Have you ever noticed when you're thinking about buying a certain model car, that's all you see on the road? There is a similar phenomenon going on now during this COVID-19 crisis. I often feel books I've read or movies I watch have some connection in theme to what we are going through as a … Continue reading Steinbeck in Staunton
When I first brought him home from the Connecticut shelter, the tiny kitten was a snarling, spitting ball of shaggy grey fur and tiny (albeit sharp) Chiclet teeth. It took a few weeks for the rescue kitten to warm up to me. After several failed attempts to bond (I had to wear oven mitts just … Continue reading The Tao of Joey
Growing up in the '70's, I eagerly ingested a steady diet of post-apocalyptic films and books. Nothing set my heart a-twittter more than a film featuring the then-hunky Charlton Heston (pre-gun nut). I would beg my father to take us to the drive-in to see The Omega Man, Soylent Green (is people!) and of course, … Continue reading WWSD?
The oldest church in Staunton may arguably be one of the most awe-inspiring in the city. I'm talking about Trinity Episcopal Church, which sits gracefully on the edge of the downtown area offering a respite from the bustle (as if there were any) from the shops and restaurants anchoring my Virginia hometown. I'd been meaning … Continue reading A revival meeting
A few decades ago I started a collection of glassware called Amberina. It is pretty - yellow and orange colors melding into one pretty piece of glass - a pitcher, a sugar bowl or vase. When I was getting ready to move from Connecticut, I realized most of my Amberina collection was still in boxes, … Continue reading A Confederate victory
More than 200 years ago for literally pennies on the dollar, young Thomas Jefferson purchased a 157-acre tract of land that is now one of the most awe-inspiring state parks in Virginia. I'm talking about Natural Bridge State Park, a gorgeous tract that's a 45-minute drive from Staunton and so well worth the trip. The … Continue reading Natural wonder
Since it's officially fall and the start of the spooky season, I feel compelled to tout the many attributes of my new favorite Staunton haunt, Thornrose Cemetery. This 12-acre final resting place with its rolling hills, gorgeous statuary and jam-packed historical figures of long ago, is nestled on the West side of the city. It … Continue reading A stroll among the dead
I am fortunate that my new home is equidistant between the retail riches of downtown Staunton and the absolute jewel of the Queen City, Gypsy Hill Park. And the lyrics to the iconic Cher song are not far off as to how this 214-acre park got its name. In the 1800's it was the main … Continue reading Gypsies, tramps…and me
I felt compelled as an amateur witch and lover of all things macabre, to share some thoughts on this day of supposed universal bad luck. Friday the 13th can occur once a year, but may also rear its scary head up to three times in a 12 month span. (We had two this year.) Westerners … Continue reading On superstitions
It could very well be one of those generalization chuck holes we try so hard not to step into in this age of political correctness, but I have to say, one I've been encountering recently here in the South seems to hold water. I'm talking about Southern politeness, graciousness even. I lived most of my … Continue reading The land of Ma’ams
