It’s a small world after all

We often joke that Birmingham is the biggest small town, and I’m constantly stumbling upon proof–even in other cities! Three cases in point:
1. Last May I was in Nashville to interview a local band, Wild Sweet Orange. They were touring nationally in support of their then- soon-to-be-released debut LP, but the tour wouldn’t carry them [...]

I trust you if you say its good

 
During my church’s women’s retreat earlier this month, we were split into small groups and given some ice breaker questions to aid in the getting-to-know you process. I laughed when I read one that asked what I’m passionate about. I’m a terribly enthusiastic person—not indiscriminately, to be sure, but when I really care about something, [...]

I spoon you into my coffee cup

I’ve been joking for months that I’ve become the unofficial publicist for my favorite coffee shops. I take all my visitors to at least one of them, and I drive well out of my way to buy beans from my favorite roaster. I’ll walk a mile from my office, round-trip, for a cup of coffee [...]

Everything turns to you

I just finished reading an interview with author Azar Nafisi in the January 2009 issue of Book Page. Nafisi wrote the much-lauded Reading Lolita in Tehran, and her new memoir is Things I’ve Been Silent About. Referring to the first book, the interviewer asked why Nafisi reads, and her response struck home.
“I read for the [...]

2009 concerts

Tim Brantley, Barnes and Noble, Jan. 2009
Hunter Barrow and the Gary Buseys, Speakeasy, Jan. 2009
Grey Haven, Urban Standard, Jan. 30, 2009
Punch Brothers, Alys Stephens Center, Jan. 31, 2009
Cowboy Junkies, Alys Stephens Center, Feb. 10, 2009
Griffin House, WorkPlay, Feb. 20, 2009
Ryan Adams, Alabama Theatre, March 6, 2009
Blitzen Trapper with Alela Diane, Bottletree, March 7, 2009
Ryan Adams, [...]