What Are The Chances....

that you would be lucky enough to find the ever elusive Cahaba Lily growing along the banks of a stream at Birmingham's Railroad Park?  Thank you to my friend Patty Bradley who called and  that tipped me off before they were gone!

The Garden Gate

While driving through the Edgewood neighborhood behind Homewood Park last week, this gorgeous bevined (don't try this on Words With Friends, I made it up) gate caught my eye. A u-turn was in order. What lies beyond?  I know. I took a peek.

You Must Remember This...

a kiss is just a kiss....

This Pepper Place Pooch is my granddog Daisy ( Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) who was a people and a pooch magnet at the Pepper Place yesterday!  

The Other New Kid on the Block...

is Freshfully Market.  Located just down 41st Street in Avondale, Freshfully offers homegrown Alabama produce, products and free range meats.  They're friendly folks so stop by this weekend and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Painted Shovel Mercantile

For those of us in the Forest Park/Avondale neighborhoods it is heartening to see new businesses popping up here and there!  Yesterday I visited The Painted Shovel Mercantile on 41st Street, just down the street from Avondale Park on the left.  They are just getting settled in but owner Julie Nelson took a few minutes to show me all around. It's a MAJOR photo op so I'll have lots more photos to share. Today the shovels out front caught my eye. They don't have the signage out yet so you can look for these. Tell them I sent you!

BADP On the Road - Good Times, Good Friends

We spent time in Auburn with friends at Willow Creek.  At our age, most of my friends run when I take out my camera, so I have to sneak up on them.  We've been friends for many years. A special day.

BADP On the Road - Toomer's

Who says you can't go home again.  I did yesterday.  I took a little road trip to Auburn to spend some great time with dear friends.  They were kind enough to drop me off at Samford Hall for a little photo time.  Many very special memories came flooding back.  As I crossed the street after getting a few at Toomer's Drugs, this dad and his sweet boy were headed over to the that very special corner.  Good times in Auburn!

Oh and I might have a few more special memories to share here. I'm sure my U of A readers will understand!

Remembering One Fine Photographer

Dia de los Muertos Festival

Altar celebrating the life of Birmingham photographer Spider Martin

Back of the Truck II

Looks like I've found a new series at the Pepper Place this summer.  Some good stuff in the back of the farmers' pickups!

Bob Marley called.....

...he wants his dog back!

These Gates Have a Story

I have been fascinated with these big rusted doors at Fritz Woehle's Garages for many years.  I was lucky enough to find him there once when taking some students for  a shoot., and he told me that the white metal design came from windows in the old Birmingham Terminal Station, which was demolished in 1969 (1909-1969), another regretful note in B'ham's history.  He had them placed on these old rusted garage doors and I LOVE THEM!  The sticker/sign just added more interest for me.

Somebody....

met the balloon guy at Art in Avondale Park!

Fixins

 The Gumbo Gala at Sloss Furnaces was a very successful fundraiser for The Episcopal Place.  I had the pleasure of photographing the event.  I'll let you decide which were ingredients!

Look Familiar?

The first time I walked in El Barrio, B'ham's hottest new Mexican restaurant ( pun intended), I took one look at the light fixtures and said, "I've seen those thingys somewhere before!"  Turns out that they are
"gravity exhaust vents", according to my "experts".  If not for their expertise,  I'd still be calling them "one of those things that spin around on roofs".  I like them even better as cool light fixtures!   Regardless, this is one very busy spot downtown and you might want to have lunch or dinner there soon. I plan too!

El Barrio

2211 2nd Avenue North