Sean Dietrich Articles

Sean of the South

Champions OPINION —The Scripps National Spelling Bee was broadcast a few nights ago on the Ion network, drawing a staggering 14 viewers not including nursing-home residents unable to reach the remote.And I don’t know about you, but I was spellbound.The winner was a...

Sean of the South

What I did this summer OPINION — Lake Martin is busy, the rich scent of smoked meat fills the air, and my LDL cholesterol count is already rising.Pontoon boats are everywhere. Happy children ride in tubes, pulled behind fast outboards. The kids are screaming as they...

Sean of the South

A Memorial Day in the park OPINION — Sunset. There must be a million people gathered in Railroad Park tonight. Downtown Birmingham is crazy. There are no parking spots left. People are parking cars as far away as Milwaukee.The Alabama Symphony Orchestra is playing a...

Sean of the South

Dumplings OPINION — I’m 5 years old. On Mama’s stove is a steaming stock pot, filling the world with the essence of chicken and dumplings.I’m watching her use her fists to mercilessly beat a lump of flour that will become dumplings. She punches the dough, making loud...
Jump

Jump

I’ve never been to a trampoline park before because I prefer my groin muscles to be untorn.  Recently, we took my friend Becca — she is 11...

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Traveling

Traveling

It’s a gray afternoon and we are traversing Alabama. Today, we make our run across the Yellowhammer state. My wife only ever pulls over to buy gas...

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Traveling

Heat Wave

"This is the hottest I’ve ever seen Alabama,” said the TV meteorologist, who was sweating so badly his white shirt looked like a Ziplock bag. “I’ve...

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Lightning Bugs

Lightning Bugs

It’s a quiet night in Avondale. The sun is low in the western sky. The air is lit with lightning bugs. There are a few neighborhood kids, playing in...

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Little Voice

Little Voice

Hi there. This is that Little Voice inside your head speaking. Yeah, I know. It’s been a while. But how are you? How’s life? How’s the fam? You...

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Traveling

Mountains

By SEAN DIETRICH The Alabama mountains look good today. The evening sun is cresting over the hillsides. I’m watching an Appalachian spring overtake...

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Traveling

The Country Gentleman

By SEAN DIETRICH Danny and the band arrived late to the nursing home. They were running behind schedule because of traffic. But they were here, and...

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Traveling

Bar Food

By SEAN DIETRICH I am at a bar. It’s loud. There is live music. And cheeseburgers. I missed dinner tonight because I was making a speech at a dinner...

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Traveling

The Good Old Days

By SEAN DIETRICH I have a confession to make. I am addicted to my cellphone. I’m not proud of it. I don’t like admitting it. But I’m coming clean,...

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