Author Archives: averyellk

I joined the Delta Magazine website over a month ago when one of my posts appeared there. Wow! What a find. It showcases the wonderful work of talented Delta artists and photographers that should make every Mississippian proud. Delta Magazine is a public group on facebook. Take a look. You won’t be disappointed.

The Secret of Christmas© Averyell A. Kessler During a long-ago December, I lived in limbo as a halfway child. The best part of me was still a dedicated Santa Claus devotee, but as I edged toward double digit years, I began to doubt.  For weeks, I’d heard my Power School classmates dissecting Santa, some whisperingContinue reading “The Secret of Christmas”

The Night Before Christmas© Averyell Kessler Clement Moore’s Twas the Night Before Christmas is one of my favorites. It’s a wonderful expression of Christmas joy when St. Nicholas bounds down the chimney with a bundle of toys. I read it every year sitting in my mother’s lap. I still read it.  I’m also reminded ofContinue reading “The Night Before Christmas”

Averyell A. Kessler Call it what you wish, a lock down is a synonym for quarantine. No use dancing around it. It’s separation, isolation, a lonely sheep cordoned off in a faraway pen. It’s heartbreaking and it hurts. The word quarantine has been around a long time and carries recollections of ancient plagues, polio, andContinue reading “Christmas Quarantine”

Averyell A. Kessler Every year my grandfather WG treated Mama and me to a weekend of Christmas shopping at Marshall Fields, Chicago’s famous department store. Shortly after Thanksgiving, the store donned its holiday attire and housed an eight story Christmas tree covered with glittering lights and miles of sparking tinsel. I was nine and wildlyContinue reading “Chicago or Bust”

Christmas – A Laurel Street View© Averyell A. Kessler We are without snow, but not without joy, It’s too hot for a fire, but we possess abundant warmth, When our pennies are tight, we remember the source of true wealth. When our wallets are full, we celebrate the gift of sharing. Maybe we can’t carryContinue reading “Christmas – A Laurel Street View”

Fruitcake Elegy© Averyell A. Kessler I’ve never liked fruitcake. Not then, not now, not ever. It’s a lifelong affliction. Even as a distraught hostess pleads, I shake my head no. “Averyell, would you like a nice piece fruitcake?” The word nice is a red flag warning.    “No, thanks,” I say, as I stare atContinue reading “Fruitcake Elegy”

I have an old sweatshirt that says Careful or You’ll End Up in My Novel. The collar is ragged, it’s faded and dingy from repeated washings, but I love it. It’s especially fun to wear it to the grocery store because people always look twice.  No one knows I’ve been watching for years and theContinue reading “Careful ©”