Sara's Arbor

I've been doing photo talks on the Sacred Spaces of Birmingham recently. I've tried to think past just churches and synagogues to other places in my city that give the feeling of a sacred space. Certainly this arbor at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens in loving memory of our very special friend Sara Jones, is included.

Sara's Arbor

Some of you may remember my posts about dear Sara Jones. We met via my B'ham blog, then met in person. Later, she and I met for coffee as I helped her plan a trip with John to Paris to meet her daughter.  She was a free spirit that seemed to have a  halo of light around her all the time. We lost her too soon. Yesterday, her husband John dedicated the Sara  Jones  Memorial Arbor near the camellia garden at the the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  Rob Martin's creation will be a  lasting tribute to someone we will never forget.

Dia de los Muertos Festival II - Remembering Sara

la Tour Eiffel, I think Sara would have loved this.

Two years ago,  at this very festival,  I met Sara Jones and her husband.  She recognized me from my blog and if you knew Sara, you wouldn't  be surprised that I got a big hug, and we became friends on the spot.  We kept up via Facebook and I met her for coffee a few months later to help her plan a trip to Paris where they would be joined by her precious daughter.  We ran into each other from time to time at the Pepper Place or at Art Price's openings.  I wish I were a better writer and could describe Sara as she deserves.  I will just say I'll always remember her gentle spirit, her smile... no her LAUGH, and joie de vivre.  She was truly a blithe spirit and lived her life to the fullest.  She is greatly missed.

Wednesday night as I turned the corner to the alley at the festival,  at almost the exact spot where we first met, this stunning portrait of Sara by our friend Art Price took my breath.  A loving tribute as only Art could create.