The Southern Rambler - Artists & Musicians on the Gulf Coast

Jevon Lemke’s death is a reminder that water “has no remorse”

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It is a warm, sunny day before Easter at the Ft. Morgan beach where holes are dug, books are read and balls are thrown. Umbrellas...

Rooted in the Rivers of Mississippi

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Sitting on the bank of the Mississippi River in Greenville waiting for sunset. My grandmother, Myrtle, was a secretary here until the Great Flood of...

Finding a Piece of My Grandmother in a Shoebox of Recipes

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This morning my dad handed me a faded green Amalfi shoe box. On one side was written “Black Strap” in my grandmother’s handwriting. I would...

The Signs and Prayers of A Man Saved From A Fire

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“JESUS LOVE YOU FLY RIGHT” “I CALL YOUR NAME JESUS” “YOU IS ThE ONE I NEED GOD” I first saw the signs in January...

How Do We Protect Those Who Protect Us?

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Thank you for serving and protecting us, Officer Billa. Rest In Peace. It is one of those perfect Spring days in Mobile where the temperature...

A Mobile Church Embracing the Poor and Homeless Finds Its Own Salvation

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The stately First Christian Church on the corner of Government and Stocking streets is built of sandstone with stained glass and arches that seem created...

Change is Coming from People Who Take Pride in Mobile

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Some of the first people out on Monday morning are the cleaners—sweeping streets, wiping off a weekend of fingerprints from glass doors or mopping away...

Change is Coming from People Who Take Pride in Mobile

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Some of the first people out on Monday morning are the cleaners—sweeping streets, wiping off a weekend of fingerprints from glass doors or mopping away...

Answering Life’s Most Urgent Question: What are you doing for others?

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Maybe it was the blue skies and sunshine, or the barricades and posters with schedules of Mardi Gras parades as the new carnival season is...

Maybe This Will be the Resolution I Keep

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“Put your phone down and pay attention to what is going on around you. That is where life is. That is what you write about.”...

From Ridicule to Revival in Alabama

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Reading the news today has been like reading the headlines after your team pulls the biggest upset in 25 years. After that win, scorn and...

Surprise: Faith, Hope and Pride from an Election in Alabama

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“The people of Alabama have shown the rest of the country the way.” Doug Jones victory speech on December 12, 2017 After months of national...

Caring, Connection and Scarlett Roses: Ramblin’ with Grayson Capps

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If you told me once, you told me twice I don’t take anyone’s advice I would rather make my own way down the road Take...

Foo Fighters and The Struts at the BJCC in Birmingham 10.26.17

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10.26.17. Last night in Birmingham, The Foo Fighters rocked The BJCC for what turned out to be the longest concert ever for many. At...

Still Telling the Truth: John Archibald is the Voice of Alabama

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By Lynn Oldshue John Archibald is the voice of Alabama. A columnist who covers politics for AL.com, he takes a stand against the status quo,...

The Art and Generosity of Tut Riddick

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“Art is a great generosity, that is my definition. It is giving everything of yourself. When I am finished painting, I am exhausted because I...

Muscadine Bloodline Comes Home for 1065 Festival

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*The day after Muscadine Bloodline played at 1065, the band flew to Las Vegas to play in the Route 91 Harvest Festival. They played six...

Connection and Surrender. Ramblin’ with Charlie Mars

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Charlie Mars was on my radar because he is from Mississippi and is said to be a good storyteller. I was asked to interview him...

Soynika Edwards Made Up Her Mind to Get Back Into Art

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“I brought my nine-year-old with me to help with the Creative Crossings contest. She is the only one of my kids who likes to draw...

Meeting My Neighbors in the Things They Left Behind

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I went into my neighbors’ house today but I didn’t know their names or what they look like. The sign in their yard said “Estate...