Giving Thanks for Alabama

It's November; and in the spirit of being thankful, I decided to write a long overdue blog post about that very attitude - thankfulness. This attitude was brought on by a Sunday afternoon adventure. For his 31st birthday, my parents and I bought J.T. a bike; and for his inaugural ride, he, Kelsey, and myself loaded up our bikes and headed over the bay to Fairhope - one of the prettiest little towns I've ever visited.

After lunch at Fly Creek Cafe, we began our ascent into Fairhope...

While pedaling our bikes up the steep hill, we were greeted by a multitude of sights and sounds: beautiful flowers spilling out of flower beds, crowds of chatting people, and music from a band playing Christmas tunes in the open air. The atmosphere was so perfect, so inviting, so Southern. After asking around, we discovered that we had happened up downtown Fairhope's annual Christmas Open House - an event in which all the local shopkeeper's participate. We hopped off our bikes and perused a variety of shops. Boxwood Home & Garden, A Place Remembered, Villa Decor, and Page & Palette were some of our favorites. 

Back on our bikes, we headed down the tree-lined Eastern Shore Trail towards the Grand Hotel. Part of this trail parallels Mobile Bay, and that's when it hit me - the spirit of thankfulness. Surrounded by all the natural beauty of the water, the woods, and the fabulous weather, I was suddenly overwhelmed by the realization of just how much God has blessed me. I have a wonderful husband, a supportive and loving family, and a gracious God. I also happen to live in one of the most beautiful places in the United States: the Southern Gulf Coast. 

I have traveled to almost every state in the U.S., as well as to Italy, Greece, and France - and still, there is no place I'd rather call home than the state of Alabama, the beautiful. 

from "Alabama" 



"...Where the perfumed south-wind whispers,
   Thy magnolia groves among,
   Softer than a mother's kisses
   Sweeter than a mother's song;
   Where the golden jasmine trailing,
   Woos the treasure-laden bee,
   Alabama, Alabama,
   We will aye be true to thee!

   Brave and pure thy men and women,
   Better this than corn and wine,
   Make us worthy, God in Heaven,
   Of this goodly land of Thine;
   Hearts as open as our doorways,
   Liberal hands and spirits free,
   Alabama, Alabama,
   We will aye be true to thee!

   Little, little, can I give thee,
   Alabama, mother mine;
   But that little--hand, brain, spirit,
   All I have and am are thine.
   Take, O take the gift and giver.
   Take and serve thyself with me,
   Alabama, Alabama,
   I will aye be true to thee."


- Julia S. Tutwiler