Keep Your Eye on the Ball

My friend Terri Hamilton has been teaching tennis to kiddos for years.  She's so positive and enthusiastic, they all love taking from her.   I found her one Saturday morning at the park and tennis courts on Overton Road in Mountain Brook. Her cute student was happy to show me her swing!

Birmingham Rouge - Clang, Clang

This vintage fire truck has been lovingly restored, right down to the bell!  

Whistle Stop Festival

Irondale, AL

Gallette du roi....

Well in Paris everyone is buying up these divine cakes for the celebration of  Gallete des Rois (Epiphany.)  I have another reason to post this photo from Paris.  Eric Tenin, the creator of Paris Daily Photo AND CityDaily Photo blogs is having a birthday today!  For quite a while, I've called Eric "Le Roi de CDP", so it's only fitting that we celebrate in this way.  I'm in Paris and will be wishing Eric a BON ANNIVERSAIRE in person tomorrow evening.  I'll give him your best! :)
V

Zig, zag, zig,zag.....

Morris Avenue

Fire escapes are eye candy!

With Legs in the AIr!

So this is what the chairs do after hours at Bottega Restaurant! 

My Suitcase is Packed

I still remember the Samsonite train case ( a smaller version of the one here) my grandparents bought me as a pre-teen.  Zoe's Consignment Shop on Clairmont Avenue won my heart with this display.  I pack for Paris much lighter now, but back then flying was I think, a lot more special. I have fond memories of my very fashionable mom visiting us in Neenah, Wisconsin in November '71.  She got off the plane dressed in a wool coat, heels, and mink pill box!  Those were the days!

Sunday Church Series - The Cathedral of Saint Paul II

The ceiling of St. Paul's Cathedral, in downtown Birmingham, is a beautiful as any I've seen in France.

We're Hobos Ma'am Part II - Man's Best Friend

Obviously these two were pals that traveled together. I'll be honest, I was more afraid of the collar than the dog!

See yesterday's post for Part I of this series.

We're Hobos Ma'am Part I - Guitar Man

About a month ago, my friend Patty and I took a Saturday afternoon to go out for lunch in Five Points South and then we walked around the area looking for photos. We walked up on a small group of men and Patty and I started chatting and she asked, "What are ya'll doing here?".  One answered, "We're hobos Ma'am." I'll be honest,  I haven't heard that term used since I was in elementary school, and we dressed as hobos for Halloween when we didn't have a costume.  One played his guitar, another cuddle his dog, another made bracelets and rings from twine, while we took their photographs.  No one asked us for money.  Apparently they move from city to city and it's a way of life that they have chosen. It's not for me to judge their lifestyle. I wish them well.  Today is the first of a short series of photographs from that day.

Hmmmmmm

You tell me. What are "Old Men's Mags"?  I am sure I'll get some really good comments on this one.
On the other hand, maybe we don't want to know.... but they were half price!

Arctic Blast in B'ham?

The weatherman says we're getting some sort of "Arctic blast" this week. I think that translates to "winter has finally arrived in Birmingham."  This happy fellow, that hangs out in the window of Mountain Brook Flower Shop most of the year, should be very happy about that!

Hey Cupid!!

These beautiful handmade arrows, by artist Sara Smith, are crafted from recycled wood. 

 Bellewether, in English Village.

And Sam Cooke has a song for you today right here.

Dining Alfresco

at Vino in English Village is a great new place to try. This upscale restaurant and wine bar is owned by veteran Birmingham restauranteur Al Rabiee.  I had the pleasure of chatting with him not long ago and taking some photographs. When I left he brought me a bag of his wife's DIVINE apple fritters. Try them!

Lately our weather has been so mild I'm sure they've had the fire pit blazing and patrons have enjoyed their lovely outside seating.

In 2012, Remember To...

Kick up your heels!

Express yourself!

Dance like nobody's watching

BUT ALSO....

Feed the homeless

Let your voice be heard

Show compassion

Help those that need it the most

 BUT REMEMBER TO ....

Stop and smell the roses.

and DON'T LET ANYONE RUFFLE YOUR TAIL FEATHERS!