Birmingham Glam

I spotted this downtown in Bromberg's Jewelers window.  Sadly they have closed this downtown store but reopened recently for a special sale.  This was Bromberg's flagship store, but unfortunately our downtown area has seen most of its retail business move to the suburbs.

Alabama HOT!

Last Sunday morning as I was giving my blog friend Daryl, one last shoot around town,  before she jetted off to cooler climes, we stopped first on Morris Avenue. It's one of Birmingham's most photogenic historic places... cobblestones and all.  I've been there many times with photography classes and really thought I'd seen it all. Happily I looked at it with new eyes and found some nice ones. This vintage Birmingham News/ Post Herald thermometer caught my eye, and was especially significant, since Daryl was wilting in our humid temps as I was shooting!

Eddie

Sunday while I was showing Daryl around downtown,  I had to stop and show her the Eddie Kendricks Memorial Park on 4th Avenue North.  This lovely urban park is a fitting tribute to the Temptation's lead singer,  and Birmingham is proud to call  him our own.  Artist Ronald McDowell was the perfect choice for capturing Eddie doing what he did best.

Of course I have a tune for you today. I've chosen my all time favorite song!  

"My Girl"

What Photobloggers Do....

 One of my favorite City Daily Photobloggers, Daryl ( Out and About in New York City and Through My Eyes) paid me a visit this past weekend.  We've been corresponding for more than a year,  and so when I picked her up at the airport on Friday, it was "old home week" as we say down here.  Joining Daryl was my dear Paris amie Mary Gilbert, who flew in from Cincinnati on Thursday.  Birmingham offered them a warm welcome...a very warm welcome.  I think Daryl's next visit will probably be in the winter!  Despite the heat, there was a whole lot of laughing and talking and....picture taking.  I hope you will visit her blogs and say hello!

Come Fly With Me

Southern Museum of Flight

I only had time for a parking lot shot  yesterday. I promise to return and have a look inside next time.

Four All Beef Patties....

Beach Burgers, don't let the name deceive you.  You don't have to drive down to the Gulf Coast to get one, just to Crestline Village.  The giant burgers at the door caught my eye.  I love a good burger and hope to get by there one day soon and try one.

It's a Dog's Life

Need I say more? 

The Waiter

It's no secret that Chez Fonfon in  Five Points is one of my favorite places to dine.  I"ll bet can see why.  This is about as close to Paris as I can get in Birmingham. Even the waiters look familiar!

This weekend my Paris amie Mary Gilbert is coming in from Cincinnati and NYC blogger Daryl Edlestein is  flying in from the Big Apple. Mary has requested an encore of Chez Fonfon's marvelous coconut cake. It's at the top of our To Do list!

Shiny!

This mirrored glass wall on the Downtown Y building is hard to photograph. I might have to take another spin downtown and try again.

Squash Blossoms, Had Some?

It's no secret that southerners will fry just about anything ( that doesn't move)  from a peach turnovers to dill pickles or green tomatoes.  I hear some folks have taken to frying up squash blossoms. I've not had the pleasure, but I'm thinking they might be delish!

Time Flies...........When You're Blogging!

Charlie Thigpen's Garden Gallery

Pepper Place

THREE years ago I posted my first photograph on Birmingham Alabama Daily Photo.  At the time I was so green I had to email Rambling Round ( Selma Alabama Daily Photo) almost daily for help.  I started this blog as a way to keep myself out there taking photos in my retirement.  My momma always said, "Ignorance is bliss!"  Well it is, and perhaps if I'd known how much time and energy a daily photoblog really requires, I'd probably have chosen something like knitting as a way to while away my retirement. Lucky for me, I waltzed into blogworld full of blind enthusiasm, and I haven't looked back.  In November 2008, I was having so much fun, I created Paris Through My Lens.   Now my days and nights are spent feeding two "babies" as Genie and I call our blogs. Actually I call mine "The Twins"!  It has been an amazing three years, and this blog has afforded me some incredible experiences, opportunities and friendships too numerous to name.  I thank those of you that visit ( almost a 1,000 a week!), that comment, that email me and introduce yourselves and those of you that I've been fortunate to meet in person.  But most of all,  I hope that I have made the people of Birmingham proud, because in the end, it's all about our Birmingham, isn't it!

Birmingham Rouge - Lost Your Marbles?

I found them! They've been at On A Shoestring Antiques in Bluff Park, the whole time!

Here's an interesting link.

For Abe

I've met the greatest people through my blog. One very special friend is fellow blogger Abe Lincoln (Brookville, OH Daily Photo). YES, that is his name!  Abe is a fine photographer ( and storyteller) and I think his nature photography is his strong suit.  Abe and I agree on everything but squirrels. He loves them and FEEDS them.  I ....well just don't ask.  Yesterday after a much needed rainstorm, the sun came out and right outside my sunroom window I spotted this cardinal trying to dry off.  Lucky for me I eyed it before Meeps scared it off,  and I was able to sneak up and take a few shots through the wet window.  I am pretty proud of my first bird photo. I hope my dear Abe agrees.

It Is A Hammered Dulcimer

At the Magic City Art Connection, I had to stop and take some photos,  when I spotted this sign. Apparently folks, even here in Alabama, ask a lot of questions about the hammered dulcimer. Now you know!

New Digs

The Children's Hospital here in Birmingham is a wonderful place. It's so wonderful that it has outgrown its present facility.  Sunday on my way downtown, I pulled over to get a shot of the new wing that is coming right along. I love the brightly colored accents on the front.  Their website here, puts the completion date at August, 2012. I'll be there!

Fans of the BMA

On Sunday the Alabama Symphony played a family concert on the grounds of Railroad Park. Beforehand, Birmingham's kid friendly organizations set up tables and offered projects for the kiddos.  I volunteered with the Birmingham Museum of Art.  As you can see, many budding artists created their own paper fans!

Warming Up

Today we return to the Alabama Symphony's Family Concert at Railroad Park on Sunday afternoon.  As I mentioned yesterday, I was allowed to photograph the musicians and crew as they were preparing for the performance.  I loved the light on this lovely young cellist as she practiced.

Behind the Scenes

Yesterday I volunteered for the Birmingham Museum of Art's childrens' art table at the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's Family Concert event at Railroad Park.  I took a few minutes to have a look inside the tent where they were getting things all set up for the orchestra.  Many thanks to the staff and crew that allowed me in.  Today a preview shot.  I will have more to share.

The Secret Garden

I would have liked to go in for a look around.... but no.

Nature's Fury

Altamont Road

The day after the horrific tornadoes ripped through Alabama, I spotted this piece of metal imbedded in a tree only blocks from my home.  Since our neighborhood was very fortunate in that there were no injuries and compared to other places, very few loss of trees, this confused me.  On one hand, I think surely I would have noticed this before if it's from a previous storm and on the other hand, I wonder if perhaps this was a result of the previous day's high winds. I am hoping someone else that lives in the Forest Park neighborhood and clear this up. Regardless, this was definitely caused by a very high and powerful wind.  Sobering.

Shades of Summer

Sometimes I think I'm the luckiest photographer in Birmingham!!

In Full Bloom

 Architectural Heritage

We're modest, here in the South.

Drumming to Beat Cancer

Last Saturday was Cancer Survivor's Day at the Pepper Place Market. A lot of great talent and hopefully a lot of money raised.   DrumSTRONG welcomed anyone who wanted to grab a drum and join in.  Led by the very energetic John Scalici, who directs the Get Rhythm drum circle programs, everyone, young and old had the place jumping!  More photos to come!

LAST CALL FOR MY UPCOMING PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS THAT BEGINS THIS COMING MONDAY EVENING. IF YOU'D LIKE TO JOIN US, CONTACT ME !!!

This Little Piggy Went to Market...

 the Pepper Place Market of course! 

(Actually, after yesterday's post I thought I needed to lighten up a little!)

This week the Project 64: Out of the Box color is SALMON.  The other participants are sharing their great shots right here.


For my Birmingham readers, I am now offering "From Snapshots to Photographs", a five weekly 2 hour classes designed for the amateur photographer who wants to take more creative photographs. Working know ledge of your digital camera is the only requirement. Contact me for more details!

Express Yourself ?

Just outside Railroad Park
Downtown Birmingham

I hesitate to get myself started on this subject but ... I am NOT a fan of what is now called "urban art" ( a nice way of saying graffiti).  If you want to express yourself, buy a canvas or go spray paint your own house or your momma's house, I'm sure she'd love that. No matter how creative you are feeling, you do not have the right to deface someone else's property!  Now it's your turn.  How do you feel about "urban art"?

Hands by Rodin

These hands belong to Jean d'Aire, Nu ( 1885-1886; cast 1986), one of Rodin's best know sculptures. A nude study for the famous Burghers of Calais.  Taken in the Sculpture Garden of the Birmingham Musueum of Art.

Free At Last!

Our "petit prince" Davis, celebrates the end of his 5K year at Railroad Park.  Here comes summer......

Make Way for Ducklings!

My sweet friend Rebecca is the very proud Momma of six delightful little ducklings ( 6 different breeds) and invited me over for lunch and photos.  I was fascinated to learn they arrived via Fed Ex when just a few days old.  Right now they are enjoying life in her backyard with their own swimming pool and watermelon on demand.  George's favorite spot is snuggled up with Rebecca as you can see.  When they are a few weeks older, they will make their home on Lake Logan Martin where Rebecca's folks, Steve and Sally, will keep a watchful eye!

CDP Theme Day - Under Construction....Rebuilding

Last year my friends and neighbors Caroline and E.T. Brown lost their beautiful old home to a devastating house fire.  There wonderful and welcoming front porch, on the left, featured the rock that graces many old Forest Park homes.  The good news is that they are rebuilding and much of the rock has been saved for the new porch.  I'll do another shoot when our wine group can again gather at the Browns and toast their new home.

Today is the first day of the month so City Daily Photobloggers around the world are posting their "Under Construction" photos for this month's theme. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.