Another Magical Snowfall

This gives, "Oh I wish I was in the land of cotton....." a whole new meaning. Dried seed pods piled with snow, became winter's cotton crop!

Oh this was a delightful surprise. I was photographing my neighbor's beautiful evergreens, and I captured the cardinals in the background!

BADP Update - Baby, It's Cold Outside

This morning around 11:00am I went out in the car and it looked like this on

Highland Golf Course.

Now it's about 2:45 pm and it looks like this around my home~

And this

And this

became this, very quickly!

Up On The Roof

Forgive me for the corny title. Sometimes I just can't help myself. Yesterday I was in 5 Points South to meet friends for lunch. I grabbed my camera for a quick walkabout. I spotted these workers high atop Highland United Methodist Church. I have just a titch of acrophobia so I was pretty fascinated that anyone would work up there perched on those slippery tiles. This worker spotted me so I waved. He waved right back. You'll be happy to know that they were tethered in some fashion. Risky business regardless.

If you're humming Up On the Roof, here's the Drifters to sing it with you!

Please excuse the wonky angle in the top photo. I straightened it all I could. I don't know what I was doing, and this was BEFORE my wine with lunch!!

Heavy Metal - Michael Bonadio

Add another Birmingham artist to my list! Yesterday I was at Lite Box Gallery visiting with my talented friend Kate Merritt Davis. Kate is curator for an upcoming show there beginning Friday, February 12, from 5-9. Who should walk in but Michael Bonadio. Michael is Artist in Residence/Production Manager at Sloss Furnaces. Michael will have two of his pieces on exhibit ( I have one for you today). Artist......Sloss Furnaces...... two of my favorite things!!!

And my I send a sincere thank you to my faithful blog reader, Beverly and her husband, who recognized me and were so nice to come and say hello yesterday at the Cantina. How wonderful to meet you and put names and faces together!!!

If you're wondering about the new header photo, we are expecting a little snow tomorrow night , so I thought it a perfect time to drag out yet ANOTHER snow photo from last December!

Shhh, No Roaring in the Museum!

Earlier this week, I posted two photographs of my granddaughter Eva riding the carousel in Tuileries in 2007 on Paris Through My Lens. My dear blog friend Shell Sherree created a delightful watercolor of one of the photos, so I posted the orginals.

Imagine my surprise when I did my volunteer work at the Birmingham Museum of Art on Tuesday and found this majestic carousel horse on display. Made by the famous Gustav Dentzel in 1909, it is carved polychromed wood with a glass eye. It is on loan to the museum by Jimmy and Carol Filler. I composed the photo so that you could also enjoy the BMA's magnificent Bierstadt, "Looking Down Yosemite Valley".

It's Not Easy Being Green

Or so Kermit says. This wonderful old Hudson in the back room of Ted's Garage is waiting to be spiffed up I think. I'm sure you're wondering why this one caught my eye. Well when I was a wee girl, we had a BIG gray Hudson that I loved to death. I know you're laughing, because it's funny to me as well. Since that "love affair" with the Hudson I've never been all that interested in cars since. I will admit though, that Ted's red Vette up front makes my heart flutter. ( and will be one of my auction photos.) Ted and I were classmates at Shades Valley High School and for the record, I never got a ride back in.....well never mind the year!

Actually I have a very special reason for posting this vintage car today. On Thursday I will be going back to Ted's Garage for a fundraiser/auction for the Heart Gallery. The Heart Gallery asks photographers to take portraits for Alabama youngsters in foster care that want and need a loving family to open their arms and their hearts to them. I couldn't be more proud to donate some of my photographs for Fotos, Frames and Fun, to raise much needed funding for this wondeful agency. I have my fingers crossed that I'll be called on one day to take some of those portraits.

Gateway

What would Birmingham do without wonderful places like Gateway Family and Child Services? Since 1891, Gateway has been helping Birmingham families in so many ways. Their mission statement says: " Gateway is preserving, strengthening, and enriching family life through quality services provided to families and individuals in need." As a teacher, I witnessed firsthand their tireless commitment to children and families. Now I feel privileged to be able to give back just a little. Again this year, I am donating some of my photographs for their fundraiser, Off The Wall on April 1, 2010. Please visit their website if you feel you can donate and for my Birmingham readers, I hope to see you at Off the Wall!

The top photo is one of the photographs I am planning to donate. I have had a little fun with it. ( Care to guess exactly what I did? )The bottom photo shows the actual building.

This week I've decided to join the Monochrome Weekend gang right here.

Bank Chic?

There was a time, long ago, when the banks in downtown Birmingham were rather grand with their marble floors, soaring columns and interesting captitals like the old John Hand Building. Only a few remain and it sure isn't the First National/AmSouth/Regions building on 20th Street. It's all sleek and shiny and has this intersting chandelier, for want of a better term, by the elevators. I shot this a while back when I was down there getting my euros. Those grand old banks made you feel rich even when you weren't. This one, leaves me cold, and now that I think about it so did the euro/usd rate!

A very Happy Blog Birthday to our Jilly who is celebrating the 3rd Birthday for Monte Carlo DP AND Menton DP! Jilly, I've got my party dress on, and it's time for Peter to pour the champagne!

Birmingham Rouge VII - B Metro Magazine

Birmingham has long been known for its magazine publishing industry. Sadly the economy has had a devastating effect and many of my favorites have stopped the presses or gone to Yankeeland. ( Don't make me talk about that!). Well things are looking up. Longtime Birmingham editor, Joe O'Donnell has brought a new kid on the block. B Metro came on the scene in July '09. I enjoy it because it focuses on the PEOPLE here in the Birmingham area that are making a difference in our city. It's also featured the variety of blogs sprouting up all over town, which caught my eye for sure! Joe, his staff, and I are collaborating on some exciting things for the future. Stay tuned. And you Alabama readers.......go out and buy a copy!

Vacancy

Move in ready except the roof leaks. Take it up with the landlord.

Yesterday it rained, no poured. I spotted this little nest and fully intended for this to be one of my famous "drive by shootings", but unfortunately I had to get out of the car. Luckily my first shot worked, because I got drops all over the lens and the rest were toast.

Arches - The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement

Another look at the beautiful arched walkway at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement in Cullman. We've seen another view here.

100 Strangers Challenge - The Peanut Depot

Stranger # 96

Strangers # 97 & 98

A few weeks ago we paid another visit to the Peanut Depot here. Well while I was there, I met these nice ladies, who had stopped by to stock up on a BIG sack of peanuts. They were nice enough to pose on their cycles before they roared off down the cobblestoned Morris Avenue. Inside, this very friendly employee let me photograph him as well. My Strangers # 96, 97, and 98. We're almost there!!

Impulsivity

Oh this happens all the time down here in the "Deep South". A few weeks ago we had over a week of below freezing temps. Then last week some really nice days, where a sweater or light jacket sufficed. This one always jumps the gun at the first hint of spring. I guess if this shrub were in a classroom, he/she'd be the ADHD kid and you'd be having a chat with his Momma about a little Ritalin. Well right now it's just blooming to beat the band. You know, we need some hope of spring around this place. How is it in your neck of the woods??

Theme Day - Wood

All I have to say is I am very thankful that France is 7 hours ahead of my time zone! I visited my friend Jilly's Menton and Monte Carlo blogs last night, and she had posted her Theme Day photos. I will admit it had totally slipped my mind. You would think after doing this for 20 months, I would catch on! And may I add a partisan comment here. I think Jilly's portrait today on her Menton blog is one of her very finest!

I found this photo in my archives. It's the well worn wooden steps leading to the dugout at Historic Rickwood Field, the oldest ballpark ( 100 years in August 2010!) in America. This one is for my friend Robert who's family founded Rickwood Field. There will be a terrific 100th birthday celebration this summer. I'll be there!

Today City Daily Photobloggers from around the world are putting their spin on the theme WOOD.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants