Things come full circle
I was asked recently how I ended up here in Birmingham. I think I’ve tried to answer this question before, but not completely. If I have, we’ll just find the link to it later and post it here. It was shortly after a forced two-year break from college ended and a friend of mine convinced me to visit Birmingham for City Stages weekend. My first visit into town
In 2004 I decided (about this same time of year) that it was time to move from Savannah, GA and get on with a career. I also knew that I didn’t want to go back to the Northeast just yet. So I brought Betsy over to what was then my fifth trip to the festival (and umpteenth to the city) and decided that it was where we wanted to be next. I still consider finding the job extremely great timing. So it is always with enjoyment that I look to this weekend.
There are several problems currently facing the three-day music festival. However, it is still a draw and a deal, especially when you consider the comparisons made on this morning’s Birmingham News opinion page. (Get your hot doughnuts now, The Birmingham News 6.16.2006)
It was always an escape for me from my existence along the coast. Getting near the foothills of the Appalachian,, hearing the rain that would inevitably fall at least one night while I tried to fall asleep with a breeze going outside, still trying to figure out when Dippin Dots would really become the ice cream of the future (still funny) was a great relief. The festival always served as an excuse to come visit, wander through the neighborhoods and wonder what else could appear. Now, the same excitement begins to appear in my mind, despite now living in the city and being exposed to all of its issues and concerns. It serves as the unofficial start of my year, more because of its mental place as a jumping off point. It’s a way to get some friends to come by and visit, though I have learned of other year-round attractions that accomplish the same thing. It is still amazing to tell people about the festival and Birmingham. Perhaps in the coming years it will return to its former size. We’ll see if we can’t post some images over the weekend and plant the seed.
Massey’s heading to East Lake
Driving home from work yesterday, I noticed that Massey’s had a “we’re relocating” sign on their window. At first I was quite upset; then I realized the location of their new building was in one of my office’s target districts. While downtown residents will surely be upset by losing a local hardware store, residents in East Lake renovating homes and planting gardens will surely enjoy the close proximity to this long time business. Once I find out some more information, I’ll let you know. For now, read the Birmingham News article from Wednesday. (Massey Mercantile moving for another downtown loft, The Birmingham News, 6.14.2006)
Next week is crazy too
This is a busy time of year to live here. The Rickwood Classic takes place next week Thursday at America’s oldest ballpark. This will include an appearance by former Yankees pitcher Tommy John. Later that evening, you can always enjoy Big Fish, the second Movies by Moonlight film in Linn Park downtown. Click here to view the MySpace page. Friday night is the next installment of Art on the Rocks at the Birmingham Museum of Art. All in all, a pretty busy time in town (now if I could only lose this stupid crutch sooner).
Reflecting
I wrote a piece on the effects of Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast last September. Click here to view the post. I recently looked over the post after my trip to New Orleans. The one thing that disturbs me is that it appears that there are some long term issues that must be examined.
Enjoy the weekend.
Cheers.
