An 8000-year-old wad of gum tells us that gum chewing has been a part of human development from earliest times.  But is it healthy?
- story by Christina Richardson, PhD

Chappy, whose original seafood restaurant opened in Long Beach in 1984, said that Hurricane Katrina “completely uprooted” his life and that he’s thrilled to finally be back home in Waveland. “I’m trying to get back to my life that I love so much,” he said. Not one to look back, Chappy said, “I’m trying to move ahead with new ideas, fresh ideas.”

The Caribbean flair is found throughout the dining area and even into the ladies’ room, where leftover wood takes an artistic turn. Chappy credits his wife Starr and his sister, New Orleans artist Connie Chapman, for pulling together all the pieces and parts to give the restaurant its tropical look.

The taste, though, is what keeps customers coming back, like the starter choices to share with the table: avocado mango dip, seafood hushpuppies and Yea Mon Nachos (pulled pork, black beans, jalapeños, tomatoes, red onion, lime cream, cilantro, and tons of melted cheese).

Tacos with fish and various fillings are on menus everywhere these days but at Rum Kitchen the Off the Grid tacos come in some unique iterations. Choose beef, seafood, lamb, chicken, duck, pork, and vegetarian, all served on 4-inch corn tortillas.

The brisket has big flavors accented by BBQ sauce, cilantro, and crunchy fried shallots. Flavorful Jerk Chicken is sweetened with mango salsa. The popular Miss Queen doubles down with pulled pork, jalapeño salsa, spicy and vinegary BBQ sauce and roasted corn relish.

Tacos come in twos, threes and fours with one or two sides. Coconut mango rice is a pleasant sweet surprise, light and flavorful. The Callaloo-smothered greens got raves on two lunch outings. Also available are sweet potato fries, black beans with chorizo, grilled asparagus and mashed potatoes.

The sandwiches-and-burgers menu includes the standout ground chuck burger and the grilled mahi mahi with creole seasoning. Both drew raves recently from lunch customers.

The Me Hearty Plates offer even more innovative choices, like braised lamb in a tomato curry, grilled chicken with the restaurant’s signature sauce, red curry shrimp, ribs and a char gilled ribeye with garlic chutney.

Mahi Mahi, jerk chicken and brisket are found into the salad selections, too. For dessert, dig into the Bahama Mama bread pudding, made fresh daily, or Key lime pie, among other decadent selections. Go ahead. Pretend you’re on vacation.

Rum Kitchen is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., serving lunch and dinner. There is a full bar. Call 228-467-9099.

A place that honors the survivors and volunteers who experienced the wrath and the aftermath of the most destructive hurricane in American history.
 - story and photos by Ana Balka

If one did not take a close look at these, one might assume they were a post-Katrina gesture from a quilting society somewhere, but no: these are all the work of master quilting artist Solveig Wells, who had homes in Canada and Bay St. Louis and who completed these all from salvaged fabrics over 16 months in 2006-’07. Wells’ husband David donated the exquisite collection to the museum following Solveig’s death in 2013.
 
Museum volunteer and Waveland resident Carol Kerr says that in the weeks since the museum’s reopening visitors have reacted positively and sometimes emotionally to the museum’s collection of photos, art, and artifacts, which paint a distinctive portrait of Waveland before, during, and after Katrina.

Carol showed me the auditorium, where local students in Waveland’s M.A.P. (Music, Arts & Practicality, a non-profit enrichment program providing free theater and choir experiences for area students) summer theater camp have been rehearsing “The Lion King” for presentation on the auditorium stage July 16-17.

This is a facet ofnew director Kathy Pinn’s long-range vision for the Ground Zero Museum building as a gathering place: a place that builds community, as well as being a center for learning about the storm, about Waveland history, and about what makes Waveland such a special place.
 
Pinn has long fostered community in Waveland. A former president of both the Coleman Avenue Coalition and the Waveland Community Coalition (and incidentally a M.A.P. co-founder), Pinn and her husband Ron are moving back to Waveland after five years in Illinois specifically to get back to the home they love, and for Kathy to assume her role as museum director.
 
Pinn says that the dozens of museum visitors in its first month have included residents of 15 other states, some who had never been to the area, some post-Katrina volunteers. For locals, touring the museum can be cathartic.
 
“Seeing the waterline, seeing the pictures on the wall, then the H.C. Porter exhibit, it’s very moving,” Pinn says.
 
“Backyards and Beyond” is a multimedia exhibit by artist H.C. Porter and collaborators Karole Sessums and Gretchen Haien. Porter and Sessums photographed and recorded hundreds of Mississippians in the year following Katrina, creating a nationally touring exhibit that features Porter’s mixed media paintings and accompanying audio in which the portraits’ subjects express the reality of displacement and loss through their own stories.

Ground Zero’s Porter exhibit, sponsored by Mississippi Power, contains eight of the paintings, with audio guides. The floor is covered in photo-printed tiles that together comprise a life-sized portrait of the slabbed remains of a Waveland home.
 
The room feels chapel-like, bringing human shape to the unspeakable. I can see how it might uncover long-buried emotions in those who survived the storm.

“All of that is sometimes a little overwhelming,” Pinn says, “But then we go into the Waveland room.”
 
Many displays in the Waveland Room represent steps toward healing. There are binders with hundreds of handwritten, individual “Storm Stories” by survivors that visitors can thumb through, and throughout the room there are photo collages, quilts, signed shirts, and other outpourings of love from well-wishers and volunteers around the country.
 
A large cardboard “Gratitude Tree” stands covered in names and quotes. I photograph volunteer Carol next to her own words about home being wherever she is, because she cannot go home. In a corner, an assemblage by mixed media artist Lori Gordon depicts the clothes that hung from trees after the storm.

The room also contains historical artifacts: one wall is festooned with hand-painted versions of Boy Scout merit badges from the days Scouts held meetings in that very room in the ’50s, as well as photos of students, teachers, and sports teams from Waveland Grammar School days in the ’30s and ’40s. A glass case contains memorabilia from hurricane Camille.

 A somewhat surreal herd of carousel animal figures gallop, hop, and swim at the back of the room, but that is part of the museum’s evolving nature. The Port Townsend (Washington) Carousel Association donated the Carousel of the Olympic Sea, an original by Bill Dentzel of the Denztel family of carousel makers, to Waveland after Katrina. Its size prohibits assembly in the museum building, so while the carousel has a permanent home at the museum, its location has yet to be defined.

Pinn knows that visitors will come away from the museum experience with a positive awareness of all that Waveland is and has achieved: “I’d like people to understand that part of it: It happened, we got through it, and now look at us.”

In this five part series, Hancock County Tourism Bureau is highlighting our communities and some of the unique activities for visitors and also locals. This month we feature Waveland.
- photos by Ellis Anderson, Ana Balka, Prima Luke

Waveland was originally part of old Shieldsboro (which later became Bay St. Louis), and was known as Montgomery Station and Grand Bend before attaining a charter to become a separate municipality with a mayor and ​board of aldermen in 1888.

From the beginning, it was a resort town and many New Orleans residents had summer homes here.  Today, Waveland is the only city on the Gulf Coast that prohibits commercial buildings on the beachfront, preserving its hometown feeling.

Buccaneer State Park (dedicated on January 1, 1976) is at the southwest end of Waveland abutting Beach Boulevard and features large moss-draped oaks and marshlands next to the Gulf of Mexico.

Use of this land was first recorded in the late 1700s. Some legends hold that the French Buccaneer, Jean Lafitte, inhabited the old Pirate House located a short distance from what is now the park. According to some sources the park site, also known as Jackson’s Ridge, was used as a base of military operations by Andrew Jackson during the Battle of New Orleans; oral tradition maintains that Jackson later returned to this area and built a house — Sea Song — on the land that is now Buccaneer State Park. Both of these locations are identified by historical Markers.

Along with 206 premium campsites with standard hookups, the campsite also has 70 beach sites, 25 primitive campsites, three large bathhouses, disk golf course, playground, pavilion rental, and nature trails.

The crown jewel is the 4.5-acre Buccaneer Bay Waterpark. The park is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Labor Day, and boasts Pirate’s Plunge and Plank Waterslides, Li’l Smugglers Cove, and Pirate’s Lagoon Wave Pool, which can generate up to eight different wave patterns.  It's splashing good fun for the entire family!  Season passes are available.

At the foot of Coleman Avenue (the principal business district thought out the years) is the Veterans Monument and Memorial Park, honoring the men and women of our Armed Forces.The story of the Veterans Memorial begins back at the turn of the Century.

The Waveland American Legion Post 77 Executive Committee was looking at its property on Coleman Avenue, with the intention of placing a lasting veteran’s memorial. Commander Russell Voorhies proposed that the Post approach the City of Waveland to receive permission to utilize the undeveloped Riff-Raff Jetty that was an extension of Coleman Avenue, Waveland’s Main Street.

The octagon-shaped centerpiece includes a lighted fountain and pool. Mississippi Power donated three streetlights, which were modified into flagpoles. Later, an American Flag Retirement burn pit (this pit is used to dispose of American flags in the most respectful way) was added near the water’s edge.

Since its founding, the Memorial has been a site for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Katrina Remembrance Day, and Veterans Day ceremonies, and some couples have chosen the park as a wedding venue. The upgraded grounds provide a powerful but peaceful, serene anchor to Coleman Avenue. Identified as the Veterans Memorial only by a Blue Star plaque and simple entrance pillars, the Memorial provides a fitting honor to those who have served.

The Memorial sits next to Garfield Ladner Fishing Pier, which reopened in mid-2015 after renovations from damage sustained in Hurricane Isaac. The concrete structure extends 860 feet into the water and is a popular site for fishermen. Good handicap access, picnic pavilions, and proximity to the Beach Boulevard bike/walk trail just add to the things we love about the pier, and Waveland is thrilled to have it up and running again.

Coleman Avenue was the principal business district before Hurricane Camille destroyed it in 1969. After it was revitalized, Hurricane Katrina wiped it out again in 2005. The new Waveland City Hall was dedicated in 2012 on the site of the original city hall, which was built between 1906 and 1908, originally as Waveland’s school. A mural designed by Elizabeth Veglia graces the front of the building, and replaces the Veglia mural that was lost when the former city hall fell to Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

The new mural includes scenes and landmarks – both pre- and post-Katrina – as well as the ocean, the wildlife and the things that make this area special. The design takes its inspiration from the Waveland logo and the undulating waves within it. Veglia has conducted 26 workshops with local volunteers to create it.
 

 Waveland Ground Zero Hurricane Museum: Hurricane Katrina has been called the worst natural disaster in U.S. history.  Waveland, Mississippi was Ground Zero.  Waveland’s Ground Zero Museum recalls the disaster, but also shows visitors how the Waveland community came together to rebuild the town they loved in its aftermath.

See this month’s Talk of the Town article on the museum to learn more about H.C. Porter’s “Backyards and Beyond” exhibit, Solveig Wells’s Katrina quilts, and the collection of art and Waveland memorabilia that comprise this tribute to our town.

The museum is open Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is free. Waveland’s Ground Zero Museum relies completely on grants, donations, and membership to finance operations.

The Krewe of Nereids, a women’s carnival association, was established in 1966. The Nereids Parade happens each year two Sundays before Mardi Gras, and takes Highway 90 from Bay St. Louis to Waveland. It originally paraded on Coleman Avenue, but grew so large that it was forced to move.

The Waveland Civic Association hosts the annual St. Patrick’s Parade the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). After Hurricane Katrina the parade was moved to Highway 90. In 2012, after the opening of the new city hall, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned to Coleman Avenue.

2012 brought the first Halloween Trunk or Treat. Area businesses and civic groups set up tables and give out candy and other treats to children (and their parents). There's face painting, a cake walk, a haunted house and a booth decorating contest. With Coleman Avenue closed off to traffic it gives the kids a safe place to enjoy the festivities. 

This year the City of Waveland presents Destination Waveland Independence Day Blowout. Be a part of the most explosive fireworks show and July 4th celebration on Mississippi's West Coast. Brought to you by the City of Waveland and generous community sponsors, this event will happen Saturday, July 2, 2016, 5-9 p.m. at the Garfield Ladner Pier.

An intense fireworks show, music by Category 6 and a patriotic coastal menu are on tap for enjoyment. The red, white and blue carpet is being rolled out to make Waveland one of your holiday weekend destinations.

If you live in the South, you're familiar with Jim Bonner's commercial art.  Now visit the Bonner Collection in Old Town to see his take on the natural coastal world.
- story and photographs by Karen Fineran

Ship models, wooden duck decoys and seabird figurines are artfully displayed among exquisitely rendered watercolor paintings of pelicans and other wildlife, boats, and lighthouses.  Sea-colored jewelry is draped over driftwood sculptures. Vibrant ceramic seahorses, starfish, seashells, crabs and turtles seem to be crawling just about everywhere.
 
The Bonner Collection Art Gallery contains the studio of well-known artist Jim Bonner, and is the primary outlet for his watercolor paintings and prints.  Owned by Bonner and his wife Patsy, it also contains an expansive retail space showcasing home décor, jewelry and gifts, and featuring the work of several other local artists. 

The gallery was first opened in Pass Christian in 1996, moved to Old Town Bay St. Louis in 2003, moved to uptown New Orleans in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina, and in 2013 finally returned to its Gulf Coast home.

Originally from Meridian, Mississippi, Jim Bonner hails from the heyday of the advertising era in the ’70s in New Orleans.  He’s the guy who designed the iconic Barq’s root beer can, the Crystal hot sauce pepper logo, and the original New Orleans Jazz NBA basketball team logo, among many others, some of which are available as prints at his studio. 

So while a commercial graphic designer by trade, and a very celebrated and successful one at that (with a lineup of design and advertising awards to his credit), Jim’s true passion eventually emerged for painting watercolors of wildlife and nature scenes.  His work has been exhibited at The George Ohr Museum and at the Ocean Springs Annual Show.  His studio sells his original watercolor paintings, as well as signed and numbered giclees and prints. 

Jim also accepts commissions, and is particularly talented at painting pet portraits that seem to perfectly capture the spirit and sensibilities of these quirky cats and dogs so beloved by their owners.  He’s even painted Bay St. Louis’s own Lucy! 

Jim’s wife Patsy manages the retail side of the operation, collecting and displaying unique coastal-style gifts, home decor, antiques, new and vintage jewelry, and fun beach fashion like colorful bags, hats and scarves.  Alligators and herons adorn delicate boxes made of capiz seashells.  Dinnerware, hand towels, lamps and pillows prominently feature crabs and other sea motifs. 

Patsy says that the NOLA couture line that she carries is especially popular, with its neckties, dog collars, and key chains sporting alligators, cocktail glasses, fleur de lis, or red beans and rice.  She also carries the original art pieces of a number of local clay artists, jewelers, and mixed media artists.

 “This building is in such a great location that I think it really lured us back to the Bay,” Patsy explained about thedistinctive French Settlement Building that was opened for retail space on the Old Town beachfront in 2013.  “Plus, we have such a love for the beauty of the Coast, and we love being right by the water here.  Since we moved here, so many people have been coming and telling us that this is their favorite place to come in the Bay!”
 
The Bonner Collection Art Gallery is conveniently located in the French Settlement building at 108 South Beach Boulevard, steps away from the Bay St. Louis Harbor.  Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday and Monday afternoons “by chance.” 

Many of Jim’s paintings, as well as some of their retail goods, can be viewed at their website at www.thebonnercollection.com. 

Two birds change the life of a Bay family, who discover while parrots demand intensive care, they give as good as they get.  
- by Daisy Mae Delray, columnist and registered seizure alert dog

Teddy Boy is a Grey Amazon Parrot.

Both of these birds lived in Georgia. When their owner Raymond died unexpectedly in December 2015 they moved here to Mississippi to live with Mark and Lael Butler. Mark is Raymond’s brother so Mark and Leah had known the boys for more than 15 years.

Mark told me that it hasn’t been easy for him and Lael, or the parrots — or their three dogs. First, the physical reality of moving them from Georgia to Mississippi, the very strangeness of a new home with large and loud dogs, and Mark and Lael as newbie parrot parents. But they say it has been a rewarding journey despite the challenges.

“Although we’ve known the birds for 15-plus years, it is really different to be their caretaker, providing fresh fruit and veggies, two per day along with fresh water and seeds, fresh paper in their individual crates as well as the floor of their brand new aviary. In the living room, no less!” Mark told me.

Mark told me that they take the crates outside on a weekly basis to give them a good cleaning, and to give the boys some fresh air and exposure to the outdoor birdies.

These parrots have large vocabularies. “I wish you could hear the whistles, TV tunes, and the phrases like ‘scratch my head,’ ‘what’s your problem,’ or ‘hold on, buddy.’ They whistle the theme some from ‘Andy Griffith’ and ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’ and of course the classic ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm.’”

I know there are lots of parrots around, and I did some research. Did you know that there are 372 species of parrots? They are mostly tropical, subtropical and come from areas of South- and Central America, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Species include: Macaws, Amazons, Keas, Kakas, Lorikeets, Parakeets, Love Birds and Cockatoos. Because of their beauty and intelligence, parrots are one of the most popular pets in the world.

Humans learn a great deal by studying parrots. Dr. Irene Pepperberg conducted a 30-year study on parrots with her first hero parrot, Alex. She wrote about her study in the book “Alex and Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence — and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process.”

Dr. Pepperberg is the founder of the Alex Foundation. Its goal is to support research and encourage responsible ownership of parrots, their conservation and preservation in the wild, and to keep pet birds healthy living with their human companions.

What a gift Handsome Jack and Teddy Boy are. I appreciate learning about them.

To learn more about these wonderful birds and how they have bonded with humans please check out these websites:

National Geographic Parrot page
ParrotParrot Species Guide

Gentle readers, keep your tail high and your feet dry.

Love, Daisy Mae

May 21, 2016
photography by Ann Madden

Wedding theme: Bay-centric
 
Ceremony Took Place: Christ Episcopal Church 
 
Reception: Bay-Waveland Yacht Club 
 
Wedding Planner: French Potager
 
Photographer: Ann Madden Photography and Design 
 
Places Couple Registered: Neiman Marcus, Bay Life, Gourmet Galley, and Picket Fence 
 
Invitations: Pond Switch Press. Letterpress by artist Vicki Niolet with help from bride and friends. All invitation addresses were done by a local calligrapher and wax sealed by the bride.  

Calligraphy: Noel Allen.  This was one of my favorite things about my wedding. Not only did I learn a new art form, Vicki taught me how to use her antique Chandler-Price letterpress machine, as well as her industrial paper cutter. I loved walking away from that experience with a new skill under my belt. She even let me bring friends to help run the press! It was one of the coolest things I got to do for my wedding.
 
Bay-Waveland accommodations for wedding party: Abode Guest House and local rentals 
 
Bridal Luncheon: Christ Episcopal Church
 
Rehearsal Dinner: Christ Episcopal Church, catered by Bacchus on the Beach 
 
Hair: Keith Alexander/Mane Salon
 
Makeup: Renewing Touch Therapies 
 
Florals: French Potager

Growing up on the Gulf Coast leaves indelible memories - and a persistent longing to return.  Guest columnist and Pass Christian resident Rebecca Orfila explains why.

Piney forest gave way to oaks, and then just south of Foley gnarled sea pines began their struggle to stand and finally gave up their battle as the white sand beaches of Gulf Shores met the steady tidal movements of the Gulf.

Mornings started as soon as the sun rose. My grandfather headed out to the town pier with his pole, bait, and high expectations. A quick drive with Mom to one of the small groceries on the island set us up for breakfast and lunch. We knew we would have fried fish for dinner whether it came from Papa’s catch or the local fish market.

Small, slightly faded photographs taken with my grandfather's Brownie camera show us tanned and cheerfully playing in the water. My grandfather, a jovial bantam rooster of a man, would sit in the shallows and guard over us while Mom and my grandmother prepared dinner of the special coastal kind.   

The treat of treats for us as small children was to go out into the water and sit on the sandbars. Small crabs would rush away as we chased them. When my brother was just a toddler, he would declare in his baby language that it was Tide soap that made the water foam. We squealed with delight for an hour or more until my mother or grandmother called us in for a mid-afternoon dinner, and then short naps were taken by all.

At nightfall, there were only a few spotlights on the main road and neighboring vacation homes. Inside our house, the low murmurs of bridge bids and whispered calls for more bourbon and coke, along with the light from the kitchen, pushed back the coming darkness. Restless and still excited from the day’s activities, I tossed back and forth in my bed, shuffling the cotton sheets. The tossing gradually gave way to listening to the beat of the waves crashing on the beach. Those were perfect days at Gulf Shores.

We would return many times over the backroads of Baldwin County from our home in Mobile or from school at Auburn. Every now and then we would glimpse white blooming dogwoods deep in the woods, or the graceful cloak of wild-growing wisteria over a fallen tree, or a broken down wall of an old homestead set off from the road. It was very different from the more orderly fauna and structures of Mobile.

Life moved on, and the beach house was destroyed in Hurricane Frederick. My husband and I moved back to the Gulf Coast after years of being away. It was a promise we had made to ourselves during the many years in California. We were happy on our arrival in Pass Christian to see that despite the intense battering of storms and winds, the Gulf Coast and its people were returning and repairing their beloved communities. These coastal folks retain a special resilience and strength, I think. Or maybe they just want to see little crabs on the sandbars again.      

Salvaged school lockers can make trendy closets in small spaces.  With a small budget and a little elbow grease, they take on a chic new style. 
story and photos by Holly Raymond

So I did what I love to do: I went shopping! I searched high and low through thrift stores, antique shops, and other places. I searched to find something small enough to fit in his tiny room while providing adequate space for storage of school clothes, sports gear, and whatever else.
 
My good friends Chuck Underwood and Glenn Hood own a cute little shop in Waveland called Treasures of the Bay (If you’ve never been, you need to go and tell them Holly sent you), so I thought I’d stop and say hello and see if they had anything that would fit.
 
SCORE! Treasures of the Bay had the perfect solution to our tiny space storage problem: LOCKERS! Old-school gym lockers. WHAT A FIND! I knew this would be a 3-pointer in my son’s eyes!
 
Now to get them home. I called Leo, my wonderful husband, and he came to my rescue with a trailer in tow. We loaded the lockers up and moved them out.
 

Here’s how I transformed those old school gym lockers in to the perfect storage space for my son.
 
Supplies:
- Lockers (Treasures of the Bay may not have any more. I think I bought them all!)
- Sand paper for sanding metal
- Mouse Sander
- Goo Be Gone
- Spray Paint — Color of your choice; I used white, high-gloss Valspar with Primer
- Decorations of choice
- All-Purpose Cleaner
- Rags                                                
- Tarp
- Clear Coat (if desired)
- Paint Mask
 
*** And if you wear false eyelashes, you may want to invest in goggles or you’ll look like you went through a snow storm and will have to pull them out! (Um, I cannot confirm or deny that I may or may not have learned that lesson the hard way!) ***

First, find your lockers. The best places to look are antique shops and thrift stores. Once you’ve found the perfect lockers and gotten them home, you will most likely need to clean them up.

Air them out! (Don’t want any lingering tuna sandwich smells!

Wipe them down!
Wipe them down (or hose them off) with all-purpose cleaner. Let them dry completely before you move on to the next step. We had to use some Goo-Be-Gone to remove the old tape, stickers, and pin-up girls. (Yes, I removed pin-up girls from my son’s new-to-him lockers!)

Prep for paint!
Once all the tape, stickers, and pin-up girls are gone it’s time to start adding some character.

Lightly sand the lockers with the handy-dandy mouse sander. Don’t be afraid to keep the small dents and nicks. These will enhance the beauty of the lockers upon completion.

It’s time for paint!
Spray a coat of paint with primer, and dry for 1-2 hours. Spray a second coat, and again let dry for 1-2 hours. Repeat one more time for three coats of paint.
 
Don’t forget to spray the inside. (You may find yourself standing on your head and hoping it’s not too late to put on those goggles!)
 
Be creative! These lockers can be decorated with stickers, pictures, or whatever for that personal touch. Optional clear coat can be added when that’s all done.

Then Enjoy your new lockers!

Be sure to check out our column in August, when I’ll tell you how I made my own above ground garden! Thanks for stopping to read about Beautiful Things. See you next month!

The bad news is she's moving to Chattanooga, the good news is her positive influence on this community will continue to improve our lives, for many years to come.
- by Pat Saik

The most popular state park in Mississippi has advantages that can't be matched -  including a beachfront location and the mother of all water parks. 
 - story by Lisa Monti, photos by Ellis Anderson

The Pirate’s Lagoon Wave Pool, covering 17,400 square feet, is the place to body surf, bob up and down in swells and ride six-foot waves atop an inner tube toward the edge of the surf pool. There are eight wave patterns generated in the 460,000-gallon pool, so the experience is always changing for swimmers. 
 
There are two giant waterslides to choose from atop a 40-foot tower. Pirate’s Plank is a 375-foot-long waterslide that’s completely enclosed, and the wide open Pirate's Plunge is a 425-foot body slide with twists and turns all the way down to the refreshing pool below.
 
Young swimmers have their own kiddie pool called Lil’ Smuggler’s Cove where they can safely enjoy splashing and playing in 12 inches of water.
 
For those who prefer to grab some sun and watch the activities, there’s Treasure Island, a 10,000-square-foot deck perfect for lounging around the pool. Nearby the Sea Dog Galley concession area and food court has lots of shady areas where you can enjoy pizza, burgers, sandwiches and cold drinks.

Myrna Green, Hancock County Tourism manager, says that Buccaneer State Park has always been the most popular Mississippi State Park, in part because of its unique beachfront location.  Over the past 10 years, the entire infrastructure has been rebuilt and enhanced.  The new water park facilities have spread the park's reputation even further as a premier family attraction. 
 
"Buccaneer offers that phenomenal water park, in addition to camping, beach, easy access, and a great view," says Green.  "No wonder it's one of the top visitor attractions in the state.  We're so fortunate it's here in Hancock County."
 
The new free Beach Blvd. Trolley service makes it easy  - and inexpensive for families in Bay St. Louis and Waveland to get to and from the park without hassling with parking.  The trolley stops at the park at least once per hour.  See the map and timetable below! 

Buccaneer Bay Waterpark is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Aug. 1 and on weekends only from Aug. 2 to Sept. 5.
 
Click here for more info.

A change of name kicks off an International Shoofly Awareness campaign, in hopes of reviving a fine and neighborly tradition, while creating a new Mississippi export.
- story by Ellis Anderson, artwork by Zita Waller

A crackerjack group of volunteers keeps the energy humming at one of the most respected historical societies in the country. 
- story by Rebecca Orfila, photos by Rebecca Orfila and Ellis Anderson

The HCHS volunteer cohort consists of individuals with a love for history or a desire to give back to their community.  Gifted with various talents and interests, each volunteer is invited to work in their area of interest or, with the assistance of the volunteer staff, match their skills with new or unfinished projects.  With a smile, Charles Gray, the Executive Director of HCHS, confirmed that volunteers are provided a wide berth on their volunteerism and schedule: “Whatever works for you, works for us.”
 
Volunteers can serve in many ways at HCHS. Several professional and avocational historians contribute quality articles to the monthly newsletter, The Historian of Hancock County.  During a post-luncheon chat with a few of the volunteers, James Keating spoke of being inspired by Eddie Coleman (the editor of The Historian) to pursue his interest in the economic history of this area. 
 
Keating, a New Orleans native and retired physician, has been published in The Historian several times, most recently in the April 2016 issue with his article “The Turpentine Industry in Hancock County.” Other well-known contributors to The Historian include Coleman, Scott Bagley, and Russell Guerin. According to Coleman, submissions for The Historian are invited.  If you are interested in submitting an article, contact the Society via the address or number listed below.​

Historical societies gather, organize, and share information with researchers, genealogists, visitors, and other interested parties by making paper or digital documents available to the public. HCHS maintains documents and indexes of local cemetery records, for example.  These resources — and much more — are available to the general public at the Lobrano House in downtown Bay St. Louis and on the Society’s ever-expanding website, where the cache of digitized records available for research increases every day.  
 
Through the efforts of volunteer researchers, writers, computer aficionados, organizers, and “boots on the ground” folks, the Society continues to add to their collection. Many local and New Orleans families have donated records and images, which are scanned for archival and research purposes.
 
Personal materials, including private letters, tell stories and even provide details on confidential matters.  According to Gray and Coleman, the Society does not censor when asked for information.  No matter what the contents of a letter, album, or image, any donation will be made available to the public.  “We don’t want any secrets,” Gray said.
 
The amount and accessibility of resources at the Hancock County Historical Society has raised the bar for other county and city societies to provide research materials and educational events to the interested public.  As noted by Gray, “Our ultimate goal is to consign all the written documents on Hancock County history that we can gather into a database that will provide instant access to information being sought.”

“We all learned a great deal from Katrina,” recalled Coleman.  The hurricane was a major impetus for increased focus on digitizing.
 
Over the years, HCHS has received and cataloged thousands of primary (original papers, images, and maps) and secondary (books, annuals, and reproduced images) resources. Cataloguing documents takes a great deal of time. A collection of photographic negatives from Anthony Scafidi, a prolific Bay St. Louis photographer of the late 1940s through the early ’60s, for example, took multiple volunteers an entire year to clean, scan, and print for conservation purposes.
 
Marianne Pluim, volunteer webmaster and computer pro, shared her thoughts on digitizing materials for public access and archival protection.  According to Ms. Pluim, having access to cemetery, marriage, divorce, and land records online has made it possible for researchers at a distance to find key elements to their genealogical or historical research.

Also, between 125 and 150 people actually visit the HCHS each month for research purposes, and having the digitized materials helps to make research time less lengthy.  It also secures these important resources in case of natural disaster.
 
Volunteer Beth Weidlich, like Marianne, is interested in saving a large quantity of materials for posterity. A regular Tuesday volunteer, Beth is deep into a project to scan materials located in the vertical files for uploading.

Ana Balka works alongside Weidlich on the resources archive project, and recognizes the importance of history to county residents, but also to newcomers to the area.  A transplant herself, Ana sees opportunities to expand our understanding of history in Hancock County by researching for example, ​the economic ebb and flow of businesses before and after catastrophic weather events, or for deepening our understanding of African American history in the county.

Dot Larroux Kersanac, another volunteer, is working on her own project.  She is crusading to gain a Magnolia Marker for Cedar Point, where her family has had a presence for many years.  A former teacher and respiratory therapist, her work-in-progress began in October 2015.
 
The Historical Society is concerned with more than paper documents. The Society and the Bay-Waveland Garden Club work together to register Hancock County’s oldest live oak trees, with volunteer Shawn Prychitko at the helm of those efforts. Read in-depth stories from the Cleaver about live oak registration here and here.
 
Jim Thriffiley, 1st Vice President, is in charge of scheduling the monthly speakers.  When asked what qualities a speaker should have, Thriffiley responded, “Warm, receptive, and clever.”
 
Eddie Coleman said that people from many countries and states have contacted the Historical Society for assistance in research or genealogy.  Between in-person visitors, telephone calls, and email inquiries, the daily workings and research fill the day for volunteers.
 
The HCHS Board of Directors are all volunteers: Board President is Marco Giardino; Jim Thriffiley is 1st Vice President; Jackie Allain 2nd Vice President; Lana Noonan, Secretary; Georgie Morton, Treasurer. Scott Bagley, Publicity Chairman; John Gibson, Historian; and Ames Kergosien, Member-at-Large. 
 
This year on October 31st, the Society will hold its 23rd annual cemetery tour in Cedar Rest Cemetery. According to Gray, the event needs many volunteers every year to be successful: 10-12 to portray historical figures buried in the cemetery, another 10-12 to serve as guides, and several to welcome visitors to the Lobrano house, where guests are invited after the tour.
 
As noted on the Society website, “All talents are welcome. No experience required.”  Come join in the fun and help preserve Hancock County history.
 
For more information on volunteering, possible submissions to the newsletter, or research, contact HCHS at 228-467-4090 or [email protected].

The ancient Greeks drank pink wine in hot weather - they were definitely on to something.  With Anna's recommendations for Steals (around $10), Deals ($15 range) and Splurges ($20 - $40 range) - all locally available in the Bay-Waveland area!
- by Anna Speer

While primitive, this "skin contact" method is not so different from the primary winemaking techniques used to make rosé today. Thus, we can say that rosé wines are probably the oldest wine style in the world. Keep that fact in your back pocket while proudly drinking rosé at a party: you and Socrates probably have the same taste in wine.

Today, rosés display great variety in color and taste profile, ranging from off-orange and bone-dry to bright purple and sweet. Rosés spend a notably short time in maceration (that's wine-speak for processing and maturing); this limits their shelf life. These are "right now" wines best consumed within a year of production, with the newest vintages offering the freshest choices.

Let's take a look at the most popular grapes used to make rosé and the styles of wine they produce:

Grenache accounts for over 60 percent of rosé blends and is also used to create single varietals. Most notably, these grapes are used in immensely popular French Grenache/Cinsault/Syrah blends. These wines are fresh, fruity and acidic, with good body and a long finish. They show best when fully chilled, and go well with literally everything, especially hot July evenings. Of all the wines I sampled for this article, Grenache-based rosés were far and away my favorites.

Syrah rosés are also delicious, showing a slightly more funky, savory style; they should be served slightly warmer than GCS blends and go beautifully with anything grilled. Rosés of Pinot Noir are gaining popularity along the Pacific coast, with Oregon and Washington creating some earthy, delicate options. In other regions of the world, rosés are made from Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and other red grapes; sadly, these styles are less available in our market.

"But Anna, what about White Zinfandel? It's pink!" Sigh. How did I know this question would come up? Here's the easy answer. In the '70s, the demand for white wine exceeded the available plantings in California, so a business-savvy winemaker made a white wine from red Zinfandel grapes. There was a problem with the fermentation process; not all the sugar changed to alcohol. The result was a very sweet pink wine, and the winemaker decided to sell it. Hello, White Zinfandel, White Merlot, etc. While popular, we do not consider these wines to be in the same category as rosés.
 
So, how do we select our ideal rosé? Start by asking a few questions.
 
"Is it dry?" Sometimes, this question can be answered by looking at the wine's country of origin. European rosés tend to be drier while U.S. and New World rosés can lean toward semi-sweet. If you are looking for a sweet pink, refer to the previous paragraph.
 
"How's the color?" Try to avoid selecting a wine solely based on color: while consumers tend to purchase deeper-hued rosés, blind taste tests have demonstrated a strong trend in preference for lighter ones. When in doubt, go French; they've been doing the rosé thing for a long time.
 
"Will the boys like it?" Gentlemen, pink wine isn't just for the ladies: this is a lasting trend we all need to jump on. If anyone raises an eyebrow at you while you're sipping on a delicious glass of summertime heaven, tell them this: it's not ROsé, its BROsé.

Steal: Remy Pannier Rosé d'Anjou 2015. Gamay, Cabernet Franc, and Grolleaux; bone dry.

Deal: Gerard Bertrand Cote des Rosé 2015. Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah; dry.

Splurge: Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé. Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle; dry.

A firefighter/designer and his designer partner resuscitate a mid-century cottage, breathing fresh life infused with art into 213 Demontluzin.
 - story and photos by Ellis Anderson

Immerse yourself in another culture from the comfort of your favorite reading chair with translated novels - we've got some great starter suggestions!
 - by Carole McKellar

Emily Williams, writing for “Publishing Perspectives,” refutes that claim but recognizes that it is difficult to place foreign books with U.S. publishers due to economic realities.  A few small, independent presses strive to bring translated authors to the American market. Europa Editions, Open Letter, and the New York Review of Books seek to present diverse voices. Archipelago Books is a non-profit press that has published over 120 books in more than thirty languages.
 
Special skills are required to translate literature. Not only does the translator need fluency in at least two languages, but he must also be an avid reader and a masterful writer in each language. A good translation requires an intimate knowledge of the original work and research into its historical context.

Daniel Hahn, director of the British Centre for Literary Translation, was asked in an interview if translation should faithfully capture the original text, “Assuming the faithfulness you’re aiming for is fidelity to something more than just literal meaning, then any attempt at being faithful to the original piece of writing should entail making something that lives. Every translation is an interpretative act, as well as a creative one.”

A significant boost to the popular acceptance of translated work came with the success of Stieg Larsson’s “Millennium” trilogy of crime novels, beginning with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.” They were translated from Swedish into English beginning in in 2008 and ushered in a craze for Scandinavian noir.  Henning Mankell, Jo Nesbo, and Jussi Adler-Olsen are also popular practitioners of the genre—also called Nordic noir. I admit to being a fan.
 
Haruki Murakami, a popular and prolific Japanese writer whose most recent work is “Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage,” has also translated the works of Raymond Carver and J.D. Salinger into Japanese. I’ve tried to read Murakami, but struggled to finish “The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle.” 
 
The New York Times’ five best works of fiction for 2015 featured two works of translation: “The Door” by Magda Szabo, and Elena Ferrante’s “The Story of the Lost Child.”

 “The Door” was first published in Szabo’s native Hungary in 1987, the last year of communist rule. Len Rix translated it in 2005 for British publication, but it wasn’t until 2015 that American readers had access to this haunting novel. This thinly veiled autobiography tells the story of Magda and her housekeeper, Emerence, an illiterate peasant who has a profound impact on the narrator and her neighbors in postwar Budapest.  The mystery draws you in when the narrator reveals early on that she is responsible for Emerence’s death. Most of the book relates Magda’s growing dependence and regard for her housekeeper, but the reader doesn’t learn of the manner of her death until the closing pages.
 
“The Story of the Lost Child” is the last of Ferrante’s Neapolitan quartet, which began with “My Brilliant Friend.” Elena Ferrante is the pseudonym of a writer who has published six best-selling novels in her native Italy. Although her true identity is unknown, Ferrante was chosen in 2016 as one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

“The Neapolitan Novels” tell the story from childhood through late middle age of two women who grew up in the slums of Naples amid poverty and a violent patriarchal society. The novels don’t paint a flattering picture of the fathers and husbands that populate the neighborhood. The most gifted of the friends, Lila, marries young and never leaves, but Elena becomes a writer and enjoys a successful academic career. Their friendship evolves and endures throughout their lives.
 
I’m currently reading the second of the four novels, “The Story of a New Name.” Lila has married a successful grocer, but she is unhappy and a bit destructive. Elena is worried about her future, and is afraid to leave the neighborhood. Their friendship is a source of strength and stability for both. The emotional lives of these girls entering adulthood is richly detailed and authentic.

I have listed from memory some translated books I have enjoyed. This list is not inclusive, but I’m sure it will grow.

• Muriel Barbery: “The Elegance of the Hedgehog” (French)
• Dai Sijie: “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” (French)
• Per Petterson: “Out Stealing Horses” by (Norwegian)
• Gabriel Garcia Marquez: “One Hundred Years of Solitude” (Spanish)
• Irene Nemirovsky: “Suite Francaise” (French)
• Peter Hoeg: “Smilla’s Sense of Snow” (Danish)
• Fredrik Backman: “A Man Called Ove” (Swedish)

 
Whatever the reason for the limited availability of translated books, a reader can gain much from stories told from the perspective of writers from diverse backgrounds. Literature helps to remove stereotypes and broaden our understanding of other cultures. Hearing unique voices, we can recognize our common humanity and accept our differences.

The monthly artwalk on July 9th celebrates the birthday of iconic artist Frida Kahlo with an extraordinary costume contest and a fiesta of other events! Hot Spots:  Magnolia Antiques (200 Main Street) and O'Dwyer Realty (105 North Beach).
- stories by Grace Wilson

For Second Saturday, in the courtyard between the store and Smith & Lens Gallery, Magnolia Antiques hosts Heather and the Monkey King starting at 4:30 p.m.
 
Most people don’t think of the word “new” when it comes to an antique store, but in fact Magnolia Antiques finds ways to stay current, even in a shop full of vintage treasures. 
 
“We are always getting new stuff,” said Glenda Schornick, owner of Magnolia Antiques.
 
What most Bay St. Louis natives remember as Jerome’s Department Store found new life in 2008 as Magnolia Antiques. There are five vendors in 3000 square feet of space, including Annie the Doll Doctor, who used to have a shop across the street. 
 
Magnolia Antiques boasts a large collection of playable ukuleles thanks to the keen eye of Glenda’s husband Jack. The store also features lots of mid-century modern pieces that their daughter Shay Coss enjoys. It’s a family affair at Magnolia Antiques, which makes for a wide variety of finds — from furniture to jewelry and toys, antique coins and so much more. 
 
Another unique find at Magnolia Antiques: Betty Stechman’s photography postcards from Bay St. Louis and Waveland. Schornick recently bought all the postcards from Stechman’s family. 
 
“We don't focus on one particular thing,” Schornick said. “We have something for everyone from every time period. It may not be all vintage, but it’s all collectible.”

For Second Saturday, in honor of Frida Fest, O'Dwyer Realty will host a mariachi band at their new location on Beach Boulevard. 
 
In a world ruled by cell phones and email, it’s nice to walk into a business and connect with someone face-to-face — especially when it comes to one of the most important life decisions: buying real estate. 
 
Right on Beach Boulevard, between the Blind Tiger and on the way to Tripletails on some of the most desirable real estate in Bay St. Louis, O’Dwyer Realty offers help in finding others their own dream homes. 
 
“We really enjoy our beautiful view of the Bay. St. Louis marina and the wonderful foot traffic that we get being right on Beach Boulevard,” said Avra O’Dwyer, owner and broker at O’Dwyer Realty. 
 
O’Dwyer started making real estate deals in New Orleans decades ago and fell in love with the Gulf Coast and Bay St. Louis. Sixteen years ago, she opened the Mississippi branch of O’Dwyer Realty and today has three businesses with 32 agents in New Orleans, Waveland and Bay St. Louis.
 
“What’s not do love about Bay St. Louis?” O’Dwyer said. “The people, the ambiance, the water… everything is wonderful here.”

11am - photobooth opens at Bay Emporium (until 8pm)
Taco Extravaganza begins at Starfish Cafe (until 6:30)
 
12pm - drop off self portraits for contest at Bohemian Gallery 
 
4pm - outdoor double feature begins at Antique Maison featuring Nacho Libre & Book of Life (until 8:00ish)
face painting and henna by Mistress Ivey at the Mockingbird
registration opens for Frida Be You & Me look alike contest at Smith & Lens (until 7pm)
Live Mission Music by Tyler Santiago & Health Fair with Hancock Ocshner at Starfish Cafe (until 6:30)
 
4:30pm - judging begins for homemade salsa contest at the shops at 111 Main
Jezer y el Mono Rey begin playing at Magnolia Antiques (until 7:30)
 
5:00pm - Photo Booth opens at Social Chair 
Imagination Station opens at the French Potager - make your own Luchador masks (until 7pm)
 
Loteria with Carmen Lugo begins at Smith & Lens (until 7pm)
 
6:00 - Blue Magnolia starts playing at the Mockingbird (until 9pm)
 
7:30pm - Look Alike contest starts
 
8:00pm - drawing for Frida tote bag filled with over $100 worth of goodies at Identity Vintage & Vinyl - drop your name in their bucket to win!
 
Frida inspired special menus at:
Louie & the RedHeaded Lady
Starfish Cafe 
Mockingbird Cafe
Frida inspired drink specials at:
Sycamore House
Bouy's
Trapani's
​
All day long:
Fresh flower crowns at the French Potager
Frida inspired clothing available for purchase at Bay Emporium 
Frida inspired art and merchandise available at Smith & Lens, Social Chair, French Potager, Louie & the Redheaded Lady, etc.

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke keeps us up to date on the new Waveland police station, a Splash Pad project, the bulkhead on Nicholson Road, and the new Waveland Library branch manager, Angela Christoffer.

Waveland’s police station will be dedicated to Donald Dorn and John Thomas Longo.  Dorn is Waveland's longest-serving police official.  John Longo, Jr., was the mayor of Waveland from 1974 to 1990. 
 
There will be a ribbon cutting for the Johnny Longo/Donald Dorn Public Safety Facility on Monday, August 29, at 11 a.m. 

Waveland is about to have its very first splash pad.  Ward 2 Alderman Bobby Richardson spearheaded the project to have a splash pad installed at Martin Luther King Park on Herlihy Street. 
 
Waveland broke ground at a ceremony in June.  Preliminary site work has started and the construction of the splash pad will begin in a few weeks and will be done by community volunteers. 
 
The splash pad will be a wonderful addition for the children Waveland.
 

When you drive down Nicholson Avenue to Beach Boulevard you will notice the beautiful newly refurbished bulkhead.  On Saturday, June 25, a group of Wavelandinians gathered in the morning for the community project of repainting the bulkhead.  Artists as young as two years old were out there with paintbrushes beautifying our wonderful city.
 
This event was hosted by Destination Waveland.  Danny Lee designed the bulkhead mural, and Lowes provided supplies for the project.  Special thanks to Charles Cornelius, Tommy Bentley, Cynthia Mahner and all the other Wavelandinians who helped with this project.

When an award-winning photographer visits the Atchafalaya with Rheta, he discovers the sort of visual magic he's traveled the world to find.
 - story by Rheta Grimsley Johnson, photography by Martyn Lucas

On honeymoon in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, columnist Martha Whitney Butler starts a new life chapter with the vivid colors and eye-opening perspectives of an old culture.
- story and photos by Martha Whitney Butler

Click on any of the thumbnails below to open gallery!

Directly after the festivities and a monumental all-nighter, we found ourselves passed out from exhaustion in the large, crowded Mexico City airport. When our zombie bodies walked through the doors and into the orange early morning light of Leon we knew we had finally arrived.

We left stress at the door and took a car to our final destination, San Miguel de Allende. Our sweet driver, Miguel, did his best to entertain us with the cultural and political history of the area while we repeatedly nodded off in mid-conversation. In a dream, we passed through mountains and deserts filled with strange plants that danced in the sun and waved us into the city. (This was likely the hallucinatory effects of altitude sickness, but we enjoyed the show and kept our eyes peeled for roadrunners and coyotes.)

As we began our descent into San Miguel we awoke, startled by the vivid colors and enchanting historic buildings. It was the beginning of our honeymoon. We were in love with each other and together we fell in love with this new place and its colors.

Immediately I could see this was a place of art. The buildings reflected the colors of the sunset and were accented with deep turquoises — the color palette of our wedding. It was somehow so foreign, but so familiar that we just melted (almost literally) into the landscape like we belonged there.

It was that kind of place. It was a place full of life, colors, artwork, smiling faces, fireworks, cacti, and cobblestone walkways that all led to new adventures. I suddenly spoke Spanish and didn’t care for air conditioning. I ate cactus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and drank tequila like it wasn’t my mortal enemy from my college days. The folk of Mexico and I had become one, and it was in those hot, hazy, tequila-infused nights that I finally understood color.

This wasn’t a place that paved over their rough cobblestone streets to make it easier to walk on them. Instead, they seemed to be adding more and widening the walkways. Things weren’t polished, they were patinated and loved for it. To understand Mexican folk art, you have to embrace primitive. You have to love color as a distraction from crude craftsmanship.

In a place called Atotonilco, a 20-minute drive from the city, we found a revered artists’ market. Not a lot of people had set up on this weekday and I felt almost like the Pope as I walked through with the vendors vying for my attention and pesos. They totally deserved both. It reminded me of a Mexican ArtsAlive!.

Each vendor wasn’t demonstrating per se, but they were set up making their objects out of necessity. I stopped in one booth where a lady was using a can-opener-like apparatus to cut the tin for her shadow boxes. I thought, “Why isn’t she just using one of those metal lasers to cut that?” and then realized what a foolish question that was to ask myself. She had made hundreds of these things in all shapes and sizes, only to be selling them to some foolish gringa who had the audacity to question her methods.

It wasn’t the ease of her craft that enticed me to buy her things; it was her work ethic. I appreciated her labor, her willingness to show up in the 90+-degree heat and cut sharp, rusty tin by hand. I bought several of her pieces, and I didn’t even haggle (which is weird for me).

I went stall-by-stall and did the same thing, watching the artists create. Several of them stopped to pay me attention and show me their artwork. It was a very moving experience, the same feeling I get when I watch artists at home in Bay St. Louis. I felt like a stitch in the embroidered tapestry of something bigger than myself.

Each object was handmade. Every glance at an item prompted the shopkeeper to say it was made here. There was nothing paved over about this art. I left with a greater understanding of folk art, something I must have never captured in my years of college classes on the subject.

To see my new husband so astonished at all that was happening was a delight, and his encouragement of my purchases was even more delightful, as I had made a vow that I wouldn’t work on our honeymoon. But when you love something, it really isn’t work.

People have always told me that, but we both understood it during this trip. I felt like Marco Polo, compelled to bring these objects and share my stories about them with my customers back home. Bringing back items from travels to offer to people in the community is in the blood of every merchant, just like bringing back inspiration is in the blood of every artist.

I’m grateful to be both and so thankful that I got to experience what I like to describe as “Bay St. Louis in Spanish.” Nothing thrills me more than the prospect of getting to dwell in color during Frida Fest on July 9th, when the downtown is converted into a little Mexico of sorts. I will forever relish my newfound ability to breathe blues, hear reds, and embrace the warm oranges of love.