One Year Later

A year has passed since my trip to Alabama. Thinking back on my mini Civil Rights Tour, I keep thinking about The National Memorial of Peace and Justice and being a little closer to such personal history.

It was humid. The type of humidity only experienced in the Deep South, where the sun shines boldly and unrelenting, as if sensing the rains and clouds would soon take over. But even with the promise of heat, I was looking forward to walking through the memorial in Montgomery, Alabama. Filled with over 800 hanging corten steel monuments, each one represents a different county in the United States where racial terror took place in the form of lynching, listing the victims and the date they were killed between 1877-1950.

It’s a sobering memorial. Walking through was a mix of emotions – deep sadness for the atrocities committed against thousands (and untold numbers of the unknown victims), rage and anger for those who gleefully committed these crimes against men, women, and children…and pain, knowing the terror went on for so long and the repercussions we’re still dealing with as a people and country today.

My Dad hails from small town Louisiana and when I was there, I knew I had to search to see if the Parish he and my family was from had its own monument. 

It did. 

Listed were four names of men who were lynched, dating from 1898-1917.

I couldn’t help but wonder how it was for my family from those generations. Did one or more of my great grandparents know them or did they hear of the lynching? Did they mourn with the family members? Did they live in fear the weeks after each one, thinking how easily it could have been one of them instead of Charles, Edward, Thomas, or Marcel?

“To overcome racial inequality, we must confront our history.”

This slogan comes from the organization behind the Memorial, Equal Justice Initiative. Started by Bryan Stevenson, EJI does incredible and life altering work, including working with people who are unjustly and unfairly treated by our justice system and challenges the death penalty. 

At the Memorial you will find a plaque that reads: “At this memorial, we remember the thousands killed, the generations of black people terrorized, and the legacy of suffering and injustice that haunts us still. We also remember the countless victims whose deaths were not recorded in the news archives and cannot be documented, who are recognized solely in the mournful memories of those who loved them. We believe that telling the truth about the age of racial terror and reflecting together on this period and its legacy can lead to a more thoughtful and informed commitment to justice today. We hope this memorial will inspire individuals, communities, and this nation to claim our difficult history and commit to a just and peaceful future.”

I love that statement because it is a great reminder of why we need them.

To lament.

To grieve.

To remember.

To honor. 

Sometimes it feels like I (and I know many others) spend so much time doing the work of justice and peace that we don’t take the time to lament. Visiting the Memorial helped me do just that. Lament the evil that reigned in this country and terrorized my people. 

The Memorial also gave space to grieve. Grief for the loss of life from the day the first enslaved Black person was brought to this country to the men and women lost in a criminal justice system that, as Stevenson wrote in Just Mercy, works for the rich and guilty, not the poor and innocent. 

With so many names to read, The Memorial also provided space to remember so many lives lost. Generations later, their names are remembered because of a space like this. 

We can honor those lost by committing to living a life pursuing justice. Dr. Maya Angelou said: “History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” 

May we live with courage. 

A Trip to Alabama for Juneteenth

Several months ago Penguin Random House announced that Juneteenth would be a recognized holiday and paid day off. With things finally opening up (especially museums) and 2020 trips waiting to be rebooked, I decided to re-book my trip down south for the long weekend. 

It was my first visit to Alabama and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to see some of the key cities of the Civil Rights Museum.

One thing I was reminded of while walking through The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is how with every victory for the Civil Rights Movement, the South pushed back HARD. Whether it was through terrorist attacks, lynchings, loophole laws, or simple disregard for Federal changes. 

I knew this already, but going through and seeing so many historical details was another stark reminder. I can’t help but think of what we’re seeing today with voter suppression again. So much work still to be done. 

I also didn’t know how much Fred Shuttlesworth (Pastor and activist) did for Birmingham and the movement. The postcard and statue that stands outside The Institute is him.

It’s also so jarring to see a Klan robe in person. I can’t help but think of who hide behind it, chose hatred, and lived such a sad life. It was donated to the museum anonymously, so makes me wonder what the story is. 

But the museum did a solid job looking at the ugly history (so we can learn from it), but also all the incredible people who worked nonstop to bring change. Amazing to read all the ways God used some many men and women to bring needed change. May we continue their work!

Next I headed out to Montgomery. Humidity was out and about on my second day, but I didn’t mind. I refuse to complain about the heat. I’m soaking up and storing up for later months :). Here’s some more details from the photos above:

1. The Rosa Parks Museum: One of the shorter museums, but really enjoyed the creative displays throughout. Lots to watch and read, but an excellent looks at the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

2. Some random downtown Montgomery art and sites.

3. The Dexter Parsonage: It was closed, but this is the restored parsonage of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church that Dr. King Jr. and his family resided here during his pastorate from 1954-1960. The parsonage was bombed several times during the fight for civil rights, but fortunately no one was ever injured.

4. The Civil Rights Memorial: It was closed as well, but the front still had a beautiful fountain and memorial to see. 

While there is so much incredible history to see here, one of the main reasons I finally decided to head to Alabama is because of the Equal Justice Initiative started by Bryan Stevenson. If you follow me anywhere on the internet, you probably haven’t missed how often I talk about their work, Just Mercy, and Stevenson. 

“To overcome racial inequality, we must confront our history.” 

Such an incredibly powerful memorial – if you ever have the chance, please take time to visit. 

⁣Here’s what one of the Memorials reads: “It is impossible to give the number of negroes that have been killed. There is a great many missing that have not been heard from…The freed people have had all their arms taken away from them, and they are in the most deplorable condition of any people on earth. All that were living in the county by themselves, have been robbed of everything of the least value – even taking the under dressing of free women, their bed clothes; in a word every thing of the smallest value, and then driven from their homes into the woods. It is the most sickening sight I ever witnessed to see…” 

Freedman’s Bureau Correspondence

Hopkins County, Texas: July 17, 1868

“At this memorial, we remember the thousands killed, the generations of black people terrorized, and the legacy of suffering and injustice that haunts us still. We also remember the countless victims whose deaths were not recorded in the news archives and cannot be documented, who are recognized solely in the mournful memories of those who loved them. We believe that telling the truth about the age of racial terror and reflecting together on this period and its legacy can lead to a more thoughtful and informed commitment to justice today. We hope this memorial will inspire individuals, communities, and this nation to claim our difficult history and commit to a just and peaceful future.”  

This is a video I made after going through the Memorial. May we mourn, lament, honor, and remember. 

“If we have the courage and tenacity of our forebears, who stood firmly like a rock against the lash of slavery, we shall find a way to do for our day what they did for theirs.” Mary McLeod Bethune

Where The Legacy Museum and Equal Justice Initiative both now sit once served as one of the locations where they “warehoused” enslaved Black people. Now it’s dedicated to sharing important pieces of America’s history. So incredibly thankful for all the work Bryan Stevenson and Equal Justice Initiative has done and continues to do. 🖤 (Quote by Maya Angelou)

I hope on another trip down south, I’ll be able to see some more (like Selma).

“Climb the Mountains and Get Their Good Tidings”

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
— Our National Parks by John Muir (1901, page 56)

John Muir was a Scottish-American naturalist and an early advocate for preservation of America’s vast wilderness, including Yosemite Valley and the Sequoia National Park. While he helped establish several National Parks, he is also known for co-founding the Sierra Club. As Gretel Ehrlich wrote in her book, John Muir: Nature’s Visionary, his “eloquent words changed the way Americans saw their mountains, forests, seashores, and deserts.”

Living in Colorado has given me new appreciation to Muir’s passion and life’s work. These past few days I took a trip out west to explore some of Colorado I haven’t visited yet, including the Black Canyon National Park of the Gunnison, Telluride, and Ouray. As someone who loves words, words don’t quite feel adequate to describe all you see. Such breathtaking beauty.

I know I would have appreciated this trip anytime, but it was especially refreshing after all that has happened this year. To get away, to be in the mountains, to feel my soul revived…

The first stop was Black Canyon National Park of the Gunnison. Thankfully there were many viewpoints still open, so we were able to see quite a bit. While none of the viewpoints are hard to get to, on a sunny day you do feel it, so if you are going during warmer months, be sure to bring plenty of water with you.

Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike.
– The Yosemite by John Muir (1912 page 256).

Day Two was a day trip to Telluride. This is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in America. You can be anywhere in the town and still have absolutely gorgeous views. We did the hike up to the base of Bridal Veil Falls. It was a harder hike, but absolutely worth it. If you hike up (you can also drive up), you have beautifully inspiring stops along the way, including more waterfalls and vistas. And the smells! If peaceful could be a smell, walking through these mountains would be it. I have yet to find the perfect mountain-ish candle, but if I ever do, I will buy them all.

Bridal Veil Falls

Rooftop dining at the Sheridan

The Gondola rides are free!

“God never made an ugly landscape. All that the sun shines on is beautiful, so long as it is wild.” – John Muir

Our final day was in Ouray, a town I hadn’t heard of before this trip. Not quite as big as Telluride (it isn’t a ski town), it is absolutely still worth seeing. There’s plenty of places to hike and camp. We did part of the Perimeter Trail and Baby Bath Tubs Trail. The Ouray Perimeter Trail is about 6.5 miles long and when I go back, I’ll definitely do the whole thing. Baby Bath Tubs Trail is super short and easy (so you can take kids!) and has refreshing (so cold!) water to dip your feet in or more.

Ouray is also the start of The Million Dollar Highway. We drove up a few miles in and the views are absolutely stunning. I don’t like heights at all, so I’m not going to lie, I gripped that steering wheel tight, but glad I was able to see some more views.

View from Million Dollar Highway

And of course, book stores! I visited Between the Covers Bookstore in Telluride and Ouray Bookshop in Ouray (which is officially one of my favorite book stores).

Oh and we stayed in Montrose. It’s quite a bit cheaper and a nice drive to all the places. Have you been to any of these places? Would love to hear about your adventures!

A Hobbit’s (or Anyone Who Loves Books and Snacks) Guide to New York City

If you aren’t familiar with Hobbits, here’s one thing you need to know: They like food. There’s breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and then supper.

They also much prefer to stay home, curled up in their Hobbit holes, with a toasty fire, perhaps reading a book or two. Unless, of course, a certain wizard stirs up trouble and suddenly they find themselves on an adventure.

So if consider yourself much like a Hobbit and support multiple meals, but also find yourself in New York City, here’s a list of verified places to eat:

Posto NYC Thin Crust Pizza in Gramercy: Of course you have to eat thin crust in NYC. This was right by where I stayed. A cozy spot I’d definitely hang out if I lived near by.

Magnolia Bakery: Things I won’t pass up – a bakery. This one was the Grand Central Terminal location. A cupcake is a great pick-me-up!

Lillie’s Victorian Establishment: This place was recommended by several people. There’s a variety of fun drinks and the Harvest Collins was very refreshing! The decor reminded a bit of Austin – random, yet not :).

Wo Hop Chinese Restaurant: When you’re eating Chinese food in NYC, you have to go to Chinatown. If you get the chance to go to Wo Hop, you can expect a wait, large portions, and bring cash. All worth it though!

Ben’s Cookies: It started in Oxford, so I was supporting Tolkien and Lewis.

Levain Bakery: This place was recommended quite a bit as well and yes, delicious! I brought some home too. Also, DON’T JUDGE ALL THE BAKERIES I WENT TO INTERNET.

Sapori D’Italia: This place was fabulous! Located in Little Italy, it was super cute, everyone who worked there spoke Italian and it was packed late at night. I hope to one day make it back!

Black Tap Craft Burgers: I may have ate the burger before I got a good photo. My bad! I was really hungry. Definitely worth trying. They also have ridiculous milkshakes (we’re talking a piece of cake on top of the shake), so there’s that option as well.

Ess-a-bagel: I’m not much of a bagel person, but when in New York right? Photo by my friend Leslie.

I got so many incredible recommendations for food and all the places we eat at were recommendations. Since there’s about 50 I still need to try, just gotta go back right?

Finally, need a place to find a corner and read? New York has you covered. (You can read more about each store over at @bookstoreandlibrarylove)

Strand Book Store

McNally Jackson

Shakespeare & Co

Penguin Random House

New York Public Library

Books are Magic

The Morgan Museum and Library

And if you find yourself going on a big city adventure soon, be sure to download City Mapper App before you go. It shows all public transportation arrivals, travel times, routes, and everything you might need to go exploring. I’ll be using it for all future adventures!

Thanks for joining in the NYC adventures!

A Long Expected Party in NYC

This past weekend I headed out to New York City to see the Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth at the Morgan Library and Museum. It started out last Fall in Oxford and is the first Tolkien exhibit in a good long while. Since I couldn’t quite make a trip to England happen, I was hoping it made it to the US and was so excited when they announced New York City as the city. That was much more possible. Then I found out about a Hobbit party and that sealed the deal.

I couldn’t take any pictures from the exhibit itself, but I loved it. There’s something enchanting and thrilling about seeing the thought process, writing notes, and doodles of an incredibly influential and favorite author. Tolkien was talented in so many ways, it’s almost ridiculous. I knew he designed many of his covers, but it was so awesome seeing his sketches, half painted ideas, and finished products.

I bought the book from the exhibit (you can get it online here) because I wanted to re-read and see all the extras. Here’s a couple spreads:

It also helped that the exhibit and party were held at The Morgan Library and Museum. This place is gorgeous! Turns out nearly 700 other people wanted to be a part of the fun too.

Did I also buy Hobbit Tea? Yes, yes I did.

If you’re in New York or close by, be sure to stop by the exhibit. It’s there through May 12th and then moves to Paris later this year. Maybe I should support France’s efforts? Anyone want to send me? I promise to bring you back a souvenir 😆.

10 Books I Want to Read After Visiting D.C.

I thought I’d have a different kind of travel “recap” with my recent adventures to D.C. I’ve been a couple times before, but there’s so much to see that I could visit 10 more times and still have a list! We were able to see the monuments (including the new MLK Jr. memorial), visit Mt. Vernon (home to George Washington), The Holocaust Memorial Museum, The National Museum of African American History and Culture and The National Gallery of Art. I love these type of cities. With such a historical city full of museums and bookstores, I managed to add 54837543957430 more books to my reading list (naturally), so I thought I’d share some with y’all!

1.  My Life, My Love, My Legacy by Coretta Scott King

2. The Blood of Emmett Till by Timothy B. Tyson

3. Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave

4. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

5. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I’ve had this book for years and only read bits. He saw early on how the German “church” supported Hitler and gave up everything (including his life) to fight against it. After visiting the Holocaust museum, I really need to finish it.

6. Van Gogh: The Life by Steven Naifeh & Gregory White Smith

7. Monet, or the Triumph of Impressionism by Daniel Wildenstein

8. Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell

9. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

10. Eleanor Roosevelt, Vol 1, 1884-1933 by Blanche Wiesen Cook (there’s three volumes total)

And because you can always add more to the pile, here’s a list of books and movies I’ve read/seen that are worth your time.

• His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
• Days of Grace: A Memoir by Arthur Ashe
• I Never Had It Made by Jackie Robinson
• Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• Lincoln
• 42
• Glory

I’ll end with a few pics from the trip!

The crew

Another must see – the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The Lincoln Memorial is beautiful, especially at night!

A girl can’t resist going to local book stores!

I’ve mentioned before how much I love art, especially Impressionism, so I LOVED getting to see Van Gogh’s self-portrait.

And Monet!!

I’ll close with this one – I didn’t know that there was a second edition of the Shaw Memorial by Augustus Saint-Gaudens (a memorial to the Massachusetts 54th in the Civil War), but there is! The original is outside The Boston Commons.

What books have you picked up after a trip?

Places I Love | The Oxford Exchange – Tampa, Florida

Whenever I travel, I try and squeeze in a visit to a recommended and local book shop or tea shop. It’s so fun to see what cities offer. Thanks to Twitter and Amelia Rhodes, I checked out Oxford Exchange.

Well, Internet, I have absolutely fallen in love with this place. Oh my word…I need one in Colorado! I didn’t get a chance to try the food (although it looked so tasty), but everything about the place is perfection. Teas (all the teas!!), coffee, pastries, a cafe, books to buy, this place has it all. It’s the place you can visit with friends, for business meetings or a place to work on anything you need. I’m obsessed. So if anyone wants to invest some cash, I can point you to the perfect area in Colorado Springs.

I bought Summer Melon, TeBella Breakfast Blend (can’t not get my English Breakfast), Georgia Peach (I tried this one there and delicious – not too sweet!) and Tropical Breeze.

So yes, if you find yourself in Tampa, don’t pass this place up! Find out more:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

I need this.

They have the best cards ever.

These teas called to me.

Any guesses which portraits I’d include?

I didn’t the full course, but they have afternoon tea people. AFTERNOON TEA.

Adventures in Mexico and Cali | Spring 2016

These past couple of months, I had the chance to do some traveling and if y’all have been around here for just a bit, you’ll know I pretty much live for the days of getting on a plane and going somewhere adventurous. I didn’t take as many photos as I normally do, but I did snag a few, so today is dedicated to adventure!

My first was a trip with my company, on the President’s Club, and this year was a cruise to Yucatán and Cozumel. It was also my first cruise and wasn’t a bad experience. When we got to the beaches though, I wish I could have stayed! Put me on a beautiful beach and I’m done for days!

The first stop, my friend and I decided to do the excursion to Chichen Itza. It was so worth the drive and heat.

This is the main event of these ruins, El Castillo. You can no longer climb the stairs, but it’s still really impressive.

Since I have the best memory, I forgot a few of the details about this water hole, but I do remember it was used in different practices. 

Eagles and Jaguars were everywhere in the stones. They played a big role in their sacrifices and beliefs. 

So hot and sweaty! Bring lots and lots of water if you go. 

Because this was a pretty mural and helpful map!

This might sound dorky, but I love getting to eat the snacks in different countries. If we have the same snack in America, I like seeing how they might taste different. Of course I love trying new snacks too. Plus the packaging not being in English makes me smile.

Why couldn’t I stay forever? Whyyyyyyy???

This picture is terribly crafted ; ), but here’s a view when we were leaving Cozumel. Zero filters added… just look at that water!!

The sunsets at sea were pretty amazing as well – this was the view from my balcony.

Next stop was California to visit the family because it was time to meet my nephew!!! It worked out perfect because it was Mother’s Day Weekend and my brother’s birthday and I love being there for fun celebrations.

Here’s our first photo together. Clearly his expression says “I love you Auntie!”

For my Mama!

Just because, here’s my sister and I. We did a face swap on Snapchat and were cracking up because there wasn’t much difference.

Snapchat antics with B.

Dancing with Gabs

Have I mentioned how much I love being Auntie to these three?

We’ll be back to our regular bookish programing tomorrow, but I couldn’t resist sharing pictures :). Any fun travels for y’all coming up?

Oh and I almost forgot this guy. Is anyone on Snapchat? I kinda love it. People are funny and I love seeing what people Snap. Plus the filters are awesome and hilarious. If you’re on it, I’m jamielynne1982. I had to have my cousin show me the ropes, but once I got the hang of it, I’m hooked! This is a collection of my flight shenanigans snaps when I was trying to get to Cali….delayed flights can be fun ;).

Adventures in Breckenridge, CO | Fall 2015

After years of only ever seeing Colorado through the terminals of Denver International Airport, I finally was able to explore more of the state with a recent girlfriends’ weekend. To say I loved it would be extremely accurate. Seeing it in Fall? Nearly missed my flight on purpose!

It was incredibly relaxing and refreshing and I’m so thankful to have friends who love adventure as much as I do! The one bummer is I didn’t get to see the husky puppies – apparently it was off season. Just means I’ll have to go back! Here’s a few shots to convince you to visit as well.

Watch out for these hikers…

I can’t say I was as photo happy in Denver, so below is all I got for evidence :). Denver has a big brewing culture like the ATX and so we checked out the Great Divide Brewing Co. This was the Denver Pale Ale and reminded me of some of the pale ales from around Austin. Tasty brew!

Where’s your favorite place to be in Fall?

14 Years Later and I Still Love Ireland (+ 5 Things I Still Hold Onto)

Happy St. Paddy’s Day friends! I admit I don’t really celebrate and never remember to wear green, but do I love Ireland! It’s hard to believe it’s been 14 years since I’ve been to Ireland. It doesn’t seem that long ago, but then I look at pictures (ahem..my fashion) and I realize that yes indeed it was a long time ago. It was an amazing trip for so many reasons. It was my first “real” international trip (I don’t really count the days trips to Mexico or the missions trip during my senior year in high school) and opened my eyes to so many things. From the beautiful experience of a different culture to the spiritual, I was reminiscing recently (blame St. Paddy), so I couldn’t help but post about it today!

I found my photo album from the trip (this was before I had a camera of my own) and all I used was disposable cameras (which is reason enough for me to go back and take real pictures). The quality y’all. Yikes. Even with the terrible quality, such memories in each photo! Now onto the 5 things I still hold on to from that trip.

I’ll just say I wasn’t the only American who screamed from excitement when we got stuck in a sheep jam. It was so much fun to be “stuck” in a sheep jam while in Ireland.

Entertainment by the Cliffs of Moher

1. People may worship differently, but that doesn’t change the fact we’re all on the same team. I went to Ireland on a short term missions trip with my church at the time. It’s a Friends Church (think Quaker), so we partnered with Friends Churches over in Ireland. We met in a Friends Meeting House, which in my mind dated back to 1652 when George Fox was causing all kinds of ruckus (and by ruckus, I mean started the Quaker denomination), and since it was a very traditional meeting, there was no music worship or preaching. When a person felt led by the Spirit, they shared a verse or spoke a word of encouragement. Y’all, this was way different from the church I went to (and the non-denominational one I go to now). I admit it was a bit uncomfortable at first since it was so different and I wasn’t prepared, but it was a great experience and helpful to see the ways other believers worship and seek the Lord.

Irish flowers I pressed – still so pretty!

2. Accents are amazing. Congrats British Isles, you win on accents.

The time I thought wearing overalls was cool and hip. There is no explanation for this.

Irish history – never a dull moment.

3. There is so much to learn from people of different cultures. Even if beliefs are different, what a beautiful thing to have open and honest conversations about life and faith. Part of my trip involved working at a youth camp and while most of the people’s experiences were vastly different from mine, I loved it! I loved hanging out with them, talking with them and simply being.

Vicar’s House – we weren’t allowed near it! Felt like I was in a Regency novel : )

McPork – This was the first time I went into a McDonald’s outside of North America and I couldn’t stop chuckling at the different sandwiches they had. Sometimes its the little things.

4. Travel friends! Travel! I am 100% completely biased, but while traveling costs money, it’s one of the only things that you spend money on and it keeps on giving. The excitement of a new car? That fades. Even a new wardrobe (although I do like a new outfit on occasion) goes out of style. But traveling? Those experiences shape you, mold you and stay with you for life. I’m still friends with some of the people I traveled with and also people I met in Ireland. Traveling is worth every single penny.

Cliffs of Moher – Ireland is so beautiful!

Kissing the Blarney Stone after exploring the castle

5. I couldn’t post without at least one lesson from Saint Patrick right? In his book, The Confession, we gain insight into his early life. At 16, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and enslaved for six years. Yet, instead of being filled with bitterness, during that time he spent time thinking about who he was and his spirituality and eventually found faith and turned his life to Christ. What a story right? There’s often times I don’t understand why something is or isn’t happening, but I can trust that God is still in control. Like Joseph and Saint Patrick, we are refined in the fire. Amen.

Do you celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in any way? If you could go to any country right now, where would it be?