Author Archives: averyellk

Averyell a. Kessler Saturday reprise We’d been warned for weeks; spinach was coming to the Power School cafeteria. I don’t know what was going on behind the scenes or who decided Popeye’s life altering vegetable was a critical addition to our diet, but Mrs. Mills, my teacher, touted it benefits for days. She reminded usContinue reading “Cafeteria Standoff©”

Averyell A. Kessler Guess what?” My grandfather WG says.  “We’re going to Robert Stockett’s stable so you can ride my horse.” I panic. I am afraid of horses.  “Nooooo,” I whine. “I don’t want to.” “Mr. Crawford’ coming to take your picture for the horse show program.  I’ll stand right by you. Nothings gonna happen.”Continue reading “My Wild Ride ©”

Charming Gardeners© Averyell A. Kessler For my friend Susan, a charming gardener. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust. ‘ I wasn’t sipping tea with Mr. Proust  or nibbling his famous madeleines, but one of his quotes appeared in myContinue reading “Charming Gardeners©”

Averyell A. Kessler I live in a house that is older than I am. It is not on the historic register and does not include a barn for the horse and buggy. Water comes from a faucet not a pump out back.  George Washington did not sleep here, and my house is not surrounded byContinue reading “Home”

Saturday Reprise Averyell A. Kessler My Easter memories are especially strong.  I remember a Saturday morning when Mama allowed me to spread discarded sheets of the Clarion Ledger over the kitchen table, drop Paas tablets into coffee cups filled with vinegar and water, and dye dozens of hard-boiled eggs, many of which would never beContinue reading “An Easter Gift©”

Averyell A. Kessler April was always a wonderful time in Avery Gardens because that’s when the azaleas bloomed. My grandfather WG started his 30-acre garden project by trucking up hundreds of azaleas from the Gulf Coast and planting them wherever he thought they’d flourish.  The name Avery Gardens didn’t exist; we called it the country.Continue reading “April’s Fools©”

Saturday Reprise Averyell A. Kessler. I was ten when my grandfather, WG, started taking me along on his dates.  We usually went to his favorite steak place, a southern version of a Mediterranean extravaganza. It was an opportunity for me to shine in my Sunday best dress, patent leather shoes, and a ribbon tied aroundContinue reading “Out to Eat with WG©”

Averyell A. Kessler I was inching toward the seventh grade when Mama loaded me into the front seat of her Chevy and announced. “It’s time.” It was a hot Saturday in August. Belhaven was simmering. “Time for what?” I asked. “A brassiere,” she said simply. I blanched. “Oh no,” I said. “I can’t…… “Honey, you’reContinue reading “No Turning Back©”

Averyell A. Kessler  Kate Beacham was still fuming. Her untimely exit from the horse show party at our house was a hot topic for weeks.  Belhaven gossips worked overtime. Sadly, no photo existed of me modeling Kate’s rubberized girdle and heavily decorated brassier, but the scene was still as vivid in everyone’s mind. My motherContinue reading “Horse Show Floor Show – Part 2©”

Averyell A. Kessler. Edna Hart knew all about the south. How could she not? She’d seen Gone with the Wind on a wide screen in Detroit’s Majestic Theatre and watched Bette Davis toss her curls in Jezebel.  As a result, she learned a lot about southern women, how they spoke, dressed, and practiced the basicContinue reading “Carry On©”