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Ever heard of a Mama Cass soap dispenser? This is not official merch. It was a creative gift.  Let me back into the story. As a kid, I wondered if the ghost of Mama Cass lived in my mom’s Tabu soap display.

Received as a gift, back in the ‘70s, this soap bar had a face carved in it and was encased in a rounded red and black plastic stand. Maybe it resembled a grave marker in my mind. The rumor was that the singer died from choking on a ham sandwich. Pretty scary as a kid. When I would get up in the middle of the night and head to the bathroom, I always gave this soap container the side eye and a wide berth. What if this ghost offered me a sandwich? 

There’s no rhyme or reason to this kid logic. But it was a good story to share at the senior center happy hour where my aunt lives. This party starts at 4 p.m. on Fridays and it’s a blast. We’ve met other residents’ families and I guess this story made an impression. The son of a resident proudly presented me with a sticker he made of Mama Cass pasted onto a modern pump soap container. Her hands are on her hips hands and she looks pretty stern. But I’m sure she’s okay with me now, and maybe simply contemplating new lyrics from her resting place in my pantry. 

Cass Elliot of the Mamas and the Papas recorded many hits including “California Dreamin’.” This song had more meaning for me when I was in college and worked at Bennigan’s. It was on a loop and I heard it all shift long. It’s beautiful each time. 

Tabu by Dana appeared in the early 1930s. I have a decades-old bottle of my mother’s and  I’m gonna say, it is past its prime. But I love having it. Even fresh, this scent is a bit strong for me. Makers call it “The very essence of sensuality and passion.” Base notes include patchouli, amber and musk. Also, I don’t have the sort of evening gown always depicted on the glamorous women in the ads. 

 “Purpose Under Heaven” – The sisters, staff and clients of St. Mary Hospital are collected in a book to make us all proud. Port Arthur News clippings and photos tell a story in this book, subtitled “A Legacy of Service at Christus Southeast Texas St. Mary.” Of all the medical breakthroughs, expansions and personal stories, a particular photo caught my eye. A sister is peeking through a giant concrete planter shaped like a basket and covered in seashells. The cutline reads: 1936 Sister Reginald’s garden basket. She’s smiling, but I’m also wondering if her everyday look was a bit more stern… Thank you, sisters, the people of Port Arthur have loved St. Mary’s. For your copy, ask for Becky at the Museum of the Gulf Coast gift shop. 

More, Please – I didn’t realize San Antonio was holding on to a “secret,” dubbed America’s favorite vegan bakery. Like a fan says, Southern Roots makes “donuts” more like a pound cake, in various flavors, dripping with icing. So good. So good. So good. At southernrootsvegan.com it’s a pride to say this small business is woman-owned; black-owned; dairy, egg and soy free; and school friendly. This foodie says they are adult lunch-box friendly as well. These recipes are why Southern recipes are so celebrated. Dare you check into the monthly dessert subscription? 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie still playing with her food. darraghcastillo@icloud.com