The Lucky One

Friday evening my friends, the Clematis Club, threw me and another member ("Happy Hour") a birthday luau celebration. Its the big number for me. I turn 40 August 4th. I got the most wonderful gifts: jewelry, homemade treats, candles, and a donation made in my name to the Humane Society. They all know me so well. But the real gifts....is the friendships of each of these extraordinary, talented, dedicated women and their beautiful families.I couldn't help but reflect that night as I saw the laughter and the dancing....that I am the Lucky One to have such precious gifts. God is great.

Ps....I guess THIS is how a pirate looks at forty.

Linking to Outdoor Wednesday

Red Moon

Big Daddy and I have been walking nightly now since March. I am amazed at all we have seen on our walks. Nature, wildlife...the things I find facinating. Friday's red moon was one of those facinating things. It stopped me in my tracks. I stared...and then I got my camera. Isn't it glorious?

Stay Gold Ponyboy

"Nothing Gold can Stay", the poem by Robert Frost. I think of it when I see a sunrise..or a sunset depending on the colors. It also conjurs up find memories of watching the Outsiders movie over and over again. The scene where Ponyboy recited that poem to Johnny was a great one. I grabbed my "Ponyboy", Jack and he and I took to a perfect spot for watching the sun dip down over the ridge. What a beautiful show!

PIckles

My friend, Laura Beth knows how I love pickles. She so kindly made me up a jar with a precious little tag and gave them to me. She said they were "prepared sweet and a lil spicy...like her friend." Thank you LB! They were delicious...tasted like Grandma Bratina's That's a HUGE compliment. Must get the recipe!

Buy one Get One Special

Simple Life

I had a portrait session with the Stegall family. I wanted to photograph them and have it appear like it were a time set in the 40's. Simple times.

Wedding Day

My friend Charnita and I teamed up to photograph the wedding of Andrea and Lamar. Here are some of my favorite pictures that I took from the night:

Pepper Place

Went to Pepper Place today. What? Not familiar with Pepper Place? It consist of several blocks where the old Dr. Pepper building is in the Lakeview District of downtown Birmingham. Today the area consist of shops and restaurants and during the spring into early fall, every Saturday there is a wonderful farmers market where farmers drive to sell the fruits of their labors.  There you can find home grown vegetables and flowers, bake breads and cookies, cakes and pies,local bee products. In addition to farmers, bakers and beekeepers you can enjoy local musicians on two stages while sipping a fresh cup of coffee or enjoying a light breakfast. There is a cooking demonstration at 9:00 a.m. every Saturday morning by Birmingham's finest chefs. And that's just the market... While you're there, don't forget to check out the shops that have made Pepper Place known as the city's premier design center.

Pepper Place Address:
2901 2nd Ave S
Birmingham, AL 35233
Get directions: To here - From here

Please join me at Tales from Bloggeritaville in my Open House Segments.
And for Thursday's Thrifty Thursday!
Linking to Outdoor Wednesday.

Come with me as I tour the Saturday Farmers Market.....

Session

I had a portrait session scheduled. The kids came with me, which was a first. I shot in a park so they enjoyed the playground with I focused on my clients. Before the family arrived, I shot a couple (literally) warm up shots of Elaina and Jack, checking lighting. I loved how these turned out of the two of them. Now if I can convince Brock to join in my family photo....



















I have mentioned before that when we go walking or hiking, I collect heart shaped rocks. The little girl of the family I photographed got out of her car and immediately found this one. I loved this picture!

Camp Dassau-Swim Day

Nasty Habits

I grew concerned when I saw my shih-tsu, Jeffery, walking through the house with this in his mouth.

















Do you think there is a patch for rawhide?
And I am a bit concerned of withdrawals. It could get ugly. He really enjoys his nightly chew.

PS- I am going to get one thing taken care of for sure. He is in need of a haircut. BAD.

Trip into Homewood

Took a quick trip into Homewood today.
Ate at Saw BBQ (Edgewood). My lunch date (my mother) deemed it "the best BBQ in the Ham". That says alot. I LOVEd the sauce. Spicy, vingary-delicious! And if the BBQ wasn't worth the trip alone...one must try the marinated slaw and cucumbers!























I have long adored this little house in Homewood. I make a point to drive by and see how it might be decorated. It's owner decorates seasonally. I'm quite certain it must be Mary Englebright herself that dwells under that roof.


















By days end, we noticed a spider in the key hole of the door of the car. My mother named him "Theodoor".

Petals from the Past

One cannot fight a craving. Even if it comes in temperatures that rival that of hell itself. "High Mae" and I wanted blueberries, so we loaded up and headed to Petals from the Past and picked and ate, and picked some more. I beleive we sweat as much as we ate and picked. Quite certain. We picked enough for a good cobbler and some to freeze. Before leaving we headed to the 75% off table, where HM loaded up on some fabulous Halloween dishes for her party in October. Then we hit the $1 trailer for gallon plants that retailed between $7-$10 dollars each. We purchased 18 plants for 18 bucks in the likes of butterfly bushes, daises, lantana, basil, sage, etc.
Now THAT is heavenly!
And speaking fo heavenly, Check out Petals from the Past. Owner and curator, Jason Powell keeps the gardens at Petals just divine!




























I love this sunflower shot...see the bee flying away for another flower? (click for the larger version)

Tagging for Outdoor Wednesday

And I invite you to join me today and all this week in Bloggeritaville for my open house tour.
And tomorrow for Thrifty Thursday! Link will be posted Wednesday evening.