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)
Anthony Kalberg
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 […]
This and That – Just leave Mr. Kaepernick!
I’d “like” his expressed beliefs better if he’d put feet to his convictions, stop playing football, give away his hugely inflated salary to the poor, and go do community work in the ghetto of his choice. After that, leave this country that he so deplores and go live in another country of his choice. Just […]
This and That – H.O.P.E.
H.O.P.E. = Hold On Pain Ends! In light of all that’s happening in our dear country, it’s good to remember to hope, because God makes all things right in the end. As the Good Book states: And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, […]
This and That – Weston, Uncle Andy, and Disney World
Greetings! Weston and his Uncle Andy at Disney World in January 2006. The Signs were kind enough to invite me for a little R+R after the great storm of 2005. 13 years ago…hard to believe. The boy’s now taller than me, but true to form…I still have that sweater. Later Gaters! (Orginally published August 28, […]
This and That – Happy National Bowtie Day!
Happy National Bow-tie Day! Such a dapper addition to any man’s wardrobe. Go forth into the world and wear one with pride. Later Bow-Tie-Wearing Gaters! (Originally published August 28, 2020)
The Sunday Sermonette – Kindness.
This will be my last Sunday Sermonette for a while, as I will be on holiday in England for three weeks. In my absence, please remember that we sometimes fail to extend simple acts of kindness to those we know. You can think about what you should do, but do you usually wait? For peace […]
Dispatches from Home – A Few Words From Job Jr.
One month ago, our in-ground pump, with which I water our lawn, rusted out and had to be replaced. About that time, lightning struck a towering pine tree in our neighbor’s yard, taking out our air conditioning, my answering machine, and my computer. The a/c was up and running by late afternoon the next day; […]
The Sunday Sermonette – Jesus Is Coming Again!
Good morning Family and Friends! I’ve seen this post shared on many Facebook pages. And now, after a few embellishments of my own, I’m sharing it with you. I haven’t studied the Bible nearly as much as I should have in my life, and there are many things in it that I don’t understand, yet […]
The Friday Funnies – Mae West!
The Friday Funnies – The ever-delightful Miss West is correct: there’s no excuse for not having a good time! And that’s what I intend to do while away. This will be my last Friday Funnies for the next three weeks, as I’ll be in England and Scotland. So in my absence, don’t forget to laugh, […]
Dispatches from Home – Empty Mansions!
The First Lines and Last Lines of the book EMPTY MANSIONS, THE MYSTERIOUS LIFE OF HUGUETTE CLARK. “Huguette and Andree, daughters of the multimillionaire former senator W.A. Clark, arrived in New York Harbor in July 1910, immigrants to their own country.” So begins this fascinating book, which reveals a complex portrait of a secretive lady […]
The Friday Funnies! The Hindenburg…Well…Sorta.
I always wanted to travel by zeppelin, especially on an airship like the Hindenburg—filled with helium and not hydrogen, of course. However, I’ll pass on this latest zeppelin creation christened the Hindenbutt. Whatever your favorite mode of travel is, don’t forget to have a good laugh while enjoying the sights. Big hug. Originally published August […]
The Sunday Sermonette – From Stumps to Eternity.
For those privileged to have grown up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we know that in the oven of August, two dates—and two alone—stand out: the 17th and the 29th. Those dates conjure haunting memories of masses of towering debris, the screech of chainsaws, and the briny stench of death. As we dug […]
Dispatches from Home – The Passing of James Henry LeBatard.
Goodbye, Dear James Henry. I knew the laugh before I knew the man. It was a bellowing hoop-of-a-laugh, and I first heard it over 25 years ago at an audition for “Scrooge, The Musical,” directed by Kinard Fite at the Saenger Theater. I did or said something silly during the audition and then heard “the […]
This and That – Seven Words!
These seven words are said to be the most expressive in the English language. The most beautiful word is LOVE. The most tragic word is DEATH. The most revered word is MOTHER. The warmest word is FRIENDSHIP. The coldest word is NO. The saddest word is FORGOTTEN. And the most bitter word is LONELINESS. Please […]
This and That – Dracula Here I Come…Again!
Greetings! ! Yay! And double yay! It’s official, and I have permission to announce that I’ll be portraying over-the-top crazy Renfield in Center Stage’s upcoming production of “Dracula.” Renfield and I last played together on-stage during Gulfport Little Theater’s 1985 production, directed by Eddie Farnham. Getting to romp with him again on stage is the […]
This and That – A Passing Gulfport Icon, Helen Cranford.
I saw in today’s fish wrapper that Helen Cranford passed away on August 7, 2014. Her obituary was short, as was she, but it did not begin to express what she once meant to downtown Gulfport. Her café, Helen’s Café, was a local watering hole for the Gulfport breakfast and lunch crowd. It was located […]
The Friday Funnies! Tales from the Kitchen Part II.
Good news/Bad news. The good news: I got my old job back as Chief Pot Stirrer. Bad news: No gift without a price. A fellow kitchen worker (no names mentioned) told Adam, our Chef Magnifique, of my dismay after being demoted. He politely apologized and told me I was the best Pot Stirrer of […]
This and That – The Edgewater Mall and Aviator Glasses.
Greetings Gaters! Who remembers when the Edgewater Mall looked like this? And Gene Warr’s? The only store at the mall where puny me could purchase a decent suit. I had other suits just like this one in black, French blue, and puke green. No…Mr. Warr did not sell aviator glasses. And Hobbyville…that’s another story for […]
THE SUNDAY SERMONETTE – Pushin’ Forward.
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)
This and That – Old College Days!
For all you High School graduates going off to college, know this. One day, you, too, will look back on your fifty-year-old college pictures and laugh about a silly, fond memory from long ago. These were some of my college chums making merry in my dorm room. Please note my state-of-the-art sound system with its […]
THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – The Good Old Days!
Ah! The Good Old Days when milady preferred driving an ostrich instead of a Nash Rambler. As you go through the day, remember the wise words of Will Rogers: “We’re all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can.” Later Laughing Gaters! (Originally published August 20, 2021)
The Sunday Sermonette – Marble and Paint.
“Cart this back to the quarry if you want to,” a struggling Renaissance sculptor said, putting down his hammer and chisel in exasperation. “This block of marble’s useless.” And then it sat for 24 years, exposed to the elements in a church’s backyard until another Renaissance sculptor said, “Bring it to my shop. I see […]
The Friday Funnies – Downton Abbey, Here I Come.
Imagine my delight when Sam informed me that the aristocratic Crawley Family had invited us to a Fancy Dress Ball at Downton Abbey. I thought it bizarre that they were having a party at which everyone wears a dress, but you know…those English folk and their aristocratic eccentricities. 😉 Wellington rushed me to the Mystic […]
Dispatches from Home – The Picture of Dorian Gray.
THE FIRST LINES AND LAST LINES – THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY “The studio was filled with the rich odour of roses, and when the light summer wind stirred amidst the trees of the garden, there came through the open door the heavy scent of the lilac, or the more delicate perfume of the pink-flowering […]
Dispatches from Home – Theater, 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 their […]
This and That – Peter Pan Revisited.
Greetings! Well, what goes ’round comes ’round, as they say. Over twenty-five years ago, I was privileged to tread the boards with the Perk Players in Kathryn Lewis’ production of Peter Pan. She went against type and cast me as mean ol’ Captain Hook. Come November 13th of 2018, I’ll once again be in Peter […]
The Friday Funnies! The Carousel of Life.
The famous Carousel Bar in the Monteleone Hotel, a bit of bubbly, and you gotta hold on as it goes ‘round and ‘round. Remember: Each day that you breathe, as your carousel turns, Remember to laugh, a lesson well learned. Each day that you sigh, as life slows you down. A laugh keeps your carousel […]
The Sunday Sermonette – Almost Persuaded.
In the early days of World War II, the British War Cabinet was split over whether to discuss peace terms with Hitler or to continue fighting. In those dark days, the Luftwaffe was bombing London, along with other cities and towns. The devastation was horrific, the loss of life appalling. In the face of seemingly […]
Dispatches from Home: Camille August 17, 1969. Fifty Years Ago.
The crazy, chaotic summer of 1969 is remembered for many things: Woodstock, Chappaquiddick, the moon landing, the Zodiac Killer, and Charles Manson. But for those of us who lived on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we remember only one thing about that summer: Hurricane Camille. Her very name conjures visions of apocalyptic destruction, heartache, […]
This and That – August 17th, 1969.
AUGUST 17TH 1969 – Lest We Forget. Thank you, Father, for saving Mom, Dad, and me during that terrifying night. Let us lift the memory of those who did perish to Heaven above. For those who survived that night and the horrific aftermath that followed, it is something acid-etched in our memories, never to be […]
Dispatches from Home – Camille 54 Years Ago.
On this date, fifty-four years ago, at exactly 9:28 p.m., the electricity failed at 1007 Wilson Drive. When it was restored three weeks later, the Mississippi Gulf Coast of my childhood was nothing more than a sepia-toned memory. Lest we forget those 250 souls, who perished in the storm’s savage winds and surging water, along […]
This and That – Left Behind!
Alas, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” May God protect those facing the onslaught of the Taliban. This is not a political post, trying to place blame. It is a post about the loss of human lives, God’s children. Look to the East… (Originally posted August 16, 2021)
The Friday Funnies – Suppertime!
Oh! How the mighty have fallen. I was once the Chief Pot Stirrer for Wednesday night suppers at FBC Gulfport. Due to a tempest in a garbage can, as opposed to a teapot, I’m now the Chief Pot Scraper and Garbage Taker Outer 3rd class. Oh! Woe is me! However, today. don’t let life get […]
This and That – Norman Rockwell and Gossip.
I love me some Norman Rockwell paintings! They are as quintessentially American as Elvis, apple pie, and baseball. In 47 years with the Saturday Evening Post Magazine, he painted 323 Post covers. One of my favorite covers is simply titled “Gossip.” On the canvas, he painted many people gossiping away on the phone. Ever done […]
Dispatches from Home – We are all Travelers in the Wilderness…
“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world. And the best that we find in our travels is an honest friend. Man is forced to be alone by the very nature of society. But if you meet a person who is not envious,who loves and appreciates whatever is noble and loving in another…then […]
This and That – Kind Words and Wise People.
Thought for the day from Open Windows: “Kind words are good medicine, but deceitful words can really hurt.” Boy! Howdy! Do I need to remember Proverbs 15:4. It describes two different people – one wise and the other ignorant. “The wise person thinks before speaking, is open to advice and counsel, and encourages others. The […]
The Sunday Sermonette – The Backwaters of Time.
The backwaters of time are teaming with precious, lost moments. Those moments flash before our eyes and then sink into the quicksand of memory. Quickly seize the moments that God bequeaths to you today – – once gone, lost forever. Ponder this and go forth. (Originally published August 14 2022)
This and That – Absurd Person Singular.
Throwback Thursday – Wow! In a theater long, long ago… Eddie is one of my all-time favorite directors! What fun times we had. And her able assistant, D. Delk, one of my oldest, dearest friends. Dear Chester…gone but not forgotten. For those of you who have directed, as you know, there’s always that one cast […]
THE FRIDAY FUNNIES – Cinnamon Toast.
Note to self, when making cinnamon toast for breakfast: A — if it’s still dark, use a bright, bright light. B — use proper ingredients, making sure to separate lookalike spice bottles. C – upon discovering a mistaken spice selection, soldier on, remembering the old adage, waste not want not…and reread point B. As your […]