Sunday, August 31, 2008

Painted Lady (Camera Critters)

A Painted Lady butterfly lights upon orange and yellow lantana. Despite living only a couple of weeks, these speckled lepidoptera are probably the most widespread butterfly in the world.

This is Camera Critters Sunday, so hop on over HERE to view more.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Tucks, Tatting and Crochet

The sewing arts of tucks, tatting and crochet grace this antique bed at the Sturdivant Hall Museum. Back in the 19th Century, women took great pride in such skills, but these days, I have to wonder who has time for them?
My, my! We are too busy blogging!

Friday, August 29, 2008

Sky Blue (Skywatch Friday)

The heavens were sky blue one day last week, and Sturdivant Hall Museum seemed the perfect match for this week's Skywatch Friday photograph.

Check out the skies in other participating Skywatch photos HERE.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Muddy River

It's been a long, long time since the Alabama River at Selma has been this muddy or this high, and I wonder where these boaters are heading in the swift current. Tropical Storm Fay brought more than seven inches of rain to our area, replenishing our waterways, at least temporarily. The meteorologists said that only a tropical system could bring enough rain to even begin to quench last year's devastating drought. Now, we hear that Tropical Storm Gustav is expected to become a major hurricane and hit somewhere along the Gulf Coast in the next several days!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Election Savvy

Rain or shine, these campaigners for Selma City Council candidate Monica Newton were prepared for the all-day job of greeting voters before they made their way into the Byrd School polling place. Dr. Newton, a family-practice physician and political newcomer, won over four other candidates with about 60 percent of the vote.

Selma also elected a new mayor. Council President George Evans defeated two-term incumbent James Perkins and two other contenders with 56 percent of the vote.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

POWER!

Got power?

We didn't for 15 straight hours Saturday and Sunday and again for eight hours on Monday. But thanks to these crews from Pike Electric Corporation, headquartered in Mount Airy, N.C., we've got lights tonight and computer access! You really don't realize how addictive these computers are until you're without them...

These crews put power lines back together on a closed section of Summerfield Road in north Dallas County. I suppose that Tropical Storm Fay caused the damage although the winds weren't especially strong yesterday, but at times the rain was heavy. We've received several inches of welcome precipitation, and there's more expected.

Now, for all you Selma and Valley Grande citizens, we're electing our mayors and city councils today, so please go to the polls and exercise your VOTING POWER!

Monday, August 25, 2008

Rolling Out the Red Carpet

Robert Gordon not only cooks lunch for friends and neighbors once a month or so; he gives them the "Red Carpet Treatment." The proprietor of Gordon's Antiques on Mabry Street threw a front-porch get-together last Friday, and I was fortunate to be included!

Guests arrived between noon and 2 p.m. to a grilled hamburger buffet. Of course, being neighborly, they helped out and brought along side dishes and condiments such as baked beans, potato salad, shrimp, chips, tomatoes and cantaloupe.

It was a congregation of folks from varying walks of life: doctors, lawyers, retail business owners, stay-at-home moms, babies, museum directors, retirees, community volunteers and newcomers who just moved here from Phoenix, Arizona.

A good time was had by all!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Hummingbird

One of my sons spotted this hummingbird in our zinnias and got his camera. So here it is...for Camera Critters Sunday!
To see more cute critters, head on over to HERE.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Through My Eyes...Selma's Historic Architecture

All you photographers out there...get your cameras ready or sift through that portfolio. There's a contest coming up to show off your creative skills and Selma's architecture!

Arts Revive is again sponsoring a photography contest to coincide with Riverfront Market Day. The theme is "Through My Eyes...Selma's Historic Architecture," and my goodness, Selma does have some unique architecture! Just choose a corner, and take your pick!

Here's the rules:
1. Follow the theme.
2. The photos must be a view of all or some part of one of Selma's historic buildings.
3. The photos must include architecture but may also include anything in the surrounding landscape such as gardens, trees, river, wildlife.
4. All entries must be at least 8x10 and must be matted and clear wrapped or framed.
5. No digitally enhanced photos are eligible.
6. Photos should focus on the local beauty of our area.
7. Unusual shots are encouraged.
8. Photos may be either color or black and white.
9. All photos will become the property of Arts Revive and will not be returned.
10. Prizes will be awarded in both the adult and student divisions. ($100 first place, $50 second place, Riverfront Market Day T-Shirt, third place and People's Choice Award.
11. Deadline for submission is October 1, 2008.
12. Submit entries to the Real Estate Gallery at 706 Broad St. between 9 AM and 4:30 PM. Its phone number is 334-874-8182.
13. All entries must be labeled on the back with the a) Title of Photo b) Photographer's Name c) Phone Number d) Category (Adult or Student) e) School - if applicable



Friday, August 22, 2008

Evening View from Lafayette Park (Skywatch Friday)

Here's the evening view from Lafayette Park. Just take a seat on the bench and enjoy!

Stay seated and cruise on over to other Skywatch photos HERE.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Princess

Here's Princess... in acrylic. She was drawn by artist Sallie O'Brien is displayed at Selma Art Guild's Gallery, 508 Selma Ave. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday for its juried Summer Show. Art Guild members say bring your lunch and eat at the gallery while seeing art from all across the Black Belt.

Hmmmm, I wonder what Princess was looking at when the artist drew her?
Maybe goldfish in a bowl?

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Valley Grande Political Forum

Selma's not the only town headed toward municipal elections. Nearby Valley Grande also elects its mayor and council August 26. The Valley Grande Exchange Club sponsored a political forum at Martin Middle School, and here, incumbent Mayor Tom Lee responds to questions. The other mayoral candidate, Terry Hughes, listens at right, and moderator Benjamin Austin, stands at the back. Seated at left are city council candidates. All were given two minutes for introductory speeches, then responded to questions from the audience.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

The Shady Lane

This view of Alabama Avenue reminds me of the old song, "In the Good Ole Summertime." Here's the (somewhat) shady lane.

Monday, August 18, 2008

The Cottage Life


This charming Victorian cottage in Old Town caught my eye immediately. I can just picture someone sitting in those white rockers and having a lemonade as they watch the neighbors go by. From the bay window to the gingerbread trim, the banisters and color choices, I can't think of a thing that I would want different. The house was built in 1873 by George L. Waller.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Camera Critters)

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterflies are loving our zinnias this summer. The butterflies are either black and blue or yellow and black. The yellow version is Selma's official butterfly.
What other critters have been especially photographed today?
Take a look at the Camera Critters Meme HERE.

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Zinnia

It's late summer. It's hot. It's humid, and the giant zinnias love it!

Friday, August 15, 2008

Almost Dark

It's Skywatch Friday again, and the sky transitions from blue to dark blue over the Songs of Selma Park as night sets in.
In the background, you can see the top of the Pettus Bridge.

Other skies are awaiting you! Head on over to SKYWATCH!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Campaigning in Ward 3

Selma is just a couple weeks away from municipal elections. This picket fence in Old Town Historic District's Ward 3 has made a perfect background for these political signs.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Summer Scenes, Upriver

The late afternoon sun spotlights the railroad bridge upriver from Lafayette Park off Selma's Water Avenue.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Summer Scenes

So, it's time to pack the beach vacation photos and return to Selma scenes.

I have photos of the Vaughan-Smitherman Museum through spring and fall and winter, and here it is in summer. Spanish Moss is growing in the crepe myrtle tree and makes a nice foreground.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Perdido Pass Bridge

The Perdido Pass Bridge curves its way across Alabama Point to Ono Island and Perdido Key. The Florida line is close by. I took this photo from the Southern Rose tour boat as we were docking after a two-hour cruise. We saw homes along Ono Island and dolphins in Perdido Bay.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Flight

"For most gulls, it is not flying that matters, but eating. For this gull, though, it was not eating that mattered, but flight."
...Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

Today is Camera Critters Sunday. Fly on over right HERE to view more!

Saturday, August 9, 2008

The Sunset Beach Event

Where are all these people headed at sunset on the beach?

The magnificent sky colors had nothing to do with it, but the oranges, golds, pinks and eventually purples sure added a dramatic setting.

We were taking photographs at this Gulf State Park section in Orange Beach on August 4 when people started gathering around a person carrying a bucket. Then, they lined up on each side of a trench that led from the sand to the gulf. Curious, we meandered over and joined the crowd. The group leader requested no flash photographs and asked everybody to be as quiet as possible. Then the event commenced!

What was the event?
For the answer, click HERE.
Be sure to watch the videos too!

Friday, August 8, 2008

Morning at Orange Beach (Skywatch Friday)

This is morning at Orange Beach, Alabama where the break of waves and call of seagulls are the only sounds. There were a few hovering clouds due to Tropical Storm Eduardo way out in the western gulf, and the tides were stronger than usual, so red flags dotted the beach.
We drove less than four hours from Selma to get here, and the area has recovered beautifully from Hurricane Ivan in 2004.The hurricane plowed through the Cayman Islands before heading north through the Gulf of Mexico. It's eye came in at Perdido Beach near the Alabama-Florida state line.
Alabama's beaches are family friendly, and at our condo complex, we saw cars from Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Check out more Skywatch photos HERE.


Thursday, August 7, 2008

Mahi Mahi!

Greetings from the Alabama Gulf Coast!
Among Selmians' favorite vacation spots is Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. The trip to the beach is only about three and a half hours driving the speed limit, and besides sand, sun and fishing, there is plenty of good seafood. Here's the Grilled Mahi Mahi and Shrimp entree at Calypso Joe's Caribbean Grille located at Orange Beach Marina. Mahi Mahi is dolphin fish, not Flipper! I tried it and liked its mild flavor, plus it was about the size of a small steak! No dessert after this meal!

(Sorry to have missed your posts. I was away from the Internet and plan on catching up!)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Paintsicles

"Paintsicles," a photograph by Jim Morris, won second place in the photography category of the Selma Art Guild's Summer Show. A work of art!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

The Two Cats

This pair of cats, a feline and a catfish, were painted by Mike Handley and displayed at the Selma Art Guild Gallery during the Art Walk. As you can see, catfish are called catfish because they have whiskers. In The Black Belt region of Alabama, there are catfish in the rivers and catfish raised in farm ponds...the kind you buy at the grocery store.

Monday, August 4, 2008

A Father's Love

Ahh...this is how summer should be...enjoying family amid butterflies and bubbles!

This pastel titled "A Father's Love" was painted by Nate Brown and was on display at The Frame Shoppe during the August 1 Art Walk in Selma.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Home Sweet Home (Camera Critters)

I thought this house was for the birds, but it appears that grasshoppers have taken a fancy to it.

I wonder if they are inspecting it for shelter or if they're eyeing the flowers in pots by the porch!

This is Camera Critters Sunday, so follow this link to other critters' pictures.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Yellow Music Filled the Sky


These vibrant colors quickly caught my attention, and I see the judge like them too!
"Yellow Music Filled the Sky," an opaque painting by Cam Walker, won Best in Category at the Selma Art Guild's 2008 Summer Show. A preview art walk and reception were held Friday evening at the gallery on Selma Avenue. (The table of food was a work of art itself!) Two other galleries, The Frame Shoppe and Real Estate Gallery, joined the art tour.


Larry Manning of The Magic Kiln Pottery in Pace, Fla., judged the show. Categories included Opaque, Transparent, Photography, Mixed Media, Three Dimensional and Works on Paper.

The Selma Art Guild displays works of Selma and other Black Belt artists in a turn-of-the-century cottage in Old Towne.

Friday, August 1, 2008

High-Wheel Bicycle (August Theme Day - Metal)

METAL is the theme for August's City Daily Photo Blogs, and bicycles became all-metal machines in 1870. Prior to then, metallurgy did not produce metal that was strong enough for small, light parts.

This appears to be a rusty high-wheel bike anchored in front of The Harmony Club residence on Water Avenue, although it's missing some parts.

The two-wheelers became quite popular during the 1880s but were very expensive and owned primarily by young men with financial means. The average worker could expect to save six months salary to afford such a luxury. However, he could also expect to have several head-first accidents since the rider sat so high.

Be sure and visit the other heavy and/or light metal photos from around the world!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants