Boom Day

I invited my mother and my cousin Marc to take in Fort Payne's Boom Day Festival. We actually went for the bands (I have friends in a band called Rock Candy so I went to support them) but I was happy to take in the other fun sites: a corvette car show, the food-including a BBQ cook off, and arts and crafts. And festivals are a perfect place to people watch....so if you are like me, you will enjoy looking, and documenting. I met such interesting characters and I always feel enlightened and blessed by getting to know new people. I always end up learning a lot...and not just about someone else, but myself too. The pictures below are from the festival, I hope you enjoy!

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

For Labor Day we wanted an activity that was, well "labor" free, so we hoped in the car and headed to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Alabama's largest living museum with more than 10,000 different plants in its living collections. The Gardens' 67.5 acres contains 25+ unique gardens, 30+ works of original outdoor sculpture and miles of serene paths. The Gardens features the largest public horticulture library in the U.S., conservatories, a wildflower garden, two rose gardens, the Southern Living garden, and Japanese Gardens with a traditionally crafted tea house.
And what sweetens the deal to the gardens, it's free! I thought I would invite you to come along with me as we explored the gardens. Hope you wore your walking shoes ;)

































Ahhh! What a beautiful day to be in the sunshine! I hope you enjoyed the trip as much as I did.

I do want to make mention of an event that will be coming soon to the Birmingham Botanical Gardens, it is called "Southern Turkey Tales, Greens and Get Togethers" and features treasured storytellers, Dolores Hydock and (hold your breathe) the incredible and legendary Kathryn Tucker Windham.



Last year I attempted to purchase tickets last minute and didn't get to attend. I hear that the general admission show (limited seating) sells out quickly, so if you are interested I would advise you to purchase your tickets NOW, like I did. I will NOT miss this year! The show (held in the lecture hall) is scheduled for Sunday, November 7, 2-4 p.m. and cost is $25.00 per ticket.

A DEAL to listen as Ms. Windham shares her memories and tales with her captive audience. The tales will consist of basically southernisms, and will be weaved with such a painted vision of words you will marvel at her artistry. Did I mention, you really should attend!

To purchase your tickets please visit:
http://www.bbgardens.org/ or call 205.414.3958
 
Tags: Outdoor Wednesday with Susan: A Southern Daydreamer

The Rutledge Family

Today I photographed the Rutledge Family (who happens to be my brother and his gorgeous family). They were smart and wanted to go ahead and scheduled their Christmas card portraits before the rush of the season. I highly recommend it for anyone who is considering it.
It's always a joy to be around my nieces. They love their "Crazy Aunt Leigh". And I love them to the moon and back.