Pepper Place Market Revisited

Well, I got home from France last week and was feeling a little sad and experiencing some culture shock.  Saturday morning rolled around,  and I grabbed my market cart and camera and headed to the Pepper Place Market.  No, it's NOT the rue Mouffetard Market but it's a place that feels like HOME!  I did have a "Paris Moment"  at Continental Bakery's stall. I had a pain au chocolat that was EVERY BIT AS GOOD as the many I had in Paris, for which I am eternally grateful!!   I also tucked a baguette in my cart, another Paris staple that I can enjoy here in B'ham and was ever so delicious.  I love the energy of this market - the friendly people, the helpful, smiling vendors, the  live music, the flowers, the colorful fruits and vegetables....well everything about it.  And did I mention that everyone spoke my language  - SOUTHERN?  Of course I saw many friends there.  That's always a highlight for me, seeing friends old and new and catching up!   My photography buddy Bill  and I  watched Chef Frank Stitt do a cooking demo and visited the Lite Box Gallery's newest photography exhibit.  I have so many photos from this year and last year, I'll never be able to share them all.  Today a taste.  Enjoy!!!

A Dollar a Bag.....

This photo ranks at the very top of my favorites!!!

Who says Alabamians aren't classy??? Where else can you plunk down a dollar and walk away with a sack of  ummm.......... manure,  served up in a wine crate???  My producer/mgr. Wayne offered the opinion that this might be akin to highway robbery, since it's readily available for free.  I for one, think it's worth a buck not to have to scoop it myself.  If you locals are wondering where you can stock up, visit the Averiett Branch Farm booth at the Pepper Place Market on Saturdays!  

Trust me , I struggled with the title for this post. The possibilities were endless, but alas, most were not "blog worthy"!  I'd love to hear yours. Email me! :)

Splish Splash!

It's so hot. I thought you might like to take a dip and cool off!

ON A MORE SERIOUS NOTE, OUR FRIEND AND FELLOW CDP BLOGGER, AMIR, HAS BEEN JAILED IN TEHRAN.  TODAY, CDP BLOGGERS AROUND THE WORLD CALL ATTENTION TO HIS CAPTURE AND THE EVENTS THAT ARE UNFOLDING THERE.  JOIN US IN KEEPING THE WORLD SPOTLIGHT ON THOSE RESPONSIBLE. THE WORLD IS INDEED WATCHING!

CLICK HERE TO READ AMIR'S LAST POSTS AND SEE HIS COMPELLING PHOTOS. HE LAST POSTED ON JUNE 17TH.

UPDATE FROM OUR FRIEND JM!  AMIR IS HOME!  Read JM's comment !

Working Up a Sweat

By now, everyone in Birmingham has worked up a sweat, even Rodin's Jean d'Aire at the Birmingham Museum of Art!   I photographed this piece in the Sculpture Garden after a rain. I felt like my original image was rather straightforward and not all that interesting, thus a little post processing work.

When we visited the Musée Rodin in Paris a few weeks ago, I met Jean d'Aire again in the gardens.  It was shady and cool and he seemed a little more comfortable.  I thought I'd include it as well.

Honey, Sit Down and Cool Off!

Have mercy!  It's hotter than blue blazes ( HELL!)  here in Birmingham!  Last week it hit 105F.  Now do you believe me??  Well I found this shady spot at Sweet Peas Garden Shop on Linden Avenue in Homewood.  I'd like to sit down right here with a *funeral home fan and cool off. 

 

* If you don't understand  funeral home fan, see my comment and my hipper version below!

BTW, it's part of my table/chair series as well!

Lunch at the Irondale Cafe

Many of you may be familiar with Fannie Flag's book and subsequent movie, "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe".  Well Fannie's a Birmingham girl and this place was her inspiration.  After we left Studio By The Tracks, we made a beeline for the Irondale Cafe for lunch.  I would say  it's like stepping back in time, but actually in Alabama,  it's common place in small towns even today.  You can see how pleased Davis was to have a Coke in a bottle (with a cap that required a bottle opener which he made into a car throughout the meal).  In case you're wondering, yep the train came by while we were finishing lunch and Davis got to see it first hand as it chugged by.

* Yesterday I meet fellow blogger Firelight who was in town from Auburn. We lunched here and actually shared some fried green tomatoes.  I loved meeting her in person and you probably have guessed that I felt like I already knew her!   I so enjoyed getting to know her better and her husband and brother patiently listened to our "blog talk"!!  I had this post "in the can" for future use,  so I decided today was the perfect time.

On a more serious note, our CDP Blog friend Amir,  is missing in Tehran. We pray for his safe return to his family. Visit his blog to see the compelling photos he was able to post before his disappearance. 

Hanging Around

This bicycle-like vehicle is hanging on the wall outside of Trey Taylor's art studio in Avondale. 

For some reason it makes me laugh every time I pass it!  

Now this motorcycle, I'm told it's an Indian, is a lesson in "Don't Drink and Drive" .  It's over the front door of the bar at The Garage.  

Meet the Artist - Art Bacon

Since when did art and science go hand in hand?  Ask Art Bacon.  Art has always been his passion , and he studied it while he earned his AB in Biology from Talladega College, a Ph.D. from Howard University and completed a postdoctural from the University of Miami.  He returned to Talladega College as chair of biology but began showing and winning.  Now he teaches art classes as well.  His bio says it all, "I realized that without art , my science would suffer."

I met Art at the Lite Box Gallery at the Pepper Place.  His work is so very interesting.  I especially admired the photo behind him and a vibrant abstract full of red, oh and a watermelon still life.   Actually I liked them all!  I'd like to spend more time with Art Bacon.

I've met a new blog friend today. Our friend Selim's, ( Izmir, Turkey Daily Photo)  daughter has her very own photoblog.  I've been a fan of  Selim's fabulous photographs for quite some time. I am thrilled to see he has passed  his passion for photography on to his 10 year old daughter Alim.  Give her a visit!

Sunrise at Pawley's Island

This is Bill Dixon's last day as my guest photographer.  We'll end it with his favorite place on the planet, Pawley's Island, SC.  Bill has taken so many wonderful photographs that he ought to host a Pawley's Daily Photo from B'ham!!!  If you want to see more of them, click on the Bill's link and visit his beautiful website.  Thanks Bill for a great week.

Sloss Ghost

You might remember that a few months back I posted some photos from Sloss Furnaces taken during the National Conference on Cast Iron Art. Well the reason I knew about is because my guest photographer Bill Dixon called me and told me to get down there ASAP!! Bill stayed till dark and caught this magical photograph. Dang, I missed another one!

Today we fly home. Bill will stand in for me for another day. When I leave for France again in mid July, he and another friend will step back in. Thanks Bill!

Let Us All Eat Cake, Again!

Well today is Birmingham Alabama Daily Photo's First Birthday, so drag out the cake and balloons and let's get this party started!

Actually this cake is a very special one. I was volunteering at the Birmingham Museum of Art last month, and Janet Allen from Angel Cakes and Confections was doing an Artbreak demonstration. The BMA has recently acquired the Butten Wedgewood Collection. Add this to the Museum's already renowned Beeson Collection, and that makes the BMA's Wedgewood Collection the largest in the United States. Janet created an exquisite Wedgewood replica while the audience sat mesmerized! I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to photograph the artist at work! You might remember that Angel Cakes helped me celebrate my birthday last October. Small world.

I now have one year under my belt. Please bear with me as I reminisce over the past 12 months. There are so many people to thank. Rambling Round in Selma and Tom Wigley, you got me up and running ( not to mention answering some of the dumbest blog questions anyone has ever asked ) and I'll be forever grateful. I hesitate to name names because I don't want to leave anyone out, but Bob Crowe, Snapper, Diederick, and Babooshka, you have helped me hone my photography skills in so many ways. Your critiques and encouragement have been invaluable. My producer/manager Wayne, well you've put up with a lot of my foolishness and whining and you're STILL my friend. For all of my faithful readers that stopped by and those that have also left such nice comments, oh my , how you've kept me going. Last year at this time I didn't have a clue how to make a blog and my Mac Dudes at the Apple Store, especially John O., patiently walked me through it step by step . Now I'm their " Old Timer's Techie Poster Child"! Thanks to all of you for broadening my horizons, showing me your beautiful cities on a daily basis and in person ( Peter!) , sharing your expertise and being such wonderful friends. It is hard to imagine that in one year, I have made so many friends around the world. Merci beaucoup mes amis!

Now, let's cut that cake!

V

P.S. And Eric, le roi de CDP, thanks for starting this whole City Daily Photo Blog business!

The Tunes du Jour are by the Beatles and The Four Seasons today!

Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail -

My friend and shooting buddy Bill Dixon is our guest photographer this week. He has been a wonderful teacher as I've learned this photography "thing"! Thanks Bill for slogging along with me on photo shoots and patiently helping me along.

Located at Ross Bridge, this is one of the 11 beautiful courses that are on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail.

Aberdeen Doorway

Today my guest photographer Bill Dixon takes us to Aberdeen Road in Birmingham's Mountain Brook suburb. Don't you love this door???

On a Shoestring Antiques

Bill Dixon is my guest photographer this week. Bill is my intrepid shooting buddy. No telling what kind of trouble he'll get into while I'm gone!

Today's photo was taken on Shades Crest Road at On a Shoestring Antiques.

Girl Running

Today another intriguing photograph from my friend Leo Ticheli ! ( You've met Leo on this blog right here) Thanks Leo, for filling in for me while I'm in France. I know my viewers have enjoyed your work as much as I have.

Leo

Two Chairs

While I am in France, I've asked area photographers to sub for me. Please leave a comment!

Today my friend Leo Ticheli ( you've already met him here) has kindly offered this lovely addition to the Chair Series as my guest photographer. Leo is a cinematographer and he told me he added a little pizazz to his photograph. I would ask him how he did it, but I wouldn't understand!!! I'll just enjoy the finished product!

Night Lights

I took this several months ago as I left a friend's home in Vestavia. I pulled over and put the camera on the car and got a few quick shots. For you B'ham folks, this is Green Springs Highway. The night lights definitely improved the looks of it, right???

A Stroll Beside the Tracks

While visiting Studio by the Tracks last spring, we enjoyed a leisurely walk back to my artist friend Kate Merritt Davis' home along the railroad tracks. We commented that this lovely little neighborhood in Irondale has the feel of Small Town, USA. We passed this tin building with the lovely yellow flowers , then this weathered old gate held together with a bungee cord! It was a nice walk indeed.

The Storyteller

If you've ever been to Five Points South , you've seen this fountain. This piece, along with various other animals, titled The Storyteller, transformed an ordinary fountain into something very special. The artist is one of Birmingham's most talented sculptors, Frank Fleming. It caused a stir when it was installed but I think everyone's calmed down now. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Frank. He lived only a block from me for many years. I chatted with him a few times as he walked down Saulter Road with his big straw hat on. What a kind and gentle man he was. I regret that he moved from my neighborhood before I got a chance to visit his studio and see his wonderful gardens. A very talented man and I am proud to have met him.

I'm still in Paris but am posting here for a few days before I turn it over to another Birmingham photograper!

After Hours

Well I'm back for a few days, and then I'm turning my blog over to another guest photographer.
I hope you have enjoyed the "change of scenery " while I'm in Paris!

This is Treadwell's Barber Shop in Mountain Brook Village. They've been here as long as I can remember. (any Bham viewers know HOW long??). It was after hours and I took this through the window. Looks calm but during the day this place does a booming business.

Best Friends

*Today we bid Jean au revoir. I'm so glad she included some Gulf Coasts shots. My favorite place to be ( besides right here in Paris that is). What a terrific guest photographer/blogger she's been. Merci beaucoup mon amie!

My best friend from high school has a condo on the Gulf of Mexico at Orange Beach, Alabama. (We Alabamians are very proud of our beautiful sugary-white sand beaches!) Jo’s condo has been the site for many reunions and girl get-togethers. This April Jo hosted a get together, and I couldn’t pass up this photo looking down from her balcony where Jo and Dee were resting poolside. Below is the spectacular view beyond!

Jean Reed - Guest Photographer

Sunset on Fish River

* Today Jean takes you to south Alabama near Mobile. Enjoy your little field trip with her.

Whenever I’m on vacation at the beach or near the water, my favorite time of day is sunset! These sunset photos were taken from my friend’s home on the Fish River in south Alabama in Baldwin County near Mobile. The palette of colors can change so drastically from day-to-day! What a gorgeous view!

Jean Reed - Guest Photographer

"The Club"

* Jean Reed, my guest photographer this week, taught in the Homewood School Sytem with me although we were at different schools. I am thinking Jean might have a blog of her own in her future!!!

Once a month the retired teachers--- from the Elementary school where I taught for 30 plus years ---get together at The Club for lunch. We call ourselves R.E.S.T. (Retired Edgewood School Teachers!) Teachers never get to enjoy lunch! So now that we are all retired, we have a most enjoyable lunch with adult conversation and no interruptions to calm down rowdy children in a school lunchroom!!! There is no lack of conversation as we catch up and reminisce while dining with a fabulous view of our city! The Club is the site for many parties, luncheons, wedding receptions and civic events in Birmingham.

Jean Reed - Guest Photographer

Nostalgic Sunset

* My friend Jean Reed continues as my guest photographer this week. I'm enjoying her photos as I prepost them so I know you are too.

During the 20’s Quinlan Castle was the swankiest place to live in Birmingham. My mother lived there while taking classes at Business School—around 70 years ago. During her recent hospital visit at St. Vincent’s last fall, the view from her window was this nostalgic sunset view of Quinlan Castle in the Birmingham skyline! The view to the south from her window was the Red Mountain Expressway that leads to the Over-the Mountain suburbs. Vulcan is along the mountain to the right side in the photo!

Jean Reed - Guest Photographer