When the weather is as beautiful as it is today in Birmingham. I think about walking with my dogs. It's also prompted by working on archiving digital photos, like these taken in August 2009, for a Southern Living story that ran last winter.
The pugs were such champs, despite that it was in the mid-90s in Birmingham. They did take upon take in the name of showing *exercise,* even though a pugs' exercise is from the couch to the food bowl.
We had fun. We always did, even when having to ham it up for the camera.
I sure miss F. Scott on days like this. But these photos help me remember him, help me lean into the cooling temperatures of the fall, and the changes that come.
This morning I was thrilled to be a part of Birmingham's biggest ever, Flash mob at the Riverchase Galleria. Hundreds of dancers, who had all been taught the "Thriller" dance broke into "random" dance, much to the delight (and surprise) of mall passer-bys. (Which just so happened to be a lot of Florida fans in town for the Alabama game. This is how we do it in Alabama!)
The whole purpose of the event was to bring attention to an organization I deeply believe in: The Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama.
During the dance, the volunteers, who came from all over Birmingham, revealed bright pink shirts with
a question mark and the BCFRA's website (click here).
Plus there were many fantastic Birmingham bloggers who volunteered their time to participate (@EatBhm even danced), Tweet, and blog about the event.
The ulltimate goal: to get people to visit the BCRFA's website so they can:
1)Learn about the foundation and its mission (to fund cutting-edge research at UAB, with 100% of funds raised staying right here in Birmingham and going to research).
2)Spread the word about their many incredible events scheduled for this October and beyond.
So it was much more than a fun dance (though it was awesome to see moms and daughters and grandmas -- and a number of men too -- shake their groove things).
It was to introduce a whole new community of people to the BCRFA's lifechanging work, with the hopes that maybe one day they will volunteer their time or support the cause by attending an event/making a donation.
No one embodies the Foundation's mission more than my friend Dolly O'Neal, who helped found the non-profit in Birmingham 15 years ago after she was treated for breast cancer.
Dolly, a mom of three (and now grandma) didn't know then that they money she raised would benefit her personally, but it did.
When she was diagnosed again last year, UAB doctors used a treatment that was made possible by the investment the BCRFA made in its development. Pretty amazing stuff.
Today Dolly danced in the flash mob, surrounded by other survivors and the people who care about them.
I was so proud of her, and of the Foundation's director, Jennifer Galbreath, for pulling this off!
But now starts the real work: encouraging people to go to the Foundation's website to let them know about the remarkable, lifesaving work these volunteers do. Unlike some organizations, they don't have a huge marketing budget, so they need all the help they can get.
So, if you live in Alabama, won't you help me spread the word? Tell your friends about the Foundation, check out their website and the events they're doing throughout the month, and if you are considering making a donation this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please consider them. (They also have an Alabama license plate, which is an easy way to donate. Click here for info on that.)
If you have a question, please let me know. If I can't answer you I'd be happy to put you in touch with Jennifer. And if you were there, I'd love to see your photos/videos/hear your thoughts!
Garage Sale America The companion website to Bruce Littlefield's brilliant book about the magic of garage sales.
Bureau of Communication Wacky pre-worded communcations for every occasion, including "Happy Divorce" and "Grievance Letter" with Ad-Lib type room for your own special personalizations.
Jancee Dunn Blog Pop culture/rock critic wrote a great memoir about being a writer for "Rolling Stone" and VJ for MTV. Most importantly, she hits the 70s and 80s right on the head, particularly with her descriptions of JcPenny's, where her father spent his career. Her blog has great photos from 70s Penny's catalogs, as well as links to her essays, etc.
Disco Museum Brilliant. Check out the entry on Paul Jabara, a fairly unknown singer songwriter who wrote for Donna Summer and more. He was also the person who created the red ribbon to bring awareness to HIV.
Roadside Architecture The author spends much of her time traveling across the U.S. taking photos of giant faux food displays, neon signs, fairytale villages ala "Rock City," old diners and malls and pet cemetaries. Nothing short of genius and addictive.
Bad Fads After buying a squishy porcupine type toy for Shane and I -- I mean Nate and I -- to play with, I remembered the wonderful Koosh Ball of the late 80s. Shane didn't remember this, so I Googled the term and came up with this great page -- the Museum of Bad Fads. Excited to see that there is a reference to Sea Monkeys, my personal favorite. Though they are not a "fad" -- they are a lifestyle!
Dead Malls The guys that run this website travel the country documenting malls of bygone times. I love it!
Florida's psychic to the stars Gary Spivey has an amazing silver afro and a gift for seeing the future. Of course he's from my homeland of the greater Tampa Bay Area, Florida.
Graham Nelson Minnesota baby extraordinaire and son of Alisa!
Nat Reads Natalie writes about books, movies, and life in Birmingham.
Nikko's Blog Nikko is an American ex-pat living in Madrid. I met her through Cliff.
Hugh's News Blog of an exceptionally talented Dad, grandpa and Yankees fan. In-depth commentary on said Yankees, grandson and state of the world in general.
Pugs
http://www.nalldaniels.com/ This is the homepage for our vet. Lola's picture has been known to make an appearance here.
Lolita Pearl Lola enjoys prancing about, provoking her brother and being a vixen pug.
F. Scott Fitzpug F. Scott enjoys napping, pooping and being the cutest male pug in West Central Alabama.
Alabama Pug Rescue Wonderful organization that cares for AL pugs in need.
Moms Rising This site advocates for moms to decide how they want to raise their kids -- whether it be to work outside the home or to be a SAHM. Most of all, it's about fair, equitable conditions in which one becomes a mom and the chance to raise healthy kids.
Mojo Mom A site that helps moms reflect on the fact that they are actually people, not just baby-making beings.