A Dingbatter I May Be

Dingbatter: a down eastern term used for a tourist or someone who is not from here.

Walking on the pier I notice this white matter on the cleaning table. It appears to be sea salt, or at least looks like such. My husband laughs and says, “Honey, that is fish scales. These fisherman probably think you are a Dingbatter.” I smile and reply, “then a Dingbatter I must be!”

Lori Harris Photography

Lesson here was not one of culture, as in my life’s journey perception is not what fuels me. Rather it is one that where I enjoy the process of discovery and knowing that what you see is not always what is. Look beyond, investigate further. Take it upon yourself to keep exploring and remain curious – about everything. I am a sponge. I am still learning and un-learning.

So, “Dingbatter” it is! 😎
Here’s to all the ding batters in the world!

Fisher-Girl

On the pier, she walks with hat, her purse, her rod, her bait and a smile. She is FISHER-GIRL, and she owns the pier.

Lori Harris Photography

Sunday Shorelines

Ever have one of those lazy Sunday afternoons? The kind where you don’t get out of bed until after noon, throw your favorite hole-y jeans or shorts and a t-shirt on, you meander down to the beach for a walk along the shore?

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The air is cooling, as it is fall. The Atlantic waters hinting a touch of warmth. Shells threaded down the shoreline. The walk is refreshing and calming. Sandpiper, gulls and pelicans actively seeking food. Late vacationers sprinkle the sand wondering where the sun has gone.

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The ocean and her shore keep us balanced. Water, sand (earth), air, species – it all coexists, ebbs and flows with time creating its majestic beauty and memories. I am grateful and seek to have more “lazy Sundays” in my life!

Lori Harris Photography

Lori Harris Photography

Fairies In the Garden

The Dr. Heber W. Johnson Rotary Garden – Home of the World’s Largest Rotary Wheel, was host to the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society‘s Secret Garden Tour Ribbon Cutting. Painting the garden were precious, little fairies.

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Twirling, dancing, flittering, skipping and even a little pouting, they entertained the patrons with a sense of innocence, happiness and life.

Lori Harris Photography

Lori Harris Photography

The remainder of the day was caught in the beauty of “The Lesson of a Child” – to not take all of life so seriously, to dance, to flitter, to discover, to twirl…enjoy, foster and seek those things in life that make us smile and utilize our gifts to make this world a better place.

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You may say this is “Polly-an-ish,” no matter! Life is short, So why not be fairy-like and play!

Odonata

Dragonflies are able to move in six directions, fly at more than 45 miles per hour, hover like a helicopter, fly backwards, straight up and down and side to side! It exudes a sense of power and poise – something that comes only with age and maturity (symbolism of the Dragonfly). The most common symbol for a dragonfly is change. Change, to make something different from what it is, to transform or convert -seems appropriate.

Lori Harris Photography

Alternative names for a dragonfly are: darning needle, snake feeder, mosquito hawk, skeeter hawk, ear sewer, and snake doctor. Bizarre names as they are, the dragonfly itself is harmless to humans. They prey on Mosquitos and other insects.

Lori Harris Photography

Mystical to me.

Tregembo Animals

Lions, tigers and bears -alright!

There is this little, small-town zoo: Tregembo Zoo – Wilmington, North Carolina.
(http://www.tregemboanimalpark.com/) for over 50 years the Tregembo family has been zoo-ing it! This zoo is one of the best attractions in Wilmington. Where else can you go in Southeastern, North Carolina and feel like you had a chance to be like Dr Doolittle and travel the world to see exotic animals?

From peacocks:

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To panthers:

Lori Harris Photography

And giraffes:

Lori Harris Photography

Turtles:

Lori Harris Photography

Tigers:

Lori Harris Photography

And so much more:

Lori Harris Photography

So travel the world in our small hometown and discover animals you have always wanted to see!

Ninja Vance

Oh, The Places I Go

My bike takes me to many a place. Loaded basket, mostly with cameras and filters, we ride seeking and discovering nooks and crannies, treasures and troves.

Lori Harris Photography

Lori Harris Photography

Lori Harris Photography

Oh…take me away – today, tomorrow and back to yesterday. Where there is uniqueness, beauty and to interesting places. I ride…

Antebellum Garden Party

Pantaloons, slip, hoop skirt, dress, gloves, curls, parasol, ribbons, bows, fan and sugar…a beautiful garden and a handsome gentleman = ingredients for an Antebellum Belle’s dream afternoon!

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Cultural traditions have remained threaded through various events that feature Antebellum Belle “lifestyle” and “fashion.” In Wilmington, North Carolina, there are the Azalea Belles. (http://www.capefeargardenclub.org/azalea-garden-tour/azalea-belles-policies/) High School girls apply to be selected to represent and adorn Antebellum attire designed locally for the various annual events and activities surrounding the Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour and the North Carolina Azalea Festival. (http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/)

Lori Harris Photography

The tradition and history of a Garden Party goes back to the 1700’s. There is a relaxed and gentle feeling, more of an aura, to a garden party. Whether a small backyard garden or the impeccable gardens like Longwood Gardens (http://www.longwoodgardens.org/TheStoryofLongwood_1_3_2_1_1.html), Airlie Gardens (http://airliegardens.org/) or Greenfield Lake Park (Home of the Dr. Heber W. Johnson Rotary Garden – Home of the World’s Largest Rotary Wheel, https://www.facebook.com/RotaryWheel). The gardens are hostess to people longing to socialize and fellowship with others amongst the natural and engineered beauty and landscapes within.

In Wilmington, North Carolina, the Antebellum style threads through its rich and abundant historical architecture, culture and gardens.

Lori Harris Photography

These photos were all taken by Stuart Benson at the Dr. Heber W. Johnson Rotary Garden.
(Dress Designer: Alma Fennel, Drapery World, Wilmington, NC)

Grill or BBQ

To Grill, I mean BBQ, or not to grill, I mean BBQ? That is NOT the question… Which is it, really?

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Is this only a debate of north/south or east/west? Or is it one of the biggest social science studies, next to pee-can and peh-cahn?

Irregardless of the genetics of cooking meat outside on an open fired rack, the food that comes off of this piece of cooking equipment is delicious!