J.K. Rowling penned her first “Harry Potter” novel in a walk-in closet she converted into a writing space. James Joyce liked to write in bed. And Alice Hoffman repaints her office a different color every time she starts a new book.Writers are like sponges soaking up everything in their environments, and whether it’s small desk in the corner of a room or a remote cabin in … [Read more...]
J. Willoughby Loves Hearing His Daughter Sing
Music to His EarsJ. Willoughby Loves Hearing His Daughter SingBy Keysha DrexelJournal editorIn a feat of musicianship and a testament to his status as the ultimate fan, J. Willoughby and the Black Jacket Symphony will recreate, note by note, every song on the Rolling Stones' 1978 "Some Girls" album on June 14-15 at Workplay in Birmingham.And while he'll be … [Read more...]
Still Living Life in the Fast Lane
By Keysha Drexel Juanita Tant said she is living proof that you are never too old to dream--or to appreciate a cool car.The 83-year-old resident at Golden Living Center in Riverchase recently had a wish granted when she took a spin in a Smart Car, a mini-compact two-seater designed to zip all around town and still get 40 miles per gallon."I think … [Read more...]
A Date to Remember
By Keysha DrexelJournal editor When Keely Kennedy Hooks and her husband, Austin Hooks, celebrate their first wedding anniversary later this summer, the Hoover couple will be marking not only an important date in their lives but one that is part of a family tradition stretching back more than a century.Keely got married on Aug. 18, making her the fourth … [Read more...]
Flash Dance Flash Back
RMTC Flash Dances Back to the 1980sThose attending a Red Mountain Theatre Company gala in April got to flash dance their way back to the decade of material girls and cola wars.The RMTC's “Back to the Awesome 80s" gala was held April 27 at Old Car Heaven.More than 450 guests were greeted by the beautiful decor and creative cocktails, including Jell-O shots by Iz … [Read more...]