Alabama Book Summary:
Note: I am adding a typed version (legible) of my book summary. I am still learning how to scan everything correctly into my blog and currently you are on my learning curve. At the bottom of this blog I have attached the pictures. I am anxious to get a moving through this state and hear any feedback from anyone who will give some.
This summary is very "by the book" without much added flare. I'm excited to share my next journals with you as well. Stay tuned.....
Date Visited (Researched): From June 15th to July 31st, 2020
Note: I actually lived in
Anniston, Alabama for 3, maybe 4 months in 1993. In fact, I was moving to
Virginia on the day of the "Greatest Snowstorm" on record (for
Alabama) - 13 inches of snow!
I'm at a point in my life where I just want to try and learn more. It's honestly a struggle to sum up everything I have learned and put it into words for someone else's enjoyment and for it to make sense - but I want so much to try.
Alabama is someplace where you can walk the grounds of events that changed lives forever. Around almost every corner there's a unique place, historic buildings; a bridge to cross or stairs to climb; and every last tree has a story to tell or a whisper to be heard. History buffs will be delighted in discovering all that Alabama has to offer.
What I enjoyed most:
I really enjoyed doing the research! My perfectionist side of me is struggling with how to organize all my information and them making it relatable to share with others. There is so much to share - but I don’t want it to be boring, nor do I want to sound like a tourist magazine: but I finally decided I just need to pick up a pen and write. Travel increases cultural awareness, empathy towards others, historical insight and it's also a lot of fun!
What I found most interesting: This one is about me; not Alabama. Confidence is definitely a journey I must achieve on the inside. Yes some cheesy saying, I know. I grew up thinking my highest goal in life is for me to give the most of me that I can give. But as much as I give of myself, I also have to take time for myself or my tank will run too low. I also have to accept help when I need it. When I think of time for myself I feel selfish and yet my journaling, researching, and drawing have given me true benefits. As odd as it may sound, I'm thankful I have a reason to turn off the TV everyday! Small changes can make huge differences.
Next trip I would like to: I would go during the fall. The summer days are too hot and humid! Spring and fall bring wonderful weather; although I must make note of "Dixie Alley." This is tornado alley and they tend to get raging tornadoes - the kind that destroy entire towns! The reason I would pick autumn though is because of the fall colors. Northern Alabama has an abundance of canyons, waterfalls, caves and hiking trails (several are ADA approved), and every tree you can think of (okay so 30 species of trees thrive here - maples, dogwoods, hickory, poplars, etc). Each tree will line the paths as the birds arrive from the North. Autumn also brings an abundance of festivals statewide: shrimp festivals down south, Bluegrass festivals to the North and BBQ championships all about. All festivals include the opportunity to learn history, traditions, and storytelling. If you mingle with the fishermen, farmers and locals who live there you may have the opportunity to experience their Southern Roots and Traditions as well as making current memories. History is still very relevant in Alabama and most people enjoy including you in their kaleidoscope of memories.
Page 2:
Every town has a tale to
tell ~ some
cities are big, some small, some quaint, others eclectic, some historic, some
are party towns, some just appear to be a dot on the map …. but every single
one has a story to tell!
I'm going to start in Northeast Alabama (AL) and work my way around the state.
Update: I started to write a rough draft on NE AL and it turned out to be over two pages alone so… I’ve discover it’s like a professor asking for a 2 page report and I hand in a 10 page report (and yes I have done that before)! I want to share everything especially when travel brochures can be a bit one-tone or even tone-def. Granted, I do love those beautiful experiences of a glorious vacation but I'm enjoying those off the beaten path stories nobody hears about and real life history. You get the point…
Taking pride in the past:
There's so much to learn - if only someone will listen. People of the South love their History – the good, the bad, and yes even the ugly. They also like sharing their Southern roots, traditions, storytelling and culturally diversity to express their worldview. To understand Alabama one can’t just look on the map and see the highlights or ask Google where the “hot spots” are to go. One must sit down at “Billy Bob’s Backyard BBQ” and spend an hour chatting with the locals or spend an afternoon on the wharf helping the local fishermen as they bring home the daily catch of the shrimp. There's an abundance of museums throughout the state, as well as festivals year round. All of this is to never forget their history.
Alabama’s state motto is: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendre” which means “We Dare Maintain Our Rights!”
Without the history of Alabama the United States could have taken a much different route: from Helen Keller, Sequoyah, the Tuskegee Airmen, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King and John Lewis: all who stood up and help pave the way for equality (including women's rights, ADA rights, language rights, All human rights) and civil rights. Yes, there IS a sense of pride – and with every retold story, every gathering, every "come as you are" potluck, every tear shed - there is pride.
Beautiful Land to Explore:
From the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains to the countless waterways “scribbled” throughout the state there are beautiful canyons and spectacular waterfalls to explore. Flying over-top you can see numerous valleys and patchwork fields made of cotton that look as though they've been dusted in snow; no, no, no - it looks as though a bag of flour has been spilled all over the fields!
Round-trip Airfare from Medford to Birmingham Fall of 2020 is $274.00 Per Person
Key inventions:
Scientists in Huntsville helped propel the first man to the moon, the railroad system in Birmingham meant cotton and steel (among other things) could be transported out of state; first windshield wipers and later the first airbag. Also the first 911 call was made in Haleyville (inside city hall building); AL is where Mardi Gras originated (Not Louisiana) in 1703, and in 1836 it was the first state to recognize Christmas (the rest of the US didn't until 1870).
Main Crops:
Tobacco / Fishermen: Shrimp
Mining: Iron, ore, limestone, coal
Production: Only Mercedes factory in US - (because of all the steel produced in area) and Steel, Railroad, and Quilts- yes quilts!
And Music Production:
Blues / Southern Jazz Heritage / Bluegrass Mountain music
Fame Studios of Muscle Shoals - which recorded everyone from Hank Williams to Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Percy Sledge, Willie Nelson, Nat King Cole, Lionel Richie, and countless others. Jimmy Buffet grew up in Mobile and Emmy-Lou Harris was born in Birmingham. Needless to say, Alabama is the birthplace of a number of classic recordings. And I almost forgot the Band Alabama! Whether you enjoy the gospel sounds of Harp music or the "Boogie Woogie" rumble of jazz you should be able to tap your toe throughout the entire state!
Food:
All that excitement might just make you hungry so be sure to try one of their famous dishes:
BBQ Pork, Ribs, Chicken, & Brisket or something Fried - Everything: chicken, catfish, shrimp, pickles, okra, green tomatoes, pork chops, country fried steak n biscuits, to Homemade collards, Gumbo, Crawfish boil, hush-puppies, sweet potatoes, shrimp n grits, cream corn and Casseroles - of any kind, chicken salad on croissant, banana pudding with vanilla wafers, Sweet Tea, Lemonade, Boiled Peanuts, Pecan Pie, Homemade fudge, Are you hungry yet?!
Alabama Book Summary - Page 3
Wonderfully done Christina. Enjoyed every word. I could almost see hear and smell it all.
ReplyDeleteGreat writing. Good story telling. I didn't know Christmas started there for the US. That's one place I've never been but I feel like I could find my way around with your guidance. You are gifted with curiosity and determination. I can't wait to see where you go next. I'm packing my bags!
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