Here’s a quick update on a little of this and a lot of that.
When my son and I were in Birmingham for Step Sing at Samford, we did some sight-seeing as well (getting those homeschool field-trips in!). The historic 16th St. Baptist Church was the target of the tragic bombings in 1963 that killed four innocent little girls.
The Sunday School classrooms where the children’s classes are located is in the lower level, and is where the bomb did the most damage. I couldn’t help but notice the irony and message of forgiveness, as an old drawing of the four victims hung on the wall, and beside it was current lessons urging kindness and love.
Across the street from the church is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute which was very moving and beautifully done. They allow photos if your flash is turned off, and oops . . . I turned off the entire camera, so I went around taking photos that didn’t turn out at all. Truly a bad mistake, because you would have loved to have seen the exhibits.
The museum’s story didn’t dwell on the painful times, but presented uplifting stories of courage and determination, although the hard topics weren’t skipped. The most chilling part for me was standing alone in a dark room, face to face with a full Ku Klux Klan  . . . is it a uniform? Costume? Ridiculous get-up? I had never seen one in real-life and it was a jarring sight.
Here’s a photo I found of the exhibit on the museum’s web site. When standing in front of it, I could feel actual evil and hatred. It made me cry.
While I was in Birmingham, I also got to stop in and say hello to my new editor, Edward Bowser, at AL.com/The Birmingham News. Edward is an amazing writer and has been so patient, helping me learn how to submit my stories. The Birmingham News and AL.com have beautiful offices in an old converted brewery right downtown. Edward gave us a tour and we were impressed with the busyness of the place. I wanted someone to shout, “Stop the presses!”
(didn’t happen).
And back in Fairhope . . . I was so happy to discover Adonna’s Bakery from Pensacola is opening a location here! In Pinzone’s Village, the made-from-scratch bakery has already started serving mouth watering sweets and gourmet sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. The owner has ties to Florala, AL where I was born and we actually know each other’s people. That’s the way it works down here.
I previously told you about Adonna’s Pensacola location HERE.
I’ll have more details on them soon, but make sure you stop in and try a few of their treats!
Also new to the Pinzone’s Village is the Fairhope Soap Company. Owner Deborah Bruijn is in her aromatic kitchen cooking up fresh batches of her wildly popular candles, soaps and lotions. I’m crazy about her “Beach Linen” candles. They last forever and have a wonderful, clean smell.
A chemist by trade, Deborah gets the entire family involved and you can often stop by and meet her in the shop as she has her cutie-pie daughter there with her. Fairhope Soap Company is on the DeLaMar Street side of Pinzones, across the street from Mr. Gene’s Beans.
And just down the street, everyone’s favorite bookstore, Page and Palette, is undergoing huge renovations. The bookstore is open for business, but watch your step, because there are still hammers and sheetrock flying everywhere!
This is a little peek inside while some of the changes were going on. The coffee shop, Latte’ Da is going to look completely different and for now, is operating out of the back in the new “grown-up” drink section, called, “The Book Cellar.” The upstairs is being converted to the owner’s private living area (very cool). Everything should be in place by the time The Arts And Crafts Festival rolls around in a few weeks.
Also under construction is The Fairhope Museum of History’s new exhibit, “The People’s Railroad.” When finished, this outdoor train car will help tell the story of the old Railroad (pulled by mule, I believe) up the hill from Mobile Bay. It will be a fun story, and I can’t wait to see it.
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And one last thing (close your eyes if you don’t like medical things) . . .
Poor little Lois Lane was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor and had to have surgery! Dr. Morrison at Colony Animal Clinic was so good and called me on a Saturday to tell me the sad news. He whisked her right in to surgery last Monday, and even with this huge incision, Lois came out the same day, wagging her tail and eager to get home and do what she loves most . . . eat!
I’m so tired of cancer attacking wonderful people, let alone little dogs.
And that’s all I’ve got for now! Hope you have a very happy week!
Great story on the Birmingham museum. And…I am so sorry about Lois Lane. I hope she feels better soon!!!
Thanks. She’s running around here like nothing happened. She’s having to wear the cone of shame again to keep her from licking her wounds, and that’s driving both of us crazy!
What an interesting and informative week. Thanks for sharing another adventure packed tour.
Anything done with a teenager is adventure – packed for sure!
Always learn something new from your blog. Never heard of the “rail road” car pulled by a mule. Looking forward to the next story.
I don’t know too much about it, so I’m looking forward to seeing it myself.
Sweet Pup!
A hasty recoup is my wish for you!
Arf Arf! Thanks Arlene!
Sad about your sweet puppy, but very happy that the vet was able to operate. Extra treats and hugs for her 🙂
Thank you Vicki. She’s getting all the treats she wants now!
Enjoyed the tour around B’ham! So sorry about Lois Lane! Happy Leap Day, Leslie Anne!
And a happy leap-y day to you too Pam!
Prayers for your puppy’s recovery.
Thank you so much Dora.
So happy that Lois Lane is doing alright and can’t wait to see the new Page & Palette next time I’m in Fairhope!
It’s almost finished now. The bookshop is done and now they only have the coffee shop left. Can’t wait for you to see it!
Oh, poor Lois Lane! The new bakery sounds divine, as does the soap and candle company-looks like you had an educational tour around Bham- I agree, the KKK suit is evil
Thanks Jenna. The robe was horrible, and I almost didn’t show it, but it’s such a powerful tool for educating people that I wanted everyone to see it and hear about the display. Birmingham is a great city.
What a great plan you had for a homeschool field trip, lots of history there. Oh my gosh, I am so sorry about Lois Lane. Bless her sweet little heart, all she wants is to be home with her family. Soooo sorry!
Thanks Emily. Lois would love you because you understand her so much!
Even seeing a photo of the KKK uniform was jarring and upsetting – I can’t imagine what it must have been like in person. I will keep Lois Lane in my prayers. And add a prayer for the end to cancer…too, too much.
The display of the robe was indeed almost too upsetting to see, but it was presented in such a stark, perfect way that you definitely got the message. My sharp-eyed son noticed the card in the case said, “Donated by anonymous.” Really? No kidding!
Thank you for your prayers Mo.
Poor little Lois Lane! I pray her prognosis is good and she is mending well! Interesting post! I’ve never been to Alabama, but the Mr. and I may venture that way in May! I’ll have to check with you for recommendations for great places to visit! 🙂 ~Rhonda
Your life won’t be complete until you visit beautiful Alabama! So many things to do, from mountains to the best beaches in America! Thanks for your prayers for Lois Lane. The final lab results were supposed to be back today, but I haven’t heard anything yet, so concern has set in. She’s jumping around like she’s never seen trouble in her life, so that’s good!
Thanks for reading and hope you have a wonderful week!
Lots happening around Fairhope. Love the name Latte Da. So sad about dear Lois Lane. Hopefully her healing will be quick. Have a great week, Leslie Anne.
Thanks Katie.