Great Books

Carry Me Home  (Diane McWhorter)
Road to Freedom  (Julian Cox)
Down Home  (Bob Adelman)
Encounters  (Kathryn Tucker Windham)
Let Us Now Praise Famous Men (Walker Evans)

7 (Jen Hatmaker)  Humorous in every way, on every page, Jen writes with a flair that makes one feel they are part of the scene. I found myself laughing out loud, identifying with her girlfriends and raising kids as when I was her age, but also identifying in my latter days as I minister with Chaplain Browder with the homeless, poverty and ex-inmates.  Day 8 Month 6-my favorite that hit home!

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount  (Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
The Hole in our Gospel  (Richard Stearns)
Crazy Love  (Chan)
Radical  (David Platt)
Love Does (Bob Goff)

n----- Dick Gregory (some offensive language but tears will flow as you read this account of his life) His title is the "n" word which I won't write here, so check it out yourself!

same kind of different As me  (Ron Hall & Denver Moore)
Leaving Gees Bend  (Irene Latham)
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (Carson McCullers)
The Member of the Wedding (Carson McCullers)

Coming of Age in Mississippi (Anne Moody) (language can be offensive, but the story is true and absolutely amazing)

To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
Uncle Tom's Cabin  (Stowe) (this book will break your heart!)
Black Boy

The Great Gatsby (F Scott Fitzgerald) & museum in Montgomery, Alabama
                              fitzgerald in montgomery

The Swan House (Musser) Having lived in Atlanta and roamed the entire area as a photographer,  I was mesmerized throughout the whole book wherever the author took us as the story unfolded.

Orphan Train (Kline) (some offensive language, but exceptional novel, based on history, and very well written) This book will be on my top five all time great reads. We can all see ourselves in the story, if we have had family hardships.

A Black Belt Christmas

What a wonderful world! All of the region has enjoyed Michael Goldsmith's (Mickey) glorious display of lights for years. As I stood on the property and spoke with Mickey's best friend, numbers of parents with their children came to see the magical lights, a visual wonderland. This is probably the last year it will be on display at this corner. I am sad to say that Mickey passed away. One can sign the tribute board to him and read the news article in his honor. 

Black Belt Books

Take a Book/Return a Book says the sign on this free library encased in a cabinet on a main street of the Black Belt region.  What a great idea for anyone who wants to read.

You're in the South!

Where else could you pet a well groomed goat, pick cotton, and tap your toe to live gospel music all in a 24 hour period?

How can you explain the friendly atmosphere of a festival full of people as they sell their wares and have one vendor agree to come to your farm and teach you to raise bees?

How long has it been since you have seen men of faith distributing Gideon Bibles to anyone interested, and the local church giving out free bottled water?

And last but not least, how fun is it to see several art and photo contests, watch girls win crowns as they become festival queens, and applaud the banana pudding for winning first place in the "sweets" competition?

It's simple! You're in the south!

Highlights of the weekend:

Meeting Greta at the Eclectic Library which still has jail cell bars from days gone by and Kathryn Windham Tucker's books have their place of importance. The library has a special room for books written by Alabamians only and Greta promised me my own library card.

The pig race at the Alabama National Fair

Picking the perfect cotton on highway 14 for a new 2012 photo

Birmingham Public Library

http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/cdm/search/collection/p4017coll6

Precious Letters from the Black Belt

Fall is right around the corner, and is the time I start thinking about delivering blankets and books. As I look back on the past few years, I love to pull out the letters of thanks I have received.  Of course, each one is truly a letter to those who have been so gracious to give me items to take. My closet is full of blankets, toys, books, and fabrics to give out. I am excited about making a plan for delivery this year. Don't forget to give to those around you who might need a little help. Often times you don't have to look far!

 A photo of parts of 5 letters I have received is included.

"but blessed is he who is kind to the needy" Proverbs 14:21b, NIV

Peddler

Walking the streets, the peddler was selling books for $2. All proceeds went to the shelter where this lady was actually the cook. Having heard about this book, I loved the title and purchased it on the spot. The "peddler" took me inside the dark and dingy home for the homeless. Once again, my eyes stung with tears and heart overflowed with sadness for the condition of the people inside.

Truth

On my last road trip I found this house again for the fourth time. The porch scene changes from year to year and this may be the saddest image of all!  As the poster says, Do we really want to know? I spoke with the guy on the right and his situation is dreary. 

Ms. Edna

Every time I rounded the corner I noticed a woman sitting on her porch. Finally one afternoon I pulled into her yard (there was no driveway) and made my approach. The house was literally falling apart but was painted bright yellow and bade my visit. As always, I am never surprised at Alabama hospitality and Ms. Edna and I became instant friends. In her nineties, and in a wheel chair, she seemed self-sufficient. Her best friend was usually there keeping her company and making sure she had food and companionship. She had no children of her own for she had spent most of her life "raising"  white folks' kids. I decided I would check on her as often as I was in the area and of course brought her a beautiful blanket.

One can imagine my concern when I rounded the corner one day and only her wheel chair was on the porch. I was relieved to find out she was in a local nursing home, right where she belonged. I went by to see her, asking what I could bring and her greatest need was casual long sleeved blouses and warm socks. Did you know you can go to Wal-Mart and find great lady's tops for $5. I look forward to getting back to see her soon. She has made my life richer just hearing her life stories.

Day of Caring

http://topics.al.com/tag/United%20Way.%20Catholic%20Social%20Services/index.html

Thank you Ann, for sending this article on the volunteer work being done in Alabama to help those who need it! 

A Letter to Oprah

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah’s Angel Network

P.O. Box 96600

Chicago, IL 60693

Friday, March 23, 2012

Dear Ms Winfrey,

I am a freelance photographer who travels the Southern backroads, meets people, and documents poverty. I blog about some of my encounters and many of these people ask me to help them. My very small ministry is taking blankets to the less fortunate. A guy in one of my photos froze to death a few years ago, and I feel no one in America should go to bed cold.

During December last year, after doing some research, I made my destination Africa Town, Mobile, Alabama. Being an Alabama girl, I was surprised I had never heard of it. Little did I know where this adventure would lead and I found myself inside one of the oldest homes in the area with 85 year old Lottie Watts. I sat at the foot of her bed and heard her story. She had a personal birthday card from President Obama but when I asked her what I could do, she asked that I contact you to help her. Her tiny home is in deep disrepair and she loves to entertain guests from her bed. Hospitality has been her life for both homeless and needy people. I wish I had the money to help her, but at least I have a voice to make a plea for her.

Rather than ramble on further, please let me know if you would be interested in contacting her and I will give you her info. She is precious and I DO mean precious. I know this is a cry in the dark but she is waiting. 

Sincerely yours,

Vicki Wilson Hunt

www.vickihunt.com 

vickiwilsonhunt@earthlink.net

vickihunt1@earthlink.net

A Blanket for Doris's Husband

Our getaway farm is on a dirt road deep in the heart of Dixie. It's a log cabin tucked away between two bamboo forests. Its comforts are endless....a front porch with 2 swings, starry nights, a 3 acre front yard paradise for wildflowers (and weeds), a birdhouse where a hawk perches in hopes of prey, dogs romping and chasing rabbits and squirrels, peace and calm. It sounds great, but to get to it one must go through poverty stricken areas, and just around the corner people have great needs.

I save clothes from our own closets as well as take good used clothing from other sources to give to one of my favorite black families in our area. On one occasion all 5 of us ladies were up on their front porch as I gave clothes right out of my trunk and each lady claimed her "pile". I visited last week with some gentlemen's suits since I know how their community dresses 'up' for church. These items were especially for her husband. As they all came out to greet me, their faces were grief stricken since they had just learned their husband/father had lung cancer...No chemo was offered. It was an awkward moment. I did not linger but let them have their special time with him.

It's spring weather in Dixie, with not many needs for blankets right now, but I gave one anyway that day. Nights are still cool and a new fresh navy blue blanket seemed to be my best gift to the husband.  Thank you again to my girlfriends for providing the blankets.  

Blankets Needed

February 20, 2012

Miss ---------------

Dear Miss -------------,

Hello! Let me introduce myself as a rural South photographer, who travels the backroads, meeting people in the deep South. I am often faced with sorrow as I talk to people in poverty whose needs are so vast it is overwhelming. Several years ago I decide to help where I could and after one of the guys in a photo I took died from freezing to death, I decided to have a blankets ministry. For 2 years I have distributed a minimal number of blankets given to me by the First Lady Patsy Riley of Alabama, and last year given by several girlfriends whose hearts were stirred as they saw some of my photos. You might want to check out my Southern Journal/Encounters on my website, www.vickihunt.com. 

Last year in some of my travels, I stayed at ----------- Hotels and began to wonder what happens to the used up bedding when -------- decides to refurbish rooms. It’s just an idea, but would you consider making a plea to anyone in corporate  to contribute discarded blankets for my cause.

Sincerely yours,

Vicki Wilson Hunt

www.vickihunt.com

Africa Town

Africa Town is worthy of googling and finding out more about this history rich area of Dixie. I am privileged to have had an encounter with the lady who owns the oldest house in the area. Her warm personality and hospitality confirmed my curious pursuit of making this my destination over the Christmas season. I found myself at the foot of her bed, (she is 85) absorbing her story, photographing her and taking with me a taped version of her life and personal needs. I also took with me some of her simple requests for improved living in this area.  Although I love traveling the Black Belt region, there is so much to be learned about my entire state, and so many people to "get to know".

The Lonely Traveler

 As I traveled the highway, I noticed a lonely figure walking eastward along the side of the road. The older man had a significant bend in his back across his shoulders. I had 2 beautiful blankets in my trunk and knew that offering one to him was a must.
 After turning my car around, I parked in a lot next to a restaurant and waited for him to catch up. His face was lined and his manner was gentle. I asked my typical questions: "Are you homeless?" He was. "Do you need a blanket?" "No ma'am, I am fine." he replied. "Are you hungry?" "No ma'am, I am fine, really. I have a little money and plan to stay at that hotel up ahead. Do you know anything about it?" I did not know.
 His load was light.  A bottle of water was attached to his bedroll. He carried a small bag of necessities in his right hand and a small pack across the hunched back.
 I felt helpless. He was proud. My emotions were rampant, and knowing that I would never see him again left me with one responsibility; to pray for his safety, warmth and welfare.
 My heart overflows with concern over our country's homeless. I can only hope that out of our own abundance we can individually reach out to those who are desperate.

Syrup Soppin'

I am heading out to the Syrup Soppin' Festival in Loachapoka, Alabama. This will be my first time to go, and I know it will be a "taste" of the south! Photos to follow, but check out Fred Lord's banjo in my photo. I met him a few weeks ago as I traveled South.  He was on his Loachapoka storefront porch with a student and took time to show me his collection of musical instruments.

 Hopefully I will meet the Loachapoka locals early in the morning at the biscuit/syrup breakfast! (I'll have blankets in my trunk in case I hear of someone who might need one!) Ya'll come on down if you can!

The festival was fun and countless people were there, parking on the side of the road for miles. Vendors sold their goods, and watching the syrup being made was certainly a sight to behold. The fire was stoked, syrup measured and a team of men gathered the sugar cane that was used. Steam filled the air as the liquid boiled and the delicious syrup was sold out this year.  The day was so educational and I will be having syrup on my toast in the morning! I connected with a great man, Nathaniel, who was a local, dressed in Liberty overalls. I did a mini photo shoot with him and I promised to come back to see him as well as mail his photo to him. I'll take a blanket when I go.

Cotton

Living part time on the edge of the Black Belt region of Alabama provides so many opportunities for me, such as picking cotton. I had never seen cotton growing in stages, from the exquisite flower which closes and later pops wide open to display what we know as simple soft white fibers. The harvest for cotton is now and the time to take blankets is now since the cool nights have taken the place of the sweltering heat of the summer. The back seat of my car is filled with wonderful cotton blend blankets to take to those who need them. Thanks to my friend Marjean, who found a way for 9 of our girlfriends to provide the blankets to give this winter to take on my back road adventures. Before I got back to the urban congestion of Atlanta, I had already given 2 away: one went to a guy who heats with kerosene and lives in the oldest house (passed down to him from family sharecroppers) in his county. The 2nd blanket was given to a family of 4 (whose property was passed down from generations of cotton farm hands), who took time to roam the cotton fields with me, educate me on cotton's growth and harvest, and send me home with my own plant.  As I give these blankets to those who will be cold this winter, I am so excited that I know just a bit about where each blanket started. Thank you, Girlfriends, for providing warmth for many you will never meet, but whose story will be part of my journal.  Each lady will have an account of the recipient of her blanket.

Hope

How many times we have heard the word hope in the past few years! Although I am using a photo from a different state than Alabama, this image speaks volumes about present life conditions across our country. Having photographed this porch on three occasions, I have seen significant changes in the scene, but no change in its condition. It is all about home, homeless, and minimal living. The beautiful haunting sketch on the wall cries to be heard, while the red blanket of the homeless resident whispers that he is at least warm at night. Please consider donating a blanket this winter to a shelter or individual who sleeps under the stars.

Dirt Poor

Research on Poverty/Smoking

Mrs. McCoy

I watched her cross the street, wondering when she had last seen the beautiful sky. She was hunchbacked and riddled with arthritis. She rummaged through the garbage can, taking any treasure she could find to add to her grocery cart. I made my approach, introduced myself, as once again my heart broke, especially for this older woman who lived on the street most of the time. "What could I bring you next time I am in town?" I asked. "Socks, please, and maybe a few new long skirts (size 14) with pretty flowers on them." she replied. But don't let the flowers be too big or too small was her request. So, socks will be added to my list along with blankets and books.  I'll also be looking for that perfect skirt for Ms. McCoy. This encounter made me so grateful for the small things I often take for granted.  I did not take her picture that day. I was content with just the pleasure of the divine appointment.