This was fun to listen to with my morning coffee today. The music, photos and story details were nostalgic. It felt like listening to a version of Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story.
What a treat to hear you tell your backstory with such warmth, honesty, and appreciation for where you’ve been and how that has shaped you. Thank you and, as always, sending love your way ❤️
Love it. My skateboard was yellow. A banana board. 1975. I’d almost forgotten the sense of freedom and independence those long smooth rides down Ebner Coulee Rd. gave me. Thanks for the reminder.
What writing!!! So envious of your ability to recall detail and weave so beautifully into a story. Looking forward to Parts 2 & 3. Photos were fun too. :-)
The irony of us living 3 blocks apart on Kenwood in Hyde Park in Chicago still cracks me up. You were a little bitty kid and I was a nurse just starting on my career probably walking right by your apartment on my way home from University of Chicago Hospitals. Now, years and years later, close friends in Northeast Ohio. I remember hoping to have a darling little tow headed boy of my own someday as I walked that route and saw kids playing. My dreams came true. I hope yours have too.
I was really enjoying your story and all of a sudden you visit Red Mountain?! I have lived in Birmingham all but 10 years of my life. It is so cool to read that you spent time here. 💗
Great read with so many details that bring back childhood memories. I have been to Red Mountain and looked over the city of Birmingham. I have spent many weekends in the area.
I loved this. I'm new to Substack so I only just found you, but as a fellow ME/CFSer I can wait to dive into your work. You have one of the best voices for reading aloud I have ever heard! Thanks for sharing!
Great article Hal. I loved seeing the pictures you included. Looking forward to hearing more.
Thank you, big sister. ❤️
This was fun to listen to with my morning coffee today. The music, photos and story details were nostalgic. It felt like listening to a version of Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story.
What a treat to hear you tell your backstory with such warmth, honesty, and appreciation for where you’ve been and how that has shaped you. Thank you and, as always, sending love your way ❤️
Love it. My skateboard was yellow. A banana board. 1975. I’d almost forgotten the sense of freedom and independence those long smooth rides down Ebner Coulee Rd. gave me. Thanks for the reminder.
What writing!!! So envious of your ability to recall detail and weave so beautifully into a story. Looking forward to Parts 2 & 3. Photos were fun too. :-)
Thanks so much, Diana. I look forward to more parts as well…. At this point, it’s just daunting. 😔
The irony of us living 3 blocks apart on Kenwood in Hyde Park in Chicago still cracks me up. You were a little bitty kid and I was a nurse just starting on my career probably walking right by your apartment on my way home from University of Chicago Hospitals. Now, years and years later, close friends in Northeast Ohio. I remember hoping to have a darling little tow headed boy of my own someday as I walked that route and saw kids playing. My dreams came true. I hope yours have too.
Oh Annette….That you spent several years in Hyde Park is simply another reason why I appreciate you so much!❤️
Then I eventually moved to Oak Park.
I was really enjoying your story and all of a sudden you visit Red Mountain?! I have lived in Birmingham all but 10 years of my life. It is so cool to read that you spent time here. 💗
Thanks Hal. I loved hearing you talk about your childhood.
Love your audio and the photos. The whole piece is like a walk down memory lane but as a fly on the wall, peaceful and nostalgic.
Loving this!
Great read with so many details that bring back childhood memories. I have been to Red Mountain and looked over the city of Birmingham. I have spent many weekends in the area.
I had a red skateboard like that after I had made my own out of wood and an old pair of my mum's roller skates.
I hope we get to hear the music you used to play!
I loved this. I'm new to Substack so I only just found you, but as a fellow ME/CFSer I can wait to dive into your work. You have one of the best voices for reading aloud I have ever heard! Thanks for sharing!
A great ride through memory…
I love the detail that the quail's name was Arnold. (And your rendition of his call.)
And the family photos! Glorious.