2 THINGS CHALLENGE: Church/Lady

My "Church Lady" is this beautiful angel who keeps watch over the children in our Day School and Sunday School classes at my church, Independent Presbyterian.   A  very special guardian angel for our tiny ones. 

To see all the other creative interpretations for the TWO THINGS CHALLENGE  click here.

The Last Magnolia

The title sounds like some Southern chic flick doesn't it!  I am going out on a limb with this photograph today.  I saw this last lonely blossom on my friend's magnolia tree the other day and just fell in love with the color of the bloom.  She, on the other hand, was uneasy that I wanted to photograph a flower that was well past its prime.  I assured her that it "looked sepia" and would be..... well.... different in a good way.  Since I always seem to be on the edge of desperate for photos I was willing to give it a chance.  So here you have the  last magnolia of the season.  Aging,  but still gorgeous don't you think?

Shady Afternoon

This lovely creek runs through  a lush and scenic walking trail in  Robert Jemison Park,  in the suburb of Mountain Brook.   I am planning to use the "green" ecologically friendly version as my new banner photo but decided to fool around with this one a little.  I pulled out all the stops didn't I!  This should please the Photoshop junkies in the group.  

The Tune du Jour is by request from Babooshka - "Creeque Alley" by who else....The Mamas & The Papas.  Try and picture Babooska singing the lead and moi playing the tambourine,  of course.  Tune requests are welcome anytime.

Time's Up!

He may be old, but he devours quarters on an hourly basis.

Free Ride

As I have shared with you, the Pepper Place Market each Saturday is not only a great place to shop, but it's a gathering place for dogs of all sizes  who drag their owners along with them.  The last time I went, the usually congenial canine crowd got a little testy.  It was a real "Sniff and Snarl"!  This cute little fellow stays above the fray by hitching a ride each week.  Not a bad idea.

Tune du Jour is a real toe tapper:  "Go Where You Wanna Go" by The Mamas & The Papas.

( My secret dreams of playing the tambourine with this fabulous group were never realized.  Sigh !)

Momma Mia!

Last Tuesday  you met Andrew from the Goodyear Shoe Hospital in downtown Birmingham.  I promised a return visit.  Meet Momma, the shop mascot.  Rhonda, the owner, found Momma and her littermates in the parking lot out back.  Momma has been Rhonda's faithful companion ever since.  While we were there photographing, Momma gave me many resounding meows, along with several scowls  that would stop traffic.  When Rhonda urged me to pet her, naturally I balked.  I nervously held out my hand,  fully expecting a mauling.  To my surprise, after a quick sniff, she rubbed up against my hand like I was her lost long friend!  Momma's encore was to "sit" on command.  After a few minutes of coaxing, she made us all proud.(See the photo below.)   I may be more of a cat person than I thought.

I have only been part of the City Daily Photo community for about 3 months.  I am grateful for the friendships that I have made in this short time.   Special thoughts and prayers go out to our friend Pat,  Bibi in Belgrade ,  on the loss of her dear husband Ivan.  

2 THINGS CHALLENGE - The Calm Before the Storm

While enjoying my "girls' weekend" (I use the term girls loosely)  at Lake Martin this past wekend,  another gal dropped in .... Hurricane Fay!   Yep, she blew up from the coast on Friday night and hung around till Sunday.  To say she tried to put a damper on things is an understatement.  Well,  if you can't sit on the dock and enjoy the sun and the view ,  jump in the car and shop!  We made the best of a rainy weekend by doing just that .  My entry for the  2THINGS CHALLENGE  of  Hard/Soft is a teensy bit of a stretch but here goes.  The SOFT light of this fabulous sunset last Friday was a prelude to the  HARD rain that came through within hours.  Click above to see this week's challenge participants and their clever interpretations of Hard/Soft.

Lake Martin, located about an hour and a half  SE of Birmingham,  is one of the largest artificial lakes in the U.S.   A beautiful place,  rain or shine.

Tune du Jour: "Remember When It Rained" by Josh Groban,  one of my very favorites artists.

A Peaceful Place

The courtyard at the Cathedral Church of the Advent is a beautiful and serene spot in the heart of downtown Birmingham.  The church sanctuary is exquisite, but the gardens and courtyards are equally as lovely and draw me back time and again to make photographs.  

Sorry about the technical difficulties today. I was out of town, and apparently had a small glitch.

Caps For Sale

A visit to Bon Ton Hatters on 20th Street North, is like stepping back in time.  You are greeted by several of the most personable shoeshine guys you will ever want to meet.   In addition to shines and shoe repairs, Bon Ton has been in business for as long as I can remember cleaning, steaming,  and blocking hats.  These days, I am surprised that they get many calls for that service,  but apparently there are quite a few dapper men running around Birmingham in some mighty fine chapeaus!  This case with its unusual array of headgear caught my eye.  Wouldn't you just love to meet the gentlemen that wear these ?    Isn't it refreshing to know that these long standing businesses are still providing the services that made them a Birmingham tradition.  So which hat is your favorite?

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - City Reflection

I thought this would make a great Sky Watch entry since the clouds are reflected in the the AmSouth Harbert Plaza in downtown Birmingham.  

For the list of participants for this week's Sky Watch Friday go to Sky Watch Friday on the sidebar.

I'm off to the lake for a few days.  Have a great weekend everyone !

Tune du Jour: Van Morrison will keep you company here while I'm gone.

PORTRAITS FROM MY HEART III - Le Petit Prince

Move over William and Harry, there's a new prince on the block.  Our Davis is the only boy in our family of four princesses.  He might look like a cherub, but my little buddy loves his scooter, Big Wheel, cars, trucks  and pirate swords.  As the song goes, "Some day your prince will come."   Mine finally did,  and his dimples melt his Mumsie's heart on a daily basis.

The Tune du Jour is "Jungle Gym" by Jack Johnson

Hot Chocolate!

One of my favorite pieces of sculpture at the Birmingham Museum of Art has to be this Botero.  When I took my 3rd graders for our annual  field trip to the museum , I had to find a way to offset the "giggle factor" that would ensue when confronted with the nudity that abounds in a museum.  I used the head 'em off at the pass technique.  I told them  before we went,  that they would see a very large nude woman that was made of a brown metal that looked like chocolate. Whenever I saw her,  I always thought that I might look like her one day, if I didn't quit eating chocolate!   I named her the "Chocolate Lady" and told them to be on the lookout for her.  Thankfully, the snickers (no pun intended)  turned to squeals of , "Oh look, there's the Chocolate Lady!"  

On July 16, Jilly over at Monte Carlo DP, posted Botero's Adam and Eve.

The Sole Man

Meet Andrew, the ultimate Sole Man.  I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Goodyear Shoe Hospital on 3rd Avenue North in downtown Birmingham.   Just when you think nobody gives a lick about customer service anymore , you find a place like this.  The owner and the shop mascot, Momma ( you will meet them another day) are just delightful.  Throw in Andrew,  their employee of  25 years,  and you have a place that you might just want to visit even if your shoes don't need repair!  My photography buddy, Doug and I knew immediately that we had hit , as Andrew told us, "The Mother Lode" for photographers!   Oh yes, this was just what we were looking for.  A back room filled with amazing machinery,  sewing machines, and a ton of shoe memorabilia.   It was a a treasure trove .   We filled our memory cards and then when we thought we were done,  Momma the cat,  performed a "dog trick" just for our enjoyment!  Where is Dave Letterman when you need him???   An afternoon well spent.

NEWS!! Our friend Angela at Nice Daily Photo has added a new blog to the CDP network.

Check out Valbonne, France Daily Photo.

Two Things Challenge: Window / Shop

Today's entry is actually two window shoppers.  Since I'm a day late, I decided to break as many rules as possible.  My Eva is shown with her nose pressed to the window of the Homewood Toy and Hobby Shop.  This family run business has been making kids squeal with delight ( or have a hissy fit when they have to leave) for many, many years.  Located on 18th Street in downtown Homewood, it is the shop for the the latest and best loved toys around.  The doll selection is amazing,  and they have every car, boat, plane or train model you can imagine.  Now you understand why there're  always nose prints on the windows.

I just had to include this cute furry friend who drug his owner to Generation Dog.  A brand new store to the Homewood area, it has every cute collar, dog bed or accessory your pooch could beg for. 

Check out the other Two Things Challenge participants.

This Little Piggy....

I really try and post something that reflects my hometown each and every day , but sometimes you take a photograph that doesn't quite fit but just begs to be shared.  Yesterday, I had the privilege of photographing one of Birmingham's newest citizens, the precious son of some dear friends.  He is a blessing in the lives of his family and everyone who shares this special time with them.  For your viewing pleasure...... Luke's tiny toes.

The Garage, Something for Everyone

Welcome to The Garage.  Let me try and describe this quirky place for you.   It's a  cross between a European Flea Market and Sanford and Son.  In fact, a lot of  folks say the owner and Fred Samford have similar personalities!   It's a jumble of statuary, concrete planters, rusty, peeling iron work of every description and who knows what else.  There are several inside rooms that I have never darkened,  but from what I could see, there's another world of discoveries to be had in there as well.    Stay with me, it gets more interesting. There is a bar attached that by night has live music and by day serves great sandwiches that can be eaten al fresco amongst the merchandise in the courtyard hence today's photo.  Note the enormous wisteria vine/tree that has wound itself all over the place and provides photographers and patrons with lovely dappled shade.   In chatting with the bar owner, he shared that he often refers to himself as Lamont ( to the owner's Fred Sanford !!!)   I'll share an interesting photo from his place on another day.  The Garage is really a one of a kind place.  Where else can you have cold beer, a tasty sandwich,  and leave with an old gate or a headless statue? 

Previous Garage post: June 23, 2008

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - Look Up BIrmingham III

Today you get a "twofer" .  You get the lovely corner view of the old John Hand Building on Birmingham's most prominent corner, 1st and 20th.  This is probably one of my favorite buildings.  I love that dark brown against the white on the facade.  Photo #2 gives you a nice close up of the wonderful columns streetside.  The details on this building are just spectacular.  

Just another example of one of  Birmingham's best preserved 'ladies'.

To see all the participants in SKY WATCH FRIDAY, click on the sidebar.

Appleland

Welcome to Appleland, my home away from home.   Since I crossed over from the Dark Side (PC World)  this is where I make a pilgrimage every week for my One on One session with one of my "Mac Dudes".  They're great aren't they.   Always smiling,  knowledgeable and patient as all get out with all of us  "one on oners",  who I have come to realize are all around my age  ( think technically challenged and not as quick as we used to be).  You wouldn't be reading BADP right now had it not been for these guys.   I suspect, although I can't prove it, that there is a Valium salt lick in the employee lounge but don't quote me.  It's always such a happy place.  Kids playing Dora the Explorer at fever pitch,  on laptops at pint sized tables  while their parents wander the store with smiles on their faces, buying everything in sight.  Should you have a problem ( but you and I know Macs don't have those pesky problems other computers do) , there's the Genius Bar.  Belly up to that one and those folks will have you fixed up in no time.  There's no sagging economy in our Apple Store.   I drove up the other day and there was a line of people a block long waiting to get in.  We're talking folks camped in lawn chairs here.  For what?  Why a new IPhone of course!    BTW, you are very lucky to get this marginal photo today.  I was shooed off by the Mall Security Guard.  No photography allowed outside on the premises of this upscale outdoor mall.  Now I understand why the papparazzi lurk about in the bushes with their long lenses!

Hmmmm??????

Any ideas as to what this could be?   You will probably need the smaller photo to solve this one. This was photographed at Sloss Furnaces,  and  I regret I cannot give you any background information on how this piece of equipment was used in the steel making process .  I just loved the color and pattern. Industrial abstract perhaps?  Previous Sloss Furnaces posts can be seen on July 3 and 27.

                                                        

Portraits From My Heart - Kitty Love

Portraits From My Heart II

Kittykins here is one of the luckiest cats I know.  She was a gift to Eva from Santa.  He left her right under the tree.  It was love at first sight.  Since Christmas her feet have hardly touched the floor.  She has been hugged, nuzzled, smooched, and lovingly toted  all over the house by her adoring mistress. This is a match made in heaven.

Portraits From My Heart is a portrait series of my five grandchildren.  Portrait I was posted on Tuesday, August 5th.

Tune du Jour is " Everywhere" by Pink Martini.   It may have been written for Eva and Kittykins.

Eddie Kendrick, a Birmingham Legend

Eddie Kendrick, lead singer for the fabulous Temptations was a Birmingham boy.  He never forgot his roots and we  have not forgotten him!  The Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park is located on 4th Avenue North within blocks of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Civil Rights Institute.  It's a lovely small,shady, well kept park.  Eddie is center stage.  Artist Ron McDowell captured his lively stage presence and spirit perfectly.  The other four members of the group show off their legendary choreography in the background.  I am a long time fan and  always have wished I had been able to see them perform in person.  Standing in front of that granite stage, I felt like I finally got my chance.  What a lovely tribute to Eddie and his legendary career. Hometown boy makes good.  He certainly did and aren't we proud!

Note: Kendrick is the family's name.  Early in his career an "s" was added.  The park uses the family spelling.

TOMORROW: Portraits From My Heart II

God's Foot Soldiers

                                                     One of God's Tiniest Foot Soldiers

Occasionally I am asked why I do this every day.  Aside from the obvious - being able to hone my photography skills, I have found unexpected rewards.  As I am out scouting interesting subjects to photograph, I run into some really wonderful people making a difference in my community. 

Yesterday I took a spin downtown.  As I cruised past Linn Park in the heart of the city, I noticed people sitting quietly all over the park.  I decided to investigate.  In the pavilion I  found a group of  2o or so men, women and children busily setting up for lunch. They weren't getting ready for a family picnic or reunion - they were offering a delicious hot lunch ( we're talking fried chicken here)  to some of our city's homeless.  Their shirts said it all:  "God's Foot Soldiers" on the back, and on the front "Family and Friends Homeless Ministry".  They told me that this is a monthly commitment.  Good people doing good work - a blessing.

"In this life we cannot do great things.  We can only do small things with great love."

Mother Teresa

 

                                                              "The lady in charge"

Open Window, Closed Door

Quinlan Castle sits atop a hill on Birmingham's southside.  As a child, I was always fascinated by it.  Built in 1927,  the design is reported to have been fashioned from a French castle visited by two of the owners after World War I.  It originally housed 72 efficiency apartments.  Vacant since the 1990's , it has been vandalized through the years.  The good news is that it has recently been sold and hopefully the new owners will find a way to restore the exterior and preserve the character of this Birmingham Landmark.

SKY WATCH FRIDAY - City Reflection

In Birmingham our banks seem to change names and owners on a regular basis.  Today's photo is the First National/AmSouth/Regions Bank in downtown Birmingham.  The Harbert Center is the reflection you see. Times they are a changin'.

For all the participants today please click SKY WATCH FRIDAY on the sidebar.

"Awesome" Sculpture!

Several weeks ago I posted a piece of sculpture by Alabama artist Charlie Lucas.  A nice collection of his metal pieces is currently on exhibition outside in the Sculpture Pit at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  I claimed that this is one place that  children could run around and enjoy the art, even ......touch it!  Just to prove it, here's my grandson Davis having a closer look at two pieces  that he thought were really "awesome".   This might disprove the theory that museums can't be kid friendly.

Remembering

Kelly Ingram Park is a place for remembering.  Birmingham in the 1960's was a city in turmoil. This is a part of Birmingham's history that evokes memories of racial stife that tore our city apart and a civil rights movement that demanded much needed changes.  Today Birmingham still remembers the past and takes pride in the positive changes that have taken place over the years.  Kelly Ingram Park sits across the street from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Avenue Baptist Church.  The sculpture  in this park is startling and thought provoking, serving as a visual reminder of sacrifices made during those turbulent times.  It is indeed a place for remembering,  learning from the past, and celebrating the present. 

I will be bringing more photos from this historic district in weeks to come.

Gathering Acorns

Portraits From My Heart I

I don't know about you , but I thoroughly enjoyed the artist portrait series from my friend over at St. Louis, Mo Daily Photo.  Unfortunately,  my portfolio of  portraits is still a work in progress.  However, I do have a very small collection I would like to share.    I have photographed each one since the first day they came into this world and my life..... my grandchilden!   I hope that each photograph gives you a glimpse of their sweet spirit.

My granddaughters found some baskets in the basement and set out to harvest acorns in my yard last week.  Hard to believe that the squirrels that reside in my trees had left them even one, but in no time they had quite a collection.  Great fun was had drawing faces on them and decorating them with fern leaves.  The pleasures of summer.

The Tune du Jour is from the movie Forest Gump, one of my favorite tunes. Enjoy!

The Dog Days of Summer

You can't make this up!  Don't think I have ever seen a dog dressed in a DRESS before.  I guess every girl needs a cool summer sundress to help beat the heat.  Don't you?

Morning Light

Independent Presbyterian Church, on Birmingham's southside, is my church.   I am so very grateful for the support of members regarding my photography and my Birmingham Daily Photo adventure!  Not a Sunday goes by that friends  haven't offered encouraging words and positive feedback.  I had a difficult time choosing a photograph for this first post,  but I chose this one because I loved the morning sun coming through the window of the Great Hall and the beautiful pattern it cast on the floor. 

A new photo today as the BADP heading.  I thought it might be nice to see a different photograph  of my city occasionally.  Enjoy!

The Tune du Jour is Pachelbel's "Canon in D".  As always, if the Tune du Jour is not your thing just click the player on the sidebar.

Look Up Birmingham II

The Florentine Building on 21 st Street in downtown Birmingham is probably one of the most ornate buildings in the downtown area.  Built in 1928, it is amazingly good condition.  Luckily renovation work is soon to begin.  The green marble columns and intricate detailing make this well worth stopping and having a look up.

THEME DAY: METAL - "Table Pour Deux"

Continental Bakery in Birmingham's English Village neighborhood, has fabulous breads and pastries.  The ambiance is icing on the cake. (I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself.)  You really do get the feeling of shopping in a French boulangerie.  It has so much charm, it is tempting to sit at this table pour deux  near the window for hours.  I can sum up the experience in two words....pain au chocolat!  Enough said.

To see all of the participants of Theme Day, click the link on the sidebar.