Meet Lila Graves!

I have been a huge fan of Lila's wonderful artwork for years! I finally met her in person last night at Monty Stabler Gallery in Homewood. Lila hails from Alexander City, Alabama (Alex City to the locals) and was in town for a reception and exhibit of her paintings and the dearest ceramic nativity figures. Her inspirational book, White Wings, chronicles her miraculous journey as a cancer survivor through photographs, artwork and verse. Yet another Alabama artist I have been fortunate to meet and photograph!

Go visit her website !

Reindeer Games

A few weeks ago I relived my "teacher days". I helped (not much) in my grandson Davis' 4K class at the Advent Day School, as they did their adorable reindeer tee shirts. Of course I caught a few photos while I was there! ( Googly eyes and a very cute nose followed.)

Oh and did I mention a bare foot painted with brown paint was involved???

Morning Sunlight

The Parlor - Independent Presbyterian Church

I've always loved these beautiful chairs in the parlor of my church. One morning the sunlight was streaming through the window and seemed to make it glow. I was glad I had my camera along.

Waiting - December Theme Day

Waiting......for what???

Today my CDPB friends from all around the globe ( that gets smaller every day) are putting their spin on the theme..........waiting. I had a hard time making up my mind, which is not unusual. My friend Bob Crowe moved me "off my dime" yesterday afternoon and declared this my entry. Here you have it. Want to give your caption to this photo? Go on and have your say!!!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

The Clock's Ticking ..........

on autumn and I have a few more photos I want to share before I have to say, "Au revoir automne!" This is what I saw as I left the museum last week. I just loved the great orange tree as the background for the black and white checkerboard of the sculpture. I'm including the "front" taken about a year ago when Eva and Davis and I paid a quick trip to the museum.

A reminder: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness, a wonderful exhibit from the Yale University Gallery, now showing at our BMA through January 10th. Don't wait and have to stand in line to see it!!!!

In Memory

Benches in the Sculpture Garden of the Birmingham Museum of Art

I'm joining Aileni's ever growing gang of photographers at Monochrome Weekend. What an inspiration they are for me.

DON'T FORGET.....

The Yale University Gallery's American art exhibit "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" at the BMA.

Joe Minter's African Village

Ok it's back to business today, and I have a doozy! A few weeks ago my photography buddy Bill ( yeah- Trek Through the Woods to Find the Cemetery and Get Poison Ivy Bill) and I first made a stop at Joe Minter's African Village. I marched right through the gate of Joe's house and knocked on his door. Sadly he was not at home that day, but we just made ourselves at home and wandered the fenced area where he displays his art. Joe has been described as a "visionary artist that has created a sculpture park of American history". A potpourri for sure. I can't even begin to describe it.

Leftovers!

Yesterday was a great day for our family. We gathered at daughter Kathleen's and the 5 cousins had a terrific time on the rope swing and the two youngest practiced their batting skills. They all enjoyed making giant nests and then throwing the leaves piled on the street. The highlight of the day might have been when Uncle Jason put them in their harnesses and gave them a SUPER swing. ( I got a little nervous at that point) The adults enjoyed watching by the fire pit! Today you get a few "leftovers" from our day. I decided if I'm going to break the "one photo a day rule" I might as well break it big time. Well, it's my blog and I couldn't leave any of my dear ones out, so here you go! When I'm in Paris next time I'll buy Eric a glass of wine and beg for forgiveness. ( Excusez moi?? Pardon moi????)

I promise tomorrow we'll be back to Birmingham "business".

The management thanks you for your patience.

While you're here, have a piece of Kathleen's pumpkin pie made with real pumpkin. I thought it came from a can!!! Who knew!

Bunny ears on Mumsie????

Thankful I Am!

You know where this is going. I'm most thankful this day for my two wonderful daughters, two patient son-in -laws :) and 5 fantastic grandchildren! Now, add my terrific friends near and far and those of you in blogland. But wait..... I can't forget the city I've called home most of my life....Sweet Home Birmingham!

I Can Hear You Now!

My longtime readers will recognize this sweetie patootie. Yes, this is Lilly and now she's a big two year old. I first photographed her here , and then last year we took some photos before her first cochlear implant here. Well now she's had her second surgery and oh my goodness! That girl can talk up a storm now , and as my grandmother would say, "She's smart as a whip!" Monday we had another photo shoot. The top photo was my favorite and the second one is pretty special too. Lilly spotted my Eva and pointed to the spot next to her on the step and said, "Sit!" Eva did as told. They are now BFF, and Lilly shed a few tears when Mom Lisa put her in the car to go home. Oh and by the way, Lilly has a message for all of you out there.......WAR EAGLE!! I told you she was smart! :)

And if you want to keep up with Lilly's progress and her shenanigans, you guessed it.... she has a blog! How can I compete with that???

Sloss Silhouette

Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Harmonica and Bass

Red Mountain - An Old-time String Band from Alabama. What a great name for a band ! I snapped their photos the last weekend of the Pepper Place Market a while back. I've selected just two photos for you today. Please stop by their site to learn more about this great musical group!!!

Cherub

Some of my faithful readers have commented that they enjoy a little chatter from me regarding my photos each day. I suspect that there are multitudes out there that are begging for some silence but are too polite to suggest it. I'm usually able to write a little or a lot with not much effort. At other times, there are photos about which I have nothing meaningful or even mildly interesting to say. Today's one of 'em. Well would you look! I've managed to blather on about NOTHING! Anyone surprised? Maybe I've made everyone happy today!

I'm joining Aileni's Monochrome Weekly again today. Check out their gorgeous photographs right HERE.

Watch For Oncoming Trains!

I hope I get a little credit for practically lying across these tracks to get this shot. I'm having a flashback to the old silent movie where the dastardly villain ties the helpless maiden to the tracks with the oncoming train lumbering around the bend!