Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral

Holy Trinity-Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Birmingham's southside, has had a recent renovation to the front of the church and I had not seen it since the construction equipment had all been cleared away.  On my way downtown a few weeks ago I passed by and had to throw on my brakes and pull over for some photographs.  I have included a close up of the columns that frame the dark wooden doors.  The details are amazing,  and I think the creaminess of the stone is stunning.  Oh, and if the name of this church sounds familiar, it's because I featured their Greek Food Festival on September 12th. Go back and have a look if you missed it. 

My friend P.J. over at Pensacola Daily Photo and I are doing a photo swap of sorts today. She recently featured a Greek church in her community.  Today she is posting a photo similar to my "Hot Grits and a Bible" post.

The Tune du Jour is "Dhen in'avghi na sikotho" by Mandragore

Demo or Reno?

Many thanks for all your kind comments on what was not intended as a portrait series at the start, but certainly morphed into one!  Time to explore the city some more.  Follow me.

Hard to tell if this is remnants of a past demolition or the early signs of a renovation  in progress.   Taken through the window of a building  in our loft district on 1st Avenue North, I was expecting everything to be pitch black.  That shaft of light illuminating the stack of wood was a fine surprise indeed.  I'm betting on renovation.  Hope so!

Tune du Jour is "The Party's Over" by Willie Nelson.

Merci to my friend at St. Louis Daily Photo who shared a little of his technical skills for enlarging my photos. It worked!

Greece is the Word!

Today's photos are hot off the press from Holy Trinity- Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Cathedral's Greek Food Festival. We are fortunate to have a large Greek community in Birmingham and oh my can they cook! The Greek chicken and rice was the absolute best I have ever eaten. The ladies and gentlemen of the church cook for weeks and not only serve a wide selection of delicious hot items, but they offer frozen dishes to take home for later. To top it off you get to hear some lively music and watch children of all ages perform their traditional Greek dances. I promise some photos of them very soon. All in all it's a great weekend in Birmingham when the Greeks throw the best festival in town.

The Tune du Jour is of course, "Zorba the Greek"!

Artist in Bloom

Move over Leonardo, I saved the best for last.  This budding artist was creating her own masterpiece, and I was lucky enough to capture her in the act.  Is she adorable or what??

"Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

Pablo Picasso.

Today's Tune du Jour is "Clementine" by Pink Martini.

A Painter's Hands

This is Java Lewis, the "Sidewalk Artist", as he advertises himself. He was assembling some of his artwork when I walked by on Friday afternoon.  He was anxious for me to take his photograph,  and I was thrilled to oblige.  I especially like this photograph of his hands - an artist's canvas. 

The Tune du Jour is "Twilight Time" by the Platters.

Capturing Birmingham, One Landmark at a Time

Meet Myron Pierre.  Myron is an extremely talented artist whose specialty is detailed drawings of Birmingham landmarks.  I have seen him over the years camped out in different areas of town drawing away.  Myron and I got to know each other several weeks ago in Five Points,  and as luck would have it, we met again at Art Walk!   What a delightful and gifted artist he is.  Can you imagine trying to draw, with chatty onlookers like me,  hanging over your shoulder?   If you are lucky enough to have a Pierre rendering , you my friend,  are lucky enough!

Tune du Jour is "Someone to Watch Over Me" by Rod Stewart. Pun intended.

A Watchful Eye

This past weekend the creative juices were flowing in downtown Birmingham.  The 7th  annual Art Walk started on Friday night and rolled thru Saturday.  I have to say it was the most fun I've had in a long time.  Artists and crafts people could be found in every nook  and cranny of the loft district.  Today's photo is one of those that you take,  and then when you get home you find the added element of surprise.  Note Leonardo da Vinci's subject giving this artist's drawing the eye!  The poster by the way, was advertising an upcoming exhibit featuring Leonardo da Vinci's  collection of drawings at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  It begins September 28th.   More Art Walk photos to come. 

The Tune du Jour is " I'll Be Seeing You" by Rod Stewart.

Hot Grits and a Bible

A while back I featured a group serving lunch to the homeless in Linn Park.  Today I want to share another place in my city that is making a difference.   Through this blog I have become aware of a wonderful community ministry happening at Highlands United Methodist Church.  Six days a week these good people,  along with volunteers from other local churches and organizations serve breakfast to the homeless and others in need of a good meal.  It's not just   about the food.  They also provide mail and laundry service, clothing, toiletries and once a week volunteers help with procurring non- driver's licenses, social security cards etc.  The volunteers are amazing.  They know most everyone  by name and treat each one that walks through the door with love and respect.   Minister Reggie Holder has afforded me the privilege of recording this ministry through my photographs.  It's not about the pictures either.  Just talking and listening to their stories started taking precedence over the photography from day one.  This is a project that may take a long time to complete.

About the photos: Top photo - This was a request from the gentleman pictured.  It says it all. 

Bottom Photo: This nice man carefully saves back some of his breakfast each day,  and then

shares what he has with the pigeons that flock to him as soon as he walks outside.

Tune du Jour is "Shower the People" by James Taylor.  A message for those of us who are so very fortunate.

Au Revoir for Now

Ahhh it's time for us to leave.  I hope you have happy memories of our little visit to France in the South.  But don't worry, there will be tastes of Euro Birmingham in weeks to come.   The top photo gives another view of the outdoor dining and boules area at Chez Fonfon.  And at last, the dessert I promised... Chocolate Caramel Nut Tarte.  Delicieux!

The Tune du Jour is a vintage version of "Verlaine" by Charles Verlaine. 

Step Inside

Lovely isn't it?   Feels like we're in Paris.  If you can't travel to France,  let France come to you,  is my motto.   Today a little wine and a look around this very French bistro right here in Birmingham.  Tomorrow,  you foodies will want to come back for the piece de resistance - "La Tarte".    I haven't heard from mes amies  since they arrived in France.   I am sure they are painting and enjoying the French countryside, but more than likely catching forty winks!   

 

Let me also  say  merci beaucoup to the management and staff  at Chez Fonfon  who have been exceptionally kind to let me come back time and again to take phtographs.  Frankly, if I didn't want to wear out my welcome, I would be knocking on their door on a weekly basis.

The Tune du Jour is "La Vie en Rose" sung by an American legend, Louis Armstrong.

France in the South

On Tuesday three friends flew off  for several weeks at La Bonne Etoile,  an artist retreat in Fontaine-Ardenne, France.   Pardon moi, but my French envy is showing!   I was left behind , but I am celebrating their bon voyage by focusing on all the lovely places in  Birmingham that remind me so much of France.  Euro Birmingham  perhaps????  Today's photos were inspired by Jilly at Menton, France Daily Photo, who has posted a series of  photos of the *boules ball competition in her city .  The top photo features a most cooperative waiter at Chez Fonfon who was kind enough to give me a demonstration.  The second photo shows the boules area out back of the restaurant.   France in the South or the South of France,  a game to be enjoyed in any language.

* also know as petanque.

The Tune du Jour is " Les Yeux Ouverts"  (The Open Eyes)  by Enzo Enzo.  I'll bet you Mamas & Papas fans will recognize this tune.   I really like this version!

Nostalgia to the Max!

O.K.,  you win.  Yesterday I featured the window of Reed Books/Museum of Fond Memories.  As  a result, there was a clamoring of requests to see inside.   Your wish is my command.  This afternoon I jumped in the car and went right back for more.  Owner Jim Reed  is one of the most delightful proprietors I have encountered.  He graciously gave me the run of the place.  We chatted about our mutual desire to showcase our city, and he offered some great ideas for more photo ops.  Let me just say that it will take more than one visit to give you the full effect of this delightful place.  Nostalgia abounds. But wait, did I mention the six zillion used  and rare books???  I oohed and aaahed and had to laugh  out loud when I overheard him tell callers that he was more than willing to look at what they had to sell him,  but that he pretty much had it all.  That would be an understatement.  Consider today's photos to be the appetizer.

The Tune du Jour is another bit of nostalgia by the Platters, "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes".  Hope you like it as much as I do.

Fond Memories

Doesn't everyone dream of visiting a place called "Museum of Fond Memories "?   I haven't  gotten inside yet, but the windows are so intriguing I can hardly wait.  It's on my To Do list this week, I promise.    For now, this window has more than enough eye candy to keep us busy.  

The Tune du Jour is a request from my friend Jay Gilbert in Cincinnati.  Jay is a DJ at WEBN, a rock station.  Rock... not rock 'n roll.  Well somebody's gotta do it!  Jay also is the creator and star of Uncle Jay Explains the News.  You will definitely want to tune in each week for his latest episode.   "Young at Heart" by Frank Sinatra is Jay's pick today.  A fond memory indeed. Thank goodness it wasn't something that made my head hurt.

( "I am Uncle Jay , and I approved this message." )

Red, White and Cute/ THEME DAY-Sister City

Today you get more than your money's worth.  I already had my Labor Day Dog set to go and then Babooshka over at Ramsey, Isle of Man came through with not one, but two  photos from her hometown and our sister city of Birmingham, England!!!!  So today you get three photos and two songs!

(Top Photo)

What can I say.  A dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do.   Here in the good ole

USA we are celebrating Labor Day today.  This pooch started celebrating this holiday on Saturday!

The Tune du Jour is a stroke of genius if I do say so....."Nine to Five" by Dolly Parton.  Lord, that girl can sing!  Today you get a "twofer" songwise as well. If you stick around you can also catch Willie Nelson singing  "The City of New Orleans" for our friend Steve over at New Orleans DP and the residents of NOLA as they brace themselves for Gustav.  Godspeed.

(Photos Below)

     BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND

Today is City Daily Photo Theme Day  around the world.  The theme is "Sister Cities".  My Birmingham was founded on the steel industry and we took our name from Birmingham, England.  Thanks to Babooshka's friend Cheryl , I have two wonderful photos to share from across the pond.  The one on the bottom  is a shop called Selfridges.  Wouldn't you love to see that one in person?  I might have to make a special request for more photos of that one.  The top picture is their absolutely beautiful Town Hall.  (I had to crop these some and I apologize.)