Through the Arbor

While taking a stroll through the gates of the arbor at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens , look what I found! About nine months out of the year, Birmingham's professional children's photographers (and parents) flock here to capture their tiny subjects in this beautiful setting.

Downtown

The old John Hand Bank Building is one of may favorites. I've posted other photos here. Today, in keeping with the shadows theme, it makes another appearance with the late aftenoon sun casting a nice long shadow down 1st Avenue North. I think the black and white gives it a timeless feel. I almost expect to see some vintage Packard parked there on the street.

Tune du Jour is "Downtown" of course!

Fort Morgan

* Last month when I was in Paris, my dear friend Jean Reed subbed for me. For the last few days her friend Robert has shared a few photos with us. Robert lives in LA ( Lower Alabama!) in Baldwin County. Thanks Robert!

Fort Morgan is a historic site at the eastern edge of Mobile Bay. Built in 1819-1834 for the defenses of Mobile Bay, it is a fun site to tour on a beautiful day! The museum is very interesting and the battles here are well documented and artifacts from the site are well-preserved.

Robert - Guest Photographer

August Theme Day - Night

If you want to get technical, this is not exactly a night shot , but it looks like it doesn't it? This was taken in the abandoned office building adjacent to the old Lyric Theater in downtown Birmingham. My friend and intrepid guide, Tom Cronier, was nice enough to hold a flashlight behind the glass so I could get this eerie shot.

Today, City Daily Photo Bloggers around the world are putting their spin on the theme. Check 'em out!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Rickwood Nuptials

* Last month my guest photographer was my friend Jean Reed. Her friend Robert has offered me a few of his. Robert's from LA ( Lower Alabama !) in Baldwin County. Thanks Robert!

Rickwood Field is 99 years and the Oldest Baseball Park in America! Each year in late May the Rickwood Classic is played. The Birmingham Barons and their opponents dress in period uniforms and play at this historic field. It's a great even for families and baseball enthusiasts. This year the field was the site of a Rickwood Family Wedding!

(Family photo)

Robert - Guest Photographer

Up, Up, and Away

*As you may already know, I'm in France and I am at the b ottom of my photo barrel so I'm happy to have a little relief! Last month my friend Jean Reed subbed for me while I was in France. Today her friend Robert is going to share a few photo with us. Robert lives in LA

( Lower Alabama!) in Baldwin County.

For the past 5 years the town of Foley, Alabama has hosted the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival. It's a three day event that features over 50 colorful hot air balloons. As in other small towns, one event calls for another and there are many simultaneous events for fun and fundraising going on . It takes place on Father's Day so come on down and enjoy the show!

Robert - Guest Photographer

View From the Lyric

When Tom and I were prowling around upstairs at the Lyric Theatre several months ago, we found this room and I rather liked the view of the tiled roof across the street paired with the old glass paned door.

Birmingham Rouge II

Japanese Gardens

Advent Episcopal Day School's Choir

Pepper Place Market

The second part in my series featuring all things red right here in Birmingham.

And the Fork Ran Away With the Spoon

Found this unusual chandelier at The Commissary a while back. This is a wonderful shop for gifts, artwork and antiques.

A Pickin' and a Fiddlin'

My friend Snapper at Gabriola BC Daily Photo inspires me in a lot of ways. Lately his "Musicians' Hands Series" has knocked my flip flops off. I captured this guitarist and fiddler at the Magic City Art Connection. I apologize for not getting the name of the group. Snap suggested I try them in BW and of course he was spot on!

Perfectly Beautiful

Merci to my friend John Hollingsworth for sharing this gorgeous magnolia blossom with all of us. John took this with his IPhone! ( I give up!) Some of you have asked about the magnolias found all over Birmingham. This is a lovely example.

Porch Sittin' Time

Well summer is definitely here in Birmingham. Some days it's just too hot to sit outside but this porch is a nice place to try and beat the heat. This is my friend Caroline's front porch. She lives in my neighborhood and hosted our neighborhood ladies' group (wine) a while back. Of course I couldn't pass up this photo op. It reminds me a lot of those grand old porches in the North Carolina mountains. Don't you just want to put your feet up and rock???

Shadow Series VII- The Ticket Booth

SHADOW SERIES V

I've brought you to Rickwood Field many many times. Some of my favorite photographs were these with the strong shadows criss crossing the walls and ticket booths. If you live in Birmingham or come here to visit, you need to buy a ticket and experience a ballgame at America's Oldest Baseball Park!

Boys and Trains

What is it about little boys and trains? I loved capturing my Davis watching this train going by after having lunch at the Irondale Cafe!