Dang Y’all

Fun-loving Community Advocate with a Heart of Gold

On a sweltering July afternoon, Mike Goldstein is completely comfortable as we sit by the fountain at Kleman Plaza. His red T-shirt reads “Are you bike curious?” with the hashtag justkeeppedaling referring to his business Capital City Pedicabs.

This boyish-looking man somehow reminds me of Peter Pan and may be of slight build, but his social stature is enormously impressive. Mike is respected by students, stars, and prominent political and business leaders of Tallahassee. He is a business owner, graphic designer, gamer, writer, and autograph collector.

Mike, tell me a little bit about your job.

       I own Tallahassee’s first pedicab business. We offer eco-friendly and affordable rides on our three-wheeled bikes that can hold up to four passengers. We know the best places, events, and the best ways to get there. As owner and one of the drivers, I get to see the best of Tallahassee on three wheels.

What else do you love about Tallahassee?

       Great football, great politics, and so much more. We have amazing places to see all year round.

What do you enjoy doing for fun and relaxation?

       I love rocking out to music to get my creative juices flowing. Hitting up a karaoke night at a local bar, meeting celebrities at a comic con, or hanging out at afterhours events.

What makes you an exuberant person?

       I am a people connector and master networker. If I don’t know someone, I will very soon. And I will help them connect with others by the end of an event. I encourage everyone to get out, explore Tallahassee and be sure to support local businesses.

Any other places you’d like to see?

       I would like to revisit Los Angeles and maybe go see New Zealand.

Anything else you’d care to share?

       Be positive, be kind. Remember…just keep pedaling and everything will be alright.

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This is the very essence of the true Mike Goldstein. He is all about finding joy in fun and games. He is all about exploring the neighborhoods and encouraging the business owners of his Tallahassee, Florida, hometown. He is all about bringing people together and bringing out the best in everyone he meets. He is a fun-loving community advocate with a heart of gold.

Book Review (because reading is a great thing to do)

“A Chasing of the Wind” by Anthony W. Kalberg

This delightful historical fiction novel is loosely based on several true events which happened on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It takes place between 1938 and 1959.

The primary character is Cooper Austin Barnes. His school days were followed by time spent in the military. As an adult, Cooper became the Sheriff of the loveable town of Port Haven. He would eventually piece together the odd puzzle and solve the 21-year-old mystery of a scandalous local double homicide.

The novel is a pure joy to read and mentions several real events and locations on the coast. Those who are already enamored with the fabulous literary works of past Mississippi writers will certainly love this book. Others, yet unfamiliar with this part of the world, will get a unique perspective on a sprinkling of bizarre bawdiness amid tons of sweet Southern charm.

The characters seem very real. The descriptiveness is enough to make any reader want to pack a suitcase and take a coastal vacation.

From homemade pickles to a fishing rodeo to a catastrophic hurricane, DANG Y’ALL, this historical fiction truly captures the essence of a bygone era. But you will soon realize that even back then there were hidden secrets too deep and dark to mention in pleasant company.

“A Chasing of the Wind” is an excellent book that is sure to keep the reader entertained for hours.

You can order a copy from the author by sending an email to him. The email address is iougarbo@cableone.net.

Anthony W. Kalberg will soon be fulfilling his lifelong dream of directing the play “A Streetcar Named Desire”. The play will be scheduled as soon as the Covid pandemic has settled down and activities along the Mississippi coast return to somewhat normal.  When that time comes you can be sure that I will let you know.

Thanks for reading this book review. I would be THRILLED to receive YOUR comments.

How to find a great yummy brownie and have an awesome conversation with a fascinating man at the same time! The answer is so simple.

Head to Darwell’s Cafe in Long Beach, Mississippi. Sit a spell with “PaPa D” as he casually and openly shares his unique ideas on everything from food to faith and from travel to trust.

Darwell’s Cafe is located at 127 East 1st Street in Long Beach and is open Wednesday through Sunday. In addition to a great conversation and a great brownie, remember to try one or more of their seafood dishes. From crab cake to crawfish, every one is so tasty.

At Darwell’s you will be entertained by various types of music nightly. Also you may be lucky enough to have PaPa D draw a caricature on your cup or play an instrument or two for you.

When you plan your next trip to the beautiful Mississippi coast, please be sure to set aside one evening for Darwell’s…real food for real people and entertainment nightly. You’ll be so glad you did.

For more info on this and other Mississippi delights, check out my article published in GoNOMAD, a great roundup about the Mississippi Coast, https://www.gonomad.com/154629-mississippis-coastal-towns.

Darwell’s https://www.restaurantji.com/ms/long-beach/darwells-cafe-/

As I am writing this blog post, it is May of 2020…an unusual time of what I call “pandemic panic” in the United States. Most of us have been struggling to figure out how we feel about the social distancing and mask wearing and all the other current health precautions. Now y’all may be asking yourself what that has to do with restaurants!

Well, yesterday was a day of celebration for me because it was the first time in three months that I FINALLY got to eat at a restaurant. Two of my friends and I went to a Mexican restaurant in Florida. We were thrilled to be the only customers sitting out on the patio while a few others sat inside.

The weather was perfect…the food was perfect…the adult beverage was perfect. Sharing the event with two dear friends has now become my new favorite restaurant experience. I am SO happy for this first indication that, just maybe, our country and our world is getting back to normal. Or at least heading toward a new normal.

Dang y’all, we all should give a huge shout out to thank all the food workers. They are among the many unsung heroes of this strange time we are living in right now.

So I am very curious to hear from YOU. What has been your new favorite restaurant experience recently? Did it feel totally bizarre? Did it feel exhilarating? Did it make you want to sing, or cry?

Please take a minute to let the readers know! Share your experience…as we all continue to Embrace Southern States! Thank you…and big “virtual” hugs to ALL y’all !!!

If you are reading my posts (and WHY wouldn’t you be), then you know I have been recovering from a broken wrist. Even though the cast is off, I still have a way to go before being “back to normal”.

Given the extraordinary events related to the Covid-19 virus I would say that we ALL seem to be recovering from stuff right now, right? Some are getting over the virus or the flu or cancer or injuries. Some are getting over the whole “social distancing” thing or the economic impact.

Dang y’all … pretty much everyone is wondering what our “new normal” will look like and what other adjustments we will have to make. Here’s a photo of what TRAVEL had looked like recently!

Please, take a deep breath…try to be calm…let’s all do some self-care and think positive. Feel free to drop me a note to tell about YOUR best self-care method. Is it reading, cooking, mindfulness, prayer, or small acts of kindness for your neighbors? Or what?

While you’re at it, why not let me know WHERE in the 13 southern states you are itching to go! Have you been watching travel videos and planning your next adventure? I sure have! As soon as it is SAFE, I will set out to conquer my bucket list of travel destinations. And I will be sharing photos and stories with you. I hope you are excited…I sure am!

Until next time, be the best YOU possible…and Embrace Southern States.

Mardi Gras has been one of my favorite things since I was nine years old.   That’s when I went to my first parade.  Down in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, they know how to have a good time. Then Mardi Gras comes around and makes it a great time. The floats, the beads, the bands, the costumes…dang, y’all…this and so much more has thrilled me for many years.

While many other states do have parades, I can say without a doubt that these three have elevated it into an art form. Each town and each Krewe has developed delightfully unique colors, themes, and traditions. There are parades that feature children, or dogs, or even flamingos. Most are appropriately family friendly, while others are a bit too bawdy and gawdy.

At any rate, let me get back to my point. On February 22, 2020, I was enjoying a fabulous time in Lafayette, Louisiana. Staying in an historical home only three blocks from the parades was so exciting. Eating crawfish cooked seven different ways was a gastric celebration. Catching a variety of beads, toys, and stuffed animals was so much fun.

Mardi Gras was great until…I lost my balance, fell off a curb, and broke my wrist! Ouch!! And, before you even ask…no I had not been drinking! I was totally sober. The next morning my travel companion took one look at the swelling and discoloration and began packing our luggage. He was so sweet,  stopping to buy me a King cake and pain reliever for the long ride back home.

And that, dear friend, is why I have not posted over the last month or done much of anything. Having my dominant hand in a cast has certainly made me think about things more carefully.

Will I be more cautious when walking? Yes! Will I be more thankful for my health? Yes! Will I stop going to Mardi Gras? NO, goodness no!  Even though I broke my wrist, I will always love Mardi Gras. Dang, y’all…I just hope the next one has a much happier ending.

Can you relate to this? If so, PLEASE send your own comment that can be shared. Thanks.