Category: This and That

This and That – Emile Zola is Correct.

This and That – Emile Zola is Correct.

Greetings, dear friends. Monsieur Emile Zola is correct. “We are like books. Most people only see our cover, the minority only read the introduction, many people believe the critics. Few will know our content.” Let this not be said of us, my dears. What say ye? Big hug. (Originally posted June 14, 2023)

This and That – Kinard Fite ‘nough said.

This and That – Kinard Fite ‘nough said.

Greetings! What a great snap of a troubled, but talented hometown genius! On warm summer evenings, I often think of many such evenings that Kinard and I spent sipping iced coffee on the veranda at Mary Mahoney’s, he waxing eloquent, and I absorbing his genius and acerbic wit. Big hug, y’all! (Originally posted June 7, […]

This and That – Bucket Friends.

This and That – Bucket Friends.

My former Pastor at the First Baptist Church of Gulfport posted this on Facebook on June 5, 2016. This is an uplifting book, and I highly recommend it. “In their best-selling book “How Full Is Your Bucket?” Rath and Clifton point out that people in your life are either bucket fillers or bucket drainers. Fillers […]

This and That – Western Flyer Wagon and Me!

This and That – Western Flyer Wagon and Me!

It’s June! I’ve got my straw hat on, Western Flyer tractor at the ready, and I’m off to work in my garden…flowers only. I think my leather sandals are very haute couture, and those muscular thighs and ripped chest are to die for. The biceps might need a little toning. What say ye? Later, Gardening […]

This and That – Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality.

This and That – Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality.

Dr. Dean Rigister, Senior Pastor at CrossPoint Community Church in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Facebook post is spot on! “Listen carefully and do not drift blithely into an approaching darkness. The Critical Race Theory and Intersectionality (CRT/I) that is being readily embraced by secular progressives, widely broadcast by media outlets, and pushed into school systems is actually […]

This and That – THE Chet Landry and Moi!

This and That – THE Chet Landry and Moi!

Good morning! Well, here’s the latest. Cecil B. DeChet was at the house filming an upcoming WLOX segment tentatively titled: A Day in the Life of an Old Has-Been Theater Geezer in Semi-Retirement. Alas! From the looks of it, I was not ready for my close-up. Was I ever? (LOL!) Big hug. (Originally posted May […]

This and That – Center Stage’s “Fully Committed.”

This and That – Center Stage’s “Fully Committed.”

Greetings! Hats off to Center Stage’s reopening and the show “Fully Committed.” David Slatten is an amazingly talented actor, and that talent is in full force in this show. He portrays forty different characters! I’m happy to see our Coastal theaters reopening. It appears that “Intermission” is over. due to the “Pox.” Thornton Wilder stated […]

This and That – The Lusitania. What Lies Beyond?

This and That – The Lusitania. What Lies Beyond?

“Big Lucy” was her nickname, known all the world around. She was the fabled jewel in Cunard’s glittering shipping crown. But off old Ireland on a sunny May day, Dear Lucy’s death could not be kept at bay. Because a U-boat lurked and sealed her fate, When the Captain yelled, Fire! For the Lucy, it […]

This and That – Stephen Colbert.

This and That – Stephen Colbert.

Friends in the know—we are truly living in the Last Day, as spoken of in the Book of Revelation. What’s listed below is a prime example of a complete breakdown in mortality, civility, and just plain good, old-fashioned manners. And to my Liberal friends who will deluge my post with a myriad of “Well…the Conservatives […]

This and That – The Great Gatsby!

This and That – The Great Gatsby!

Greetings! 1974’s The Great Gatsby is my favorite movie version of Fitzgerald’s iconic novel. It paints a lush backdrop for the key themes of greed, cynicism, and the mindless pursuit of pleasure. Robert Redford, as Gatsby, is shown here in his pink suit. I wonder if men really wore pink suits in the 1920s? Sam […]

This and That – A Delightful Afternoon.

This and That – A Delightful Afternoon.

Greetings! What a delightful afternoon spent drinking Bloody Marys at The Lady May, eating delicious food, and catching up on life with a dear friend, Sarah Qarqish. Then, a lovely ride to the beach, the sunset, and the happy laughter of two old chums. Thank you, my dear! Big hug. (Originally posted May 3, 2023)

This and That – Umbrella Lane at the Gulfport Premium Outlets Mall.

This and That – Umbrella Lane at the Gulfport Premium Outlets Mall.

Good afternoon on this rainy day! Have you taken your selfie in Umbrella Lane at Gulfport’s Premium Outlets Mall? What a fun time we had setting it up. Thank you, Pam, for asking us to do it. And thank you, Morgan, for making it happen. The ultimate compliment came from a lady who took our […]

This and That – Renfield Old and New.

This and That – Renfield Old and New.

Good evening! Dracula, Renfield, a little popcorn, a Coke, and dear friend, Rhonda! Who could ask for anything more? The actor who portrayed Renfield in the movie may have been younger and better looking, but the old geezer who portrayed him at Center Stage could have matched his movie moves to a tee. Youth wasted […]

This and That – Back to Work!

This and That – Back to Work!

Attention! It’s official! I’m going back to work at the Department of Human Services. After ten years of retirement, I’ve been so busy that returning to work will be like a vacation. (Just kidding! I’m loving retirement too much. Go back to work at DHS? I’d jump off Hancock Bank first. ) April 18, 2014—retirement! […]

This and That – Biloxi’s Saenger Theater Rising Like a Phoenix?

This and That – Biloxi’s Saenger Theater Rising Like a Phoenix?

Greetings! I’ve been receiving FB messages about being on the telly. I finally found the WXXV interview and thought it went well. However, I’m not sure I was ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille, nor why they included snaps of my library and not vintage snaps of the Saenger. Like so many others, I’m ready […]

This and That – Wagging Tongues and Spinning Tales.

This and That – Wagging Tongues and Spinning Tales.

Greetings, my dears – My, my, my, how tongues wag and tales get spun. A disclaimer: I’m not in a relationship, I’m not dating anyone, and I’m not getting married. However, a glass of wine, a moonlit night, and violin music might help me change my mind. Happy Saturday, y’all! Life’s too short not to […]

This and that – The Titanic 113 Years Later.

This and that – The Titanic 113 Years Later.

Greetings! One hundred and thirteen years have passed since the unsinkable Titanic sank, taking 1,496 souls with her to a frigid, watery grave. The Titanic continues to serve as a powerful symbol of human pride and arrogance. However, just as in those days, Death remains the great equalizer, affecting everyone—young and old, famous and not-so-famous, […]

This and That – Hearts and Tombstones.

This and That – Hearts and Tombstones.

Greetings! A thought for you today: “Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” As you plunge through life, please remember that tomorrow is promised to no one. Live each day as if it were your last. Spread love. Spread […]

This and That – OLIVER the Musical. A Fond Memory.

This and That – OLIVER the Musical. A Fond Memory.

Greetings! As with any production, there can be long days and sleepless nights. But the show does finally close, the curtain does come down, and you are left on a quiet stage with only whispers of that which was and will never be again. When melancholia sweeps over me, it’s then I remember what I […]

This and That – The Great Gatsby and Titanic The Musical.

This and That – The Great Gatsby and Titanic The Musical.

Greetings! David, thank you for my happies all the way from Broadway! And thank you for your invitation to see THE GREAT GATSBY musical when it has its grand Broadway Opening. I’m thankful you saw it in previews, liked it, and told me it was nothing like the travesty Sam and I saw in London […]

This and That – The Wintery Days of Grief.

This and That – The Wintery Days of Grief.

Greetings! Like many of you, dear family and friends, I know the pain of grief. While stumbling through it, I often think of the oyster, the Good Book, and an invincible summer. We all have our favorite little quips and witticisms—here’s mine. The lowly oyster covers an irritant grain of sand with priceless pearl. The […]

This and That – Total Eclipse of the Sun.

This and That – Total Eclipse of the Sun.

Greetings! Well, the only eclipse we experienced today was the total eclipse of our hearts because the sun decided to hide behind ominous, undulating clouds. However, the eclipse was a partial success. A chilled bottle of sweet wine, a delicious Subway sandwich, and delightful conversation between old friends was “sunshine” enough. Thank you, dear Rhonda! […]

That and That – Broadway Musicals in The Year of The Pox.

That and That – Broadway Musicals in The Year of The Pox.

Theater friends, here’s today’s chuckle, compliments of my dear friend Carlton Perrett in Paris, France. Gotta love creative people. Enjoy! Later -Gareful-Gaters! (Originally posted April 6, 2021) P.S. Here are a few more: Hopeboat, Laberet, West Side Clinic, Into The Wards, Phantom of the Operation Room (with the Masked Ball), Les Misérables (no translation needed!); […]

This and That – Prophecies, Bad Omens, and a Lucky Pig.

This and That – Prophecies, Bad Omens, and a Lucky Pig.

“I don’t believe in fortune-tellers!” Edith said, sitting in the gilded splendor of Madame de Thebes’ Parisian salon, the most famous fortune-teller of the late 19th Century. “I shall predict your fortune anyway,” the lady said in the flickering candlelight, her voice low, her stare intense. “You are about to go through a dreadful experience. […]

This and That – Dear Wanda’s Gone Home.

This and That – Dear Wanda’s Gone Home.

Greetings! I start the day with sad news. A dear old friend, Wanda Brown Kahler, has been called Home. She fought the good fight with many health problems for a long, long time. She is now Home, free of this world with its misery and decay, resting peacefully in the loving arms of Jesus. One […]

This and That – A Bejeweled Book, a Naked Lady, and a Mummy’s Curse.

This and That – A Bejeweled Book, a Naked Lady, and a Mummy’s Curse.

Deep within the submerged, rusting hulk of the Titanic rests one of the world’s rarest books, a monumental painting of a naked lady and a mysterious mummy’s curse. Because the Titanic was practically unsinkable, so said the White Star Line, she was considered a safe haven for everything from objets d’art to expensive touring cars. […]

This and That – Something Beautiful Remains.

This and That – Something Beautiful Remains.

A thought on this lovely, sunshiny morning: “The tide recedes but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, but the gentle warmth still lingers on the land. The music stops, and yet it echoes in a sweet refrain. For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.” Author unknown. Big hug, y’all.

This and That – What Can Happen In Ten Seconds?

This and That – What Can Happen In Ten Seconds?

What can happen in ten seconds? You could try to kiss your date in a bar and get a drink thrown in your face. () Perhaps you could score a winning goal? Every ten seconds, 104,500 Coca-Colas are consumed worldwide. Every ten seconds, a honeybee beats its wings 2700 times. And in just ten quick […]

This and That – Francis the Talking Mule and the Old Testament.

This and That – Francis the Talking Mule and the Old Testament.

Greetings! In my quiet time, I’ve been reading the Old Testament, a strange and thought-provoking set of inspired writings with a timely message, even if one is delivered by a talking mule. (LOL.) Over and over in the Books of the Old Testament, we are warned about what happens when we reject God. Please take […]

This and That – Battles Within.

This and That – Battles Within.

When the word, battle, is spoken, what comes to mind? Perhaps famous conflicts like the Battles of Yorktown and Gettysburg, the Battle of Verdun, or the Normandy Invasion of WWII. But other battles are often fought alone, these are battles of the mind: depression, fear, panic, loneliness, and anger. However, the famous battles listed above […]

The Friday Funnies – Who’s the Fairest?

The Friday Funnies – 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 float. And when next I […]

This and That – The D’Lo Haute Couture Spring Fashion Show.

This and That – The D’Lo Haute Couture Spring Fashion Show.

Greetings Ladies! “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it. You’ll be the grandest lady in the Easter parade!” I saw this creative chapeau last week at the D’Lo Haute Couture Spring Fashion Show and thought of y’all. The title of the show was “Takin’ what you got…Makin’ what you can!” And if […]

This and That – The Morning Chuckle.

This and That – The Morning Chuckle.

Snap one indicates what my hair color looks like after a visit to the village wig winder—waitress black. Snap two indicates what I’ll look like in a month, with no haircut or hair color, and a beard due to a shortage of razor blades. So, with all due respect, which do you prefer? Later Friendly […]

This and That – Weep and You Weep Alone.

This and That – Weep and You Weep Alone.

Evening Gaters! This poem, “Solitude” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, is one of my favorites. Do you have a favorite? Later Poetry-Loving Gaters! “Laugh, and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone. For the sad old earth must borrow its mirth, But has trouble enough of its own. Sing, and the hills will […]

This and That – Reflections On Turning Sixty-Five!

This and That – Reflections On Turning Sixty-Five!

When I was a child in the late 50s, I often spent summers with my sweet Granny from D’Lo. Many a morning I’d hear moans and groans as she got out of bed. To my young mind, something was wrong. “Granny, are you okay?” To this good day, I still remember her answer: “Honey, when […]

This and That – A Few Thoughts on Prayer.

This and That – A Few Thoughts on Prayer.

Greetings! This morning’s Open Windows devotional passage was about Jonah. Remember poor ol’ Jonah? He monkeyed around with God’s commands, and BAM! He got ate-up by a big fish. While in the fish’s stomach, he had a little time to think about what he’d done. And he began to pray. (So would I if I […]

This and That – Saying Goodbye to Blanche Dubois.

This and That – Saying Goodbye to Blanche Dubois.

God, with His all-knowing wisdom, brings special people into your life. Juliana Nasekos Lewis is one of those special people. Loving. Kind. Talented. And most of all, my dear, dear friend. Love you! Big hug. Juliana Nasekos Lewis is with Anthony W. Kalberg. I said goodbye to Blanche last night. It was an honor to play the […]

This and That – The S.S. United States and the Fab Four.

This and That – The S.S. United States and the Fab Four.

Greetings! What a spectacular day to revisit the S.S. United States for the last time. The Fab Four toured her via a river cruise in Mobile Harbor. The sunshine, the comradery, our lunch, and the ship itself were beyond fantastic. Thank you all for another fun day! Big hug.

This and That – Be Resourceful.

This and That – Be Resourceful.

Meanwhile, in other news, there’s this: I was going to sell my vintage Sears And Roebuck catalogues on eBay. I have about twenty. But, times being what they are, I think I could make more money selling them as toilet tissue. 😂 NO reasonable offer will be refused. 😂 Later Resourceful Gaters! (Originally posted March […]

This and That – The Streetcar Has Passed.

This and That – The Streetcar Has Passed.

WONDERFUL STREETCAR WEDNESDAYS! This will be my last post in this series. WATP’s production of A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE winds down on March 20th, 2022, at the Mary C Cultural Center in Ocean Springs. It’s been almost three years since I first agreed to direct this show back in 2019. Holding it together has been […]

This and That – An Easter Tree and a Dear Friend.

This and That – An Easter Tree and a Dear Friend.

Greetings on this rainy, foggy morning! What a delightful time I had yesterday at the Fine Arts Club meeting at the Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. Janie Bertucci was kind enough to ask me to speak about my 49-year involvement with Coastal Theater and a few words about my book – A Chasing of the Wind […]

This and That – What’s He Thinking Now?

This and That – What’s He Thinking Now?

Mr. Hawking is quoted as saying: “I believe the simplest explanation is, there is no God. No one created the universe and no one directs our fate. This leads me to a profound realization that there probably is no heaven and no afterlife either. We have this one life to appreciate the grand design of […]

This and That – Panic in the Streets.

This and That – Panic in the Streets.

With the world in freefall over the coronavirus, let me say that I’m being proactive, washing hands, etc. I don’t ever remember the world in such a panic. I’ll not be a part of it. However, if I contract the virus–I am old–and keel over from it, you have my permission to inscribe this on […]

This and That – Sunset Boulevard, the Movie!

This and That – Sunset Boulevard, the Movie!

SUNSET BOULEVARD!! I’ve just returned from watching this great movie on the big screen. This was probably my 15th time seeing it ( I can almost quote the dialogue.), but it was my first time seeing the picture show on the big screen, as it was meant to be seen. I could only imagine what […]

This and That – Streetcar Rolls into the Mary C. Cultural Center.

This and That – Streetcar Rolls into the Mary C. Cultural Center.

After two years of waiting, at long last, I’m proud to say A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE is opening tonight at the Mary C. Cultural Center in Ocean Springs, Mississippi! Through shutdowns due to the pox, major cast changes at the last minute, and myriad other problems, I’m happy to report that the show, the cast […]

This and That – The Foreigner is Set.

This and That – The Foreigner is Set.

This is an old post from Jay Lynn, the director of The Foreigner. “I love seeing ideas come to life. The top picture is my original concept design for the stage for The Foreigner at Gulfport Little Theatre. The bottom picture is the finished set. A huge THANK YOU to Anthony W. Kalberg and Cal […]

This and That – Earth-Shattering Culinary News!

This and That – Earth-Shattering Culinary News!

While divesting individual cucumber slices of their thick, deep-green skin – which was laborious and time-consuming at best – I thought to myself, “Self, there’s gotta be a better way!” Suddenly, up pops the Food Fairy (The Tooth Fairy’s fat sister) and sprinkles me with her magic dust. ( Sorry to my Evangelical friends for […]

This and That – A Streetcar Named Desire Rolls into Town.

This and That – A Streetcar Named Desire Rolls into Town.

Lovely Miss Blanche, who depends on the kindness of strangers, states that deliberate cruelty is unforgivable. Don’t miss Juliana in a role that she’s waited two years to portray. Later, Streetcar-loving Gaters! David Slatten is at The Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Arts Center. Folks, meet Julianna Lewis, who plays the iconic role of Blanche Dubois in Streetcar […]

This and That – Mom and Beer-n-Cheese.

This and That – Mom and Beer-n-Cheese.

For those of you who know my dear mother’s situation, you know that I’m never sure what she does or doesn’t understand. And conversation between the two of us is limited to answering the same question over and over, usually revolving around this: “Did it rain last night…” But at tonight’s supper, things were different. […]

This and That – What’s Your Favorite Book?

This and That – What’s Your Favorite Book?

Greetings! Mr. L’Amour’s words are so true. Four books have stayed with me since the first time I read them: The Judeo-Christian Bible, The Great Gatsby, Anna Karenina, and To Kill a Mockingbird. What books have influenced your life? Big hug, y’all! (Originally posted February 28, 2024)

Dispatches from Home – Camellias and an Old Rocker.

Dispatches from Home – Camellias and an Old Rocker.

Mom, five years ago today, as I held your warm, frail hand, you slipped from this life into eternity. Each time I see the old camelia bush in the backyard awash with pink blossoms, I think of you. Whenever I sit in your old rocker by the window, I think of you. When I see […]

This and That – Update on Mom.

This and That – Update on Mom.

Unless things change tomorrow, Mom’s being transferred to Lake View Rehab Center. Her Memorial doctor said Mom was a pretty good candidate for some not-to-difficult rehab. Mom’s still very weak and still has a bad cough that is not viral, so it can’t be treated with drugs. It’s just gotta run its course, so say […]

This and That – Update on Mom.

This and That – Update on Mom.

Mom was very anxious yesterday…again. The doctor finally ordered a sleeping aid, which calmed her. She slept all night and is still resting peacefully. After almost 48 hours of fitful sleep, I was thankful the Ambien took effect. I’m afraid her status is changing, though. I’ve been talking with the hospice nurse, a suggestion suggested […]

This and That – Les Misérables!

This and That – Les Misérables!

Greetings! Les Misérables! The title itself ignites the mind with anticipation. I was privileged to watch this funny, heartbreaking, touching, and absolutely breathtaking musical with some fantastic friends this afternoon. At intermission, dear Juliana giggled and said, “You sniffled and cried through the entire 1st Act!” I was quick to retort, “Not true, young lady! […]

This and That – Benjamin Button and Me.

This and That – Benjamin Button and Me.

Greetings! Just finished watching “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” which is poignant on this, the eve of my 58th birthday. As the credits rolled and the background music played, I looked upward and said, “Thank you, Lord, for the years behind me and the years in front of me. I’m happy being the age […]

This and That – The Windsor’s Tragic Secret.

This and That – The Windsor’s Tragic Secret.

Greetings! I watched the documentary “Prince John – The Windsor’s Tragic Secret.” If you’ve seen the bittersweet movie “The Lost Prince,” this documentary by the director of that movie tells the rest of the story. While watching the show, I realized I’d seen the royal carriages and the royal coach shown in the opening minutes […]

This and That – A Question About Evolution.

This and That – A Question About Evolution.

Greetings! Birds are some of my favorite creatures from the creative mind of God! When I see their magnificent plumage, I can only say, “Jog my memory again about that evolution theory…” Just sayin’. Later Beauty-Loving-Gaters! (AMGB) (Originally posted January 30, 2017)

This and That – JoJo Rabbit.

This and That – JoJo Rabbit.

Greetings! I’ve just returned from a delightful afternoon at the pictures. “JoJo Rabbit” is an unusual WWII story about a ten-year-old German boy whose imaginary friend is–of all people–Hitler. I found myself feeling somewhat icky, laughing at Hitler’s antics. However, I guess any picture that makes fun of the ol’ boy is a good one! […]

This and That – Amazing Actors and a Dear Friend.

This and That – Amazing Actors and a Dear Friend.

Two amazing actors at my side. Anthony W. Kalberg ( set designer for Twain) and Wayne D Stephens These two men have created so many memorable roles on stage. It always warms my heart to see them shine on stage. I’m so proud to call them my friends. (Originally posted January 22, 2024, by Rhonda […]

This and That – A Streetcar Named Desire.

This and That – A Streetcar Named Desire.

HEY! STEL-LAHHHH! The Walter Anderson Theater Project is proud to announce its production of Tennessee Williams’ classic play, A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, which opens in March. This production, directed by Anthony Wayne Kalberg, promises to return the magic of theater to the Mary C. Cultural Center in Ocean Springs. Tickets will be available soon. WATP […]

This and That – Old Books, Great Reads!

This and That – Old Books, Great Reads!

Greetings! My dear friend Bonnie Cuevas asked her FB friends to list books they’d read and what influence they had had on their lives. I’m asking you the same thing. Here’s a partial list of books I’ve read over the past 5 years: The Great Gatsby. Brideshead Revisited. De Profundis. Great Expectations. Gulag. A Night […]

This and That – A Shimmering Kaleidoscope.

This and That – A Shimmering Kaleidoscope.

Good morning on this frigid day! Few things compare to the beauty of a Gothic-styled cathedral filled with a shimmering kaleidoscope of light from vast seas of stained glass. In a world filled with crassness, vulgarity, and a complete lack of manners and civility, this inspiring video gives one time to pause and be thankful […]

This and That – The Roses of Winter.

This and That – The Roses of Winter.

Greetings on this frosty, sunny morning! Mother always called camellias the Roses of Winter. I picked a few camellias and Encore azaleas and made a little arrangement for the kitchen table—I love its simple beauty. As you go through this week, look for the joy that comes from simple things and simple pleasures. Later Simple […]