When people typically think of Birmingham, they think of a big city, with tall buildings and heavy traffic. Then there are people like the famous country singer, Tracy Lawrence, who sees the bigger 'picture' of what Birmingham really is in his song "Paint Me a Birmingham." (Did you see what I did there?) While all of the above in an accurate description of the famed "Magic City," my painting of Birmingham is different.

1. My Birmingham is embellished with mountains and hills drizzling with waterfalls and creeks. There is nothing like hiking up a mountain, set up your ENO, and adore a beautiful city from another perspective.

2. My Birmingham is close to the country side. Just down the street from my house is are several horse farms, goat farm and even a rooster that crows almost every hour. I love this part of Birmingham, it has a 'live simply' vibe to it.

3. My Birmingham still has its southern heritage colored in it. There are many fields of cotton growing along the side of the road. Of course there are big John Deere combine tractors still chugging along. I mean who doesn't like fresh produce on their kitchen table?

4. My Birmingham as many nights with twinkly stars glued in the sky. I always enjoy laying out on my roof to look at the moon and stars, and listen to the crickets chirp.

5. My Birmingham is art. It is home. It is unique. Birmingham is a southern town with a big city feel. All the different lifestyles that are cultured here, add up to be one of the best cities to live in in America, in my opinion.

I love you BHM!