What Are The Chances....

that you would be lucky enough to find the ever elusive Cahaba Lily growing along the banks of a stream at Birmingham's Railroad Park?  Thank you to my friend Patty Bradley who called and  that tipped me off before they were gone!

The Garden Gate

While driving through the Edgewood neighborhood behind Homewood Park last week, this gorgeous bevined (don't try this on Words With Friends, I made it up) gate caught my eye. A u-turn was in order. What lies beyond?  I know. I took a peek.

You Must Remember This...

a kiss is just a kiss....

This Pepper Place Pooch is my granddog Daisy ( Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) who was a people and a pooch magnet at the Pepper Place yesterday!  

The Other New Kid on the Block...

is Freshfully Market.  Located just down 41st Street in Avondale, Freshfully offers homegrown Alabama produce, products and free range meats.  They're friendly folks so stop by this weekend and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Painted Shovel Mercantile

For those of us in the Forest Park/Avondale neighborhoods it is heartening to see new businesses popping up here and there!  Yesterday I visited The Painted Shovel Mercantile on 41st Street, just down the street from Avondale Park on the left.  They are just getting settled in but owner Julie Nelson took a few minutes to show me all around. It's a MAJOR photo op so I'll have lots more photos to share. Today the shovels out front caught my eye. They don't have the signage out yet so you can look for these. Tell them I sent you!

BADP On the Road - Good Times, Good Friends

We spent time in Auburn with friends at Willow Creek.  At our age, most of my friends run when I take out my camera, so I have to sneak up on them.  We've been friends for many years. A special day.

BADP On the Road - Toomer's

Who says you can't go home again.  I did yesterday.  I took a little road trip to Auburn to spend some great time with dear friends.  They were kind enough to drop me off at Samford Hall for a little photo time.  Many very special memories came flooding back.  As I crossed the street after getting a few at Toomer's Drugs, this dad and his sweet boy were headed over to the that very special corner.  Good times in Auburn!

Oh and I might have a few more special memories to share here. I'm sure my U of A readers will understand!

Remembering One Fine Photographer

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Altar celebrating the life of Birmingham photographer Spider Martin

Back of the Truck II

Looks like I've found a new series at the Pepper Place this summer.  Some good stuff in the back of the farmers' pickups!

Bob Marley called.....

...he wants his dog back!

These Gates Have a Story

I have been fascinated with these big rusted doors at Fritz Woehle's Garages for many years.  I was lucky enough to find him there once when taking some students for  a shoot., and he told me that the white metal design came from windows in the old Birmingham Terminal Station, which was demolished in 1969 (1909-1969), another regretful note in B'ham's history.  He had them placed on these old rusted garage doors and I LOVE THEM!  The sticker/sign just added more interest for me.

Somebody....

met the balloon guy at Art in Avondale Park!

Fixins

 The Gumbo Gala at Sloss Furnaces was a very successful fundraiser for The Episcopal Place.  I had the pleasure of photographing the event.  I'll let you decide which were ingredients!

Look Familiar?

The first time I walked in El Barrio, B'ham's hottest new Mexican restaurant ( pun intended), I took one look at the light fixtures and said, "I've seen those thingys somewhere before!"  Turns out that they are
"gravity exhaust vents", according to my "experts".  If not for their expertise,  I'd still be calling them "one of those things that spin around on roofs".  I like them even better as cool light fixtures!   Regardless, this is one very busy spot downtown and you might want to have lunch or dinner there soon. I plan too!

El Barrio

2211 2nd Avenue North

Retro!

The Bottletree Cafe

Plastic dinette set and a linoleum floor.  Brings back memories!

Read My Lips

Read my lips.....water me daily!

Charlie Thigpen's Garden Gallery

Pepper Place

Swim Girls

Summer fun at the Summer Learning Program

Children's Fresh Air Farm

A Taste of France

Today my French amis are celebrating Bastille Day so I thought I'd add a little French flavor from right here in  Birmingham...Chez Fonfon on Birmingham's Southside.  Très français!

Continental Bakery

While have a coffee with friends,  I snapped this view.  Reminds me so much of the lovely signage in Paris.

Sunset Namaste II - Downward Dog

These little cuties had their yoga moves down pat last Sunday at Railroad Park. I'd like to think it's easier the closer you are to the ground!

BIRMINGHAM READERS.... I will be teaching my 5 week photography class, FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS, beginning July 23rd from 6-8 at Samford After Sundown. 

Playing the Blues

Sunset Namaste

Sunday afternoon, I joined a throng of yoga lovers for the Sunset Namaste.  108 Moon Salutations were led by area yoga instructors and it was a great sight to see. I took my mat and fully intended to join in but quickly realized that one of the essential poses was one that my knees can't tolerate,  so I just picked up the camera and tried to capture the event.

A special hello to faithful blog reader Lisa who recognized me and was kind enough to come  over and say hello!

I will be teaching my five week photography course: FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS at Samford After Sundown beginning July 23.  This course is designed for amateur photographers with any type digital camera who want to learn to take better photographs!

Your Move

They always have checkers set up under a tent at the East Lake Farmers' Market.  These two boys were serious!

I will be teaching my photography classes FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS at Samford After Sundown this summer, beginning July 23 for 5 weeks.  Would love to have you  join the class. 

Mint To Be

Your choice... mint juleps or iced tea with fresh mint. Either way... a winner.

Happy Feet

Art at Avondale Park

Magic City Clown School

I dare you to look at these and not smile!

The Violinist

and his CFO, counting the tips!

Flags

Yesterday I shared that I had my 4th of July photo already selected, then I attended the patriotic program at the Children's Fresh Air Farm on Tuesday and that photo took first place. Today I share the flags that wave each and every day at the Veteran's Hospital on University Boulevard. They are a welcoming sight for the patients and those of us that pass by .

Oh Say Can You See....

I had other  photos ( of better quality)  that I'd selected for July 4th, but yesterday I went out to the Children's Fresh Air Farm to serve up some patriotic sundaes ( vanilla ice cream plus blueberries and strawberries) to the Summer Learning Program kiddos.  Before the ice cream throw down, we all gathered in the beautiful open air chapel there for a patriotic performance.  I think this says it all today.

For me...the eternal question....

Swiss Chard or Rhubarb? Rhubarb or Swiss Chard??  Only you city slickers can relate to this.  It's the red stem thing. 

(Swiss Chard)

Faded Glory

I loved photographing this place at Red Barn Foundation and Horseback Riding.  The flower garden, picket fence and the dear old faded flag all seemed made for each other.

Made In The Shade

Sweet Peas Garden Shop in Homewood. A festive way to beat the heat!