Tools of the Trade

The shoeshine guys at Bon Ton Hatters downtown, go through a lot of polish. 

Birmingham Artist - Jill Marlar

Jill Marlar's intaglio prints always catch my eye.  She had some wonderful Birmingham landmarks, but the little girl in Paris is of course my favorite!

Words To The Wise

Architecture Works has taken an old building on the southside and made it into one fine working environment.  I was there recently and was intrigued with the courtyard that is used for meetings, and I suspect a place to have lunch and wind down.  It was then that I noticed the quotes etched on the windows.  Extremely hard ( for me at least) to photograph though.

130 19th Street South

Ice Cream Shop

This little girl at Triangle Park had turned plain ole acorns into ice cream.  The imagination of children is a wonder.

Guest Photograper Patty Bradley - Airborne

This great action shot by Patty Bradley, makes me want to tag along the next time she goes on a skateboard shoot!

Guest Photographer, Patty Bradley - Zipped

Patty Bradley took my photography classes a few years ago.  She's an enthusiastic photographer, and I'm very proud of her work.  She snapped this at the Magic City Art Connection.

Your Move

This group of Rummikub players at the New Merkle House Senior Center taught me the ropes and I played around with them!

Goldbro

This old sign is leftover from an era when Goldbro's was a flourishing jewelry business in downtown Birmingham.  Today it's a nice touch in this little urban park on Morris Avenue.

Follow The RIver

Well that's what I think it is.  

Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children's  Lobby

Guest Photographr Michael Anderson - Rain Drops

 Recently Birmingham suffered through what seemed like weeks of nonstop rain. Another fine photograph from Birmingham photographer Michael Anderson.

Guest Photographer, Michael Anderson

Today my friend Michael Anderson shares this fine image of Avondale Park during the recent snowfall.

The Courtyard

Cathedral Church of Advent when things were a bit greener

Last Rose

The snowfall in Birmingham was predictably short lived. It was gone by this morning for the most part. Still another image to share.

It Snowed Yesterday

It doesn't happen all that often anymore. Get ready for a few days of snow photos. 

This Is The Way They Roll...

 at the new Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children.  

Through The Window

Literally through my car window. It has rained here for days and days.  I couldn't pass up this foggy road yesterday with my iPhone.

Can You Dig It?

Petals From The Past

Jemison, AL

Well around here it's been too wet to plow, so maybe so.

Birmingham Rouge - The Backpacks

The Youth Leadership Forum students donned their red YLF backpacks and struck out on their photography assignment at Railroad Park.

Many of you know Meeps, my black cat that loves to wear my scarves and jewelry. Well she has her very own 2013 Calendar, available on Red Bubble right HERE!

Home Sweet Home

I can imagine fairies living here too!

Urban Bonsai

Downtown Birmingham

Dominoes Diva

Don't let her lovely smile fool you, she's a killer dominoes player at the New Merkle Senior Center in Cahaba Heights.

Rads

On the way to the upper balcony of the Lyric Theatre, I stuck my head into a little room and spotted this beautiful old radiator.  Some things don't need to be repainted.

Long Winter's Feast

I'd say he found a tree with plenty to eat for the winter!

High Atop....?

I see my Birmingham readers scratching their heads.  I have to give a nod to my photographer friend Michael Anderson who discovered this fool the eye location and was kind enough to take me there. I'll let my savvy readers have fun guessing where this was taken. I'll reveal tomorrow!

Sunday Church Series - Upper Room Baptist Church

Irondale, AL

Well That's a Shame

Abandoned building on 2 Avenue South, has had some not so talented decorators.

Shards

My friend Cathy's wonderful garden is a photographer's paradise in so many ways.  My eye was drawn to these shards of broken pots,  as well as the plantings.

Night and Day

Across the street from Kelly Ingram Park

Have a Coke....

On a Shoestring Antiques , Bluff Park

and a smile for the new year!

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Best Photo of 2012

Every January 1st, City Daily Photobloggers around the world select their best/favorite photograph to share.  Having posted 365 (more or less) it's sometimes a daunting task.  This year was a no brainer for me.  The loving hand of this Birmingham artist guiding the tiny hand of this little artist with special needs, was first posted here on  June 29th.  It was my first experience photographing for Birmingham's VSA Art Partners, but certainly not my last.  Later I was asked to photograph their awards ceremony and after that, their fabulous auction to raise much needed funds to keep this program going and growing. It is a privilege to be able to volunteer my time for this marvelous program.

 "VSA Alabama’s ArtPartnersprogram provides people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses the chance to develop meaningful relationships with artists in our community while creating collaborative masterpieces"

Many City Daily Photobloggers are posting their Favorite Photo of the Year right HERE. Go have a look!

As I look back on this year, I'm so grateful for all of you that read this blog and often leave comments.  You're why I keep doing what I'm doing.

 HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA!