#Norfolk Botanical Gardens

[fatchance]

Tropicals, No. 1.

At the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Norfolk, Virginia.

[tiamattseirei]

Headed back home tomorrow. My trip to visit my boyfriend went much too fast, but I had a wonderful time. I'll be working on replies tomorrow during my layover before flying home.

Enjoy some pics from the botanical gardens~

[ernieandfiona]

Capturing Everlasting Love: A Wedding Videographer's Paradise at Norfolk Botanical Gardens

The flutter of excitement, the whispers of promises, and the enchanting beauty of nature – weddings are a celebration of love that deserve to be captured in all their glory. And what better place to host this unforgettable event than the Norfolk Botanical Gardens? Nestled in the heart of Norfolk, Virginia, this lush paradise serves as a dream canvas for couples embarking on their journey of love. As a wedding videographer, there's no better stage to weave your magic and create timeless memories.

Imagine verdant landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, vibrant blooms adding bursts of color, and serene water features lending an air of tranquility – the Norfolk Botanical Gardens encapsulates the harmony between nature and romance. As a wedding videographer, you'll find yourself immersed in a breathtaking tapestry that effortlessly enhances the love story you're capturing.

Every corner of the Norfolk Botanical Gardens offers a new backdrop to craft unique visuals for the couple's love story. The Japanese Garden, with its serene ponds and delicately arched bridges, provides an ethereal ambiance perfect for capturing intimate moments. The Rose Garden, alive with a riot of colors and fragrances, adds a touch of classic romance to the scene. Whether it's beneath the towering trees of the Enchanted Forest or amidst the architectural marvels of the Renaissance Court, every step presents a new opportunity to create cinematic magic.

The golden hour, that magical period shortly after sunrise or before sunset, casts a warm and enchanting glow over the entire Norfolk Botanical Gardens. As a wedding videographer, you'll be treated to this natural spectacle that enhances the visual beauty of your shots. The soft, diffused light wraps around the couple, creating an aura of romance that's simply unparalleled. It's during these moments that your expertise in capturing the interplay between light and love will truly shine.

Wedding videography isn't just about capturing still frames; it's about preserving the essence of the day in motion. The Norfolk Botanical Gardens offers a dynamic canvas, with flowing water features, rustling leaves, and gentle breezes adding an extra layer of magic to your videos. The sound of laughter intermingling with the melodies of nature creates a symphony of emotions that can be relived with every playback.

As you navigate the Norfolk Botanical Gardens with your lens, you'll have the privilege of weaving together a couple's love story against a backdrop that speaks of eternity. From the joyful pre-ceremony jitters to the emotional exchange of vows, every moment gains an added layer of significance in this natural wonderland.

Our role as a wedding videographer extends beyond the day itself. Through your artistry, you'll preserve cherished memories for generations to come. Future family members will be able to relive the beauty, love, and emotions of the day, thanks to your skillful storytelling.

As a wedding videographer, there are few places as enchanting as the Norfolk Botanical Gardens to capture the essence of love in all its glory. This paradise offers an unparalleled backdrop of nature's beauty that perfectly complements the emotion and joy of a wedding day. From lush gardens to tranquil water features, from golden hour magic to the rustling of leaves, every detail contributes to a visual symphony waiting to be composed. If you're fortunate enough to film a wedding at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens, you're not just recording an event – you're crafting a masterpiece that will be cherished for a lifetime.

[wandering-jana]

Yellow-bellied slider

Norfolk Botanical Garden, Virginia

May 2021

[rarevioletrose]

Holiday lights 2023😊

[sarahcornell]

ducks, june 2023

shot by sarah cornell

[bullet-prooflove]

4500 Follower Celebration Bingo - Left Behind - Alden Parker x Reader

Tagging: @kmc1989 @sarakafarrah @caffeinatedwoman @elefrog25-blog @writeandsurvive

When Alden disappears it’s you that’s under fire, you that takes the brunt of it when you return to NCIS HQ from working a case in Norfolk, to discover your husband is now wanted for murder and on the run with his ex-wife Vivian.

“They fooled you Lisa. It’s time to wake the hell up!” Agent Terry snarls at you across the conference room table. “Why are you protecting the man that’s been carrying on with his ex-wife behind your back?”

“If you had proof of that you’d be thrusting it in my face right now.” You tell him, your elbows coming to rest on the surface of the table. “Instead you’re throwing shit at the wall, hoping that it sticks.”

“Do actually believe him when he tells you that you’re the love of his life, that you’re the only woman he’s ever truly connected with?” He hits back because you aren’t playing ball. “Are you that fucking dumb?”

That’s when you realise they’ve been bugging your home, that they’ve been in your bedroom.

You shut down then, cross your arms over your chest and refuse to answer anymore of their questions because all you can think of is how this man and dozens of his colleagues know exactly how you fuck your husband.

The humiliation continues when they inform you that you’re suspended and march you through the building and all the way to your car. You’re not to contact anyone from NCIS, including Alden’s team so you have no idea what’s going on or the way the investigation is heading.

You know this is the FBI’s way of isolating you. They’re hoping you’ll trip up lead them to Alden or that you’ll feel so scorned that you’ll turn on him yourself.

More fool them, you think as you pick up a pack of cigarettes from the bodega and light one up. You don’t have a clue where Alden is and what he’s up to. This morning when you woke up you were happy, you’d made love to your husband, kissed him goodbye and then headed out to Norfolk for your case.

Now you’re technically homeless because you refuse to let the FBI witness your grief in the apartment you share with the man you love. You have no clothes, no luxuries, just the ring on your finger and two FBI agents trying to look inconspicuous as you smoke outside the hotel you’ve decided you’re staying in tonight.

You’ve barely been in your room an hour before the package arrives. You sign for it before tearing it open and tipping the contents onto the bed. There’s three items, a leaflet on orchid care, an eight of spades playing card and a key you don’t recognise.

It’s a message from Alden, one you read loud and clear.

 The Orchid House in the Botanical Gardens, 8pm.

Alden’s been sneaking in there for years, taking clippings for his own collection.

You disconnect the alarm attached the rear fire exit before you slip out the door, leaving a folded piece of paper from the desktop notepad tucked against the snip so you can sneak back in later.

It takes twenty minutes for you to walk to the gardens, you avoid security cameras and hop the fence near the broken street light to avoid detection. You use your pocket torch to light up the darkness as you track through the foliage, trying not to leave a trace of your presence.

When you reach The Orchid House, it’s pitch black and locked up tight. Your own ghostly reflection looks back at you before you insert the key in the door and step inside. The humidity hits you like a wave, the same way it always does when you walk in here. It makes your sweater cling to your skin as you stride towards the bench where Alden always likes to sit.

Something rustles a couple of metres away and you lift your head to see your husband striding towards you. His black overcoat flutters behind him, the moonlight catching the profile of his  features and your heart beats just a little faster in your chest.

“Lisa.” He whispers and you hurtle into his arms, because the past twelve hours have been an absolute, living hell and you need this right now, you need him. “Oh sweetheart I’m sorry, I’m so god damn sorry.”

“They bugged our house.” You tell him, burying your face into his chest. “Our bedroom…”

His grasp on you tightens because it galls him that the FBI are doing this to the both of you, that they’re listening to your private moments, that they’re breaking you apart.

“How can I help you fix this?” You ask him, drawing away so you can look into his eyes. “How can we clear your name?”

We.

That’s what he’s always loved about you, when there’s a problem to be solved it’s always a we. He’s never alone, not when he has you.

“I need you to stay strong for me sweetheart.” He murmurs as his forehead comes to rest upon yours. “To keep believing in me because things, they’re about to rough.”

Love Alden? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

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Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[9-wing-1]

Norfolk Botanical Garden

[coffee-keith]

Norfolk Botanical Garden

Fall 2024

[pipergraphic]

These were taken during a spontaneous trip to the botanical gardens in Norfolk, VA.

[snowfragrance]

Norfolk/VA Beach Trip 2023

My sister wanted to see the options at the Asian groceries and it’s been years since I’ve been to VA Beach so I decided to join her on a quick trip. Unfortunately, all the Asian groceries that we hit had very little selection and the seafood was pricey despite it being near the sea? Don’t understand how that’s a thing. At least one of the stores had fresh jellyfish which I bought.

Norfolk Attractions:

Norfolk Botanical Gardens: Admission was $16 and I wished we went in the summer. There were very little flowers in bloom in May. They had hydrangeas and wisterias (my favorites) but none were in bloom. Still fun and they had candyleaf which made Stevia. The leaves tasted like honeysuckle. The staff were very friendly and fun to talk to.

Chrysler Museum of Art- Free admissions and they have glass making demonstrations during certain days. Smaller than the VMFA and they do have some nice Tiffany-stained glass displayed. Great to walk around and parking is free. Staff is very nice and the atmosphere is quite relaxing.

VA Beach Food:

Ten Seconds Noodles: Had to get the cross bridge noodles since it’s a specialty of Kunming. The variety is great but I wish the broth was more meaty but it’s still good. I just prefer my beef noodles more. Price is also good with noodle priced at $13.

Prince Tea House: So I wanted high tea and the afternoon tea for two was $54, so very expensive for the amount of food offered. But high tea is always expensive and this option was the cheapest based on other places. We each got a pot of our preferred tea. The top layer was chocolate molten lava cake in a tiny COSTCO sample size cup, 2 macaroon, and 2 fruit tarts. Second layer had 2 scones with raspberry jam and cottage cream in separate containers. Last layer had 2 of every item—deviled eggs, cucumber sandwich, cheesy salami, cream cheese salmon, tuna sandwich. At least the variety is there and all the food taste delicious... it’s just miniscule. The décor is adorable and the whole experience is more for IG than to fill your stomach.  

Place:

My sister got an AirBnB with a superhost. It was a mess since her estranged son showed up in the middle of the night and started to threaten her. It was getting to the point where I wondered if I needed to call the police since I had no idea if he had a weapon. I was getting ready to hit the car alarm on the keys but my sister got up to look at the situation and the guy left once he saw her. The host apologized and comped our stay but I think I might just do hotels if I travel next time.  

[fatchance]

Underfoot.

A mossy carpet on a wooded path at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.

[artsychowroamer]

January Atlanta Events Round Up

AUTHOR: ARTSY CHOW ROAMER

JANUARY

ATLANTA EVENTS ROUND UP

As folks recover from the long run of holidays from Thanksgiving to New Years, they often think of January as the month of doing nothing. That would be a mistake if living in or around Atlanta, as there are many things to do that can keep that holiday vibe alive for you and yours. Here’s a round up of my favorites.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

This years Martin Luther King Jr. holiday happens to fall on Inauguration Day. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the former and ignore the latter! Atlanta plans a lot of activities around Dr. King’s day beginning with the parade and church services at Ebenezer Baptist; the church where he was both baptized and euologized. The Atlanta History Center keeps a calendar of events that will occur which include a special celebration this year for the women involved in advocating for civil rights.

You can participate in civil rights themed trivia, kids activities, specially curated exhibits, panel discussions and more at the center on family events day January 18th. You can also find places to volunteer for the weekend into Monday’s holiday on the 20th which is what the day is really all about; giving back and helping others less fortunate.

Don’t forget to tune in to Ebenezer’s memorial service at 10:00 AM on the 20th. The many speakers and music never fail to lift the spirits and remind us how important Dr. King’s own words were before his assassination in 1968. The Interfaith Children’s Movement will also be participating in the annual Atlanta parade for the holiday ending with a Have a Heart Legislative Writing Party prioritizing children’s well-being in Georgia.

WILDWOOD AGLOW AT FERNBANK

Included with after-hours museum admission, WildWoods: AGLOW is “a multi-sensory experience that immerses visitors into the mesmerizing wonders of nature” through the real environment and glowing displays that are uniquely curated to highlight the native plants within WildWoods. Original music and zen-like artistic compositions create a magical exprience for children and adults alike. New this year will be large dandelions, fluttering dragonflies, swarming bats and more along the boardwalk. Tickets available for $23.95 and up for non-members-less if already a member.

GARDEN LIGHTS & HOLIDAY TRAINS

Garden Lights and Holiday Trains are two don’t miss annual events at The Atlanta Botanical Gardens for both family and fun date nights through January 12th. The stunning light show features millions of colored LED lights strung amid the trees, plants and sculptural artworks of the gardens with timed tickets that allow you to purchase and plan your visit on the specific day and time of your choice. Don’t miss the Tunnel of Lights, Alice in Wonderland and dancing to the Orchestral Orbs!

Gotta a model train addict in your family? Everyone seems to and the holidays are the best time to enjoy setting up and running your own cars after going to get some ideas and inspiration from the gardens. Presented by Norfolk Southern, kids and adults alike will be enchanted by the sites and sounds of the magical set up with stations, lights, Santa’s Workshop, candy adorned homes and more. Don’t forget to grab your tickets on a non-rainy day as the tracks must be dry! All aboard!

NATIONAL College Football PlayofF Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The City of Atlanta has an entire weekend of events planned around the 2025 College Football Playoff which is a National Championship game. More than 100,000 residents as well as visitors from across the country are expected to attend at the beautiful Mercedes Benz stadium on January 20th and you don’t have to have tickets to the game to be included in all the fun events leading up to it.

The celebration will get started Saturday, January 18th, with the opening of Playoff Fan Central at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free family-friendly interactive experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history.

Downtown Atlanta will again host one of the largest traveling music festivals which has featured top talent in the past like Pitbull, Flo Rida, Doja Cat, Usher, Lenny Kravitz, John Mellencamp, Darius Rucker and more. Sunday morning will be the 5 and 10K running events with participants receiving medals and T-shirts. Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will play host to some of the best chefs in town to bring all attendees one of the most elevated and unique local cuisine experiences on offer. Get your game on football fans!

COCKTAILS & BITES ON THE BELTLINE

Calling all foodies! Atlanta Food Tours is known for the best experiences in town whether it’s touring the Ponce City Market for a little taste in food, art and history, building your own burgers or craft cocktails and bites around the Beltline. You will eat like a local while supporting the local businesses with the fun thrown in for free. I personally love the Beltline tour for $120 that lasts two hours, gives you a good mile of walking, three craft cock or mocktails with bites included that begins at Bazati. Check out their website to customize your own group tour if you prefer. Cheers!

THE TWO MARTINS AT THE FOX

I suppose that working together on their Hulu series, Only Murders in the Building, just isn’t enough for the two Martins so they will be bringing their act to the Fox Theatre January 24th. “The Dukes of Funnytown” will be live and on stage as of 8:00 PM with doors opening at 7:00. Go early as you’ll want to grab yourself some drinks and take in the beauty of the Fox which is always lovely but especially so at the holidays. Expect some music from The Steep Canyon Rangers and a guest spot for Jeff Babko who I suspect will be a great sidekick for the two guys that can still make you laugh til your sides hurt! Tickets start at $80.00.

Photo: Kwame Brathwaite (American, 1938–2023), Untitled (Radiah Frye Who Embraced Natural Hairstyles at AJASS Photoshoot), ca. 1970, printed 2018, pigmented inkjet print, The Dean Collection, courtesy of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. © Kwame Brathwaite. Photo by Joshua White/JWPictures.com

Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys

The High Museum is playing host to a giant of a collection brought to you by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, otherwise known as the Deans. Both have always been collectors of sorts but since their marriage, have become collectors of note known for their knowledge, taste and spirit assembling a world-class collection of paintings, sculpture and photography that exemplifies their lived ethos of “artists supporting artists”.

The exhibition illuminates the renown and impact of legendary preminent “giants” such as Barkley L. Hendricks, Esther Mahlangu, and Gordon Parks as well as contemporary modern Black creatives like Hank Willis Thomas, Qualeasha Wood, Deana Lawson, Mickalene Thomas, Amy Sherald and Titus Kaphar. It also highlights their earlier acquisitions of BMX bikes, musical albums and equipment. To the Deans, all artists are “giants” as they continue to add to the wonderful collection you will see only a small portion of during its run through January 19th at the High. Don’t miss it!

sKATE THE STATION

Open until January 20th, Skate the Station at Atlantic Station presents your chance to ice skate in the great outdoors and pretend you are doing it in New York City (or at least that’s what I like to do)! You can spend a little of that Christmas money you got on the shop sales and grab yourself a nice dinner and hot drinks after you are done. Normal hours are 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM and there will be two special evening skates from 6-9:00 PM on January 7th (Musical Night) and January 14th (Great Gatsby Night). No walk-ups allowed so get your tickets ahead of time please!

CONCLUSIONS

As you can see, there are still plenty of fun events to do in and around Atlanta to keep the holiday vibe alive for January. Most are family friendly and many would be great date night experiences as well. Grab the kids, your better half or just a great group of friends and get your tickets now for any of these upcoming events so ya got something to look forward to after the ball drops and you’ve made your resolution list!

Hey, don’t be a stranger! Let me hear from you if you got something you want to add to the list of January fun things to do! Until next time…

Cheers,

ArtsyChowRoamer

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[rebeccakeeney]

Meticulously Renovated Rancher on 1/4 Acre Flag Lot

[okyuei]

Norfolk Botanical garden

[princessannelocavore]

A walk through an autumn garden: 5 things to do at Norfolk Botanical Garden

Are you looking for ideas for a fall outing or hoping to see a holiday light show? Check Norfolk Botanical Garden.

I can’t imagine a lovelier place for a fall outing than Norfolk Botanical Garden. The garden, with its varied landscaping and many theme gardens, is arguably at its peak in the spring when the azaleas are blooming. Still, it’s surprising how many colorful blooms you’ll see on its 175 acres. Of course, the biggest attraction this season is the Dominion Energy Garden of Lights, a walk throughh a…