Greetings! 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 bigger […]
Anthony Kalberg
The Friday Funnies – Hemingway and Classical Art.
Greetings! A good book and classical art. What more could a person ask for? Right? Remember: Try to 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 […]
The Sunday Sermonette – A Lesson Not Learned.
Having lived off and on in the same house for over sixty years, its walls echo with memories—some make me laugh, others tug at my heart, and a few are burned (literally) into my mind. My childhood Sundays were wrapped around a peaceful routine. Mom, Dad, and I would come home from church, and upon […]
Dispatches from Home – Waiting for the Show to Begin.
“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,” the young man said, fear evident in his eyes. “My child, don’t be,” Mr. Scrooge said. “We rehearsed; we know our songs and our blocking. Just do what […]
The Friday Funnies – A Walk Down Memory Lane.
While sifting through a stack of boxes filled with old papers and ring binders, I came across my old KNS Publicity Folder from the early 1990s. 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 […]
The Friday Funnies! Who Are Your Friends.
Oi! Vey! Such a heartbreak! When your dearest friends push you out of the last lifeboat leaving the Titanic, it might be time to reconsider their friendly bond. Y’all have a great weekend and be safe. Big hug.
This and That – A Sudden Lost is Difficult.
Greetings! Ever endure 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 a […]
The Friday Funnies! A Boar and A Bore.
While talking with my friend, Billy the Boar, he yawned. “Am I boring you?” I asked, “You’ve yawned five times.” Billy the Boar, quick on his four hoofs, responded, “I wasn’t yawning. They were unsuccessful attempts to speak.” And there you have it. Laugh with vigor today; it will make you feel better. Later Don’t-Be-A- […]
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 […]
The Friday Funnies – Grandfather and Silvester.
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 Sure Foundation.
The Temple Mount’s Southern Wall, the Great Pyramid, the Parthenon, Notre 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 the days of old, builders have used cornerstones in their building projects. It […]
What Do You See?
When I look out across the sprawling Gulf, Sometimes placid, sometimes rough. I often see billowing clouds of fluffy white, Splashed with dashes of dazzling light. They float in majesty across Heaven’s azure-blue sky, Where endless wonders meet my eye. Sometimes I spy a face, a ship, or a crown, As Father God, His glories […]
This and That – Old Times. Old Friends.
Greetings! What a fun time we had last night at Steve’s Marina in Long Beach! The camaraderie of old friends from FBC Gulfport never wanes. Happy times. Silly stories. And precious memories. These make our golden years golden. Thanks, y’all! Take care. Be safe. Big hug. (Originally posted September 28, 2024)
The Sunday Sermonette – What Do You See?
When I was a child riding in the back seat of Dad’s 1959 Nash Rambler, I often looked out the window at the mountainous clouds climbing upward toward Heaven. In my childlike mind, the clouds were my best friends, charming me with cloud pictures of fascinating creatures, flying ships, and laughing giants, all waving […]
The Friday Funnies – Guys and Dolls and Striped Suits.
“Hey, Sky Masterson!” said Nathan Detroit. “Why are your suit stripes bigger than mine?” “Because, Mr. Nathan Detroit,” said Sky Massterson, “My costume designer had a bigger paintbrush than yours did.” And that, dear friends, is the fashion news from the theatrical world of Off, Off, Off-Broadway. Big hug, y’all. (Originally posted September 27, 2024)
This and That – A Little Happy on a Fall Morning.
Greetings! My dear friend, Janie Still 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 […]
Dispatches from Home – A Man and His Dog.
Greetings! I love old cemeteries with their amazing tombstones. This touching, lifelike statue is located in the Crystal Springs Cemetery in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. It honors Benson Mott Lockwood. Without a doubt, dear Mr. Lockwood loved his old dog. If I were going to have a pet, it would be a dog. They love unconditionally…how […]
Dispatches from Home – Our Voyage Has Ended.
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 […]
The Friday Funnies – Don’t Lose Your Sense of Humor.
Father God, with the world in freefall, please don’t let us lose our sense of humor. Please give us the wisdom to laugh at a good joke, to glean humor from our everyday pratfalls, and to pass our sense of humor on to others. With this in mind, my friends, I post the following. Big […]
The Friday Funnies! The Same Old Bull.
Meanwhile, in other news…ain’t it the truth, ain’t it the truth. Just remember, boys and girls, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” Who do you need to have a good laugh with today? Later Non-Bullish-Gaters! (Originally posted September 24, 2021)
The Sunday Sermonette – Old Lady Ramsey and the Dog Sled.
In the 1970s, Wednesday Night suppers at dear old First Baptist Church, Gulfport, were hot-ticket items. The Fellowship Hall was a bustling beehive of clattering restaurant china and well-worn stainless steel cutlery. The tempting aroma of fried chicken, cornbread, and turnip greens beckoned from the kitchen. The room echoed with high-pitched laughter and bubbling conversation. […]
This and That – The Women and Supper.
Greetings! Just returned from a delightful evening with dear friends and a jaunt to the theater. Center Stage’s The Woman is “the story of contented, kindly Mary Haines, a well-off woman living in 1930s New York City. She’s the envy of her friends, with a happy marriage, adorable children, and a comfortable home. Unfortunately, she […]
Dispatches from Home – Mississippi’s Many Extremes.
Mississippi – a place of extremes. Wealth and poverty. Knowledge and ignorance. Love and hate. Beauty and squalor. Famous and infamous. Divine and secular. But there’s nowhere else I’d rather live, and I thank God most every day that He allowed me to be born in this state of extremes, in which I learned how […]
This and That – Hello, hello, hello.
Greetings, on this cool, crisp day! Here’s a thought: When was the last time you took the time to call, write, or email an old friend, family member, or loved one to tell them how much they have meant to you over the years? What? You never have? Well, today’s the day to do so. […]
The Friday Funnies! Lost in a Van Gogh Painting.
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 remembered the painting was a bedroom in an […]
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 its […]
This and That – Good Morning on the Train to Edinburgh, Goodbye to Merry ole England.
As the train whizzes through the countryside, I’ve noticed one thing that both sides of the pond have in common: graffiti. Although most of it’s gang-related, I can look past the gangs and enjoy the talent involved. Yesterday, we toured the city of Durham and its ponderously magnificent cathedral. Of all the cathedrals we’ve visited, […]
The Sunday Sermonette – A Successful Transition.
Remember this old story? At the dawn of the last century, a weary missionary made his way home after decades spent in Africa. He poured his heart into sharing Jesus’ love, offering comfort and mercy wherever he could, and telling others about the plan of salvation. Yet, after forty years, not a single soul […]
This and That – Good Morning on the Train to Durham…I hope.
Good morning on the train to Durham…I hope. There was some snafu with our tickets while we were boarding. The train was about to steam out of the station, but the conductress didn’t kick us off the train. I hope we don’t end up back in D’Lo. LOL. When we ended up in the next […]
The Friday Funnies! Tales from the Kitchen Part 5.
The taco salad at FBC Gulfport’s Wednesday Night supper was delish, and the homemade banana pudding was, too! However, some of the kiddies wanted ice cream. I told them we had plenty. But, alas, I discovered we didn’t. When I informed the little ones of our dilemma, well, to say the least, my message was […]
Dispatches fom Home – It’s Been One of Those Days and Nights!
Greetings! Ever have one of those days and nights? Yesterday, wow, a great day! Got the yard in tiptop shape. Shopped for the Outlet Mall Christmas display. Had a delightful supper compliments of the Half-Shell Oyster House. Came home and watched one of my favorite movies, “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Then I brushed my teeth. […]
This and That – Good morning from York.
We’re watching the Queen’s funeral on the telly. It’s somewhat surreal watching it all. Two weeks ago, we were simply tourists taking in the Abbey’s ancient grandeur. Today, we watch, as does much of the world, as mourners, witnesses to the passing of the crown from Queen to King and the end of an era. […]
The Friday Funnies! Helpful Hints for the Elderly #1.
Are you like me? Spend half your time thinking about what you need to do, then spend the next half trying to remember what it was? Oi! Vey! However, I’m thankful Dr. Spencer Silver invented the Post-It for old-timers like me. If you forget to laugh today, use a Post-It to remind you to do […]
This and That – 42nd Street and Tapping Feet.
Greetings! I cut my Broadway teeth on this fabulous show, way back in 1984. The massive crystal chandeliers in the wonderful old St. James Theater dimmed, and suddenly the theater was filled with what sounded like thunder. Then, very slowly, the curtain started to rise, and lo and behold, the stage was alive with a […]
The Friday Funnies – Crafty Eyes and Snarky Smile.
Whatever rumors you’ve heard about this fellow with crafty eyes and snarky smile, please note: they are false, the accusations 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 rumor mill. () Today, […]
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 Sea and Me.
Greetings! I love a good walk to the beach. And today, mercy me, it was a cloudy, blustery day, Christopher Robin. I love the feel of the wind fluttering through my clothes. I love the smell of the sea and the cool mist as it hovers overhead. Love hearing the crunching oak leaves beneath my […]
This and That – The Scabs of Life.
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 posted September 16, 2023)
Dispatches from Home – “Ride the Cyclone!”
Greetings! After fifty years of attending theater along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I sometimes find myself yawning and thinking, “Oy Vey! Another opening, another show!” However, then, something wholly unique and exhilarating comes along, and from the moment the house lights dim and the stage lights come up, you are swept into another world of […]
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 palette of colored glass […]
Resurgence After Evil.
Resurgence After Evil. In many hearts, Evil lies! It crouches and lurks in the darkness, awaiting a prize. Wicked whispers haunt its every thought, It cares little for the suffering it has wrought. Evil laughs at the families it has crushed, And is thankful for the voices it has hushed. Evil harbors anger, hate, and […]
The Sunday Sermonette – Resurgence After Evil.
Resurgence After Evil. In many hearts, Evil lies! It crouches and lurks in the darkness, awaiting a prize. Wicked whispers haunt its every thought, It cares little for the suffering it has wrought. Evil laughs at the families it has crushed, And is thankful for the voices it […]
Dispatches from Home – Forgivness is Hard.
Greetings! I have been dismayed by people who have applauded the murder of Mr. Kirk. Whether you agree or disagree with what he said and stood for, no human deserves to be murdered in cold blood in front of his/her family. I believe in free speech. You wanna yell. “Fire!” in a theater, go right […]
This and That – On the Train to Salisbury.
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. 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 […]
The Friday Funnies – Jim Cantore and Prissy Louie.
If you see prissy Louie, please don’t say anything about the storm. We’re fine, but Louie—the bad boy he thinks he is—spent most of Wednesday night under the bed. () When he heard Jim Cantore on the telly, he got it into his tousled, blonde head that Hurricane Francine would be as bad as Katrina […]
This and That – Jack the Ripper and Her Majesty’s Requiem.
Good morning from London! It’s a bright sunny morning. I’m sitting in our hotel’s dining room, enjoying the passing parade of Londoners rushing off to work. I enjoyed my traditional English breakfast…minus the baked beans. (Big smile ) We’re off to Buckingham Palace this morning to see the massive floral tributes to the Queen. I’ve […]
This and That – The Queen’s Flowers at Buckingham Palace.
Good evening from London. 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 […]
This and That – A Sabbath Day in London.
Good morning from London. The sun’s come out on this Sabbath day. Sam went to divine 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 the Tavistock Hotel, where we are staying, watching the dappled sunlight drifting through […]
This and That – Charles Dickens and Moi!
Good morning from London! Thank you, Sam, for taking this happy snap just before history took a spin. It was a historic time to be in England when Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away. I’m holding my “Christmas Carol” script. I’ll be in high gear when I get home, preparing for Center Stage’s production […]
This and That – Alas, Poor Poindexter, I Knew Him, Horatio.
Meanwhile, in other news: Some days are diamonds and others are… Imagine my surprise this morning when I opened my kitchen door, 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 […]
This and That – The Day Queen Elizabeth II Passed Away.
Good evening from London! We went to Westminster Abbey this afternoon. I was awestruck by its majesty and grandeur. Sam and I decided to go our separate ways while in the Abbey. Later in the day, I went looking for him and found him in the tomb where Elisabeth I was interned. With an ashen […]
Autumn’s Gentle Whisper.
Long-anticipated cool Fall air, come drift softly through my trees, As you whisper sweetly, “It’s time,” to all their trembling leaves. I’ll gladly watch them spin, gently to the ground, In shimmering shades of crimson-orange and ginger-golden brown, Dear Fall, please send your chill, that nips and tingles in the night, As it tenderly caresses […]
Miss Aggie’s Poem.
Your dear old house is silent and dark, The sharp sickle of Death has left its mark. It’s hard to fathom that you’re no longer there, You were such a good neighbor, and that is so rare. Your fading flowers and withering grass of green, Conjure memories of your yard, always […]
Who’s the Fairest?
Mirror, mirror on the wall, Who’s the fairest of them all? “Say who?” says me. “It’s you!” says thee. So, it’s not Snow White? “She ditched her Knight?” Now, there’s a flash, A box office crash? Thank you, Mirror, for your kind vote, It causes my old spirits upward to […]
Winter and Summer!
From Winter’s fluffy-white snow, To Summer’s luscious green. The luminous seasons charm us, With enchanting wonders to be seen. Each brings its sumptuous seasonal delights, From crunchy leaves to sunsets mellow. In accordance with God’s holy plan, they sojourn not, Their memories played on a heavenly cello. Each season comes, each […]
When The End Is Near.
I am made of words and laughter, And heavenly winds from above. Part of me is grief, And part of me is love. When my end is hovering near, And life is fading fast, I’ll cling to dearest friends, Who loved me to the last. (A poem by Anthony Wayne Kalberg, May […]
The Little House On Pass Road.
There’s a little house on Pass Road, That is much more than just a humble abode. My friends call the little house home, From its proverbial cellar to its proverbial dome. With its little green shutters and inviting etched-glass front door, It’s a reservoir of laughter, happy times, and so much more. Though not an […]
Sail Away With Me!
It’s Summer! Come sail away with me, The best is yet to be! Come dance away with me, And then we both shall see. The dying sun and feel its heat, And toast them both with champagne sweet. And when at last our summer’s done, When Fall eclipses our summer sun. Will laugh and sing […]
A Poem for Memorial Day 2018
Some soldiers lie in hallowed ground, Beneath rows of crosses white. Death can no longer touch them, With his blacken wings of fright. Others lie in less hallowed ground, Beneath the hard, cold sod. Their final resting place unknown, Except by Holy God. Yet, soldiers are still called today, And […]
This and That – The Elgin Marbles. The Rosetta Stone. And Me!
Good Evening from London! Today I fulfilled another dream. I visited the British Museum and explored three items on my museum to-see list: the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, 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 […]
The Sunday Sermonette – A Light That Never Dims.
In the late 1950s, Mom, Dad, and I lived at 5204 Greater Avenue in Biloxi. The late summer nights were warm because our house had no air conditioning. Lying in my little bed, I fell asleep to the steady rhythm of the attic fan. Many nights, as sleep hovered in both eyes, I took one […]
Dispatches from Home – “A Chasing of the Wind” and Mrs. Emma Foy.
Greetings! Small world, ain’t it! This wonderful house is owned by Mrs. Emma Foy, a grand dame of 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 Mrs. […]
This and That – Bath, Jane Austin, and the Royal Crescent.
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 stained glass, centuries old, as were the soaring columns supporting the ribbed […]
The Friday Funnies – A Musical Mishap.
Gentlemen, be warned! This eye-catching, tuba latrine is the latest refurbishment at the D’Lo Concert Hall. In keeping with the building’s musical tastes, it was created by the Hall’s interior designer, Thatcher T. Bumgarden. However, at the grand opening, disaster soon raised its ugly head. According to the D’Lo Dispatch, the latrine was christened by […]
Dispatches from Home – Reflections of the Lord’s Love.
“If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture–Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself–ye do well.” Everyone deserves a gentle word or a simple act of kindness, regardless of whether 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 […]
This and That – Good Evening from London!
Good evening from London! 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 […]
This and That – Memories of England.
Good evening from Merry Ole England!!! At long last, I got my phone problem fixed. Yay!!! The plane’s ride over was 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 amazing. The Mousetrap delightful. Saw the Palace this afternoon…I […]
The Friday Funnies – Hit the Pause Button.
In light of past events, I’m taking a moment away from my usual Friday silliness. I wondered why last Friday’s Funnies (which I thought was very funny) got so few hits. Then it dawned on me that the times were not so funny. Ida was brewing, and it was apparent that wherever she went ashore, […]
This and That – Fall Leaves and “Celtic Secret.”
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: London Calling.
By this time, a year ago today, I was on Delta flight 4874 bound for Atlanta. Later that evening, I flew out of Atlanta on Flight 0032 bound for London’s Heathrow Airport and the fulfillment of a fifty-five-year-old dream. The 1960s British TV show, The Avengers, instilled a dream in my heart. And my dear […]
This and That – A St. James Park 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 posted September 1, 2023)
Dispatches from Home – Down Through the Rigolets.
Greetings on this rainy Saturday morning! A fish camp? What comes to mind? Those dilapidated, paint-peeling hovels you pass while going down through the Rigolets toward New Orleans? Well, let me tell you, times have changed. THANK YOU, Janie and Frankie Bertucci, for inviting us to your fish camp! It’s a grand place, and we […]
The Sunday Sermonette – The Spruce Pine Mission Trip.
It had been forty years since my last mission trip with FBC Gulfport, so I was definitely due for another. My time in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, turned out to be a real blessing for me and everyone who went. I’m grateful I had the chance to go. Before we left for Spruce Pine, I […]
This and That – 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 that a body suit was worn to create the monster. When that long, bony, claw-like hand emerged from the water and I first saw the creature’s eyes, I […]
This and That – Louie, Me, and Hurricane Ida.
Good morning! 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, and even the […]
The Friday Funnies – Tales from the Kitchen. Part III.
“Kalberg,” yelled Adam, FBC’s Chef Magnifique. “That can’s got a hair trigger!” “What’s a hair…” says I, as my “dear” friends laughed their heads off. Oh! Well! I guess this means I’ve been demoted, yet again, to Chief Garbage-Taker-Outer for Wednesday Night Suppers. Come join us for more antics from the Kitchen. Remember, an ounce […]
This and That – Hurricane Katrina Taught Me Many Lessons.
Greetings! Katrina taught me many lessons. One of the greatest of these was that “church” is more than a pile of bricks, shattered stained glass, and splintered pilasters. It’s the congregation—the smiling faces of the people you grew up with, their love that binds us together, and their inextinguishable hope for a better tomorrow, secure […]
Katrina. Twenty Years Ago.
She lingered in the Gulf, her waters building in height, Chummy atmospheric conditions strengthened her might. We pondered how long she’d stay, when on Monday she came ashore, Realizing too late, this vicious “lady” was something to abhor. Her screeching banshee cry was all that we could hear, As her watery talons of death gripped […]
Dispatches from Home – Hurricane Katrina. Twenty Years Ago. A Remembrance.
It was hot–very hot–on Saturday, August 27, 2005! While sitting in a wicker rocker, sipping iced coffee and enjoying the cool of my balcony, I observed over two thousand people running along Gulfport’s picturesque 2nd Street. Along the way, homeowners had set up cooling stations comprised of frozen bottles of water and garden hoses spraying […]
Dispatches from Home – Hope!
H.O.P.E. = HOLD ON PAIN ENDS! In light of all that’s happening in our dear country, it’s good to remember we still have 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, […]
This and That – Disney World with Weston.
Weston and I were 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. Hurricane Katrina! Thirteen years ago…hard to believe. The boy’s now taller than me, but true to form…I still have that sweater. (LOL!) Later Gaters! (Originally posted August […]
This and That – A Few Words from Job Jr.
One month ago, our in-ground pump, which I use to 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 […]
The Sunday Sermonette – A Pier. The Fog. And a Light.
The days were black, but the nights were blacker. Depression is a dark force, squeezing the light out of a person with its unrelenting tentacles of fear and doubt. For me, the early 90s were dark times. Through a series of poor choices—my choices, not anyone else’s—my life, as in a dream, was squeezed between […]
Dispatches from Home – Jesus is Coming Again!
Greetings, 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 I […]
The Friday Funnies – Mae West is Correct!
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 a while, so in my absence, don’t forget to laugh, love, and have a good time. Like the Good Book says, “Laughter […]
Dispatches from Home – Empty Mansions.
The First and Last – 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 who inherited $300 million […]
The Friday Funnies – The Hindenburg’s Distant Cousin.
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, y’all! (Originally posted […]
Dispatches from Home – Words that Capture the Deepest Emotions.
Dispatches from Home: Here are seven words that many believe capture the deepest emotions in the English language. Take a moment today to let these words linger in your thoughts and inspire kindness in every encounter, with loved ones and strangers alike. Big hug, y’all! (Originally posted August 25, 2014)
Dispatches from Home – Helen’s Coffee Shop. A Passing Icon.
A Passing Gulfport Icon: 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 Coffee Shop, was a local watering hole for the Gulfport breakfast and […]
This and That – I Knew the Laugh before I Knew the Man.
Goodbye, 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. During the audition, I did or said something silly (imagine that), and it was […]
The Friday Funnies – The Chief Pot Stirrer.
Greetigns! 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 […]
Dispatches from Home – Wise or Ignorant?
Thought for the day from Open Windows: “Kind words are good medicine, but deceitful words can really hurt.” Boy! Howdy! Do I need to read Proverbs 15:4 evey day. 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 […]
The Sunday Sermonette – The Lost Moments 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 posted August 14, 2022)
This and That – The Choking Vine of 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 – Absurd Person Singular.
Greetings! Wow! From my old theater scrapbook comes this little remembrance of things past. Eddie Galey was one of my all-time favorite directors at Gulfport Little Theater! Her able assistant, David Delk, was just starting out on his Coastal theatrical career. In the theater’s 1984 production of “Dracula,” Eddie directed David Delk as Johnathan Harker […]
The Friday Funnies – Cinnamon or Basil?
Note to self: When making cinnamon toast for breakfast, remember this. A: If it’s still dark, turn on a bright light in the kitchen before beginning. B: Gather all ingredients carefully. Check each spice bottle label to avoid mixing up lookalikes. C: Upon discovering a mistaken spice selection, soldier on, remembering the old adage, waste […]
The Sunday Sermonette – Who Are You?
“Andy, ever take a personality test?” As we rode home from a long, delightful weekend, a dear friend asked me this question. When I said I hadn’t, my friend sent a link to an online test I took once I got home. I had to answer a series of questions created to examine what made […]
The Sunday Sermonette – The Shunned White Peacock.
THE SUNDAY SERMONETTE – When I was a child in the late 50s, I often spent languid summers with my sweet Granny from D’Lo, who, at that time, lived in Jackson, Mississippi. Early mornings crackled with the smell of frying eggs and bacon, but the afternoons were awash in the sickly-sweet smell of pink cotton […]
Dispatches from Home – Reflections on West Side Story.
Greetings! A week ago today, our production of West Side Story ended. The curtain came down, the costumes were packed away, the sets dismantled, and our makeup removed. We—the director, crew, and cast members—then returned to our respective lives, going about doing what we do in a normal course of events. But even though the […]
The Friday Funnies – Tea with the Queen and Garavani Sneakers.
Dear friends, with our trip to England just around the corner, I have a question about proper etiquette while traveling in a foreign country. Do you think these high-tops are appropriate to take tea with Queen Elizabeth? I don’t want to appear nouveau riche, as it were. But do want to make a good impression. […]