Greensboro Daily Photo

The Unbridled Joy of a Child

Sometimes our photos are firmly grounded in the people, places, and events of Greensboro. Sometimes, the photos are taken in Greensboro, but technically, could have been taken anywhere. Today's photo (the latter example)  was captured in the Target parking lot in Jefferson Village. A dad and his daughter went to Target and from the moment they got out of the car until they entered the building, they were on the great, joyful, imaginary plane ride. The dad's arms are extended in full flight mode, the little one's wings had more movement. Can you see the bounce in her step? Their conversation exuded imagination in full force. 

Sometimes, we wish for big vacations in distant places. However, in the eyes of a child, a fun round of imagination and creativity- with an adult who makes you feel loved and secure- is all it takes to build positive memories that will last a lifetime. Sometimes, when children go on errands with adults, they feel the stress of the adults. As we enter the Fourth of July week, let us all approach the upcoming days with the unbridled joy of a child. Tomorrow is the Solstice Festival in the Arboretum and this Tuesday is Fun Fourth, downtown. As we greet one another at these wonderful community events, let's do so jubilantly. If you see the people who have worked tirelessly to make these events happen, please thank them for their hard work.

Happy Friday... preparing for takeoff!

Season's First Snow: Sunday March 12

So that we can document and archive this weather event, it snowed yesterday in Greensboro. As you can see from the photo, it wasn't hardly anything. Had we not been out at 7:30 am, we wouldn't have seen the snow. By 8:00 am, it was gone. Since this was the time-change weekend, it still felt like 6:30 am to us. We chuckled and said had we blinked, or slept in, we would have missed it.  It has been over a year since Greensboro has seen snow. According to WFMY News2, on January 16th 2022, there was 3.3 inches of snow at the PTI airport. Also, there hasn't been much snow period over the last three years.

It is not uncommon in Greensboro to have bad weather in March, especially ice. The snow was such a surprise yesterday. Do you think there will be any more snow or ice? It is already almost the middle of March. The astronomical start of Spring in the northern hemisphere, the Spring equinox, is in seven days. It is time to start getting ready to plant, especially if you are starting seeds inside. 

Happy Monday!

Big Sky Over Greensboro

When so many of us have been staying close to home for the last two months, getting out on the road registers as a big change in the brain. From house to grocery store back home is a pretty confined space for those not working outside the home.

The above photo was taken yesterday on West Market Street, just west of where Market meets Friendly Avenue. There isn't much built up around there, and the land is relatively flat, so the sky is visible for miles around. With the clouds lined up, seemingly like soldiers in formation, the scene was breathtaking. Out west in the United States, the land is known as "big sky country." However, yesterday, on a sunny afternoon, on West Market Street, it was as if the sky and and horizon were limitless. Something about this simple photo makes us so happy.

Isn't it wonderful to experience joy in something simple. We hope you have a joyful weekend, regardless of what is (or isn't) on your agenda.

Bliss & Co. Downtown Salon

Bliss & Co. Downtown Salon, located at 238 South Elm Street,  was voted Best Salon on the Yes Weekly's 2016 Triad's Best List. This day spa is especially known for hair, cosmetic, and waxing services. They have been downtown for several years and they remind clients, and potential clients, to "Be Worthy * Be Yourself * Be Bliss."

Today is Small Business Saturday, the day that we make an effort to shop locally and help the small businesses make a profit for the year. Remember, even if you can't get a same-day appointment at a local salon, you can purchase gift certificates and make appointments. Every dollar you spend at a small business today is much more likely to stay in the community and make local economic impact  than purchases made online or form large corporations.

We're sharing this photo with the online meme, Weekend Reflections, which will bring viewers from all over the world to Greensboro.

227 South Elm Street

The above photo was taken at the beginning of August, which is about the last time we can remember it raining in Greensboro. The location is the little alleyway beside Chakra's Salon and Mechelle's Resale Shoppe, just off 227 South Elm Street. We love the movement and the feeling of coming and going in this photo. To the left is a new bakery called The Table on Elm, in the former location of "Loaf Bakery" which was "Simple Kneads" before that.* This "grab and go" eatery is a satellite location of The Table in Asheboro. We haven't visited yet, but we hope to soon. 

While we are out today, we'll probably head to the "yard sale" at Replacements, LTD, east of Greensboro of Mt. Hope Church Road. It will be fun to see what kind of china and crystal patterns are available at this great outdoor event, as well as who is on the hunt for what. At 5pm, we'll head down to the 600 block of South Elm Street where the Elsewhere Living Museum will have a ferris wheel, in the middle of the street, for all to ride. Finally, at 9pm PB and Java is hosting a poetry slam. Greensboro is starting to become a city that never sleeps. There is so much to do here!

On a completely different note, it has been a long time since we've participated in the meme, Weekend Reflections, but we're uploading this one. Meme participation increases the likelihood that people from other parts of the world will peek in on our great city! 

* and remember Simple Kneads got its start in the original wing of Cheesecakes by Alex!

Downtown Elm Street at Hamburger Square

The above photo features Natty Greene's Brewing Company and Grey's Tavern. Both are locally owned places  to go for food and drink. Natty Greene's opened in 2004 in this brick building from 1895. Grey's opened four years later in 2008. Do any of you remember prior to the opening of Grey's Tavern, the space housed an art supply store? Just to the right of this scene is Hamburger square, where the street is often blocked off and concerts are held. The photo shows you how nicely the façades are being maintained on Elm Street, downtown.

Yesterday, when this photo was taken, it had just finished raining and the driver of the red car was able to head out without getting wet. The afternoon was rather overcast and wet, which explains why more people were not out walking around on a Friday afternoon. Let's hope more people get out and enjoy our beautiful community today!

 

Alley Rabbits

Last night, the Alley Rabbits played their hearts out during First Friday at Scuppernong Books. This Greensboro-based acoustic folk/rock band's members are Keith Buckner,  Nancy McCurry, Bobby Dolittle, Bill Payne, and Tim Barkley. The musicians are very talented and seem capable (and willing) to play a variety of genres. They did a good job of bringing in an audience and keeping the audience entertained.

Greensboro's First Friday events encourage people to get out and meet others in the community and to find out what Greensboro has to offer. We have a very robust music scene and the Alley Rabbits are likely to be a part of it for a very long time. How wonderful for Scuppernong Books to provide so many community events like these mini-concerts each month. When you are in the back of the bookstore, it almost seems like you are visiting friends in an older part of town.

Thanks to those reflections in the windows (and off the shiny bass) we're sharing this photo with the folks at Weekend Reflections. Happy Saturday! 

Dr. MLK, Jr. Statue

This statue of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is waiting to the public from just inside the International Civil Rights Museum on South Elm Street in Greensboro. Tonight is a very important day for the museum. They are presenting the "Ignite4Change" Gala, which will be held at the NC A&T University Alumni-Foundation Event Center. Ticket prices range from $125 for an individual ticket to the $50,000, A Changed World, ticket. A ticket at the highest levels allows you to sit at the table with either Ezell Blair, Jr. or Joseph McNeil, two of the four original members of the sit-in group. The money goes to a good cause and the experience would be extremely memorable. Even if you only have an individual ticket, you will not regret attending.

Today is Weekend Reflections and we are sharing this post with our friends at that meme. We love the fact that there are people inside the museum and that they can be seen through the window. The museum has had a lot of traffic lately. Let's hope it stays that way!

Change of Seasons

Yesterday's weather was definitely a sign of a change in seasons. Greensboro was inundated with a lingering, cool rain. Trees and limbs collapsed under the weight of the rain and the strength of the wind. When the umbrellas at Emma Key's are closed tightly and nobody is on the patio, you know that it is a yucky afternoon. Emma Key's, formerly a barber shop dating back to the 50's, is located in the four corners area of Lindley Park. The large outdoor dining area, when full,  adds so much to the character of the corner of Walker and Elam. Empty, it looked lonely and forlorn, even through the inside of the restaurant was full. Emma Keys is one of Greensboro's many gourmet burger joints and it even has the feel of a Cheer's bar, a place where everyone knows your name. Emma Key by the way was the name of the owner's grandmother. 

Today's post is being shared with Weekend Reflections. The rain and glass make finding a reflection easy. Happy Saturday!

Going Here, There, and Elsewhere

Weekends on Elm Street can get pretty interesting. In the above photo two people from Elsewhere, a living museum inside a thrift store, were riding the bikes back to the museum. The museum members are known for their attention-grabbing modes of transportation and they bring great energy to the 600 block of South Elm Street. In the above photo, it looks like they're taking helmets to a whole new level.

This weekend will be no exception downtown, as Preyer Brewing Company opened in the former Steele & Vaughn Building, taking the Battleground, Smith, Eugene Street area near Deep Roots Co-op to a whole new level. We hope you have a chance to get out and explore the Gate City! Check out the new and patronize the old! 

We're sharing this with Weekend Reflections. (Reflections in the car are there... subtle, but there).

Tweeting One Out!

On April 20th, we shared information about a car show in the Fresh Market parking lot. Today, we feature a vehicle in Costco's parking lot on West Wendover Avenue. This is the O-Tweety Cooper Mini. They say yellow is about the most visible color on the road and it is definitely a stand-out in this parking lot. If you drive around town in a bright yellow car, you definitely have to have a bright and bubbly personality. To be sure, you will not be flying under the radar. Indeed, this car looks like an animated yellow canary.*

We wanted to stick around to watch the O-Tweety family leaving Costco to see how they fit all those bulk items from the store into that tiny car. A case of salsa, 36 rolls of toilet paper, a case of bottled water, family members... just how did they do it? We hope you are out having fun in Greensboro this weekend, and remember, no tweet-ing while driving. Happy Saturday, all.

*interesting history on Tweety, here (even a little linguistics).

 

Happy150 Birthday Claribel Cone

Yesterday, the Weatherspoon Art Museum celebrated the 150th birthday of Claribel Cone with a mini birthday party.  Elaine Gustafson, Curator of Collections, spoke about the art collection bequest to the Weatherspoon by the Cones. Claribel and younger sister Etta had quite an art collection and many of these pieces are now owned by the Weatherspoon. 

The Weatherspoon, located at the corner of Spring Garden and Tate Streets on UNCG's campus, holds many open-to-the-public events like yesterday's birthday party. Great fun was had by all that attended. Thank you, Weatherspoon and staff. And, above all, thank you philanthropists like the Cone sisters who do things for reasons greater than themselves. We didn't get the name of the actress, featured in the above photo, but want to thank her now as she was masterful at staying in character.

Today is Weekend Reflections Day and that floor, so shiny you can see your reflection in it, qualifies us to participate in the meme.

Yoga on the Lawn

This Thursday, a small group gathered to do yoga on the lawn of the Elliot University Center at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It was a perfect day to be outside and it looked like a great way to destress from everything that piles up at this time in the semester. People in the vicinity fell into two categories, those who absolutely ignored the fact that there were people doing yoga on the lawn (like the woman on the bench with her laptop) and then there were those like us, snapping pictures and encouraging the women with smiles and a silent thumbs up. 

While the yoga was good, the greatest thing to happen on a college campus in Greensboro this week was NC A&T's showcasing of a hypoallergenic peanut.* Just think, anaphylactic reactions, caused by peanut butter sandwiches, may be a thing of the past. Can we get a few sun salutations for NC A&T's great scientific breakthrough?

*read more here.

Banned Books Week 2014

As Banned Books Week 2014 comes to a close, we headed to Scuppernong Books on at 304 South Elm Street to see their display. From the CSI tape in the front window to the display in the front of the store, they did not disappoint. The American Libraries ASsociation supports the freedom to choose what one reads. Some people believe that people should have the power to self regulate and to deside on one's own what is appropriate reading material. Others, believe that we should restrict or eliminate access. One person's literature is another's trash. 

Sadly, as a society, we'll have to work hard to keep people reading paper and ink books, period! In the meantime, Greensboro has great libraries and bookstores to keep the printed word in circulation. Happy Weekend Reflections, dear readers. What have you read lately? Head on down to Elm Street if you are looking for something to do!

Raindrops Kept Falling.......

Yesterday's First Friday was dampened a little bit by the weather. Rain came as vendors were setting up for the Indie Market. The above photo features unidentified pedestrians crossing at the corner of Washington and South Elm Streets. They are walking in front of a Greensboro city bus that was waiting for the light to change. The photo represents the happy serendipity of street photography. These two groups came together for a random second in time. The southbound and northbound groups look like they are greeting each other. It is almost as if they are shaking hands and that they planned the green-for-Greensboro t-shirts!

Well, today is Saturday and time for Weekend Reflections. This meme gives people around the world the chance to see our great city. All we need to do to share is to feature a little reflection in the photo. That, we have done. Finally, while raindrops were falling, everyone was in a happy, upbeat mood. Those of us who came out for First Fiday were infinitely grateful not only for the great evening but also, for the much-needed rain!

Common Grounds Artwork

Every once in a while, we like to thrown in a piece of abstract photography. Greensboro is really getting a lot of public art and art in public places. This sculpture of welded metal and bicycle rims hangs in front of a colorful mural at the corner of Walker and Elam in Lindley Park. It is a fun place to hang out, walk your dog, get coffee, see friends, take selfies in front of the great mural. Use your imagination; the sky is the limit.

We're sharing this with the folks at the Weekend Reflections meme where they celebrate visual reflection.... and written reflection, too.

Bill Morris Was Back In Town

Bill Moris spoke at Scuppernong Bookstore last night, delighting the crowd by reading experpts from his latest novel, "Motor City Burning." Bill's book, set in Detroit, is one that gets at the complexities of the city at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. The main character is an African American male who leaves the South for a "better life" in the north. Between reading passages, Morris treated the audience to music clips from the era. From the Temptations and that Motown sound to Tammy Wynette's "Stand by Your Man," the music fit seamlessly with the book. Or, was it the other way around? The audience was delighted and bought up all 25 copies of the book before the end of the presentation.

While Bill grew up in Detroit, he has lived many places, including Greensboro where he wrote for the News & Record. Bill now lives in New York. We're not sure how long he's been away, but it is as if he never left. The names of locals, former colleagues, and townspeople about whom he likely wrote columns, flowed from his tongue as if he'd just seen them yesterday.

It might be fun to read Motor City Burning for the One City, One Book program. 

Rita's Italian Ice

Today, we're featuring Rita's Italian Ice, located in the Target Plaza on Lawndale. We discovered it on a trip to Philadelphia last summer and, on hot summer days, enjoy a visit to Rita's. We love the melon and natural fruit flavors, watermelon, canteloupe, lemon. Unfortunately, the natural fruit flavors are a lot more labor intensive as REAL fruit needs to be used; additionally, they are not as popular in the American market. Therefore, they tend to be the flavors that get discontinued. Here is a little history about Italian ice that we found on Rita's website.

Italian ice can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where people would infuse snow from Mt. Etna with syrup and wine. Water ice has been popular in Europe since the 1700's. In the USA, Rita's began in 1984, the brainchild of a Philadelphia firefighter whose wife was named Rita!* Rita's is now a franchise, which is why we have one right here in Greensboro. Stop by and try one that has real fruit in it! We're sharing this with Weekend Reflections, where everyone has reflections in their photos. Happy S.A.T.U.R.D.A.Y!

*reference.

Olé

We hope you had a fabulous Fourth of July and that you had a chance to celebrate all that it means to be American. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day are the holidays that define summer. Yesterday's heatwave in Greensboro made those chunks of watermelon and cups of Italian ice taste even better. In the above photo, we feature a slice of the Mexican food truck near us in traffic the other day.

Olé Mexican Foods was started by a woman, Veronica Moreno, who began selling tortillas on a street corner in Atlanta. Now, it is a major corporation delivering a little taste of Mexico, in Greensboro and beyond. While waiting in traffic, we were struck by the fact that the driver was eating an apple. So often we think of truck drivers eating greasy truck stop food. Not this driver! Here's to eating healty and living the American dream. One of those food trucks you patronize in Greensboro may just become a giant Greensboro-based corporation. Keep those dreams alive!

We're sharing this photo with our friends at Weekend Reflection who will zero right in on that mirror! Olé!

Kindley's Office Furniture

Kindley's Office Furniture, at 513 South Elm Street,  has left the building. All that remains is this aqua scooter and some random items around the perimeter of the store. The double brick buildings, located on the left side of the street, across from Fordham's Drug Store, used to be filled with used desks and chairs. We're not sure what the place will become; however, we are sure that the 500 block of South Elm Street is about to change a lot. To be sure, we'll be there to document the changes! In the meantime, what remains of Kindley looks quiet and peaceful in the old building with the original oiled, wooden floors.

Happy Saturday. Happy exploring your city, wherever you live. Today is Weekend Reflections and we're reflecting as much as we can.

 

Eye See You

This vandalized,  graffitied mirror is on the trail that parallels Benjamin Parway between Westerwood and Friendly Center. The mirror is at the bridge where Westover Terrace becomes Aycock Street. The bridge is visible in the reflection.

We don't know who spraypainted the eye with a beauty mark. However, by using the flash, the pupil of the eye appears to be bright. Below the eye, you see Mrs. GDP on the trail. Spring is in full bloom and we're sharing this fun, reflective photo with Weekend Reflections! Memorial Day weekend is usually painfully silent in Greensboro. If you are here, enjoy and be joyful! We will, too.

 

Dabbling Ducks in Greensboro

This mated pair of ducks has taken up residence in a swimming pool in northeast Greensboro. According to the owner of the pool, the ducks arrive every morning. Sometimes, it is the female alone. Other times, they are both swimming, foraging, and playing together. In researching this duo, we learned that ducks are seasonally monogamous. Barring unforseen disasters, they mate for the season. The drake (male) will defend the female, her young, and her space; howeve, he will not really be involved in raising the young. They are called dabbling ducks because they bob for their food on the surface, as oposed to diving. Also called puddle ducks, they take flight when scared, as opposed to having to walk across the water a bit first. The above seasonally-mated pair seems happy in their man-made pond. They seem happy in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

Greensboro's ducks are plentiful, but not as plentiful the the Canada geese. Do you have any ducks or geese who have taken up residence in your yard? We're sharing the above photo with our friends at Weekend Reflections.

Another Great First Friday & Super Saturday

The last few evenings in Greensboro have been very nice. As the sun goes down, the warm days turn to cool blanket weather. The above photo, a reflection in the window of Elm Street's newest business, the Creamery, reflects the mood of First Friday. People of all ages and from all walks of life were downtown enjoying the evening. Gallery hopping, shopping, eating a little ice cream, listening to music, and attending a great presentation on the dialects of North Carolina, made downtown Greensboro a wonderful place to be last night.

Before watching the Kentucky Derby, today, from 1-4:30, we'll be attending Greensboro's "El Día de los Niños, El Día de los Libros" event. This event will be a great way to kick off the "Cinco de Mayo" weekend. There is so much to be thankful for this weekend, we have to pinch ourselves to really believe we are here. We are sharing this with our friends at Weekend Reflections and hope that they are enjoying the reflective weekend, too!

Feelin' Groovy on Elm Street

Hope you had a chance to participate in Greensboro's First Friday last night. The above photo was taken at the Mellow Mushroom on South Elm Street, downtown. Not only is the Mellow Mushroom a great place to eat, it is a super place to take photos! Here is a picture we took there in March 2009, about three months after they opened. Five years later, we're still finding great things to photograph there. The above photo was taken outside, at dusk. You can see the lights and stained glass on the inside and, on the outside,  the reflection of the trees and the building across the street.

If you like lots of color and whole-wheat pizza, the Mellow Mushroom is a great place to visit. If you like zen, understated food and surroundings, you just might want to view from afar. Hopefully, there is room in your life for both extremes. Regardless, our friends at Weekend Reflections will love this view. Their meme inspires us to be a little playful on the weekend. Stop by their  blog and wish the Eiffel Tower a happy 125th birthday. Here's to a great day around town, regardless of where you life. Here's to peace, love, and feelin' groovy.*

*Get in your groovy mood by watching this 2 minute Simon and Garfunkel video clip from their 1966 hit!

 

Blue Cowboy & Indian Invade Elm Street

Cowboys and Indians have taken over the window of the Guilford Building at 301 South Elm Street. We're not sure exactly whose assemblage this is, gracing the window of a place that was formerly the Greensboro Bank and Trust Company. The impressive building was the second tallest in Greensboro when it was built in 1927. The architect for this building was the same one who designed the Jefferson Building. The building with provenançe has gone kitsch.

By 1927, Western film was a thriving industry and names like Boris Karloff and Gary Cooper and Westerns, like  "The Meddlin' Stranger" and Gary Cooper "Nevada" were delighting movie-goers. Perhaps the window is a nod to this bygone era. More importantly, it is fun to see things that exude creativity and set one's mind to imagining. Who on earth spent all of this time finding and assembling this scene worthy of a short story- or of a Western?  The more we examine the scene and notice the sameness of the blue, the more we start suspecting the monochromatic figures were generated by a 3-D printer. Wouldn't that be a 21st century twist! Print-em out cowboy!

We're sharing this post with our friends at Weekend Reflections who adore photos with reflections.

Photo Fun!!!

This is the first weekend of spring and all of Greensboro seems to be ready for a little spring fun. The above photo was taken in the window of Old Photo Specialists at 320 South Elm Street. The restoration experts there take new photos and make them look old. They take old photos and make them look new. Above, the five friends seem to be having the time of their life- a little wild abandon among the five young girls. The Old Photo Specialists produce archival quality photos. These memories can last forever. 

How about all of Greensboro getting together this first weekend of spring? We could all buy a great pair of sunglasses, plop down on a couch with several friends and giggle. All. Weekend. Long. We could recreate this photo. Regardless of how we celebrate this weekend, may we all find a way to appreciate the world around us, just like the young girls above.

It is Saturday and we're sharing this with Weekend Reflections.

People on the Street

Every 1st of the month is theme day for the City Daily Photo*  community and the March theme is "People on the street." Our person is an unknown man leaving New York Pizza at the corner of Tate Street and Walker Avenue. The pizzeria is 37 years young. A lot of people from Greensboro and elsewhere have walked through those doors. New York Pizza's by-the-slice option is a favorite of nearby students at Greensboro College and UNCG. The bright art on the brick changes frequently and really adds a lot of visual interest to the College Hill neighborhood.

The above colorful façade, with the nod to Pac-man, reminds us of the art of Jiha Moon: visiting Falk Artist at the Weatherspoon Art Muesum. Jiha Moon fuses pop culture images, like angry birds and the Nike swoosh, with traditional Korean motifs. If you are near Spring Garden and Tate Streets, we encourage you to stop in the Weatherspoon today. From 1-4pm, they are featuring WAM Family Day. There will be docents and activity facilitators available to show you around in English and in Spanish. Children are not only welcome, but encouraged to stop by. The Weatherspoon and the pizzeria are less than a block apart. We hope to see you at WAM Family Day and would love to join you for a slice of pizza! Whatever you do, enjoy your day!

*Greensboro Daily Photo has been part of the international City Daily Photo community for over five years. Go here to see people from around the world today.

 

Community Theatre of Greensboro

The Community Theatre of Greensboro has a permanent home at 520 South Elm Street. Here, dreams are made. Children try out for the Wizard of Oz, and other plays, and, if cast, they have the experience of a lifetime. CTG was founded in 1949 and is the oldest arts organization in Guilford County. While they are in their 64th season, they are in their first permanent home. If you get a chance, stop by 520 South Elm and enjoy a performance.

Don't you think this entrance beautiful? The red, white, black, the glass diamonds really make the entrance stand out. Notice that the Salvation Army is embedded in the mosaic tiles at the entrance. It would be interesting to hear some of the stories of the Salvation Army era, here. Happy Saturday and happy Weekend Reflections.

 

 

Connected: Together, But Separate

Yesterday, we took you to a store in the Four Seasons Mall, conveniently located beside the Koury Convention Center. Well, malls aren't just about stores and things, they are spaces for people to meet up, to walk, and to participate in community events. One such event is Guilford County Schools' Science Fair. When the event is held at the mall, children from across the county, convene with their parents and teachers to put forth their bright ideas for science experimentation and innovation.

In the above photo, we see an increasingly common sight in public spaces: common area seating with places for people to charge their electronics. In the left, front part of the photo, in front of the woman in the blue jacket, is an icon of a plug. It is a pictogram, conveying meaning through its pictorial resemblance to the physical object. The  =| is an international symbol for "charging station." So, we can go to the mall, not just in Greensboro, but just about anywhere, all sit together, recharging. As seen in the above photo, people are connecting to others, not beside them, but elsewhere. Today's picture is about being together, but separate. How often do you find yourself in that situation these days?

Have a great weekend, and, if you get a chance, check out the other photos at Weekend Reflections- but perhaps not when you are with others!

At February First, on February First, Remembering February First

Today is February 1st and the above photo is of Feburary First Street, that tiny street that represents such a big event in the history of Greensboro. Just south of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, February First Street was renamed for the heroic event, The Greensboro Sit-Ins, when four students from A&T University sat at the lunch counter and demanded to be served. The back left signage in the photo reminds us that the heroic event took place at Woolworth. The big sit-in event happened on February First in 1960 at 4:30 pm, right inside this building. You. Are. Here. And it is beautiful; on so many levels.

As the nation enters Black History Month, Greensboro enters a period of remembering our efforts in advancing civil rights on February First, in Greensboro, in North Carolina and beyond. Last month, the world lost a great man, Franklin McCain. Physically, he won't be here today; however, his ideas will be here for a very long time. If you have time this afternoon, stop by the museum. Better yet, purchase a ticket and head to the 54th Anniversiary Gala being held at the Khoury Convention Center. A memorable evening will be had by all. Wherever you are, do something today that helps make the world a more just and equitable place.

 

Art is All Around Us and Books Should Be Too!

In Greensboro, art is all around us and, sometimes, where we least expect it. The above photo features artwork from the Guilford County Schools. For the month of December, these paintings of winter trees have been featured throughout Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Friendly Center. We think they're part of the collection displayed by Jesse Wharton Elementary School. Notice the way the REAL winter trees, outside- beyond the window glass,  serve as a backdrop to the painted trees- inside.

Bookstores serve such an important purpose in a community. They are a place to fall in love with books, meet up with friends, and to enjoy community events. Getting the children into the bookstores to see their artwork and to look at books while they are at it, is a good thing. Can you imagine a community without brick and mortar bookstores? What if a community were judged by the number of bookstores (new & used) it supports? Greensboro has Barnes & Noble, Edward McKay, and now Scuppernong Books downtown. If Facebook facts are correct, 70% of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in five years. Let's all make it our New Year's resolution to not only go to a bookstore, but to take a friend with us. While we are at it, we can resolve to read more books, whether we buy, borrow, or download them. Are you in? 

We're sharing this post with our great friends at Weekend Reflections. 

Gate City Yarns

The lady in the window is admiring all of the yarn creations at Gate City Yarns, downtown on Elm Street. Gate City Yarns has quality fiber supplies as well as classes in knitting, crocheting, and all kinds of classes. If you are interested in learing more about fiber arts, this is a great place to start. The store has been open for several years now and the staff is more than happy to help you learn how to felt, crochet, or do just about anything you can think of with natural fibers. Handmade items are more popular than ever before and Greensoro has many fiber artists with their own small businesses. With only four more days until Christmas, you might not have time to knit anybody anything; however, you might have time to get out and appreciate things others in the community have made.

We're sharing this photo with Weekend Reflections where a little bit of glass and light is derigueur. Oh, and if you want to give us a Christmas gift, the best thing you can do is get a few of our friends to start visiting our website or to follow up on twitter. For us, you make this effort all worthwhile!

Blue Steel Grimsley High School Drum Line

 

The Grimsley High School drumline, Blue Steel, performed outside of Barnes & Noble Bookstore in Friendly Shopping Center last night. As always, the drumline sounded great and had fabulous showmanship. They are a diverse group of teens, brought together for the love of keeping the beat. While they were performing outside, parents were inside busily wrapping books and the Whirlie jazz band was setting up to entertain. On the next block, at Tex and Shirleys Restaurant, Grimsley's flute ensemble played.  Whirlie families ate dinner with a part of the proceeds going to the school. Friendly Center is located in the Grimsley attendance zone so Whirles night is always well attended. All of these events represent countless hours of decication by students and teachers. It is so wonderful to see these truly community events. Here's to a giant drumroll for all who participated and watched!

So lovely that we're sharing it with the Weekend Reflection meme. Reflection is not the emphasis of this composition... but it is there.

 

Happy Friday 13th

Happy Friday 13th! For some, Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. It was especially unlucky for Gioachio Rossini who died on a Friday the 13th in 1869. His death is the earliest known written reference for this date being unlucky (reference). In many Spanish-speaking countries and in Greece, Tuesday the 13th is an unlucky day. To Italians, Friday the 17th is unlucky. To some, Fridays in general are bad luck and some people avoid the number 13th altogether. Wonder if these buildings on North Elm Street in downtown Greensboro have 13th floors. The 17-floor building on the left, Center Point, has a birdseye view of Center City Park, Festival Park, and all of East Greensboro. Partly visible in this photo, the few tall buildings downtown are mostly on North Elm Street. South Elm, past the 100 block, flattens out pretty quickly. 

This is the last weekend before the last weekend before Christmas and we hope you enjoy every second of it. And, by the way, don't worry too much about the Friday the 13th lore, according to Dutch insurers, Friday the 13th has fewer car accidents, thefts, and fires reported; perhaps because we are more careful on this glorious day. 

 

Happy Saturday, Downtown and Elsewhere...

This was a September event at Elsewhere Living Museum. It shows the creativity of their events which, with the window/stage,  make the place seem like a all is a stage. October's events at Elsewhere will be centered around dance. They are having a Dance Lab with is a youth-led movement-research investigation between Dudley High School students and artist Athena Kokoronis. Watching and participating in performing arts is a great way to spend one's time. How wonderful it is when museums and community groups pair up with public schools for preforming and visual events. Collaboration is definitely a 21st century skill. And Greensboro has plenty of examples of such collaboration.

 

Happy Saturday. We're sharing this photo with the Weekend Reflections people who like a little "reflection" in a photo.

Lights, Camera, Action.... On Elm Street

Elm Street is the pulse of downtown Greensboro. The above reflection was taken while walking past the Blu Martini Bar. Of course martinis are the featured beverage at the establishment. However, it is also known for music and a light show. The dots of light in the center of the photo are constantly changing color and add such visual interest to the 300 block of Elm.

While we were outside capturing the aggregate of light, the bartender invited us inside to photograph. Somehow, at the end of the photo shoot, this shot with the vehicle zipping past and the reflection of windows, branches, and lights- against a backdrop of cement gray- is the one that won out. It seems to captures the dynamic feeling of this little slice of Elm Street. Can't you almost hear the photo? 

Cheers dear readers, may you have a great weekend. For the moms out there, Happy Mother's Day. Here's a virtual toast to you! We're sharing this post with Weekend Reflections where mirror images and playing around with light are de rigueur.........

Diana Al-Hadid at Weatherspoon Art Museum

The above bronze sculpture, by Diana Al-Hadid, is currently on exhibit at the Weatherspoon Art Museum on the campus of UNCG. The photo features Syrian-born, Ohio-raised Al-Hadid's statue of a Florida coed having been melted.

Yesterday, New York art critic and curator Gregory Volk spoke about Al-Hadid's art at the Weatherspoon. This was a culminating event after his meeting with UNCG art faculty and students earlier in the day. Volk says that Al-Hadid's work is mobile in time; looking as if it were unearthed three hundred years ago while at the same time the drippy bronze looking as if it is left over from a post-future catastrophe. Volk says Al-Hadid brings motion to static work. The art represents her state of in-between-ness, between the Middle East and mid-West; with a sense of freedom and a sense of woundesness. He says her art merits repeated viewing; something deeper and more meaningful emerges each time.* The 32-year-old Al-Hadid is in Utah at the moment; however, she was here in February at the opening of the exhibit.

Because Greensboro is a community with many institutions of higher education, we have access to many events free and open to the public. If you get a chance, stop by the Weatherspoon and see what you think about the Al-Hadid exhibit. Some people find it inspiring; some find it depressing.  Go and form your own opinion.  We have the feeling that the next time we see Al-Hadid's work, it will not be at a free museum in our own back yard!

*all loosely quoted.

High Point Rowing Club

The High Point Rowing Club is new to the Triad area and we are so fortunate to have this opportunity for our high school athletes. The Triad's first rowing team practices at Oak Hollow Lake and yesterday was a fabulous day to be out in the 60' shell. Even the choppy water couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the people who came to practice. The rowing program started a few weeks ago and this was only their third practice. Coach Gene Kininmonth, originally from Australia, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Not only is he a rower himself, he has coached several places, including UCLA. 

If you are not inclined to row, there is still a great deal for you to do in the Greensboro area this weekend. Consider eating  at the Greek Festival and then heading over to the Tate Street Festival. It would be great if you could stop by Elements Gallery at 526 South Elm Street to preview the items in their Breast Cancer Awarness and Prevention Fundraiser. There are so many things to do in the Triad area, none of us should ever complain about being bored. Head on out and enjoy yourself.

We're sharing this photo with the great people at Weekend Reflections who will be clapping joyfully as they see the reflection of the crew in the water.

La Vitrine.........

This window dressing, at design ARCHIVES on South Elm Street made us feel as if we were hanging out in Paris or New York City. Everyone loves a creative window display and this one was just so visually appealing that we're giving it an eight-mannequins-up award. Owner and Curator Kit Rodenbaugh, along with her very capable staff and vendors, keep their vintage and handmade emporium attractive and are constantly making us do a double take when walking by. This was the view of "la vitrine" at design ARCHIVES in early August. 

We looked at our recent posts and decided that GDP needed a good dose of color and a little levity to kick off a new month. Elm Street is so full of not just color but also LOCAL color and is a great place to take photos. On the same block as design ARCHIVES, we photographed this and this. Time to head back downtown and see what we can find on South Elm Street today. 

For yet another GDP riot of color, see this rooster, and this greenway trash. We're sharing today's post with Weekend Reflections where reflections are not only appreciated, they are expected. Goodbye, August; hello, September!

See you at the Pool

In Greensboro, Memorial Day weekend is a huge weekend for swim and racquet clubs. With only 8 days of school left, many families opt to stay in town for this last three-day weekend before the start of summer vacation. In the above photo, we feature the pool at Starmount Forest Country Club, just off Holden Road at Market Street. Starmount Forest, dating back to 1930, is a private country club on 150 acres.* Starmount is the English translation of Sternberger. It may have been quiet on the day we took this photo; however, if you drive by this weekend, during the day, it will be teeming with joyful children thrilled to have a three day weekend and to have a chance to hang out at the pool.

We hope you are having a great weekend. Will you be swimming? Last time we checked, the water was above 80 degrees-- swimmable! See you at the pool.

We're sharing this with Weekend Reflections.

*their website here.