Euro Birmingham

A bit of Europe right here in Birmingham. 

Elegant Earth at The Arbor

Old Haunts

On my way home yesterday,  I passed The Elegant Earth at The Arbor. I've been stopping by there every so often,  for photos since I began my Birmingham blog. Yesterday, I was lucky to meet Chris, and I assured him I would share photos for their website.  They were happy for me to take photos and I was glad to be back in a place that is always a visual delight.

The Arbor features fabulous garden containers as well as the most wonderful fountains. Just walking around made me feel so peaceful.

Winter Afternoon Under the Arbor

Today we linger under the arbor at the Botanical Gardens.  In the spring and summer it is lush and beautiful, but I like the bare vines wrapped around the columns now.  The afternoon sun worked some magic as well.

Note:  More on the Mercedes Marathon and Kat's results coming. I completely missed her finish on Sunday, so we are waiting on other photos.

Grazie!

An urn of luscious fall colors from The Arbor. Enjoy!

Yesterday, I was totally taken by surprise when I received the "Blogging Friends Forever" Award from  Blognote,  who posts each day the most remarkable, professional photographs of his beautiful hometown, Arona,Italy - aronaeverday.blogspot.com   Grazie Diederick, my friend.  I am honored to be chosen by you. 

Next it is my turn to give the award to 5 bloggers following the next rules. ( I didn't like this part. It was incredibly hard to choose just 5!)

1. Only 5 people allowed

2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog.

3. One has to be someone new or recently new to your blog and live in another part of the world.

4. You must link back to whoever gave you the award.

 I added a 5th.  I chose bloggers that had not been previously honored with other awards in order to "spread the love"!

After a great deal of thought,  the envelope please...............

Bandung Daily Photo - Eki Quashay Akwan

Pensacola Daily Photo - PJ

San Francisco Daily Photo - Burd Zel Krai

Arradon Daily Photo - Alice

 Yankee in Belgrade - Bibi

A fine group of talented photographers and writers, but most of all friends whom I have enjoyed learning from and getting to know.

The Tune du Jour is a bow to Blognote.  "Caruso" by Josh Groban.

LATE BREAKING NEWS!  I just heard from our friend Marley at Cheltenham Daily Photo

 and Tash at Palos Verdes DP, that they have  also given me the honor of this award. I gratefully accept but have asked them to let someone else choose the 5 blogger friends in my place. Thank you Marley and Tash!  

Question: Do these awards make my head look big????

Discover Josh Groban!

Two Fountains

After my post (here) about The Arbor,  some of you requested to see more of it.  Blognote wanted a peek at the courtyard so I was happy to have an excuse to go back for another photo shoot there.  Today, two fountains from The Arbor that I think you will enjoy.  

"To find joy in work is to discover the fountain of youth"

Pearl S. Buck

The Tune du Jour is " Nocturne"  by Michael Dulin.

Auntie Em, I Don't Think We're In BIrmingham Anymore!

Buongiorno!

Since I have given you a few glimpses of Birmingham with a French twist,  I thought you might enjoy a little Italy now.  It doesn't look like I will get to visit our friends in Arona or Torino, Italy anytime soon,  so this will have to do for the time being.  This lovely place is  The Arbor.  It is very much like strolling in an Italian courtyard chock full of gurgling fountains, planters of all shapes and sizes and beautiful statuary with an aged patina to grace your home or garden.  This is one trip to Italy that doesn't require a passport.   Tomorrow, how about a taste of Italy at one of Birmingham's most beautiful and popular restaurants ???

The Tune du Jour is "Per Te" by Josh Groban.