MR Chair

I feature the Birmingham Museum of Arts' Vanguard Views exhibit here.  Today we return with a look at a chair I'm sure you recognize.  This classic  Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, 1926, is part of the museum's permanent collection.  I would love one of these in my home!

Daffy Weather

Just when I was ready to hit PUBLISH with a daffodil photo, the temps drop to the 20's tonight. Geez Louise! 

Hey Good Lookin' !

Loved photographing the walkers and runners at the Mercedes Marathon as they blew by my home on Clairmont Avenue, but walking down the street and meeting the volunteers and spectators was just as much fun. This little guy I could have taken home with me!

Hot Dogs !!!

Gus's Hot Dogs in Crestline Village is an institution.  They've been in business for over 42 years and still going strong!

Cane Break

I meet my good friend Doug for coffee here at O'Henry's in Homewood from time to time. I love their chairs and their coffee!

Euro Birmingham - Chez Lulu

Chez Lulu in Mt. Brook's English Village is a little French café, but I was getting Italian and Spanish vibes there as well!

Vanguard Views

The Vanguard Views Exhibit at the Birmingham Museum of Art caught my eye recently.  I got so caught up in photographing this vintage motorcycle, I completely forgot to photograph the information about it. Not to worry, I contacted Graham Boettcher, the BMA's curator for American art and he had all the answers.  This exhibit was actually curated by their UAB curatorial intern Bethany McClellan, who Graham credits with the idea and the exhibit itself.

He also provided me with this information about the motorcycle: 

Gnome et Rhône M1, 1934

Manufactured by the Société des Moteurs Gnome et Rhône

France (founded 1915)

Collection of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

It Must Be The Bird Feeder...

that attracted these two pink feathered gigglers to our Crape Myrtle tree!

There's Hope!

A week ago today, we were under a big, fluffy blanket.......of snow.  Today, it's unseasonably warm. There's talk of a possible tornado tonight. What a difference a week makes in Alabama.  Quince, the harbinger of spring. Bring it on!

Runners...

 drink a lot of water.  This station just down the street from my home went through a LOT of paper cups in just a few hours during the Mercedes Marathon!

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Meeps dons her Mardi Gras beads, thank you Miss Kay, in honor of the Mardi Gras season here in Alabama.  Mobile was the site of the first Carnival celebration in 1703, 15 years before New Orleans got in on the act.  

These Feet Were Made For Walking/Running???

It was in the 30's when the Mercedes Marathon and Half Marathon started. This guy cruised down my street with bare feet. Regardless of the temps, I can't even imagine doing this on the pavement for even half a marathon!

Some of the Bell Center Kiddos....

were more excited about the race......

than others!

 Bell Center for Early Intervention run.

Birmingham Bling

Want one? All you have to do is run all over Birmingham this Sunday and then find a way to walk, run or crawl across the Mercedes Marathon finish line!

Who's Your Hero??

I think most of us here in Birmingham would say, "BETTY BELL!"  Betty is the founding director of the fabulous Bell Center - Early Intervention, an outstanding program that has brought help and hope to countless children and families in the Birmingham area.  I caught her last year when the Bell Center kiddos had their run before the Bell Center Runners took off through the streets of Birmingham for this wonderful cause.  Betty was having a chat with Clark Kent ( aka Frances' Daddy).  Super Woman meets Super Man!

Covered Up

View from my balcony

This has been a challenging weather month for those of us in Birmingham ( remember, we're in the Deep South).  We're not all that comfortable with ice and snow.  Last week, Mother Nature DUMPED a lot of snow on us within a few hours and that left our fair city in a horrendous mess.  This week, we've had ice/snow scares all week, which after last week's surprise made us all more than a little careful. Bottom line, we have waited and waited, but got some lovely, fluffy stuff late this afternoon. I'd say about 3 inches at my home. Enjoy!

Da Do Run Run Run - Regions Superheroe 5K

This Saturday, there will be many superheroes running for their favorite charity in the Regions Superhero 5K, many in costumes! It should be a great day. Come join me in cheering them on!

Here ya go, the tune for the week!

More Snow On My Roof?

Pardon, we are all bit shell shocked from the last snow dump that left everyone in Birmingham scrambling to get home. Now there's a hint of icy rain etc and we have already shut down. Stay tuned.

Foggy Day on Shades Mountain

Vestavia's Sibyl Temple stands at the top of Shades Mountain on Highway 31 South, is a replica of the Sibyl Temple in Tivoli, Italy.

Sunday Church Series - First Church

The First United Methodist Church in downtown Birmingham was founded in 1872.  Everyone here just calls it First Church.  I love these old churches that have been the fabric of our city for so many years.

Child's Play

The cute kiddos at Vestavia Hills Elementary School West have way more fun than we ever.  All I can remember is Hop Scotch, Four-Square, Dodge Ball, and Kick Ball!

Da Do Run Run Run - The Kids' Mercedes Marathon

Coming soon on Saturday, February 15th is the 13th Kids' Mercedes Marathon.  Click HERE to read the remarkable, and heartwarming story of how this all began.  This is one in a series that I will post in the days leading up to this year's marathon weekend - Marathon, Half Marathon, Kids' Run and the Bell Center runners.

And a little music from the Crystals to get you in the mood, Da Do Run Run Run!

Heart to Heart Talk

This beautiful sculpture at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens always causes me to stop and take a look.  In winter, I think she and the frog are discussing options!

A Slice of Railroad Park

Railroad Park

1600 1st Avenue South

Just A Week Ago Today......

My little balcony last Tuesday just as the snow started to fall

 Mother Nature dumped a load of snow,  in just a few hours and brought Birmingham to a standstill that lasted almost three days.  Today we are grateful that we've had a nice warming trend and hopefully won't have another flake this winter!

Hope of Spring

As  much as we want to believe that our severe winter weather is a thing of the past, we're still afraid to breathe a sigh of relief.  This quince does give a glimmer of  hope.

Blue Skies.......... At Last!

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

After a rather horrendous week with snow, below freezing temps and general awfulness, it is a delight to feel the warmth of the sun and see blue skies in Birmingham again.

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Entry

Our Birmingham Museum of Art is a Birmingham jewel.  Since 1951, its permanent collection has grown to over 17, 000 paintings, sculpture, prints, drawings and decorative arts dating from 3000 BC to the present.  What makes it even more amazing is that it boasts FREE admission every day.

Today I join City Daily Photobloggers around the world who are sharing their vision of our Theme Day - Entry.  Click HERE to see all of their creative choices.