Thursday, July 31, 2008

Downtown Florals

Downtown Selma is filled with flowers this time of year including these white beauties by the Dallas County Courthouse.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Where's the Toad?

Although not unique to Selma, these toadstools (mushrooms) have been appearing all over town lately, and we hardly saw any of them last year!

Now, all they need is a toad to sit upon them.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Art Walk

This pretty fish is looking to swim her way into the hearts of art enthusiasts. She is among paintings by Candice Ward at The Frame Shoppe and will be featured in Selma's First Art Walk on Friday, August 1.

The walk is sponsored by local art galleries and frame shops. They will be open for refreshments and viewing from 4 til 8 p.m. Galleries include the Selma Art Guild, which is having a preview reception in advance of its summer juried art show.

Along with the fish, Candice has several other ocean-themed paintings on display.

The Frame Shoppe is located on Water Avenue adjacent to the St. James Hotel. The Selma Art Guild is at 508 Selma Ave.

Monday, July 28, 2008

From Carter's Corner

Here's a typical summer day in downtown Selma. This view is from the corner of Carter Drug Co. I recently posted another view looking toward the store HERE.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Pet the Alligator (Camera Critters)

Well...never thought I'd hold an alligator!

This little charmer drew plenty of attention last week at the McClelland's Critters Petting Zoo downtown at the libary. The baby gator, which has no teeth yet, is sitting in my left hand while I focus the camera in my right hand. Other critters on tour were baby Bengal Tigers and a magnificent python. The zoo brought them all the way from Banks, Alabama.

Take a look at the rest of God's beautiful creatures at Camera Critters!

Saturday, July 26, 2008

The Old and the Unusual

Everyman Books on Martin Luther King Jr. Street offers a lot more merchandise than books, although books alone are enough to get my attention. There's a couple of old quilts like Great-Grandma used to make and plenty of beads and baubles, musical instruments, bric-a-brac and area travel information.

The owner teaches a few music lessons on the side, and the place is becoming known for its Open Mic Nights once a month. That's where you, yes YOU, can sing your songs, play your music or recite your poetry and prose. Tonight, however, features a mini-concert with two Alabama musicians. Joe Kirkwood, who has written songs about Old Cahawba, bridges, the Alabama River and growing up in Birmingham, is the featured performer. Local songwriter Destiny Brown opens the show. Cost is only $5. Oh yes, the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.


Friday, July 25, 2008

Stretched

The arms of a crane stretch over the edge of the Edmund Pettus Bridge one bright blue day last spring as renovations were under way. What do these arms look like to you?

Check out more Skywatch Friday photos HERE.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

View Down the Fence Line

Here's the view down the ornamental fence line toward the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The fence is in an area known as Lafayette park, just off Grumbles Alley and near the rear of the St. James Hotel and The Restaurant on Grumbles Alley.

Notice how the kudzu has been cut back from the fence. Last summer, the kudzu was allowed to roam all the way to the ironwork.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Covered in Kudzu

Here's KUDZU, the stuff that strangles forests, traps vehicles and stalls military tanks.

And NO, I'm not kidding!

This vine grows a foot or more a day in the southern U.S. and elsewhere around the world. Here, it covers the riverbank behind the St. James Hotel. If you dare to brave this abode of copperhead snakes, be sure to collect its wysteria-like blossoms in August, and make jelly!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Signs

The rear of some of the older buildings along Water Avenue reveals signs such as these. The Purina Chows sign is posted at the former Dallas Feed & Seed. It can only be seen from the Alabama River and perhaps the Pettus Bridge... or if you take a stroll through the back alley.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Deliveries Only

The old riverfront warehouse buildings along Water Avenue offer some interesting photo opportunities. I especially like their rustic appeal.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Gargoyles? (Camera Critters Sunday)

Imagine looking up and seeing a real live "gargoyle" staring down!

I was taking pictures of the interesting gargoyle-like face (bottom right) when the feeling that whispers "You are not alone!" became urgent. I assume this is the resident dog at The Harmony Club (a private residence) downtown on Water Avenue. Of course, this was the perfect "Camera Critters" opportunity, if only he would hold that pose. He did, and I didn't get pounced upon. Then, he retreated back into his abode.

Needless to say, this photo was taken with haste, hence the lack of sharpness.

Check out the other fantastic Camera Critters HERE.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Inside the Tin Man's Gallery

Here's a peek inside The Tin Man's art studio next to Everyman Books. What do you suppose these recycled parts could be? My best guess is a raptor.
The gallery is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Street in the same building as the bookstore and next to Holley's Farm and Garden Center...all at the foot of Water Avenue.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Window Dressing (Skywatch Friday)

This "window dressing" is a reflection of the July sky and a building across Water Avenue from The Harmony Club.

A Jewish social organization, The Harmony Club building was constructed in 1909. It housed a ballroom, restaurant and lounge and was the site of many parties and dances. Later, the building hosted the Elks Club but was vacant from 1960 until 1999 when David Hurlbut purchased it and began the current renovation as a private residence and retail spaces.

Click the Harmony Club link for fantastic photos of its interior.

Now, head on over HERE for more Skywatch Friday photos, now hosted by Tom, Sandy and Imac. Thanks, y'all!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Checkers, Anyone?

Not far from the Old Depot Museum, Everyman Books offers checkerboard tables on its front porch. Bring your checkers and play awhile, or go inside and browse hundreds of interesting books and novelty collections. The proprietor has everything from old stoves and quilts to jewelry, handbags and area travel information.

Also in the building, Charlie "The Tin Man" Lucas might be found working in his art and sculpture studio.

Then, on the second Friday every month, participate in "Open Mic" Night. Read
your poetry or sing and play your song. Everyone is welcome!

Everyman Books is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Street next door to Holley's Farm and Garden Center.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Good Reading

If you're into reading true tales of the South, check out the book corner at Carter Drug Co. in downtown Selma. Here are just two of many shelves stocked with good books. There's a whole section filled with local and regional books, including the new edition of Alabama: One Big Front Porch by Selma author and storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham. (I showed you my original, worn copy recently.)

Then, imagine my surprise when Smilnsigh of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., informed me that she recently ordered "Miss Kathryn's" book from Amazon after reading about it on this blog, and on Tuesday, she posted a picture of it on her blog. (Hope you are enjoying it, Smilnsigh!)

You can listen to "Miss Kathryn" tell her stories in person at the Alabama Tale Tellin' Festival Oct. 10 and 11. That's the same weekend as Riverfront Market Day and the unveiling of the butterfly sculptures.

Now, look closely at the book on the left side of the top shelf...House of Abraham. That's a book about Abe Lincoln's (both the president and the Brookville, Ohio, blogger) Confederate kin...or rather his wife's kin. Some of the Todds lived in Selma during the "War of Northern Aggression, and they sure weren't Yankees! This book tells the story of Lincoln's "House Divided."



Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Dining Out!

This is what I call a real DINING OUT experience!
The Restaurant on Grumbles Alley recently added an enclosure to create a cozy outdoor dining atmosphere. It is located between Water Avenue and the Alabama River just down the street from the St. James Hotel. Good food too! Oh, and don't miss Thursday nights...there is live music.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Homegrown Tomatoes

Nothin' beats homegrown tomatoes in the summertime!
I spotted these little tomatoes ripening in cages just outside the St. James Hotel terrace.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

In the Pink

When in Selma in July, the heat and humidity are a lot more tolerable when the on and off rain showers produce lovely pink lilies such as this.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Christmas in the Summertime

It's Christmas in the Summertime at Truax & Co. downtown. This unique shop located next to Butler Truax Jewelers stocks gifts for every occasion and has been featured in such magazines as Southern Lady.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Carter Drug Co.

One of the most attractive corners in downtown Selma is that of Carter Drug. Co. I love the hanging ferns and posts out front as well as the red cycle parked on the sidewalk!
I will take you inside this longtime store later. The drugstore is well known for staying open late so folks can get those after-hours and emergency prescriptions filled.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Bird Watching

A good place to watch birds is on a bench in the library courtyard.
I was only there a few minutes, and several different birds flew over to the fountain to test the water. This photo is greatly enlarged so is not sharp...just wish I could have gotten closer with the camera.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

"Hand"some Butterfly

Four hands together make a BUTTERFLY!

This colorful paper creation was made by a day camper at the St. Edmund Learning Center in Selma. Sponsored by Edmundite Missions, the center is working with dozens of children each afternoon for the five-week summer session. Arts and crafts are a favorite activity, but they also get to learn computer skills, read books just for fun, play games and enjoy a handbell choir concert from a group all the way from Illinois...not to mention last week's entertaining and educational McWane Science Center demonstration.

Back to the butterfly...I love the look on this one's face, and of course I must add that Selma is the Butterfly Capital of Alabama. Not only that, butterflies will soon land all over historic downtown in the form of sculptures that are painted and decorated by local artists. It's known as The Butterfly Project. The sculptures will be unveiled October 10 just before the Alabama Tale Tellin' Festival and Riverfront Market Day weekend. They'll be up for sightseeing until Thanksgiving. Come see!




Monday, July 7, 2008

Pot 'O Pine Cone

This lovely statue graces the courtyard behind the Performing Arts Center, but someone (not me!) decided to add a pine cone to the bowl.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Monarch

We don't see many monarch butterflies, but this one was found intact on the grill of my husband's truck. Here, it is nestled on a rosemary branch.

See more Camera Critters here.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Pretty Peachy

Peaches are prime these days for eating off the vine, in a cobbler or cranking up some homemade ice cream. I'll be eating something with peaches today...as well as shucking corn, snapping beans and putting squash in the freezer. Yum! there is nothing tastier than fresh summer fruits and veggies!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Celebrate! (Skywatch Friday)

Fireworks light up the night sky at last year's Independence Day celebration in Valley Grande. Americans declared themselves independent of Great Britain on this day in 1776.

This year's festivities will be Saturday, July 5 at the city park. Come on up at 5 p.m. for a barbecue pork ribs cookoff, tug of war and fireworks spectacular. Admission is FREE.

Selma's celebration is tonight at Memorial Stadium and will feature speeches, choirs, soloists, sing-a-longs and fireworks.

Head on over to Wiggers World and see more fantastic Skywatch photos.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

From the Master's Hand

The hands of Allen Ham mold the clay that forms the shape of these pitchers and bowls. Ham was among craftsmen who participated in Artisans' Day, and he demonstrated pottery throwing for the crowd.

Hmmm...this looks like what would be found in my grandmother's kitchen cabinets.

Here is a link to Black Belt Treasures that features a clay jack-0-lantern by Ham.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Bridge to Freedom Park Path

Head down these steps on your journey to the bank of the Alabama River at Bridge to Freedom Memorial Park across the Pettus Bridge in Selmont. There are plaques along the way honoring and memorializing leaders in the Civil Rights Movement.

(Note: At times, this area is very grown up, but it makes a nice, short stroll when kept up.)

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

No Parking on Bridge (July Theme Day)

Today is Theme Day for the City Daily Photo Blogs, and city photos bloggers from around the world are posting "NO" signs.
I looked and looked for something unique and finally settled for a picture I took last year...hence the reason some of the letters are cut off. I wasn't thinking "Theme Day" when I took it.

But I must ask: Who would try to park their vehicle on a bridge, especially one that has no emergency lane? I don't know, but this "No Parking on Bridge" sign should discourage that thought. Perhaps, it's purpose is to keep someone from stopping their car and throwing a fishing line across the rail and into the Alabama River below!

Traffic is usually pretty brisk across the bridge anyway, despite the 20 mph sign!

Hey, don't stop at this "NO" sign! There are others just waiting for you at these thumbnail images below!

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by freefalling, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Bandung, Indonesia by Harry Makertia, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Birmingham (AL), USA by VJ, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Brantford (ON), Canada by Nancy, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Bucaramanga, Colombia by Fernando, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cavite, Philippines by Steven Que, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chennai, India by Shantaram, Chesapeake (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Cincinnati, USA by Erik Laursen, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Delta (CO), USA by Bill, Duluth (MN), USA by Sun Dog Press, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Folkestone, UK by Piskie, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gaia, Portugal by m+p, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Hanoi, Vietnam by Jérôme, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jerusalem, Israel by Esther, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lakewood (OH), USA by mouse, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Lynchburg (VA), USA by Timothy, Mainz, Germany by JB, Melbourne, Australia by John, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monroe (GA), USA by Tanya, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Munich, Germany by Troy, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, Newcastle, Australia by Julia, Newport News (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Ocean Township (NJ), USA by Josy, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Palos Verdes (CA), USA by tash, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Phoenix (AZ), USA by Cheryl, Poplar Bluff (MO), USA by Tricia, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Posadas, Argentina by Lega, Pretoria, South Africa by Sam Ruth, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Santa Fe (NM), USA by Randem, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Norma, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Silver Spring (MD), USA by John, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stanwood (WA), USA by MaryBeth, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Stratford, Canada by Barb, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tamarindo, Costa Rica by David, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Tempe (AZ), USA by angie, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Toulouse, France by Julia, Trujillo, Peru by Giulianna, Turin, Italy by Livio, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by D.C. Confidential, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine,