Skip to main content

Sweet Home Alabama.....

So, last night we decided to take the boys to see Elf at the Alabama Theatre. For those of you who have never been to the Alabama Theatre, you are missing a treat! The Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 by Paramount Studios to showcase Paramount films. In 1987 the owners declared bankruptcy. Fortunately, it was purchased by Birmingham Landmarks, Inc. and was lovingly restored to its original grandeur. I was telling my husband that the last time I was at the Alabama Theatre was to see the movie Animal House (when it was originally released). I had a date with a college guy and after the movie we went to a party, Toga at that, held at his fraternity house. The main thing I remember was (1) the boy -- he was popular, cute and drove an awesome car and (2) everything was so filthy in that house I wouldn't touch a thing (have I mentioned I'm a bit obsessive/compulsive and a neat-freak??). I didn't really remember much about the movie or the theater...guess the filthy house blocked out everything else. But I digress...

The Alabama is one of the most beautiful pieces of history I've ever seen. The red velvet curtains, the gold painted ornate decor everywhere you turn, the marble floors, the ticket booth....just gorgeous! And there are no words to describe the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ! Everyone claps and sits on the edge of their seats as it rises from beneath the stage. In original old school style, we saw an old Chip and Dale cartoon prior to the movie and were given the opportunity to participate in several Christmas carol sing-a-longs. While there, I had the honor of sitting next to two of the most wonderful elderly women, who had such great memories of the Alabama. I was so thankful they were willing to share a few of their stories. I hope to be able to meet with them again to acquire some additional stories and a few photos. They were so sweet and loving. However, they didn't seem to be that enamored with Elf, but I wouldn't have expected them to be. While we enjoy watching the movie over the holidays it was a bit crass for the grand ladies sitting beside me. If you've ever seen the movie, you know the scenes of which I speak!

Surprisingly, the boys were almost speechless and wondered why we had never taken them to such a cool place before! It is awesome and you just have to see it, as words will never do it justice. When you have a chance, take the time to visit the Alabama Theatre. While everyone thinks the sign outside is awesome, the inside is spectacular!!

I'm just sayin',

Comments

Elaine Fuller said…
All my family went to see "White Christmas" last year when they were all here for Christmas. It is a beautiful place to go.
Thursday, December 23, 2010 12:32:00 AM
Mike Hulsey said…
Love to go there. I always try to see It's a Wonderful Life" when it shows. I like to go early and walk the balconies and mezzanines and take in all the great restoration. To me there's not many places can compare!

Two years ago my "Wonder...ful Wife" and her best friend surprised me for my 50th birthday. We always sit in the mezzanine, so when we walked in there was most of my family as well as quite a few friends. Needless to say I was surprised. Connie had even arranged to display my birthday on the screen and the whole theatre sang "Happy Birthday"
Thursday, December 23, 2010 12:33:00 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Can you be a mom, a Christian AND a porn star?

While driving into work this morning, the radio station to which I frequently listen, held a discussion on whether or not a porn star could be a good mom. Some of the morning crew felt that you could not be a good mom, as you get caught up in a pornography lifestyle, which in turn, affects all other areas of your life. Some of the others felt you could participate in pornographic activities and be a good mom. A girl called in who stated that she was 24 years old, had 4 children and had recently become an internet “porn star” and had plans to broaden her horizons (to DVDs I suppose). She said she was a Christian and felt she was a good mom. I was a bit dumbfounded to say the least. I believe God is clear in His Word about being involved in promiscuous and sexual acts outside of marriage and what the consequences of those actions will be. When we become Christians, we set aside our old ways and conform to a new way of life. I do realize there are slips and times that we must ask for forg...
9 comments
Read more

The Future of Farm Town

If you are an active member of Facebook, you are more than likely familiar with, on an intimate basis, a game called Farm Town. Farm Town is a virtual farm. You plow your land, plant your crops and reap the rewards (coins) of selling those crops at harvest time. You even have the ability to "prostitute" yourself in the village market by offering to harvest other farmers' crops. You can sell your farm for larger farms, purchase silos, waterwells, logs, barrels, pigs, chickens, roosters, goats....you get the picture. You beg your "farming" friends to send you gifts of animals and trees so that you will not have to make these expensive purchases yourself. After all, you are saving your coins so that you can buy that farming mansion and pond you've been lusting after on the neighboring farm. However, the future of Farm Town may be compromised. My son called earlier to let me know Facebook had a new virtual farm game called Farm Ville. He's at level ...
10 comments
Read more

The Truth About Homemade Gravy

I enjoy cooking. While my own palate is not varied, (I’m a meat, potatoes and M&M’s kind of girl) I do enjoy preparing a variety of foods for my family. Whenever possible, and time permitting, I like to make things “from scratch” as opposed to opening up a mix of some sort. Stop laughing -- it’s true! Recently, my husband and I endeavored to prepare our own “from scratch” biscuits and gravy. Some of you may think this is the easiest and most natural thing in the world; however, homemade gravy has always intimidated me. I’ve never been able to get it right and always ended up with a blob of something that even the hungriest of dogs wouldn’t ingest. One morning, while preparing our homemade biscuits (a recipe we have now perfected), my husband suggested that we make our own gravy. WHAT??...Homemade gravy??...No way!! I immediately broke out in a sweat. I admitted to him that I had never been successful in preparing an edible gravy mixture. He insisted it couldn’t be that difficult an...
7 comments
Read more