Today I witnessed history. On this misty, gray morning, I stood outside the Jefferson County Courthouse in Birmingham and watched a bright rainbow flag wave as Alabama became the 37th state to allow same-sex marriages. I watched Jefferson County Probate judges uphold the law and defy bigotry, hate, and fear. I saw families embrace, relieved … Continue reading Today I witnessed history
Tag: Alabama
Don’t leave me, Joe!
"Don't leave me, Joe!" These are the words that John Brooks Rowell spoke to his brother, my great-great-grandfather Andrew Joseph Rowell, as he drew his last breath on the Civil War battlefield at Resaca, Ga. At least that's how Granny told the story, and that's how I imagined it. One last plea. A promise to … Continue reading Don’t leave me, Joe!
A Southern Belle chimes in on the Jersey Belle
"Jersey" and "belle." Not two words one usually hears together. That is until Bravo smashed them together into a hot reality mess set right here in, well, let's just say the Birmingham area (Mountain Brook, Cahaba Heights — they can't seem to decide which). I haven't watched the show. For the record, I don't watch … Continue reading A Southern Belle chimes in on the Jersey Belle
Sook and Sarah
I stood at the foot of her grave, the bahia grass tickling the back of my knees and a cacophony of summer insects loud in my ears. I hadn't come to Monroeville looking for her, but I'd found her. Sook. Twenty-seven years ago, almost to the sweltering June day, I stood at the foot of … Continue reading Sook and Sarah
Drink like a local in Birmingham
Foodies have long since recognized Birmingham as one of the South’s culinary gems, but recently there has been a groundswell of craft cocktails and beer. From the white tablecloth to the warehouse watering hole, the Magic City is awash in house-made tonics, bitters, and brews. There’s something to quench every thirst, if you just know … Continue reading Drink like a local in Birmingham
As cold as floogie
It is as cold as floogie. At least that's how Mama describes the weather we've had this winter — as cold as floogie. She's used this description for as long as I can remember, although the word "floogie" doesn't seem to have any real meaning. It's sort of onomatopoetic in a way. "Ooooo it's so … Continue reading As cold as floogie
Eat Like a Local in Birmingham
Anyone who knows me knows I'll eat just about anything that won't eat me first. Here's a short list of some of my favorite Birmingham eating establishments: Once known only for its thriving steel industry, Birmingham has become a city that is recognized far and wide for dining excellence. From the James Beard Foundation to … Continue reading Eat Like a Local in Birmingham
A Day in Birmingham — The Magic City
If you only had one day to spend in Birmingham, Ala., what would you do? Here are my recommendations. 8:00 a.m. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you’ll need a hearty one if you plan to see all of what Birmingham, Ala., has to offer in one day. Make your first … Continue reading A Day in Birmingham — The Magic City
A 25-minute college education
Last Saturday night I got a college education. You see, 26 years ago my parents loaded me and my things up in my aunt's pickup truck and drove me to the University of Montevallo to start college. We hauled my suitcases into the dorm, and Mama helped me put sheets on the bed. As they … Continue reading A 25-minute college education
From Garden to Glass — The Ideal Southern Cocktail
The ideal Southern summer cocktail? Undoubtedly it is the gin and tonic. So cool. So refreshing. So restorative. And it doesn't hurt that it might keep the mosquitos from carrying you away too. The ideal Southern summer cocktail? Undoubtedly it is the gin and tonic. So cool. So refreshing. So restorative. And it doesn't hurt … Continue reading From Garden to Glass — The Ideal Southern Cocktail