laugh at yourself and your foibles-is worth its weight in gold. Gold may pass away, as will your youth, but the memory of a good laugh […]
This and That – Old Cemeteries.
Good afternoon on this lovely Sunday afternoon – I love old cemeteries with their amazing tombstones. This touching, lifelike statue is located in the Crystal Springs Cemetery in Crystal Springs MS. It honors Benson Mott Lockwood. Without a doubt, dear Mr. Lockwood loved his old dog. If I was going to have a pet, it […]
This and That – Peter Pan!
“Peter Pan” at Perkinston Community College 1992
The Sunday Sermonette – Ugly.
Don’t let the ugly in others kill the beauty in you because Life’s too short to dance with “ugly” people. Ponder this and go forth. (Originally published September 25, 2022)
Thank and That – Lend Me a Soprano!
Greetings! With apologies to Cole Porter, let me just say, “Another closin’, another show!” But what a show it was! Thank you, Center Stage, and the Cast, Crew, and Director of “Lend Me a Soprano” for a hilarious romp into the world of Grand Opera, with its bellowing sopranos, high-strung husbands, overbearing mothers, miscast lovers, […]
This and That – Good Afternoon From Edinburgh!
It’s a cold, blustery day, Christopher Robin. The past and present swirl all around me. From ancient St. Giles Cathedral, where the Queen lay in state, to numerous woolen shops selling everything from cashmere scarves and men’s and women’s kilts to long johns in every color. (No, don’t ask. I didn’t purchase either of […]
The Friday Funnies! Bell Peppers. Van Gogh. And A Dream
The Friday Funnies! Oh! My! Was it the stuffed bell peppers? That Sichuan spicy hot pot? Or was it the large bowl of shrimp creole? Whatever it was, I awoke last night from a horrible nightmare! I was trapped in a Van Gogh painting with no way out. Then I found out the painting was […]
The Sunday Sermonette – One Nest. Two Thoughts.
Several months ago, I trimmed Mom’s sixty-year-old nandina. With my trusty shears, I slashed away with all my might. Imagine my horror when cleaning up my mess, I saw a bird’s nest in the pile of branches. I picked it up. Thankfully, no eggs or baby birds were nestled within the woven architecture of […]
This and that – Good Morning On The Train To Edinburgh.
As we bid farewell to Merry ole England, I can’t help but enjoy the journey through the picturesque countryside. As the train whizzes through it, I’ve noticed one thing that both sides of the pond have in common: graffiti. Although most of it is gang-related, I can look past the gangs and enjoy the talent […]
This and that – Called out in Church!
Yikes! Called out in church this morning by my pastor, Dr. Jimmy Stewart. I was totally taken by surprise, to say the least. Someone asked me why I was not more “theatrical’? My reply? I’m not an improv actor. LOL! Sunday morning church…a good place to be. Some of y’all should try it sometime. (Big […]
Dispatches from Home – A Chorus Line.
ONE SINGULAR SENSATION! That’s my take on Friday night’s performance of Biloxi Little Theater’s production of “A Chorus Line.” A glittered top hat off to the gifted director, Aaron Lind, and his brilliantly talented cast and crew. Their months of “blood, sweat, and tears” paid off, as was evident by the audience’s reaction to this […]
This and That – Good morning on the train to Durham…I hope.
There was some snafu with our tickets. As the train steamed out of the station, we discovered we were on the wrong train. The conductress was none too pleased when she radioed to the engineer to stop the train. She herded us out like cattle, almost pushing us and our luggage onto the platform. There […]
This and That – Good morning from York.
We’re watching the Queen’s funeral on the telly from our hotel room in York’s Park Inn by Radisson. It’s somewhat surreal watching it all. Two weeks ago we were simply tourists taking in Westminster Abbey’s ancient grandeur. Today from the Abbey, we watch as mourners, as does much of the world. Sam and I are […]
This and That – Good morning on the train to York!
I’m sitting here in the gently rocking train carriage, watching the English countryside float by. In vast fields of new morn barley, wind turbines twirl. Flocks of blackbirds scratch the ground for their lunch, as fuzzy sheep meander in another field, also looking for their lunch. Overhead, cotton-candy clouds hold up the sky, the air […]
The Friday Funnies! Rumors! Rumors!
Whatever rumors you’ve heard about this fellow with crafty eyes and a snarky smile, please note that they are false, and the accusations are biased and unfounded. He’s innocent of all charges. Any pictures of him that you might see at your local Post Office have been put there by ne’er-do-wells intent on fanning the […]
The Sunday Sermonette – The Old Hymns Say It Best.
In times of spiritual light or darkness, I need thee. In times of wealth or poverty, I need thee. In times of sickness or health, I need thee. In times of war or peace, I need thee. In times of political turmoil or political tranquility, I need thee. In times of disbelief or belief, I […]
Dispatches from Home – The Color Purple!
The final performance of a play, especially a musical, is always bittersweet. There is a touch of happiness and sadness as the curtain closes and the stage lights dim. The glue that held the play together—rehearsals, set building, costume fittings, lighting, and sound—dissolves, and the cast and crew return to the real world. […]
This and That – Life’s Wounds!
Thought for the Day! I don’t know who needs to read this but please remember: Life’s wounds—death, divorce, betrayal, gossip, severed relationships, hateful boss, etc.—will never heal until you stop scratching the scab. Big hug y’all! (Originally published September 16, 2023)
Dispatches from Home – Former Things are Passed Away!
Greetings! This picture brought tears to this jaded, old fool’s eyes. What a profound statement in iron and marble that illustrates the Good Book’s words: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the […]
This and That – Good morning from Salisbury and the Isle of Wight!
How glorious the last two days have been! Salisbury Cathedral is beyond belief. This magnificent House of God, with its soaring gothic arches held high by clumps of massive columns, their bases surrounded by wreaths of worn roses, boasts some of the most intricate stained glass in the world.The artist’s palate of colored glass takes […]
The Sunday Sermonette – Old Hymns. Wise Words.
Because of THE OLD RUGGED CROSS, WHEN WE ALL GET TO HEAVEN, we can sing BLESSED ASSURANCE Jesus is mine. We should always HAVE FAITH IN GOD and pray for JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE. Never forget HOW FIRM A FOUNDATION is God’s love for His children. Like you, WHEN I SURVEY […]
This and That – Good morning on the train to Salisbury!
The lush English countryside is whizzing by at 95 miles an hour. The train’s packed with a cornucopia of different nationalities. It’s so cool to hear their different dialects and see their colorful clothing. As we race through the countryside, I can’t help but ponder what wonders await us in Salisbury. We’ll be pulling into […]
This and That – Good morning from London and Jack the Ripper!
It’s a bright, sunny morning. I’m sitting in the dining room of our lovely, old hotel, The Tavistock, enjoying the passing parade of Londoners rushing off to work. I enjoyed my traditional English breakfast—minus the baked beans. (Big smile.) Yesterday, we went to the Palace to see the massive floral tributes to the Queen, which […]
This and That – Good evening from London and the Queen’s Flowers!
When I think of England, I think of flowers. From the formal gardens of the aristocracy to simple WWII Victory gardens, dear old England is a garden all its own. And since the passing of the Queen, Buckingham Palace has become one massive floral display. We hailed a taxi to the Palace, getting as close […]
This and That – Good morning from London and the Hotel Travistock and 911!
The sun’s come out on this Sabbath day. Sam went to services this morning at St. Paul’s Cathedral. I decided to attend church in another “cathedral.” I’ve been sitting on a bench in the park across from our hotel. Watching the dappled sunlight drifting through the trees, I thought of God. Smiling at a laughing […]
This and That – RIP Poindexter.
Meanwhile in other news: Some days are diamonds and others are well. I opened the kitchen door that leads into the garage and lo and behold, there lies poor, dead Poindexter the Possum. But life must go forward and so will he, right into a heavy plastic bag and into ye ol’ garbage can. That […]
Dispatches from Home – The Beginning and the End. The Rasputin File.
Following up on last week’s book about Nicholas and Alexandra’s lost life and times, I could not pass up a book about Rasputin, one of the main characters involved in the collapse of the Romanovs. Edvard Radzinski’s “The Rasputin File” begins with this sentence: “On 19 December 1916, just before Christmas in the last December […]
The Sunday Sermonette – Between Two Worlds.
When I was a teenager in the mid-60s, Saturday mornings at our house were busy: washing clothes, dusting, vacuuming, and cutting the grass. The afternoons, however, were not, and watching the Saturday Matinee Movie via Dad’s Zenith TV was part of the even tenor of those long-lost days. Dad had already seen one […]
This and That – Good Evening from London and The British Museum!
Today I fulfilled another dream. I went to the British Museum and perused three things on my museum to-see list: the Parthenon’s Elgin Marbles, the Rosetta Stone, and the Egyptian Gallery. Oh! Dear Gussy! I wandered for over 4 hours in awe at the ancient monuments and statues. Ropes that were over four thousand years […]
The Friday Funnies – Tales from the Kitchen. Part 4!
The old adage is true: “While the Boss is away, the mice will play!” Well, this old mouse took advantage of Chef Magnifique Adam ridin’ someone else’s coattails to kill two birds with one stone, or should I say pot? While stirring my pot yet again, I cooked hamburger meat, the aroma of spices and […]
Dispatches from Home – Miss Emma and A Chasing of the Wind.
Small world, ain’t it! This wonderful house is owned by Mrs. Emma Foy, a grand dame from the Old School, as we say down South. While searching the internet for a snap of a grand old house to use on the cover of my novel, “A Chasing of the Wind,” I came across Miss Emma’s […]
This and That – Come to the Cabaret!
Loved this show at the Biloxi Little Theater and love the man playing the Emcee, Sean Maurer. I’ve known him since he was just a wee snap of a boy, and now he’s playing the same role I did over 30 years ago. Break a leg, my friend! I’ll see you at the Cabaret! Big […]
This and That – Heaven or Hell?
Thought for the day: This quote was in the Sound Off section of today’s fish wrapper: “Heaven has a wall, a gate, and a strict immigration policy. Hell has open borders. Let that sink in.” (Originally published September 6, 2018)
This and That – Bath, England.
Good evening from London! Our day in Bath was over the top amazing. It was like walking back in time. The ancient Roman baths, Jane Austin’s house, the Royal Crescent, and the jewel in the crown, Bath Abbey. I sat in awe, looking at the centuries-old stained glass and the soaring columns supporting the ribbed […]
Dispatches from Home – The Allure of Charles Dickens.
Jason Follett on the Facebook site—Celebrating British & Irish Entertainment—wrote this about one of my favorite authors, Charles Dickens. “Charles Dickens’ novels were immensely popular across all social classes, including the illiterate poor, during the 19th century. His works, rich in vivid characters and dramatic storytelling, captured the imaginations of many, regardless of their ability […]
Dispatches from Home – Love Thy Neighbor.
“If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture–Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself–ye do well.” Everyone deserves a gentle word or a simple act of kindness, regardless if they are in your comfort zone or not. As you pass others today, try to see them through God’s eyes…struggling fellow sinners in need […]
This and That – Greetings from London and Highclere Castle!
Four words say it all: Highclere Castle and Downton Abbey! The house and grounds in person are beyond words. Watching the series on the telly does not do the rooms justice when seen in the flesh, as it were. We were there for six hours! Ate there too. One bit of excitement, our train ride […]
This and That – Hurricane Dorian 2019.
As dawn broke across the dark, icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Titanic’s lucky survivors breathed a sigh of relief–the S.S. Carpathia was steaming toward them. Cheers filled the air, tears streamed down faces. I can’t help but believe that the victims of Hurricane Dorian would do the same if they saw a fleet […]
This and That – Sunday in London!
Good evening from Merry Ole England!!! At long last, I got my phone problem fixed. Yay!!! The plane rides over…long, trying but not too bad. Yet again, I was accused of being someone famous…more about that later. LOL! Big Ben is very big. Parliament is amazing, and The Mousetrap was delightful. Saw the Palace this […]
This and That – A Pious Moralist.
“I’m convinced that Jesus is better glorified by the quiet and constant devotion of a wounded warrior than the noisy and smug boast of a pious moralist.” Amen, Dr. Dean Register, my former Pastor! (Originally published September 2, 2016)
This and That – Thanks CNN!
Twelve years after Katrina, according to the news, Mississippi was not even hit, although my dear state took a direct hit from the storm! This is a CNN weatherman’s statement: “August 29, 2005:Katrina made landfall in Louisiana after passing over south Florida and gaining power in the Gulf of Mexico. The storm topped the levees […]
This and That – King of the Fairies!
Fall–cool Fall–come soon! This snap was taken for GLT’s 1999 production of “Celtic Secret.” It was a retelling of Finn McCool and his battle with the evil fairies of the fey. Jonathan Szymanski and Lacey Jones are in the snap, too. I portrayed the wily Finn McCool—King of the Fairies. Don’t go there! LOL! Later […]
This and That – Titanic Discovered!
Greetings, Y’all! Thirty-three years ago, we were battening down the hatches, awaiting the arrival of Hurricane Elena. She made landfall on September 2 as a Category 3 hurricane, sashaying up Gulfport’s 25th Avenue with pounding wind and heavy rain. Because the Coast had other things on its mind, we missed the announcement of one of […]
Dispatches from Home – The First and the Last: TSAR – THE LOST WORLD OF NICHOLAS AND ALEXANDRA.
This book, by author Peter Kurth, begins thusly: “The morning of March 6, 1913, was cloudy in St. Petersburg—laden would be a better word to describe the heavy skies, the mist, the torrent of rain, and occasional roll of thunder that broke over the city on what was meant to be a day of national […]
This and That – And He’s Off!
And he’s off! Dropped Mr. K at the airport this morning to start his England adventure. Please note it was 83 degrees outside but yet…his dad’s wool coat and his 1980s American Tourister carry-on were the perfect accessories for his TSA entrance. (Originally published September 1, 2022, by David Delk., as I boarded the plane […]
This and That – God’s Leaf.
I picked up this leaf while strolling through London’s St. James Park a year ago today. It reminds me of God’s worldwide beauty. Big hug. (Originally published September 2, 2023)
The Sunday Sermonette – No Greater Love.
As the bow of the magnificent RMS Titanic sank deeper into the fridged, indigo-blue waters of the North Atlantic, the sound of screeching escaping steam from her boilers and the deep rumble of twisting, snapping steel from deep inside her filled the air. Surrounded by a pushing crowd of frightened children, weeping women, and stalwart […]
This and That – Watch out for Louie!
Greetings! Will someone please watch over my dear Louie in my absence? He’s been crying for days because he’s being left behind. Of course, in true Louie fashion, he’s been wiping those salty tears with a silk nose rag. (Oh! Vey! He’s such the prissy boy, but don’t tell him I said that. ( ) […]
This and That – Thank you, Mr. Director!
Dear Director, I shall never forget the way you taught me a lesson about vanity and the value of a good role versus a big line load. I have played lots of good roles since we last met and have been directed by some excellent teachers. Let’s get on the boards again! (Originally published August […]
Dispatches from Home – Biloxi Bacon!
Greetings! I borrowed this from The Point Facebook site. It was posted by Archie Louis Sellier Jr. I thought Coastal Friends and Family would find it interesting. Surely, during the Civil War, the Yankees weren’t fooled by…well…read and make up your own mind. Later Gaters! Biloxi Bacon: “While on the pier today catching minnows for […]
This and That – Free-Shot!
NOTE TO SELF: Slow down and concentrate when getting dressed! Remember to put your clothes on in this order: underwear, short pants (in summer), shirt, and shoes. That way, when you dash off to Rouses for grocery shopping, you won’t get out of your car and realize you’re bereft of your short pants. I’m sure […]
Dispatches from Home – The Creature From the Black Lagoon!
FUN TIME! Name the first horror picture you saw that scared you to death…and why. Me? “The Creature From The Black Lagoon!” It was the first time a body suit was worn to create a monster. When that long, bony, claw-like hand came out of the water, and I first saw the creature’s eyes, I […]
This and That – Hurricane Ida, Louie, and Me!
Greetings! I’m happy to report that Louie and I passed a good night. He fluttered around all night, worried about which velvet knee-britches, silk hair bows and lace cravats to pack in case we had to head north. He’s such a wuss. As of 9:23 a.m. the winds have died down, even the rain has […]
This and That – Not plaster, bricks, or pilasters!
Dear family and friends: Katrina, fifteen years ago today! Lest we forget. In national news and papers, it seems First Baptist Church Gulfport was a favorite site for reporting. I was interviewed three times by roving news teams. Once by a Houston TV station, once by a CNN team, and finally by a team from […]