マッスルショールズミュージックハウス

My roots run deep in the southern soil. My ancestors often found themselves in a fight. They were in the middle of the Revolution, at odds during the civil war and together again for WWI and II. Ty Cobb and Johnny Mize called my great-grandfather Uncle Billy.

My father was born in a log cabin. By age seven I understood the meaning of a long row to hoe. In Alabama, playing football is what you do if you want a girlfriend. I got more education than I knew what to do with, while my real education came after going to work.

In addition to the family farm, I worked as a furniture assembler, lifeguard, paper boy, waiter, cookie salesman, and oil field roustabout. Other names I held along the way are baby brother, friend, teammate, quarterback, Christian, entrepreneur, professor, talk-show host, landlord, writer, and coach. Some paid better than others. Now I do what I please and it pleases me to manage a couple B&B’s, coach tennis and write, though I still have a dream or two I am cogitating.

A few years ago, I turned away from the financial engine that had been good to me. We helped thousands and paid millions to families in need. I wasn’t fully aware of my desire to go in another direction, but I now understand I wanted a greater return on my time and energy. I could only find this by investing in children, building community and sharing important ideas. The remuneration is an other worldly form of compensation.

I am working on a new novel. If you read one of my books and don’t get an idea that is worth 100 times the cost of the book, I will send you a refund. Let me know at Claiborne.mize@gmail.com

Same goes if I speak to your organization.