Shhh, No Roaring in the Museum!

Earlier this week, I posted two photographs of my granddaughter Eva riding the carousel in Tuileries in 2007 on Paris Through My Lens. My dear blog friend Shell Sherree created a delightful watercolor of one of the photos, so I posted the orginals.

Imagine my surprise when I did my volunteer work at the Birmingham Museum of Art on Tuesday and found this majestic carousel horse on display. Made by the famous Gustav Dentzel in 1909, it is carved polychromed wood with a glass eye. It has kindly on loan to the museum by Jimmy and Carol Filler. I composed the photo so that you could also enjoy the BMA's magnificent Bierstadt, "Looking Down Yosemite Valley".

It's Not Easy Being Green

Or so Kermit says. This wonderful old Hudson in the back room of Ted's Garage is waiting to be spiffed up I think. I'm sure you're wondering why this one caught my eye. Well when I was a wee girl, we had a BIG gray Hudson that I loved to death. I know you're laughing, because it's funny to me as well. Since that "love affair" with the Hudson I've never been all that interested in cars since. I will admit though, that Ted's red Vette up front makes my heart flutter. ( and will be one of my auction photos.) Ted and I were classmates at Shades Valley High School and for the record, I never got a ride back in.....well never mind the year!

Actually I have a very special reason for posting this vintage car today. On Thursday I will be going back to Ted's Garage for a fundraiser/auction for the Heart Gallery. The Heart Gallery asks photographers to take portraits for Alabama youngsters in foster care that want and need a loving family to open their arms and their hearts to them. I couldn't be more proud to donate some of my photographs for Fotos, Frames and Fun, to raise help raise much needed funding for this wondeful agency. I have my fingers crossed that I'll be called on one day to take some of those portraits.

Gateway

What would Birmingham do without wonderful places like Gateway Family and Child Services? Since 1891, Gateway has been helping Birmingham families in so many ways. Their mission statement says: " Gateway is preserving, strengthening, and enriching family life through quality services provided to families and individuals in need." As a teacher witnessed firsthand their tireless commitment to children and families. Now I feel privileged to be able to give back just a little. Again this year, I am donating some of my photographs for their fundraiser, Off The Wall on April 1, 2010. Please visit their website if you feel you can donate and for my Birmingham readers, I hope to see you at Off the Wall!

The top photo is one of the photographs I am planning to donate. I have had a little fun with it. ( Care to guess exactly what I did? )The bottom photo shows the actual building.

This week I've decided to join the Monochrome Weekend gang right here.

Bank Chic?

There was a time, long ago, when the banks in downtown Birmingham were rather grand with their marble floors, soaring columns and interesting captitals like the old John Hand Building. Only a few remain and it sure isn't the First National/AmSouth/Regions building on 20th Street. It's all sleek and shiny and has this intersting chandelier, for want of a better term, by the elevators. I shot this a while back when I was down there getting my euros. Those grand old banks made you feel rich even when you weren't. This one, leaves me cold, and now that I think about it so did the euro/usd rate!

A very Happy Blog Birthday to our Jilly who is celebrating the 3rd Birthday for Monte Carlo DP AND Menton DP! Jilly, I've got my party dress on, and it's time for Peter to pour the champagne!

Birmingham Rouge VII - B Metro Magazine

Birmingham has long been known for its magazine publishing industry. Sadly the economy has had a devastating effect and many of my favorites have stopped the presses or gone to Yankeeland. ( Don't make me talk about that!). Well things are looking up. Longtime Birmingham editor, Joe O'Donnell has brought a new kid on the block. B Metro came on the scene in July '09. I enjoy it because it focuses on the PEOPLE here in the Birmingham area that are making a difference in our city. It's also featured the variety of blogs sprouting up all over town, which caught my eye for sure! Joe, his staff, and I are collaborating on some exciting things for the future. Stay tuned. And you Alabama readers.......go out and buy a copy!

Vacancy

Move in ready except the roof leaks. Take it up with the landlord.

Yesterday it rained, no poured. I spotted this little nest and fully intended for this to be one of my famous "drive by shootings", but unfortunately I had to get out of the car. Luckily my first shot worked, because I got drops all over the lens and the rest were toast.

Arches - The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement

Another look at the beautiful arched walkway at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement in Cullman. We've seen another view here.