“I absolutely loved meeting this wild horse in Connemara, Ireland. He trotted right up to me from a long distance away. We looked into each other’s eyes, soul to soul.”

This is an old turquoise door that I have loved for so many years which was located on a cobble stone street built in the 1870’s called Morris Avenue in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Unfortunately they torn it down. I love the beauty in old things. They take on a whole new meaning and become art for the heart of the eye.

This old railroad sign captivated my heart. It is located near Sloss Furnace in downtown Birmingham Alabama. I later learned that these old signs are a part of the Historic Birmingham Mineral Railroad Signs Project which was established to commemorate the routes used in 1884-1988. This project echos the old stories of the rails that ran through Birmingham’s industrial past, highlighting the original 1880’s era operation of Sloss Furnaces which ended in 1971. Today Sloss Furnace is a museum and concert venue that highlights the “Magic City’s memories and the part if played in the Industrial Revolution.

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is one of the most iconic and celebrated sculptures in the world. I was captivated by her. She commands attention because of her powerful presence of feminine strength and there is a beautiful feeling of movement that is shown in her wings. I just learned that the sculpture was discovered in 1863 on the island of Samothrace, in the Aegean Sea. She was a part of a sanctuary dedicated to the gods of the sea. This beautiful statue represents Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, whose wings symbolize the swiftness of her triumphs.

One of my favorite places to visit while my girls were growing up was the Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Every special occasion involved a trip to these gorgeous gardens. From photo opportunities (proms, engagements, Easter, baby photos, birthdays, anniversaries, spring, summer or autumn days) to just simply a moment to get away, we came to enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s a southern charm.

The windows and shutters of Paris were so gorgeous I just had to capture this memorable photographic moment.

Notre Dame Cathedral has gone through so many changes since the medieval construction ((1160s-1260s) centuries).This photo was taken before the fire of 2019 which destroyed the roof and spire. i love seeing the sculptures of the kings and gargoyles and of course the beautiful rose window.

Inside was magnificent from the gorgeous high vaulted ceilings to the checkered floors. It was such a wonderful experience to feel the energy of this iconic cathedral.

Inside the Cathedral is breathtakingly beautiful with the Crown of Thorns, a relic acquired by King Louis IX in the 13th century, a 14th century massive organ, 8,000-pipe organ, three huge, colorful rose windows (North, South, West) with complex glasswork. The North represents the Old Testament (Mary & Prophets), the South the New Testament (Christ Triumphant & Saints), and the West (oldest but with replaced glass) features the Madonna, Vices/Virtues, and Zodiac.

Many elegant wrought iron lampposts complement the cathedral's historical setting. I had to capture their beauty.

These iconic Gothic sculptures serve as dual roles such as waterspouts that divert rainwater to protect walls, and symbolically, as hideous monstrous figures warding off evil spirits. Some of these stone figures date back to the 12th-14th centuries, but some were added during 19th-century. The book and movie, "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" played a significant role in renewing public’s interest in the cathedral's architecture.The protagonist Quasimodo who is a bell-ringer, lives among the gargoyles of the cathedral and he considers them his only friends. I got to climb up to the top to get a close up view.

Queen of Sheba and King Solomon statues symbolize the quest for wisdom, divine favor, the recognition of the true God. They also represent the union of East and West.

These gothic gargoyles were inspired by age-old models found on temples in Egypt, Rome, and Greece in the Middle Ages. To reimagine this ancient concept, they looked to French folklore—namely, the 7th-century story of Saint Romain and La Gargouille, a fire-breathing monster whose head was nailed to a church to serve as a waterspout.

excerpt from https://mymodernmet.com/notre-dame-cathedral-grotesques/

These delicious and colorful cookies are my daughter’s favorite cookie so of course we had to go to the world famous Laduree Bakery in Paris.

Brief history

Pierre Desfontaines, created the iconic ganache-filled macaron in the 1930s, making it the first Parisian tea room where women could socialize, establishing it as a luxury brand known for its elegant pastries, especially its colorful macarons. 

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Laduree+bakery+history&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

For our wedding anniversary my daughter treated my husband and me for a unbelievable meal at the Eiffel Tower. Truly a ‘once in a lifetime treat.’

The french restaurant is a Michelin-starred called the…
Le Jules Verne and it serves 5 or 7 courses) with extensive wine pairings. The Paris views are stunning, especially at night and the impeccable, discreet service was so refreshing. Our wait staff kept telling us to please stop thinking her because it was going to be along journey. The gorgeous courses kept coming and the desserts seem to go on forever . It truly was a magical experience.

Experiencing classic Parisian dining was a real treat!
The food is so fresh and delicious. Yes, it’s famous for that but it is something that must be experience with all the senses to truly appreciate the taste!

The gorgeous Tuileries Garden, ‘Jardin des Tuileries’, began in 1564 and was commissioned by Catherine de’ Medici as the garden of the Tuileries Palace in 1564 which features walkways, fountains, and grottoes. It inspired by Italian gardens.

Triumphal Arch of the Carousel was commissioned by Napoleon to celebrate France's military triumphs. Although the first stone was laid on the Emperor's birthday, 15th August 1806 its construction stretched over three decades. It was finally completed in 1836 which was long after Napoleon's death in 1821.

Spectacular views of the most romantic city.

The Eiffel Tower, the most famous landmarks in the world.was built by Gustave Eiffel's company for the 1889 World's Fair

This bridge offer a views of the Tuileries Garden behind (when looking from across the Seine, or from a specific angle.

Triumphal Arch of the Carousel) is a triumphal arch in Paris, located in the Place du Carrousel. This  Neoclassical architecture was built between 1806 and 1808 to commemorate Napoleon's military victories in the Wars of the Third and Fourth Coalitions.

You can feel its historical presence. It’s majestic and it commands your attention.

Louvre Pyramid, is the main entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was designed by architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1989.

We had great views of he city with the Eiffel Tower from the top of Notre Dame Cathedral.

My favorite photo of the Eiffel Tower. Somehow I manage to capture this great shop and I love the colors I highlighted in the background. It was such a magical day that I will never forget.

In 1981, French President François Mitterrand commissioned Chinese-American architect leoh Ming Pei to create the glass pyramid. The president wanted to add a modern entrance to the historic museum.

Pei came up with the idea of a central underground lobby which offered direct access to the museum’s three wings. Pei wanted the Pyramid’s glass sides to be absolutely transparent, so that the Louvre Palace’s historical facades could be admired from both inside and outside the Pyramid.

https://www.louvre.fr/en/explore/the-palace/a-pyramid-for-a-symbol

Pavillon Mollien of The Louvre Palace, Paris, France

I love the beautiful architect of the Louvre.
This lovely building is part of the Denon Wing, which links the museum galleries to the Tuileries Gardens.
It is designed by Hector Lefuel. It was built on Louis Visconti's plans, during the massive Louvre-Tuileries expansion under Napoleon III (completed 1857).

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Pavillon+Mollien+of+The+Louvre+Palace%2C+Paris%2C+France&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

The Louvre Palace is a historic royal palace on the Seine's Right Bank. It is a 12th-century architect containing the world's largest art museum. It houses iconic works like the Mona Lisaand ,Venus de Milo, and serves as a central landmark connected to the Tuileries Gardens and the Grand Axis of Paris. 

https://www.louvre.fr/en/explore/the-palace#

The statue is a masterpiece of Greek sculpture from the Hellenistic era, dating from the beginning of the 2nd century BC (190 BC). It is composed of a statue representing the goddess Nike (Victory), whose head and arms are missing, and a base in the shape of a ship's bow.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winged_Victory_of_Samothrace

The iconic Pont Alexandre III bridge spanning the Seine in Paris, with a silhouette of the Eiffel Tower in the background.

The Louvre was originally a 12th-century Romanesque fortress but it has evolved dramatically throughout history. It was built by King Philip II in 1190, then it was transformed into a Renaissance palace by King Francis I in 1546.

Other monarchs continued to expand the structure, including Henry IV who wanted to connect various residences along the Seine.

After the French Revolution, Napoleon significantly expanded the museum's collection through his conquests.

The most recent transformation came under President Mitterrand, who commissioned architect I.M. Pei to create the iconic glass pyramid and reorganize the museum's interior spaces.

What began as a royal fortress has become the world's largest museum, symbolizing French cultural pride and transforming from a palace for royalty to a treasure house for the public.

Taken from": https://study.com/academy/lesson/video/architecture-of-the-louvre-palace.html

The photo captures the detailed architecture of the palace's garden facade and a large, ornate stone vase in the foreground.

the palace is located outside Paris. It was the principal royal residence of France from 1682, under the rule of Louis XIV, until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.

The history of Versailles is inextricably linked with the figure of Louis XIV. Although the location existed for centuries before the sovereign, Louis XIV developed a genuine liking for Versailles early on, and decided to extend it beyond the chateau that had grown out of the hunting lodge of brick and stone first built by his father. The King, who could see great things for the chateau and the forests around it, took on the role of architect himself, and built a masterpiece with which he would forever be associated.

https://en.chateauversailles.fr/discover/history#the-reign-of-louisxiv1638-1715

The photograph captures the ornate, painted ceiling of a room within the historic French palace. It emphasizes the intricate details and dramatic lighting of the baroque artwork and stucco. The central oval fresco depicts a mythological scene with numerous figures, characteristic of the palace's grand interior design.

The photo captures the intricate details of the pillars and Gothic arches within the cathedral. Several ornate, lit chandeliers are visible in the foreground and mid-ground. The lighting and monochromatic tone give the image a dramatic and atmospheric feeling.

The image is of the large exterior clock face of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris, France.The building was originally the Gare d'Orsay, a railway station that opened for the 1900 Universal Exposition. 

The station was designed by architects Victor Laloux, Lucien Magne, and Émile Bénard. 

The text "PARIS-ORLEANS" and "PO" on the stone facade refer to the Chemin de Fer de Paris à Orléans railway company that used the station. 

The station became outdated and largely vacant by the 1970s as its tracks could no longer accommodate longer, modern trains. 

It was officially converted into a museum in 1977 and now houses the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musée_d%27Orsay#:~:text=The%20museum%20building%20was%20originally,molded%20to%20accommodate%20modern%20life.

This image shows the Grand Palais (Great Palace) in Paris, France, viewed from across the Seine River. It is a historic site, exhibition hall, and museum complex built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition. 

The architecture is a notable example of the Belle Époque style, featuring a large glass dome, stone, and steel. 

It is located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, between the Champs-Élysées and the Seine. 

The image is a photo of the cafe and restaurant Aux Tours de Notre Dame in Paris, France.

 It is a traditional French brasserie located near the Notre Dame cathedral. 

We had a delicious french meal. A great time!

This image displays a classic Parisian street sign for the Boulevard Saint-Germain, which is a major historic thoroughfare on the Left Bank of Paris. It is located in the 7th arrondissement (Arrondissement) of Paris. 

The boulevard is known for its architecture, high-end shops, and historic cafés that were once the center of intellectual and artistic life. 

The Statue of Thetis is a 2nd-century AD marble sculpture of the Nereid Thetis (mother of Achilles in Greek mythology), discovered in 1764 in Italy. It is now located at the Louvre.

The figure in the image is standing on an element shaped like a stylized wave or prow of a ship, which is a common iconographic element for sea deities like Thetis. 

The image shows an aerial view of the Palace of Westminster, commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, in London, England. 

The Gothic architecture of the building was designed by Sir Charles Barry after a fire destroyed much of the original palace in 1834. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Westminster#:~:text=The%20Palace%20of%20Westminster%20is,the%20United%20Kingdom%20in%20general.

The image shows the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben.The tower is part of the Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster) in London, England. 

"Big Ben" is technically the nickname for the massive bell inside the clock tower, which weighs over 13 tons. 

The tower stands 316 feet (96.3 meters) high and was completed in 1859 in a Gothic Revival style. 

https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/building/palace/big-ben/facts-figures/#:~:text=The%20Elizabeth%20Tower,Caen%20limestone%2C%20imported%20from%20France

The Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge. Until I researched I thought this was London Bridge.

But this bridge is near The Tower of London and it was built between 1886 and 1894, designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel.[2] It crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and is one of five London bridges owned and maintained by the City Bridge Foundation, a charitable trust founded in 1282.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Bridge#:~:text=Tower%20Bridge%20has%20become%20a,American%20purchasing%20the%20wrong%20bridge.

In 2012 when this photo was taken our family went to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and my daughter’s 3rd wedding anniversary. It coincided with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The public could purchase a specific commemorative tea time with little sandwiches and Petit four cakes that were turquoise. It was all so beautiful and delicious.

The image shows the East Front facade of Buckingham Palace in London, which is the administrative headquarters and official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom. 

The building's history began in 1703 as a private residence for the Duke of Buckingham, and it was acquired by King George III in 1762. 

It was later transformed into a grand palace by architect John Nash in 1825 and officially became the royal residence in 1837 under Queen Victoria. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckingham_Palace#:~:text=Buckingham%20Palace%20(UK:%20/ˈ,of%20national%20rejoicing%20and%20mourning.

The image shows the historic Horse Guards building in London. The building, completed in the mid-18th century, serves as the headquarters for the Household Division and the official entrance to St James's and Buckingham Palace. 

It is famous for the daily ceremony of the King's Life Guard change, which has remained largely unchanged for over 350 years. 

We felt fortunate to be able to see the changing of the guards as well as getting to tour the area.

https://www.royalparks.org.uk/visit/parks/st-jamess-park/horse-guards-parade#:~:text=Horse%20Guards%20Parade%20is%20the,two%20successive%20evenings%20in%20June.

This image is of the Buckingham Palace gates which are iconic wrought-iron barriers featuring regal decorations like the Royal Coat of Arms, signifying the official residence of the British Monarch.

The image is of the Tower of London, a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.

William the Conqueror built the central White Tower as a demonstration of Norman power. Henry III ordered the tower whitewashed n 1240. Even today it is sometimes called the White Tower. The Tower has served various purposes throughout its history, including a royal residence, a fortress, and a prison.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Tower_(Tower_of_London)#:~:text=The%20White%20Tower%20is%20a,houses%20the%20Royal%20Armouries%20collections.

The image shows a soldier from the Household Division, a Grenadier Guard, standing guard at the Tower of London.
The guards change every two hours.
They are so focused which it is quite unique to witness.

This photo is of St. Paul’s Cathedral and it was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. It was completed in 1710. 

The dome is one of the largest in the world and is composed of three shells: an outer dome, a concealed brick cone for structural support, and an inner dome. 

The cathedral has hosted many major cultural and religious events, including royal weddings and state funerals. 

It is a significant symbol of London's resilience, having survived the Great Fire of London and the Blitz during World War II. 

https://www.work-tops.com/a/expert/st-pauls-cathedral#:~:text=St%20Paul's%20Cathedral%20is%20unique,history%2C%20and%20that's%20pretty%20special!

The image shows the Statue of Liberty, a universal symbol of freedom and democracy located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. 

This neoclassical sculpture was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the United States. 

It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, with the internal metal framework built by Gustave Eiffel. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, the and it has been cared for by the National Park Service since 1933. 

The statue holds a torch in her right hand and a tablet inscribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence in Roman numerals (July 4, 1776) in her left hand. 

https://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm#:~:text=Liberty%20Enlightening%20the%20World,Statue%20of%20Liberty%20since%201933.

The image shows 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, which is the centerpiece of Rockefeller Center. 

The building is an iconic example of Art Deco architecture, completed in 1933 and designed by Raymond Hood. 
It serves as the headquarters for NBC and houses many of its studios and facilities, as well as the famous "Top of the Rock" observation deck. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_Rockefeller_Plaza#:~:text=30%20Rockefeller%20Plaza%20(officially%20the,the%20world%20when%20it%20opened.

This photo captures a view of the Lower Manhattan skyline from across the Hudson River. 

The image prominently features the One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, visible in the background.

Our family was floating on the boat down the Hudson to see the Statue Liberty and the NYC skyline. It was so refreshing.

The image features One World Trade Center, the primary building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, standing at a symbolic 1,776 feet tall. 

The height in feet deliberately references the year the United States Declaration of Independence was signed. 

The 104-story skyscraper was designed by architect David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

https://libertycruise.nyc/attractions/one-world-trade-center#:~:text=What%20Is%20One%20World%20Trade,tallest%20building%20in%20North%20America.

The image features the streetscape of Times Square in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, with a prominent view of major buildings and billboards. 

The tall building on the left with the large "W" logo is the W New York - Times Square hotel. 

The large, dark skyscraper in the center is One Astor Plaza.
A billboard for the musical Wicked is visible in the lower center of the image. My daughter and I went to see the show on Broadway while we were there.

https://skyscrapers.fandom.com/wiki/One_Astor_Plaza

The image shows the Washington Square Arch in Washington Square Park, New York City. 

The marble triumphal arch was designed by architect Stanford White. 

It was completed in 1892 to commemorate the centennial of George Washington's inauguration as the first U.S. President in 1789. 

The arch features two statues of Washington, added later in 1916 and 1918, depicting him as Commander-in-Chief and as President. 

https://kids.kiddle.co/Washington_Square_Arch#:~:text=The%20Washington%20Square%20Arch%20is%20a%20beautiful,designed%20by%20architect%20Stanford%20White%20in%201892.

The image shows the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park, New York City, featuring the "Angel of the Waters" statue by Emma Stebbins. 

he fountain and the surrounding Bethesda Terrace are iconic architectural features overlooking The Lake in Central Park. 

The statue is an 8-foot-tall bronze sculpture dedicated in 1873, symbolizing the healing power of water. 

It references a passage in the Gospel of John, where an angel blesses the Pool of Bethesda with healing powers. 

The statue holds a lily, symbolizing the purity of the water delivered to New York City via the Croton Aqueduct system. 

https://www.centralparknyc.org/articles/calvert-vaux-bethesda-terrace

Bow Bridge is a cast-iron bridge, built between 1859 and 1862. It connects the areas known as the Ramble and Cherry Hill. The bridge is named for its graceful, curved shape, which resembles an archer's or violinist's bow.  It is considered a masterpiece of Victorian-era design and is one of the most photographed locations in Central Park. 

https://www.centralparknyc.org/locations/bow-bridge

The image features The San Remo, an iconic apartment building in New York City, viewed from Central Park. 

The San Remo is a cooperative apartment building located at 145 and 146 Central Park West, between 74th and 75th Streets. 

Designed by architect Emery Roth, it was constructed from 1929 to 1930 in the Renaissance Revival style. 

This is a prominent New York City landmark and a contributing property to the Central Park West Historic District. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_San_Remo

The Alexaner Hamilton US Custom House

The building now houses the George Gustav Heye Center of the National Museum of the American Indian, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, and the New York regional offices of the National Archives. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton_U.S._Custom_House#:~:text=The%20Alexander%20Hamilton%20U.S.%20Custom,offices%20of%20the%20National%20Archives.

The image provided is a sculpture titled

"America", which is part of Daniel Chester French's larger work, theFour Continents. 

he sculpture is installed at the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in Manhattan, New York City, New York. The building is currently home to the National Museum of the American Indian.

Artist: The sculptor was American artist Daniel Chester French. It symbolizes the young, energetic, and emerging United States, featuring Native American. America is depicted as alert and energetic, a forward-looking society.

Model: The female figure in the sculpture is modeled after Audrey Munson, a famous artist's model whose likeness appears in numerous public sculptures throughout New York City.

https://www.yeodoug.com/resources/dc_french/continents/dcfrench_continents.html#:~:text=Art%20scholars%20consider%20French's%20%22Continents,which%20make%20up%20each%20group.

The seven-story, steel-framed U.S. Custom House is a Beaux-Arts masterpiece connected back to New York City’s history as a major international port and situated physically on a pivotal site at the southern terminus of Broadway.In 1994 the restored Custom House became the home of the National Museum of the American Indian, a branch of the Smithsonian Institution.

https://nylandmarks.org/celebrate-50-at-50/alexander-hamilton-u-s-custom-house/

This image is of the life-size standing bronze statue of George Washington on the steps of Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City It was created by sculpture John Quincy Adams Ward. The statue was completed in 1882. 

It commemorates the site where Washington was inaugurated as the first U.S. President on April 30, 1789.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statue_of_George_Washington_(Wall_Street)#:~:text=George%20Washington%20is%20a%20large%20bronze%20sculpture,on%20Wall%20Street%20in%20New%20York%20City.

The image shows the New York Stock Exchange building, located at 11 Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. The NYSE was established in 1792 and became a publicly-traded company in 2006. 

It is often nicknamed "the Big Board"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_Stock_Exchange#:~:text=The%20New%20York%20Stock%20Exchange,NYSE's%202007%20merger%20with%20Euronext.

This is the marble sculpture Paris by the Italian Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova is at the metropolitan museum of art.

The sculpture depicts Paris from Greek mythology as he is about to judge which of the three goddesses (Hera, Athena, or Aphrodite) also known as (Juno, Minerva, or Venus), was the most beautiful. Paris judged Venus the winner. Paris is shown contemplating his choice as he holds the golden apple to be awarded to the goddess as her trophy.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/201862

This photo was taken at the NYC - Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s called ‘Armor for Man and Horse’, which was created by Wolfgang Grosschedel (record 1517-1562) Wolfgang Grosschedel was the most famous Landshut armorer of his generation. Included among his patrons were the Holy Roman Emperor and Philip II of Spain. These armors for man and horse constitute superb examples of Grosschedel's work from different periods in his career.

The man's armor was created around 1535, and the horse’s armor dates back to 1554.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/2586177952#

This photo was of a French Parade Helmet à l'Antique at the Metropolitan Museum of Art which dates from approximately 1630. 

It was designed in imitation of ancient Roman examples, reflecting the classical tradition of the early Baroque period in France.

The tall arched comb was originally fitted with an elaborate feathered plume.

The original colorful effect was enhanced by the use of gold paint and gilt rivet heads.

It was likely intended for use in a mock joust or carousel for a member of the court of Louis XIII.

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/26539

The image is of the rotunda's oval skylight and ceiling in the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York City.The building was designed by Cass Gilbert in the Beaux-Arts style and completed in 1907. 

The interior features a 48-foot Guastavino ceiling and murals by Reginald Marsh depicting the New York Harbor. 

It is a National Historic Landmark and houses the George Gustav Heye Center of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. 

https://coast2coastwithkids.com/national-museum-of-the-american-indian-in-new-york-city/#

This image of a highly ornate, large metal chandelier hanging in the House of Custom. It is so elegant hanging against the backdrop of marble balustrades and Romanesque arches.

The image is of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. 

t is a famous cable-stayed suspension bridge that spans the East River, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. Designed by John A. Roebling, construction began in 1869 and was completed in 1883. At the time of its opening, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. 

https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/infrastructure/brooklyn-bridge.shtml#:~:text=Upcoming%20Contracts-,About%20the%20Bridge,new%20approach%20ramps%20were%20constructed.

New York City brownstones

began as a cost-effective alternative for middle-class housing in the early 19th century before becoming symbols of Gilded Age luxury. While they appear to be solid stone, they are actually brick structures with a 4-to-6-inch veneer of reddish-brown sandstone, primarily sourced from the Portland Brownstone Quarries in Connecticut. 

19th-Century Rise (1830s–1890s)

Affordability to Status: Sandstone was originally cheaper and easier to carve than marble or limestone, making it accessible for builders. By the 1840s, the "Romantic Classicism" movement made dark, natural hues fashionable, shifting brownstones into high-status symbols.

The Iconic Stoop: Elevated front stairs (from the Dutch stoep) were designed to raise the "parlor floor" above street-level floodwaters and the pervasive horse manure of 19th-century NYC streets.

Eventually, and maybe luckily, brownstones experienced a revival. In the 1980s, there was a new interest in the homes. They were fixer uppers, affordable property that New Yorkers could buy and polish to their unique tastes. Manhattanites started buying historic homes in neighborhoods like Park Slope. Having a grand historic building, many of which weren’t left, was in a way a status symbol. Prices were around $200,000, but soon saw an exponential rise as they became a trend. Today, a brownstone in New York City runs from $3.5 to 20 million. 

https://thesciencesurvey.com/features/2024/01/16/brownstones-new-yorks-living-history/#:~:text=Since%20they%20were%20row%20houses,from%20$3.5%20to%2020%20million.

As a young child I became intrigue by railroad tracks. I loved watching trains zooming by near my grandaddy and my favorite Aunt Theo’s house. There was always a mysterious feeling around them that intrigued me. I was thrilled when I got to ride a train by myself at ten years old from Tuscaloosa where I lived to see my grandaddy and aunt. I have been fortunate to ride a steam train from Birmingham to Chattanooga and a train from France to London. Trains carry a romantic historic energy. I can imagine how exciting it was when the first train ran down a track.

Birmingham was dramatically changed when L&N decided to build these tracks through Birmingham due to the iron ore. The Steel City was born.

The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum is located in Calera Alabama.

It features antique locomotives, railcars, museum exhibits, and excursion rides on historic diesel or steam-powered trains through Shelby County, with special themed events like the North Pole Express during holidays. It showcases a significant collection of steam and diesel locomotives, vintage passenger cars, cabooses, and a working railroad with 15 miles of standard gauge track.

I love looking at the weathered trains who have retired, rusted by haven’t lost their beauty. They just changed to another kind of beauty.

https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/heart-of-dixie-railroad-museum/

The image displays a weathered railroad crossing sign, commonly referred to as a crossbuck sign. It was taken in a historical industrial area with active rail lines by Sloss Furnace in Birmingham Alabama . the Louisville & Nashville (L&N) line, was fundamental to Sloss Furnaces and Birmingham's development, as railroad entrepreneur James Withers Sloss convinced the L&N to build through Jones Valley, connecting iron ore (Red Mountain), coal, and limestone, creating the perfect location for the furnaces, which then fueled Birmingham's growth into the "Magic City" by enabling mass production and transportation of pig iron, making it a key industrial hub. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuKGeqdBetk&t=64s

I loved the weathered look of the sign. i have always loved trans and tracks.

The image shows a weathered Southern Railway bay-window caboose. 

A caboose is a car attached to the end of a freight train that historically provided shelter and workspace for the train crew. he crew of a bay window caboose monitors their train by sitting in the middle of the car where the sides project outward much like a bay window in a house. It’s for this reason, cabooses of this type are known as a Bay Window Caboose.

https://www.hodrrm.org/cabooses-x458-and-x461#:~:text=Bay%20Window%20Caboose%20Caboose%20X461%20built%20in,are%20known%20as%20a%20Bay%20Window%20Caboose.

The image features the water tower at the Sloss Furnaces, a National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama. 

It operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 until 1971. After its closure, it became one of the first industrial sites in the U.S. to be preserved and restored for public use. The site officially opened as a National Historic Landmark in 1981. Today, Sloss Furnaces offers self-guided and guided tours, and hosts art programs and events. 

https://www.slossfurnaces.org/metal-arts#:~:text=Sloss%20Furnaces%20operates%20one%20of,Demonstrations%20and%20Classes

The "Bluebird of Happiness"

I love the blue bird and how it symbolizes joy, hope, and good fortune. It often appears in folklore, songs, and art as a messenger of good news.

I colored this bird blue to give it a magical feeling against the backdrop of snow. The light-hearted blue bird against the cold mystical feeling of snow creates a entirely different feeling of joy.

Morris Avenue in Birmingham, Alabama is named for co-founder Josiah Morris. It began as the city's primary wholesale and warehouse district after its 1871 founding. The distinctive cobblestone streets were built for heavy wagons and active rail lines, to support the vital trade hub.

Morris Avenue was nicknamed “Wholesale Row” because it was the home to grocers, produce dealers, and suppliers who kept Birmingham’s economy humming. Today these cobblestone streets are experiencing a renaissance as a historic district with restaurants, shops, and residences. 

Morris Avenue is Alabama's first historic district, preserving its industrial past.

https://historicmorris.com/history/#:~:text=Show%20More-,Shortly%20after%20Birmingham's%20founding%20in%201871%2C%20Morris%20Avenue%20emerged%20as,City%20Center%20Historic%20Resources%20Report).

The image shows the historic storefront of the Peanut Depot in Birmingham, Alabama. It was founded in 1907 by D.J. Cassimus, was a longtime fixture on Morris Avenue, operating as one of America's last surviving original peanut shops. 

I absolutely adore the Peanut Depot and I usually take a trip every time I visit my home town. It brings back so many memories. It’s like I get to step back in time. I am so proud of Birmingham for keeping it for generations to come so that they can enjoy its beauty.

When I was growing up in Tuscaloosa my brother would get my mom to drive to B’ham to get a 50 Pound bag of raw peanuts to sell at the University of Alabama’s home games. My mom would roast them and my brother hired guys in his class to see them. I was amazed by his entrepreneurial skills at such a young age.

https://alabamapeanut.com/pages/about

I wanted to pay a tribute to the train tracks that ran through Birmingham, Alabama. The tracks were integral to the Birmingham Mineral Railroad because they transported essential raw materials (coal, ore) to furnaces and finished products like pig iron throughout the growing "Magic City". They were a significant player in connecting the mines and mills, with tracks running near Morris Avenue.

https://historicmorris.com/history/#:~:text=Show%20More-,Shortly%20after%20Birmingham's%20founding%20in%201871%2C%20Morris%20Avenue%20emerged%20as,City%20Center%20Historic%20Resources%20Report).

To accomplish incredible dreams you need an incredible dream. My dream of being around and riding horses has followed me throughout my life. I guess be a Sagittarius rising might have something to do about it because it’s always been a part of me. I had good fortune to be around them at different times in my life. But never as much as I wanted. My friend was fortunate to have a horse when we were in high school. My dad told me we could get one from a friend of his until he found out how expensive they are to take care of. This photo was taken in Connemara, Ireland. A beautiful wild horse came right up to me from far away. It was such a powerful magical moment for me. Years later my youngest daughter and I got to work for a lady in Palm Coast who had a horse riding on the beach company. I knew it my heart it would be short-lived so I treasure every single day I got to work and ride with her. This dream lasted a year. I am truly grateful for that time. It was a life-long dream of mine.

My favorite part of Birmingahm’s Botanical Garden is the Japanese garden. As you pass through the torii, or “gateway to heaven,” into the traditional Japanese garden you feel an immediate sense of calm.

Follow the stream down the hill past the Moore Cultural Pavilion to Long Life Lake, where you can view colorful koi and other wildlife from two iconic red bridges. This is my favorite spot!

https://bbgardens.org/gardens/japanese-garden/

I love lizards. I saw this sweetie on my fence in Birmingham, Alabama and I just had to capture it.

I also like that lizards are regarded as a symbol of regeneration and rebirth due to its ability to shed its skin and regrow its tail.

I love admiring the cows of Ireland. I took this photo right in front of the house we were staying in while we were visiting Ireland.

I love Kerry butter! the 40 shades of green grass can be seen in the pastures.

I create this whimsical photo of the beautiful wild pony of Connemara, Ireland by overlaying it on top of a Irish landscape. I wanted to capture a mystical feeling that I felt when I was there.

The wild horses of Connemara, Ireland, are the famous Connemara Pony, Ireland's only native horse breed, known for their hardiness, gentle temperament, and incredible jumping ability. While often seen roaming free in Connemara National Park, they are technically owned and managed, with a rich history influenced by Vikings and Spanish horses, and are prized globally for their versatility, making them suitable for children and competitive riders alike. 

A gentle disposition is a Connemara pony's most outstanding characteristic.

I was so fortunate to experience their gentle nature. Two ponies came from far away to greet me eye to eye and soul to soul.

https://acps.org/about-connemara-ponies/#

If you’re lucky to catch the wild Irish wind blowing down from the mountain in Connemara, you might just see the wild white ponies as their thundering hooves race about with freedom in their soul. There is nothing as grand as it is to be in their presence.

On the Wings of Love we are attracted to each other’s light. I fell deeply in love with the Connemara ponies and we built a friendship that will last a lifetime in my heart.

These two beautiful souls came from far away to greet me with love and kindness.

Although our time together was brief but I will never forget the love I felt from this very beautiful sacred soul. On the wings of love and the memories in my heart I soar.