On a recent visit to Chicago for the American Library Association conference (I am a trustee for the Vestavia Hills Library in the Forest), I spent four big, long days learning about trends in publishing and programing (inclusiveness is key in all kinds of ways) and how to be a better advocate for our library. … Continue reading Work & Play in Chicago
Here are three brand-new works of nonfiction. All are books I gathered at the recent American Library Association conference, where I met two of the enthusiastic authors. I shared these books this month on Good Day Alabama on WBRC Fox 6. There are (No) Stupid Questions … in Science Written and illustrated by Leah Elson In … Continue reading New and True
FOH. BOH. In food-service lingo, that means “front of house” and “back of house”—the customer-facing side and the creative food team behind them. At The Landing at Parker Creek, that means Herb Winches and Chef Torrey Hall—and a fun, delicious time for tens of thousands of seasonal visitors to this restaurant on beautiful Lake Martin. … Continue reading Great Food, Great Vibes by the Boatload
It all started with muffins. Sarah Jones, who, along with her husband, Howard, owns Wild Flour Bakery in the ultra-cool Standard Deluxe compound in Waverly, Alabama, says, “The business was really born at home through years of home baking.” In December 2021, a friend asked Sarah to bake some muffins. “She only needed about six, … Continue reading All the Right Ingredients
Here are three award-winning works of fiction with real-world messages that matter. I shared them this month on Good Day Alabama on WBRC Fox 6. Demon Copperhead By Barbara Kingsolver I’ve loved Barbara Kingsolver for decades. The Poisonwood Bible. The Bean Trees. This newest book, Demon Copperhead, recently won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. Heartbreaking, … Continue reading Fiction Gets Real
There’s a saying on the Domestique Coffee website: Beyond the mountains, more mountains. It’s a Haitian proverb about perseverance, resiliency and hope in the face of challenges—no matter how many challenges arise. Domestique's newest location is inside Cahaba Cycles in Homewood. Nathan and Michael Pocus are not intimidated by mountains of any sort, or even … Continue reading Domestique is Serving Coffee and Communities
Here are three books that I shared this month on Good Day Alabama on WBRC Fox 6. One has a local connection. One will get your creative juices flowing and the other one is 52 years old and oh so timely. African Town By Charles Waters and Irene Latham This book for teens by Birmingham … Continue reading The Beginning of Summer Reading
There’s a lot that’s unique about Magnolia Springs. But two things come to mind immediately. This small town in south Alabama is the only one in the entire United States that gets mail delivered by boat year-round. (There are nearly 200 boxes on the Magnolia Star River Route.) And Magnolia Springs is the home of … Continue reading Delicious Food, Historic Space in Beautiful Magnolia Springs
Birmingham filmmakers continue to capture the public’s attention and win awards. Alabama native, Davis Browne, is currently celebrating accolades for his new film, Capsules. Browne, who grew up in Mountain Brook and attended The Altamont School, co-wrote and starred in the indie film that is now streaming on Apple TV+. The film premiered at The … Continue reading New York Filmmaker with Birmingham Ties
Here are three books with local ties—a cookbook from a favorite restaurateur, a book of poetry from a beloved poet and historical fiction set here. Truly something for everyone, and I shared them this month on Good Day Alabama on WBRC Fox 6. Ashley Mac’s Kitchen: Refined Southern Recipes for Every Occasion' By Ashley McMakin … Continue reading Celebrating Local
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