My neighbor, Connie Cazort, is loved by everyone for her infectious energy, spontaneity, and zest for life. She is especially adored by children who gather at her feet to hear her tell stories. Connie is a professional storyteller who tells, not reads, a story. With folk tales, fairy tales, classics, and stories she created herself, she captures her audience's imagination with theatrical voices, gestures, and expressive pauses. She growls, grimaces, chuckles, and gasps. Her body and soul participate in the story, creating a magical connection with her audience. “Storytelling tunes children’s ears to the music of our language,” she explains with passion. 

Good evening. Thank you for having me, Dr. Kevin Scott, English department faculty. Graduates, welcome.

If you're looking for a graceful old mansion with tall, white columns at Weeks Bay Plantation, you won't find it. The scenic property just west of Magnolia Springs is a lot of things, but it's really never been a "plantation" in the traditional sense.

With May Day upon us, we have lots in store. This week’s Top Five Things to Do in May is front-loaded for the first half of the month. Keep up with each week’s entertaining things to do throughout the Scenic 98 Coastal area featured in Tidbits and Best Bets in Wednesday’s newsletter and on our website at scenic98coastal.com. Thank you to the good folks at Chuck’s Fish and Dharma Blue for sponsoring Top Five each month!

One of the more interesting and entertaining documentaries I’ve watched is Commanding the Table. It is a 2016 film by Academy Award-nominated director Leslie Iwerks about the life and influence of New Orleans Restaurateur Ella Brennan. The film chronicles her role in revolutionizing Creole cuisine, creating the jazz brunch, and launching the careers of celebrity chefs like Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse.

This April is lining up as a great time to take advantage of the Spring weather with a variety of outdoor events and festivals. Be sure to check Tidbits and Best Bets each week for the latest music, live performances, and festivals in the Scenic 98 Coastal communities along the Gulf Coast!

Three years ago, I was fortunate to see the film, En Selle: The Kyrgyz Ride, when it was screened in Ashley Parsons' hometown of Mobile. It was an incredible tale of Ashley and her partner, Quentin Boehm’s, travels on horseback on the Ancient Silk Road, a 1600 kilometer (994 miles) journey through the mountains and steppes of Kyrgyzstan. 

“We could be in San Diego,” my friend Ellen said. “Blue skies, low humidity, and eating lunch outside.”