Girls' Night Out

Girls' Night Out, a group of very talented members of Independent Presbyterian Church, performed on the state of the historic Lyric Theatre recently. Church members came down to see the progress of the Lyric's renovation and these ladies provided some nostalgic music from days gone by. By the way, the accoustics in the Lyric are amazing. Their microphones were just props!

Four Little Girls

Last week during Birmingham's Sidewalk Film Festival, Spike Lee's 1997 movie Four Little Girls was shown around town at area churches.  I saw it for the first time at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church.  This documentary film chronicles events leading up to and after the senseless bombing at the 16th Street Baptist Church, killing 4 young girls.  It was a powerful and painful film to watch, but this story needs to be told again and again lest we forget.  Birmingham has come a long way since those days of the Civil Rights Movement, but we still have work to do, as do Americans across our country.

I will be teaching my photography class, From Snapshots to Creative Photographs at Samford After Sundown again this fall. Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in the Birmingham area.

Also, for those of you planning a trip to Paris, or just dreaming of one, I"ll be teaching a one day workshop, Weekend In Paris at Samford on Sept. 28 from 9-3.  I will share travel tips, a bit of French culture and language as well my favorites things to see and do in Paris. In the afternoon we will talk photography and how to bring home fabulous photographs from your travels.  

Chair and Door

 The Garage

If I didn't know better, I'd think Fritz Woehle placed this lovely bistro chair in front of this fabulous painted door, and then gave the vines instructions as well.

I will be teaching my photography class, From Snapshots to Creative Photographs at Samford After Sundown again this fall. Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in the Birmingham area.

Also, for those of you planning a trip to Paris, or just dreaming of one, I"ll be teaching a one day workshop, Weekend In Paris at Samford on Sept. 28 from 9-3.  I will share travel tips, a bit of French culture and language as well my favorites things to see and do in Paris. In the afternoon we will talk photography and how to bring home fabulous photographs from your travels.  

Temple Emanu-el Celebrates!

They celebrate 100 years in our city and even more for opening their synagogue for four Christian churches who have worshipped there since 1915.  A true friendship of Christians and Jews in our community.

Foot Loose!

Today we venture across the street from The Garage to a fenced area where Fritz Woehle stashes some interesting finds.  It's grown up with wisteria etc. ( hopefully no poison ivy) since my last visit so walking around was challenging.  Under the big shed were fabulous old doors and mantels and everywhere you looked, bits and pieces of statuary and ornamental iron, rusted of course.  The stuff that sends photographers over the moon.

I will be teaching my photography class, From Snapshots to Creative Photographs at Samford After Sundown again this fall. Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in the Birmingham area.

Also, for those of you planning a trip to Paris, or just dreaming of one, I"ll be teaching a one day workshop, Weekend In Paris at Samford on Sept. 28 from 9-3.  I will share travel tips, a bit of French culture and language as well my favorites things to see and do in Paris. In the afternoon we will talk photography and how to bring home fabulous photographs from your travels.  

Salvaged

We're back at The Garage again today.  This time the wonderful gates across the front.  The white metal panels were salvaged from the windows of  Birmingham's  beautiful Terminal Station that was demolished in the 1969.  A sad day for Birmingham.

I will be teaching my photography class, From Snapshots to Creative Photographs at Samford After Sundown again this fall. Please share this link with anyone who might be interested in the Birmingham area.

Also, for those of you planning a trip to Paris, or just dreaming of one, I"ll be teaching a one day workshop, Weekend In Paris at Samford on Sept. 28 from 9-3.  I will share travel tips, a bit of French culture and language as well my favorites things to see and do in Paris. In the afternoon we will talk photography and how to bring home fabulous photographs from your travels.  

Chair With Flower

Across the street from The Garage, Fritz Woehle has collected a treasure trove of wonderful old statuary, shutters, architectural pieces and this old chair with the perfectly placed flower growing just so.

Legal Pots

My friend Jeff is a collector and his wonderful home and gardens reflect that.  He likes to go "alley angeling" on the weekends, where he combs the area alleys for treasures.  He has this marvelous way of displaying these finds in such an artistic way.  I will be sharing more in the weeks to come.

That's Sew Gee's Bend

I know most of you are familiar with Alabama's now famous Gee's Bend quilters.  That's Sew Gee's Bend was created in 2007 by Claudia Charley, the niece and daughter of Tinnie and Minnie, these quilts offer a more affordable way to own these handmade pieces. The Painted Shovel in Avondale is now carrying these quilts and I just happened by when they were hanging them out to blow in the afternoon breeze!

Something's Brewing in Avondale!

We're glad to have the Avondale Brewing Company in our neighborhood.  Housed in the old firehouse, they brew their own beers lovingly named after this old historic neighborhood.  You can sit at the bar and smell the what's brewing in the same space. COOL!  I'll have more on this place, don't you worry.

Chanterelles, The New Kid On The Block

I don't know about you, but I grew up with button mushrooms. Period.  Now, thanks to Alabama farmers at the Pepper Place Market, I'm getting to know some new varieties, like these golden chanterelles!  I'll admit the turquoise containers added to their appeal through my lens.

Boy With Red Balloon

The Pepper Place Market

We All Have Our Favorites

Some of you will wonder about this menu. Many, many Birmingham readers will be chirping in as to their favorites entrée at Cobb Lane Restaurant.  Mine you ask?  Chicken Supreme and Chocolate Roulage for dessert.  Every. Single. Time.  Some things you just don't mess with.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Well actually it was Cobb Lane on Birmingham's southside. This charming place was where ladies lunched for many , many years. Started in 1948 by Virginia Cobb, it closed in 2009.  I know many of my Birmingham readers remember this place well and have fond memories of some delicious meals there.

Too Cute To Pass Up

Spotted at Charlie Thigpen's Garden Gallery at the Pepper Place  yesterday.  He had a cute name too but I can't conjure it up now. 

The Shadow

This caught my eye. It wasn't the flower, but the shadow. I'm sure it's not for everyone but I liked it.

Pedestrian

This odd building was a bank originally but now houses a branch of the Alabama Gas Company.  I'll admit I've never been a fan of the architecture but now that I see the world through my lens, I'm having second thoughts.

Alagasco

20 20th Street South

Have A Seat.... Well Maybe Not

You all know by now that I get invited to some interesting places around town. Sunday afternoon, I had the pleasure of photographing Jeff McGee's glorious gardens in Avondale.  I thought I was prepared for the photo ops but I wasn't. Jeff has one of the most beautiful gardens I've visited here in Birmingham.  I'm invited back.... every single month. I can't wait!

Today just a glimpse. I'll sprinkle Jeff's gardens in for a long time. 

Lighting Up The Alabama

The historic Alabama Theatre is a Birmingham treasure that has been so beautifully restored and we are grateful. I watched many a movie here growing up, but I'll admit that I didn't appreciate the exquisite interior, especially the light fixtures.  Today I share a stunning chandelier that hangs at the entrance, reflected in the mirrored wall.

The Right Fit

When you're looking for a rescue pup to adopt, it takes a lot of thought.... and the right feel.  Yesterday I photographed Adopt a Golden Birmingham's adoption event at Hollywood Feed.  About a dozen
glorious Golden Retrievers of various ages with many stories to be told,  were brought by SGB foster parents and volunteers for this monthly event to let potential owners have a look and much more.  As I realized, it's really not about the age or their appearance but more the "feel".  These beautiful dogs were loved, and petted and hugged and hopefully found their new forever home today.  It's a win, win!

Alley Art

Even a rainy day in a downtown alley can reveal some nice graphics, if you look up!

Dance The Night Away!

Since 1951, The Club, a private club atop Red Mountain, has been a special place for special occasions atop Red Mountain with a killer view of the city below.  This dance floor is probably the original if memory serves. I don't think I've ever danced there but Momma did many many times over the years with friends.  Good memories.

Fruit of the Vine

Jones Valley Teaching Farm , in downtown Birmingham, has this great rebar arbor ladened with ripening muscadines.

Experienced Barber

Meet Mr. Percy B. Hornbuckle. He's been a barber at Magic City Barber Shop on 4th Avenue North since the 1940's.  He was kind enough to let me take his picture.

Their motto:  Old school barbers, new school swag

Flower Girl

So how could I possibly pass this up?  And you wonder why I visit the Pepper Place Market so often!

Giddy Up!

Charlie Lucas' pony frolicking in the Charles Ireland Memorial Sculpture Garden and the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Hoopla

FYI, just because you could do this when they became popular the FIRST time, doesn't mean you still can. Voice of experience.

Heads Up

We were at Jones Valley Teaching Farm  downtown yesterday, and these gorgeous purple peppers were getting a bath so they would be ready for you to buy at the Pepper Place Market this morning. I thought at first that they were eggplant, but on further review I think they are peppers. Tell 'em I sent you!

All In The Family

Bon Ton Hatters on 20th Street downtown, was founded in 1907 and the shop has remained in the Callis family.  It is like stepping back in time. These old chairs could tell some tails. 

City Daily Photo Theme Day - Street Lamps

It's the first day of the month and that means my fellow City Daily Photoblog friends are all posting this month's theme.......Street Lamps.  I immediately thought of these fabulous old lanterns that still hang from one of Birmingham's vintage buildings. The Florentine Building, built around 1925, has some remarkable terra cotta details, and although the upstairs is now vacant, at least it's still standing!