Thursday, February 3, 2011

I'm Alabama Bound

I'm hitting the road today for a return to (some of) my roots. My mother's family came from Alabama  and its place names still echo in my mind: Troy, Evergreen, Forest Home, Andalusia, Brewton, Dothan, Birmingham (it was always pronounced 'Bum-ingham') and Conecuh County.

There'll be cotton fields and pecan trees. I'll enjoy the soft, familiar Alabama drawl. 


Tonight I'll be in Calera, speaking at the library. Tomorrow I'll go to Birmingham where on Saturday I'll participate in the conference called Murder in the Magic City (see sidebar for link.)

On Sunday I'll travel with the rest of the participants to Wetumpka for Murder on the Menu, after which I'll go to Headland to spend a little time with my brother. (Who got back to his roots in a serious way by moving from Florida to this charming little town.)

I know it'll be fun -- I was at the two 'Murder' events in '09 and came away with a great appreciation for Alabama's Southern hospitality.

If there's time and an internet connection, I'll post.  If not, I'll be back at the farm probably by Wednesday -- weather permitting -- and will catch up with you all then.
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21 comments:

Victoria said...

Have a good trip, Vicki!

Martin said...

Safe journey, Vicki. Have a great time!

Pat in east TN said...

Enjoy Vicki!

Brian Miller said...

nice. have a great trip...i enjoyed alabama when i traveled for work...some great people there...

Margie’s daughter Leiny said...

Bon Voyage Vicki, it all sounds so exciting. Of course I know the song "Suzanna" where the line goes "I am bound for Alabama with a banjo on my knee" and I know the story of Rosa Parks,and the civil rights movement there, so I will be thinking of you on your journey and your reminiscence. Hugs, Margie

Brenda said...

Safe travels - take lots of photos!

Kath said...

I know this will be a wonderful trip. Eight plus of the best years we lived in a Birmingham suburb, Hoover. Alabama is a magic and beautiful state in a country of many wonderful states.

KarenB said...

Safe travels, Vicki, and have a lovely time. The other Vicki, whom you met a B'con last fall lives in Birmingham. I will alert her to your event and hope she can make it.

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Have fun, Vicki.
We have family in Birmingham, and I've mentioned the event to them.

Deanna said...

Sounds like fun. Have a safe trip!

BB said...

Enjoy yourself and be safe.

Christine said...

Hope you have a wonderful trip to Alabama Vicki. Glad you'll get to see your brother in Headland. At least there's not any snow down this way!

Darla said...

Safe Journey!

Alan Burnett said...

Have a good trip Vicki ... and thanks for the map, I always find it useful to have a map being unfamiliar with where places in the States are.

Mel said...

Safe travels. Enjoy your visit. I've had the pleasure of a nice visit to Mobile for Mardi Gras many years ago and found it enchanting. Have fun,.

Folkways Note Book said...

Absorb Alabama -- barbara

Louise said...

Have a ball, Vicki!

Kristen Haskell said...

Have a safe trip. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Tess Kincaid said...

My paternal great-grandmother was born in Escambia County and had that soft lovely drawl. I also have family who own a pecan farm down there. Have a wonderful trip. Hope your DNA tingles!

maría cecilia said...

wow, murder events, it sounds very particular to me!!!
My husband and son were in Alabama about 3 weeks ago, they couldn´t took the airplane back because there was ice everywhere and the airport closed... hope you had a much better time over there.
Wish I could hear you speaking at those events....
hugs my dear Vicki

Vicki Lane said...

You all are so sweet. I wish you could all be here. The weather is supposed to improve a bit tomorrow.