The Holy Family

Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends near and far who celebrate. I pray that the new year will bring peace, understanding and compassion to our world.

Christmas Eve - Lessons and Carols

This afternoon, I will worship at my church, Independent Presbyterian Church, to celebrate the service of 9 Lessons and Carols. Merry Christmas to all of my friends here and around the world who celebrate with me. For those of you of other faiths, I pray we will continue to honor the beliefs of each other and find peace in this troubled world. 

Then Homewood Star

Since the early 1950's the Homewood Star has shown at the top of 18th Street signaling the beginning of the Christmas season. If you look carefully beneath the bottom right point, you can see Vulcan!

Magical

 If you're  in the Birmingham area, you might want to drive through Mountain Brook Village and see the magical trees! 

Details

One of my favorite downtown buildings is the  John Hand Building. Built in 1912, it was Birmingham's tallest building for one year, till the City Federal Building took that honor. It housed banks until recently and now it's been reborn as a mixed us building featuring downtown condos. The architectural details make it one of Birmingham's finest.

VOTE Alabama!

I am proud to support Doug Jones for Senate. Today's the day Alabama, please go vote! 

Snowcapped

I had only to step outside my apartment to capture this last Friday. We love our random snows in Birmingham. We especially love it when it comes and goes quickly without lost of power. 

Who Knew!

Friday morning was set to be the time the magical and very talented flower ladies were to decorate Independent Presbyterian Church from top to bottom for the 68th Annual Holiday House Tour. After all, that has been the day for 68 years. What could go wrong? Well a surprise Alabama snowfall that's what. Friday morning, our city got about 4 inches of wet fluffy snow. Those with four wheel drives made it and the show went on. Some had to catch up on Saturday morning. The doors opened at 10 and except for a few icy steps, everything went perfectly as planned. The addition of snow to the outside decorations was a photographer's delight!

Please come today ( 1-5)  for the tour of the church, tea in the Great Hall, then visit  the five beautiful homes. You may purchase tickets online, at the church or any of the homes. All proceeds benefit the Children's Fresh Air Farm and the STAIR reading program at IPC. 

Change In Plans

Well the weather through us a curve ball here in Alabama, and was suppose to be a "light dusting" proved to be a delightful fluffy snow day. That meant no schools, no Lessons and Carols and no just about anything but staying inside and enjoying watching the snow fall. I did venture out several times, just around my apartment for photos so you'll be seeing a few for the next few days. It will be back to business as usual tomorrow I hope!

For my Birmingham area readers, I hope you will attend Independent Presbyterian Church's 68th Annual Holiday House Tour. You can purchase tickets online, at each home or at the church. Saturday and Sunday the church will be open for you to see the exquisite floral decorations and have tea in the Great Hall. All proceeds go to fund so many wonderful projects such as the Children's Fresh Air Farm and the STAIR reading program. 

Christmas Tradition

Today will be the  11th year I've attended the exquisite Service of Lessons and Carols at the Advent School. Under the direction of Richard Phillips, this beautiful service is the true beginning of the Christmas season for me. For 9 of these years, my two grandchildren Eva and Davis took part in the service as students then as members of the Choral Ensemble as well. I will miss seeing their sweet faces but look forward to sharing the service with friends. 

Our Ballerina

Our Chappell danced many parts in the Magic City Nutcracker last week. My favorite was as a Snowflake.

Birmingham Rouge - en pointe

Last weekend, my granddaughter Chappell danced in the Magic City Nutcracker, Vestavia Dance. I photographed from the audience as a very proud grandmother but will share some special photos from the performance this week!

Simple Pleasures

I'll confess right here, I"m a garden shop junkie. I am already a frequent flyer at local garden shops in Mt. Brook, Crestline, Homewood and Southside. Now I can add, my Forest Park neighbors, Shoppe Birmingham. I'll remain true to all of them, but right now I'm loving the photo ops (not to mention the gifts) at Shoppe Birmingham. 

Thankful

I have a lot to be thankful for this day. I've just returned from my trip to Paris and as much as I wish I were right back there, I"m very thankful I'll be joining friends and family over a lovely meal that was easy to buy for and prepare. If you are an American in Paris, you can get most of your favorite items at Thanksgiving in the Marais, but you will pay the price! My ex-pats friends, Randy and Steve tell me the new Costco in Paris has been a game changer. It's really not so much about the food, but the fellowship and taking the time to reflect on our blessings.

For my American readers here and across the globe, I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

These Guys

Just arrived at Sweet Peas Garden Center in Homewood, these guys made me smile.  Put a candle inside and you have instant Christmas spirit!

Sweet Peas Garden Center

2829 Linden Avenue

Homewood AL 35209

Land o Cotton

Forgive my absence! I've just returned from a fabulous 8 days in my beloved Paris. I'm weary but have so many photos and good memories. If you'd like to see those, please visit Paris Through My Lens. 

Meanwhile back in Alabama, cotton picking season has just past. I found this photo taken at a cotton field at Auburn University a few years ago. I'm a city girl in a cotton field is a sight to behold!I think cotton bolls are very photogenic.

Welcome To The Neighborhood!

The Forest Park neighborhood is delighted to welcome our newest business, Shoppe, to the Clairmont Avenue area. Owners John Draper and Mark Thompson have transformed the existing house into a charming garden and gift shop featuring soaps, Danish handmade tapers, gardening supplies and gorgeous pots and containers. Outside in the greenhouse, a delicious array of plants and topiaries. I will be back to shop for gifts and more photos!

Shoppe

3815 Clairmont Avenue South

Birmingham AL 35222

Sunday Church Series -Fall Color

I never tire of coming out my church, Independent Presbyterian, in the fall. This glorious Japanese Red Maple is glorious.

Dripping with Autumn Color

A stroll through Oak Street Garden Shop is a delight in the fall. So far, we still have very warm weather and now turning leaves, but this place is dripping with it. 

Close Only Counts in ....

Recently my friend Matt and I visited Sweet Seasons Farm in Valley Head, AL. The Mannings have a beautiful home surrounded with pastures for their sheep, plus a  lovely wedding and event venue. Of course we had to explore the barn and the assorted  buildings housing chicks, puppies, geese and this interesting wall of horseshoes collected from near and even Europe!

Made With Love

The Friends of Triangle Park, in my Forest Park neighborhood, donated funding to make this the sweetest little park. It's got a secure playground and wide open grassy area for running and playing. The picnic tables and benches are adorned with these handmade tiles by families who cared enough to make this park a year round favorite for our community.

Sweet Shadows

Last Friday, my photo buddy Matt and I drove up to Valley Head AL to Sweet Seasons Farm. Thank you Paulette Manning for a warm welcome and tour around your beautiful farm and event venue. These shadows knocked me out.

Hurricane Sunday

I slipped out a side door at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens' Antiques in the Gardens on Sunday afternoon. The rain slacked off, and I was able to catch this pretty waterfall in a small courtyard. Yes, it's October and Birmingham is still warm and humid and GREEN!


Thank you to all my friends near and far who inquired about our safety here in Birmingham as Hurricane Nate blew through. Thankfully we escaped with just some rain and wind on Sunday. We are grateful but still heartsick for the many still suffering from the past hurricanes. Please give to relief efforts for all of the islands affected.

Loosey Goosey

Yesterday, my photo buddy Matt Hunter and I trekked north to Sweet Season's Farm in Valley Head AL. I"ve been trying to get up there and meet Paulette and Richard Manning for over a year. Today I finally made it. What a beautiful farm and event venue. Planning a wedding? You might want to check out their website HERE. Paulette gave us the full tour and the geese honked, posed, then waddled off. More to come.

Superheroes ...

have a soft side too!

October is.....

Down Syndrome Awareness Month!!!

Meet Frances, whom I call "Francy Pants". She's so full of spunk and personality! I had the good fortune to photograph her with her brother Hill a few weeks ago.

Bon dimanche

Escher Called...

Yesterday, I paid a visit to Oak Street Garden Shop in Crestline Village. While snapping pumpkins, I looked up and spotted the light and shadows. Without the blue sky and clouds to give the viewer a sense of place, this BW comes across as an M.C. Escher!

Boys And Their Stuff

Sometime, when I go for a shoot for one thing, I find a treasure when I leave. Boys and their stuff. I loved this.

Saz

Sometimes the best photos are just outside my apartment door. My neighbor, Sazerac is our vigilant watchman.

Sunset in the Ham

We don't have a showstopper NYC skyline, but we love it just the same.

Where Artists Create - Donna's Cast of Characters

These make me smile every time I see4 them. For more of Donna's delightful characters, please visit her Etsy Shop!  My apologies to Donna for the corny titles I gave her work. I hope to be forgiven.

A grate man is hard to find.

This guy doesn't fit the mold.

VJ: What is the inspiration for your work?

DSS: Humor and whimsy are the emotions that started me wanting to create my quirky assemblage sculptures. I'm influenced by folk art, masks and sculptures from different cultures, characters, and animals from movies and nature; and even by facial expressions and gestures that I see in other people.

The Red Feathered Woodpecker

VJ: If you could explore another medium, what would that be:

DSS: Just recently I started using driftwood to create my assemblage sculptures. Using driftwood gives my sculptures a more primitive and tribal look. This allows me to further explore and be inspired by art from a greater variety of world cultures.

Her brain is like a sieve. So is mine.

Where Artists Create - The Studio

 Donna Sophronia-Sims' studio, is so small that it was difficult to get a wide angle shot. These detail shots will give you and idea of the delightful collection she keeps stacked on shelves on all four walls!


VJ: Tell me about your creative space

DSS: My creative space is a detached metal building in my backyard. I"m surrounded by found and discarded objects waiting to become something beyond their original purpose. I have to modify and join all of the pieces together. While I"m working one sculpture it is not unusual for me to glance over at another object on the shelf and  have an idea speak in my head. In addition, listening to lively music keeps me energized and drowns out other noises that could be distracting.

Where Artists Create - Donna Sophronia-Sims

Meet my friend, neighbor and talented assemblage artist, Donna Sophronia-Sims. Donna creates what she calls found object robots and assemblage art dolls. Her studio is a small shed in her back yard that is chock full of found objects waiting patiently to become another whimsical creation.

VJ: How would you describe your work?

DSS: My robots, art dolls, and driftwood sculptures are assembled from old, damaged, rusty and recycled objects made of metal, wood, plastic and fabric. I may use the whole object, or modify it and use only fragments. I tinker with the found objects trying out different arrangements, until my intuition tells me it's right, into a complete work of art that reflects my humorous and whimsical goal. Some of my sculptures are attached to a base and some hang on the wall. 

It's fun and challenging to figure out the best way to join all the pieces together. Sometimes it's simple and sometimes complex. My pieces are primarily joined together using nuts, screws, rivets and adhesives. Steel objects are joined together with weld tacks. I use power tools for drilling or dismantling different parts.

Come back tomorrow and meet some of her Cast of Characters!

Where Artists Create - Driftwood Dude

This guy should put a smile on your face. He's the work of Birmingham assemblage artist Donna Sophronia-Sims. We'll poke around her tiny studio this week. Come back tomorrow!

Rain, Rain, Rain...

Hurricane Irma is promising to send a deluge to Birmingham on Monday and Tuesday. Whatever she sends our way, it can't compare to the devastation she and Harvey have brought to so many. Please share whatever you feel you can to the recovery efforts for those affected inTexas, Florida, as well as those in the islands. Not to be forgotten, those in Mexico as well as those across this world who have lost everything due to earthquakes, tsunamis, and flooding. There are so many in need.

Pepper Place Dogs - Lulu

Stop by CahaBones' tent at the Pepper Place and meet the CEO, Lulu... if she's awake.

SWING!

Like nobody's watching!

The Color Purple

A community garden in Avondale

Where Artists Create - Emily's Gallery

To view all of Emily's amazing large scale charcoal and egg tempura botanicals on Belgian linen, please visit her website below.

Emily Morgan Brown

I will be teaching From Snapshots to Creative Photographs at Vestavia Hills UMC's Conservatory of the Arts tis fall starting Thursday, Sept. 7- Oct. 5. To register, email Ellen Bryant at coa@vhumc.org. This class is designed for amateur photographers who want to improve their photographs. Working knowledge of your camera is required and any camera type from point and shoots to DSLR. Message me with any questions. Please share! Thank you.