Where's the Fire???

Well I've been wanting to visit a fire station forever.  Yesterday I stopped by the Mountain Brook Fire Station No. 1 in Crestline.  They were happy to have me poke around but didn't want to be photgraphed. Well,  we'll just see about that on my next trip, don't fret.  They were nice enough to offer to pull the truck out for me, but I couldn't ask them to do all that!  Here's what I got.  I just love the flag that hangs above each truck!  Don't worry, I'll catch some "100 Strangers" next time,  and you can bet there will be grandchildren involved, too!

Meet the Artist - Kevin Irwin

I've made you wait long enough.  We've roamed around her studio, sat on her back porch and taken tons of photos.  Now it's time to meet this artisitic wonder woman! I've seen her work first hand and still find it hard to believe that one artist can produce such fanciful clay pieces, intricate glass objects, delicate jewelry , not mention such colorful paintings!  Doesn't seem fair that one person can have that much talent does it?  

Today Kevin is shown with some of the whimsical pieces that were recently on display all over the Wiregrass Museum in Dothan, AL.  She's partial to cats but there are squirrels, dragons, and even an octopus hanging out in her studio.  We'll be back. There's way too much left to see.

Naughty squirrels hogging the chocolate chip cookies

                                                                       Cleo, studio guard dog!

Octopus catching some rays

The Ballerina

This exquisite bronze in the Sculpture Garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art has fascinated me for months.   I have photographed her from every angle and at almost every time of day. Nothing I shot seemed to do her justice.  I had almost given up, but Saturday I tried once again. This time,  I found a new perspective.  Maybe it was the raindrops.  I think I'm finally satisfied!

Urban Silhouette

Let's just stay downtown. This is sunset photographed from Kevin Irwin's studio back porch on 2nd Avenue South.  I like silhouette shots and rarely can pull one off.  For one a power pole is a nice addition!

* Jump on over to our friend Peter's blog today.  Dusty Lens and I have the honor of being Peter's guest photographers today.

UPDATE ON LILLY

Her mom has a blog so you can keep up with her progress here.

Stairway to.......First Avenue?

Historic Morris Avenue, in downtown Birmingham,  is one quaint cobblestoned place.  This stairway  leads to Birmingham's First Avenue North.  

Bunnies and Kittens and Lilly, Oh My!

Many of my longtime readers will remember this precious child.  Last October,  I featured my dear friends' daughter Lilly right before she had her first cochlear implant at Children's Hospital. We are so very thankful that she has hearing in that ear now!  Yesterday her mommy asked me to take more photos before her second surgery scheduled for today.  I am blessed.   Lilly, we are praying for you and send all of our love your way!

After the Rain

The week before the "blizzard", we had 24 hours of pouring rain and thunderstorms.  When it finally let up I took a long walk and then stopped by the Botanical Gardens to check on "spring".  Everything was dripping wet,  and I enjoyed trying to capture it all. 

 

Please click on each photo and enlarge to catch the raindrops for yourself!

Clickety Clack....Don't Talk Back!

A side trip to Charlotte Woodson Antiques, in Mt. Brook Village after my walk yesterday was yet another treasure trove for me.  I ended up spending about 2 hours with Dinah, the delightful owner, talking about France of course, and photographing so many lovely things in her beautiful shop. This is why I LOVE doing this blog. I meet so many interesting, friendly people!!!  Today,  her mint condition Corona.  Isn't it just the best? 

Red Hot Chili Cook-Off

The Chef!

Saturday I stopped by the Exceptional Foundation's Chili Cook-Off at Homewood Park.  The Exceptional Foundation holds a special place in my heart. Many of our Shades Cahaba's kids have been a part of this wonderful program,  and I was pleased to support their fundraiser. What a well run , fun event this was. Many groups in town participated, and I tasted WAAAAYYYY too many of the great recipes!  

The Four Amigos

The Davis Cup Dudes

Singing the Blues

Saturday Night I had the pleasure of attending a concert right here in my neighborhood.  My friends the Izards, hosted  Malcolm Holcombe in their home as part of the Small Stages concerts. For a nominal fee  ( a portion of which goes to the host's favorite charity) you bring your own chair and beverage, and  get to enjoy a great evening of musical  entertainment. Malcolm Holcombe, a funky,  bluesy singer, was the featured musician.  I'll have to admit I was a little skeptical.  However, my blog friends Wayne and Bob have been trying to push me out of my musical "box" so I thought I'd give Malcolm a whirl.  Whooo eeeeee! He was something else!  I stayed to the bitter end and had some fun. Thanks to the Izards and Malcolm for helping me spread my musical wings.  I'll be at their next home concert for sure!

It's That Time!!

  As many of you remember, this time last Sunday I was running all over my yard photographing Birmingham's big snowfall!  Well here we are a week later,  and the temperatures are in the 70's. What's  more fun when the weather warms up than taking your shoes off and getting your piggies in the nearest fountain!  I caught this brother and sister doing just that on Friday at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  The joys of springtime!!

TWO THINGS CHALLENGE: Stars/Stripes

STARS - la tour Eiffel

Once in a blue moon I participate in the prestigious Two Things Challenge.  I am always so pleased with myself when I can......  1. Figure out what the 2 THINGS CHALLENGE is for the week  2. Can find something to enter!  Well today it's a titch of a stretch but I am happy to be part of Team 2 Things again!  Stars and Stripes is our theme this week.  My stars is none other than the fabulous Eiffel Tower resplendent with the stars signifying the European Union.  The stripes is the bamboo forest in the afternoon sunlight at the Japanese Gardens. 

To see how other bloggers interpreted this theme click here.

 A Special Thank You! 

My talented friend Mary Beth Shelton and I did a portrait swap this week.  My new avatar is her work.  She and I met a year ago when we were in a photography class together. We have learned from each other ever since.  I admire her work and was so honored that she asked me to photograph her.  Check out her website!  

STRIPES - Bamboo Forest, Japanese Gardens

Let's Sit on the Porch!

Don't laugh.  It's almost porch sittin' weather down here.  I'm lucky enough to have a patio that is fine in the spring and fall.  Summer tends to be a bit "buggy".  Those folks blessed with screened porches get a lot of company in the summer months!  This little porch is on the back of Kevin Irwin's studio near downtown Birmingham.  Wednesday evening when we were enjoying wine and cheese there , it was nice enough to have the doors open.  I'm trying out that rocker on my next visit.

Sunset Reflections

City Federal Building

These sunset photographs were taken from my very talented artist friend, Kevin Irwin's studio near downtown Birmingham. The top photo is the City Federal Building in the distance. The reflection you see is Kevin's studio. The bottom photo is the old Liberty National Building on southside. Kevin hosted our Cliff Road Women's group yesterday afternoon. I am fortunate to be a part of this interesting, diverse and fun group of women from my neighborhood. Everyone had a grand time touring the studio and oohhing and aahing over her amazing artwork. You've already been to her studio here. We'll be back. I have tons of photos.

Liberty National Building