Remembering

A day to remember and honor those that gave their lives in service to this country.

Grazie to our friend Fabrizio at Torino Daily Photo who pays tribute on his blog today as well.

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Well this has been one watery weekend. Saturday, I ventured to the Pepper Place to pick up a few tomatoes and of course some photos. These gorgeous tomatoes reminded me that I need to again share Pink Martini's "Hang On Little Tomato" with you.

Weighing In - The Mini Series

Pepper Place Market

Oak Street Market

It's just feast or famine around this blog. Some days I'm flush with the rosy glow from having a plethora of diverse photos for you all. Others times I'm dumpster diving for something......anything to post. Well right now things are good. In fact, they are so good that I've discovered some mini collections for you. Enjoy!

Oak Street Market

Crestline Village

Able to Lift Large Boulders with a Single Hand!

Sure, no problem. Where do you want me to put this thing??

Oh I found myself down at the Birmingham Museum of Art again yesterday. This time I was photographing some heavy lifting. Really heavy lifting! Thanks to CraneWorks' generosity ( they donated most of the cost of the move) , the BMA was able to dismantle a massive outdoor sculpture and transport it across town. Why you ask?? Well the museum is loaning Zachary Coffin's "Antelumpen" to the Five Points West Regional Branch Library. A wonderful effort to place more public art in our community. What better way to share the museum's extensive works of art with its citizens! This was no small undertaking mind you. The rock base weighed well over 14,000 pounds and the 3 abstract antelope heads were made of 18' street light poles! It all went across town on a flat bed trailer. I'm still a little worried about how they kept that boulder from rolling off!

Today a few shots of CraneWorks' workers performing feats of great strength!

Of course these photos are dedicated to my crane loving friend Wayne in Vancouver. He's smiling big time over these!

This guy was amazing. Lifted that boulder with one hand!!!!

The Long Arm of the Law

I'm regret that I'm having to make this post today, but I think this topic affects a lot of photographers, and writers around the globe. Yesterday, Kim from Seattle DP, alerted me and a host of other bloggers that our photographs were being lifted by the unscrupulous crowd at*Photos World News. I can only speak for myself, but I've invested a lot of time and money in my photography career. It is difficult for photographers to actually sell their work, and perhaps it's because people find it far too easy to simply download our work and print them off, or publish them on their websites without our permission. I'm fascinated when people actually say to me, "I'm going to print off some of your photographs and hang them in my home!" On one hand, I'm flattered that someone would like my work enough to frame it and hang it. On the other hand, why would they assume they could take my work without asking or paying for it? Would they walk in an art gallery, take a painting off the wall and walk out with it? Of course I can put a watermark on every photo. And to be honest, most anyone could remove it in Photoshop faster than I could add it. I've read the sneers on some photography sites that claim photographers who watermark their work are assuming their work is " so good that someone might want to copy it." Well that's not really the point is it. The point is that photographs and text are owned by the photographer and the author, period!

And for the record, it is my pleasure to donate photographs and/or photography time for any charitable organization that asks. To be able to give back to my community is a privilege.

(* If you are unable to open their site, HOORAY, they've been shut down but sadly there will be more where they came from.)

This blog is open for business. Feel free to have your say but please keep it civil and respectful.

Pepper Place Dogs - The Elusive Strawberry

Today, I'll let the pictures do the talking!

Reflections - Mobilgas

Well today a little something for the guys. I pass these old Mobilgas pumps almost every day, as they are in my neighborhood. I stopped late one afternoon when I spotted this nice reflection. Tire Engineers Too has taken the care to enclose this old "filling station" so we can all still enjoy them. The sign on the side of the building says "Matthew Wehby Building - With his hands". I am guessing that at one time this fine old place was owned by Mr. Wehby. How nice that the new owners chose to preserve this slice of Birmingham history.

Tire Engineers has been in business since 1948 right across the street on the corner of 32nd and 6th Avenue South, and continues to be run by the Johnston family. I like that!

Update 5/13/11
This from the folks at Tire Engineers. I thought you'd like to hear the story:

Just noticed the picture of Tire Engineers Too on the web…

Thank you for noticing - I would like to tell you the story behind the "sign". Mathew Wehby remodeled that ole run down building with his own 2-hands, almost by himself. Not long after he completed the project - that won a Historical Award, he died suddenly at 29-years of age.

This building is named after him, because of his dedication to create something really nice out of a dilapidated old building.

Thanks for your interest.

Fred

Birmingham Rouge - Sharing

I found these two brothers sharing ( and very nicely I might add!) a snow cone curbside in Mt. Brook Village during the Legends of Motorsports Rally. Who needs an old Ferrari or Lotus when you can find something this adorable to snap?? Oh I can hear all you men groaning!

Spring-a-Ling-a-Ding-Dong!

With a catchy name like that how could this event not be a blast??? Well it lived up to its name. This street party in Mountain Brook's English Village all began last year when Continental

Bakery and Chez Lulu Restaurant owner Carole Griffin dreamed it all up to celebrate the bakery's 25th anniversary. It was so well received that she decided to do it again this year. Area merchants as well as artist and vendors joined in and made it a great event for the community.

How can I describe it? Well, try and imagine sweet little fairies decked out in tutus and wings, a brass band replete with pink feathers, a Chicken Lady (with chickens) , giant papier mâché puppets, a bread toss, hula hoop contest, oh and did I mention the mock beheading of Marie Antoinette? I have a bucket full of photos but today, let's salute Carole who was the absolute star of the show!

Juicy!

Ginormous strawberries were plentiful at the Pepper Place Market last Saturday. This little guy was certainly enjoying his!

Legends

Thursday afternoon 75 Historic Legends of Motorsports Road Race cars came roaring into Mountain Brook Village. It was a terrific afternoon. Area merchants offered food, drinks and had some very nice giveaways. A DJ kept the place hopping and everyone strolled the village, chatted with friends and neighbors and waited for the big moment when the cars arrived . They parked right there so we could have an up close look! They are in town for races at the fabulous Barber Motorsports Park this weekend. Area readers need to get out there and see it! I am not a car buff but I was impressed. Today a sampling. Of course there are more for another day or two!

Proud To Be An American!

Yesterday, we in Alabama welcomed 60 brand new United States citizens, from 30 different countries! Thanks to Nick Patterson from the Birmingham Museum of Art, I was invited to photograph the first U.S. Naturalization Ceremony ever held outside a federal courthouse in our district! The Honorable Sharon Lovelace Blackburn, Chief United States District Judge, presided and what a moving ceremony it was. I'll admit I got tears in my eyes when those men and women raised their hands and took the oath. Earlier I had a delightful time photographing many of them with their proud families. The Daughters of the American Revolution and the Colonial Dames of America were on hand to give out flags and lapel pins for everyone. A great day to be an American! I have many more photographs to share, but this one spoke to me as the very essence of this day

May I just say once again, what a special privilege it is for me to do this blog and be a part of the extraordinary things going on in my city each and every day.

Howdy Partner!

What is it about little boys and cowboy boots........and ten gallon hats! This little guy was a rootin' tootin' cowboy, and I just loved his spur!!

Merci to my great photography students who helped me pick these photographs!

They are helping me grow as a photographer as much as I'm helping them!

Willie Nelson had a great one today. One of my favs right here.

Here Comes the Bride!

I was lucky enough to assist with a wedding at my church recently. I caught the beautiful bride having a carefree moment with her bridesmaids before the wedding. Best wishes to this sweet couple for a long and loving life together.

100+ Strangers Challenge - Paris? Non!

Stranger # 103

Thought I'd flitted off to Paris didn't you! Non, I shot this interesting stranger at Chez Lulu in English Village. Nice, oui?

Cool Cats and Hot Dogs - Do Dah Day 2010

Where do I begin with this one? I'll admit that this was my first Do Dah Day Parade and it was something else! I found a spot in the median on Highland Avenue and had a front row seat for the oncoming parade traffic. Today a few offerings but there will be more, I can assure you!

Blue Skies Smiling At Me

Earlier in the week, I was enjoying this terrific spring weather on my patio and noticed that the sky was a particularly gorgeous blue! I took this photo from the comfort of my Adirondack chair! Notice the pinus palustris Miller ( Southern longleaf pine ) in the photo. My California blog friends were curious as to what kind of pines we have in Birmingham, so here you go, the State Tree of Alabama. I hope your spring weather is a glorious as ours right now.

Today one of my favorites, Willie Nelson, has a tune for you right here.

Sunny Side Up

Besides fresh produce, jellys, cheese, herbs and plants, the Pepper Place Market even has farm fresh eggs.. no yolk!!! ( Forgive me for that. I couldn't help myself.)

A Southerner's Glimpse of South Pasadena

A few short weeks ago I had a most wonderful visit with my dear blog reader Judy and fellow bloggers in the Los Angeles area. One afternoon and evening was spent in photogenic South Pasadena. Laurie, Glimpses of South Pasadena, showed us all around and can you believe it, I recognized some hot spots from her blog! Actually, I have more, so stay tuned!

South Pasadena Rouge???

Happy Feet

Blue Crocs, Red Toes

Guitar Man

We're back at the Magic City Blues Society's festival held a few weeks ago. I've always loved to listen to a guitar being played, but now I've found something else I love to photograph!

How about a little Bread singing "Guitar Man" today!

California Dreaming

What happens in the "Denas", stays in the "Denas"

Well I've been home from Southern California a week, but the fond memories linger. Many of you have asked for more photos and of course I'm happy to share!

Today a trip to the Huntington Gardens. Our rowdy band of bloggers photographed every leaf and petal there. We also enjoyed a delightful tea in the Rose Garden Tearoom. Much talk and laughter ensued. I'm pretty sure we were not their typical "tea" crowd. :)

A little tune for you today. You know what it is!

By the way, there's a bit of California on my Paris blog today as well! Have a look here.

L'arbre faux bois était trés belle!

You Win Some, You Lose Some!

This is Laura Kate the "baby" in our family. She lost her first tooth which means that everybody is growing up! (Cousin Davis, who is one day older, is still hanging onto his.) I'll admit I'm a little sad. But, look at that face. She's pretty excited that the Tooth Fairy has come and gone and dropped $5. Times have changed! Happy Mother's Day to all my dear readers. I'm counting my blessings today, believe me.

Soft Spring Breezes

I stopped in at the Oak Street Market yesterday and there was a delightful breeze blowing their cute burlap curtains. Don't you just love spring???

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

My very talented friend, Birmingham artist Amy Collins, gave me a gift yesterday that I will treasure. With my permission, she painted this lovely oil from one of my favorite photographs of Continental Bakery. I couldn't be more pleased. Merci mille fois, mon amie!!

( A larger version of this painting can be purchased here! )

Amy and husband Sam have been friends for a long time. We first met when I taught their dear Sarah in third grade. They are both medical illustrators by day, but each has found another avenue for their creativity. Sam does some terrific photographs of Birmingham, with a clever twist, and Amy, as you can see, is an accomplished painter. Please visit their websites to see and purchase their work. By the way, my Birmingham readers can meet Amy in person tonight at Artists Incorporated in Vestavia where she will be joining 4 other area artists for a reception from 5:30-8:30. Hope to see you all there!

Shady Ladies!

How lucky can I get?? I spotted BOTH of these cuties in one morning at the Pepper Place Market. I must be living right. If they don't make you smile, nothing will!

I'm not sure, but I think this little miss has made an appearance on BADP right here. What do you think?

The Cast of REAL Characters

Judy (My terrific hostess), Kathy (The Chieftess), Ron (Mr. Earl's Musings), Petrea (Pasadena DP), Laurie and Raine (Glimpses of South Pasadena), Karin (Alatadena Hiker), moi

Thanks to our dear fellow blogger Tash, Palos Verdes DP, we have this nice group shot. Most likely the only time we stayed together and had our mouths closed or almost closed at the same time! We were touring the Huntington Gardens in San Marino and they were spectacular. More to come from this beautiful place.

The Birthday Girl!

Raine and Mom Laurie

I've just returned from a fabulous week in the Los Angeles area. My dear blog reader Judy- So.California and husband Dave were my wonderful hosts. Oh what a grand time I had sightseeing and getting to meet and finally get to hug the necks of my blog friends in the area. Karin, (Altadenahiker), Laurie (So Pasadena Daily Photo), Tash ( Palos Verdes Daily Photo), Kathy ( The Chieftess), Ron (Mr. Earl's Musings), and Petrea ( Pasadena Daily Photo), joined us and a grand time was had by all. On Thursday, Hiker gave us her very best "Huntington Garden Docent" tour. Well she tried. We were unruly and stopped too much to talk and take photos, but she did her best to reign us in. A very special "guest" was Raine, Laurie's ALMOST five year old. Today the Birthday Girl is my star. Joyeux Anniversaire dear one.

My 100 Strangers Challenge is featured in this month's issue of B-Metro Magazine. Take a look here!

V

Dancing in the Park

Last week's Magic City Art Connection featured music and dancing as well. Sylvia Toffel describes herself as an "earth tender", but she is also a very talented dancer who knew just how to get the children up on their feet and feeling the music. I am giving you several photos today because I couldn't choose my favorite!

Today I return home from a terrific trip to the Left Coast, Los Angeles to be exact. My wonderful hostess was my faithful reader, Judy-So. California and husband Dave. They have given new meaning to "southern hospitality", southern California that is. We had a jam packed week with my dear blog friends in the area ( most from the "denas") that hang around my blogs a lot and keep it so very interesting. I was also lucky enough to be able to spend some time with an old friend that lives in the area and attend a wonderful Kappa Delta event with her as well. As soon as I can download my photos, you'll be in for a treat.