A Bucketful of Sunshine

Today, I join the Project 64- Out of the Box again. This week our crayon is YELLOW ORANGE. 

I had some fine squash blossoms picked out,  but some clever photographer beat me to it. So..... another happy choice. Thank you Jones Valley Urban Farm for selecting these grand buckets for you posies this year!

Tiny Flag Waver

It's Memorial Day. A day to reflect, remember, and thank those that have fought for our freedom.

I Always Say....

if you can't be the queen.... be the PRINCESS!  The "catch of the day" at Pepper Place yesterday,  just as I was leaving.

Chillin' Out

Sometimes just sitting under a shade tree is the best place to be here in Birmingham....in the summer.

School's Out!!!

I would guess most schoolchildren ( and their teachers) across Alabama are enjoying this their last week of school.  This means an exodus to the Alabama/Florida Gulf coast for family fun.  I wouldn't mind wiggling my toes in that white powdery sand myself. I'll just have to settle for this bowl of starfish on my coffee table for now!

BIg and Showy....Caladiums

Caladiums can be found all over Birmingham nestled under shade trees in the summer. They come in many colorful varieties, so today I'm sharing two.  I had a little spin through Billy Angel's Oak Street Garden Shop yesterday after physical therapy. It was a photographer's buffet as my friend Bob Crowe likes to say!

Today I'm joining the Project 64: Out of the Box.  I've been looking for something to get my creative juices flowing and this might do it. Each week another crayon is pulled from a box of 64 Crayola crayons. Our assignment is to find something that color and post it.  This week's color is ASPARAGUS.  I thought my top photo might just do the trick. Each week I'll post a new color photo right here. You can click on this link to  see all the other creative entries

Let's Go Out and Play in the Sprinkler!

Thank you Charlie Thigpen ( Garden Gallery at the Pepper Place) for this wonderful reminder of my childhood. I danced and pranced in many sprinklers. Good memories!

Do Dah Day 2011 - The Bikini

Do Dah Day Parade, 2011

"Women shop for a bikini with more care than a husband. The rules are the same.  Look for something you feel comfortable wearing. Leave room to grow."
Erma Bombeck

Look Again

Parkside Café

Avondale

The Hat

This young man helps his parents with their booth at the Pepper Place Market each Saturday.  Last summer I took the shot on the left from afar.  Last week, he gave me a big smile!

Sound Suit

Artist  Nick Cave created this interesting costume that has been on display in the Contemporary Gallery at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  Young artists created their own interpretation of Cave's piece from paper. Click here to see that post.

One Seat Left...

down front.  The Lyric Theater is undergoing some much needed renovation work.  All of the seats have been removed except for this one that I found in the balcony.

All That Jazz

The guys at Oz Works and Playhouse Inc, in Irondale, have a little band. While I was poking around their space,  I found this room where they apparently... get down!!!!  I'd love to be invited back to hear them!

Basket Case

Ask anyone from the south what these are,  and they'll  say, "Peach baskets!"   Of course farmers use them for a variety of fruits and vegetables, but we still call 'em peach baskets.  Nowadays they display them in these but put your purchases in plastic bags.  If you can get your hands on one, consider  yourself lucky!

Sweet Peonies

I almost let "peony season" get away from me, but have a very fragrant one for you today.

Drummer Boy

Joining in the fun at the Magic City Art Connection recently.  He did a pretty good job, even with that cast on his arm!

Hold On!

Today makes the opening of the Pepper Place Summer Market.  Three lots will be bustling with vendors selling gorgeous fresh Alabama produce, herbs, flowers, homemade jams, pickles, cakes, cheese and a lot more! Oh and did I mention chef demonstrations and Alabama musicians? Come on down from 7 till noon!

Birmingham Rouge - Porch Time

I have a little balcony here in my new apartment.  The afternoon light is just right.  Come join me!

Tickling the Ivories

Eva tries out a tune on an old piano at Oz Works, in Irondale.

I hope my friend Michael Dulin likes this photo. He tickles the ivories so very, very well!

Click on the link above to hear a some of the songs on his newest CD, Timeless II.

Steeple Art

Steeple Arts Academy of Dance, in Crestline Village,  has been teaching dance to tiny ballerinas for 75 years.  Orginally known as the Lola Mae Jones School of Dance, it still offers classical ballet training ans has added jazz, tap and more.

The Clock is Ticking....

In just a few weeks, these cheerful lockers at Whatley Elementary School will be locked for the summer!

Can Do!!!

The Magic City Art Connection featured student sculpture projects from area schools with recycling as their theme. I loved the Renewable Rainbow from Mtn. Brook High School art students!

Honoring...

my mother, Gene Claytor Kelser,  and yours today.

Ya'll Come!

To the spring opening of the East Lake Farmer's Market today.  They're featuring a Strawberry Festival (with FREE strawberry shortcake) , great fresh produce and art items.  Located in the parking lot of the East Lake Methodist Church on 2nd Avenue and 78th Street South.  I'm hoping this nice guy will be back with his homemade pies, cakes and fine cheese straws.

Cinco de Mayo...a Finales

Blame it on the move,  and the fact that my next of kin, my calendar, was left at the old house. I missed Cinco de Mayo, but I've got  a special one for you today...el seis de mayo!!!!  These lovely ladies performed at the Magic City Art Connection last Sunday.  I have more.

Chick Magnet

This guy was carrying around this precious pup at the Pepper Place a few weeks ago. I told him I thought he'd borrowed that dog to pick up chicks.  He laughed a bit sheepishly and admitted that it was his friend's dog. BUSTED!

A very special thank you to my dear blog friends.  My move is finally over, and I will be visiting your blogs more often now. Thank you for you for your  faithful visits.

100 + Strangers - Tattoos

Stranger #107

I found this nice stranger at the Magic City Art Connection on Sunday. I thought his tattoos were great and asked if I could take a shot!

Woofing It Up at the MCAC

These two art critics were admiring the work of Birmingham's Liz Young at the Magic City Art Connection Sunday.  Liz specializes in pet photography and you must see her work here!

Magic City Art Connection - Where the Wild Things Are!

This past weekend I visited one of my favorite art events.. Magic City Art Connection.  I went not once, but twice!  Saturday I visited the children's art area, and my grandson Davis made a terrific clay MONSTER!  These delightful creations will be fired and put on display at the new Children's Hospital when it opens. Bravo MCAC for all the art opportunities you offered to the children of our city.

Sunday Paris Church Series - Men at Work

Independent Presbyterian Church has been undergoing some major renovation work in the sanctuary since January, 2011.  I've been dying to get in there and see what was going on. Recently, I was at the church to photograph another event, and the front doors were wide open. I took that as an invitation.  Since I bypassed the "permission", I've since asked forgiveness.