Shoal Creek author J. William Lewis’ debut novel, “The Essence of Nathan Biddle,” may remind readers of J.D. Salinger’s famed novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” according to BookPage. Lewis, born in Chickasaw, grew up in Mobile and attended Spring Hill College, where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, editor-in-chief of the literary magazine The Motley and recipient of the Merihl … [Read more...]
In Praise of Small Weddings: Lauren Theiss and Frank Gleason Downsized to Family Gathering at Honeywood Valley
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw Both Lauren Theiss and Frank Gleason were raised in Birmingham, she in Vestavia Hills and he in Mountain Brook. Both Lauren and Frank followed in the footsteps of their fathers as medical professionals working at UAB. The couple didn’t meet during their youth or in the halls of the hospital but, instead, at Innisfree Pub in Lakeview. They met at … [Read more...]
Murphy’s Law: Mind the Gap
By Sue Murphy I’m going to apologize right up front. I shouldn’t be miffed about something so inconsequential. I should be kinder, gentler, less prone to muttering disparaging words in quasi-public, but alas, sometimes I am not. Like today. I was in the drive-thru line and there were, as always, several cars ahead of me. That was fine. Being a seasoned drive-thru veteran, I … [Read more...]
Resurgence of Opulence: Sprawling Heatherwood Manor Offers Nods to the Past With Glimpses of the Future
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw What makes an “ideal” home? It’s a question Scott Underwood, co-owner of Centennial Homes, asked himself after he and co-owner Alan Howard were tapped to produce the 2021 Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builder’s Ideal Home. In a perfect world, he would have liked to have a full year to complete the project. Yet, his … [Read more...]
Feeding a Need: Ascension’s Food Truck Rally Raises Money for New Backpack Program to Feed Food Insecure Students
By Emily Williams-Robertshaw Each year, the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Vestavia Hills celebrates Ascension Day, which occurs 40 days after Easter. Last year’s annual Food Truck Rally had to be canceled because of the pandemic, but this year the event was back with a new cause. On May 13, local food trucks and about 600 guests gathered at the church to celebrate … [Read more...]