Japanese Garden

One of my favorite gardens in the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the Japanese Garden. The Japanese Garden predates the 1976 founding of the Atlanta Botanical Garden...it's been around since the 1960s!

Japanese Garden, Atlanta Botanical Garden

Did you know that today's Atlanta Botanical Garden's Japanese Garden does not have bonsai? Originally,  there were quite a few, but things happened. Today, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is the site of monthly meetings and a highly impressive annual show of the Atlanta Bonsai Society.

I know it may be a little early to talk about the Bonsai Show—given that it's not until May—but time goes by so quickly these days...it'll be here before you know it! So, mark your calendars for the weekend of May 18-19, 2013.

The Society also holds an annual auction (great for those new to working with bonsai) in August, and they will also be at the annual JapanFest in Gwinnett County in September.

If you're interested in learning more about bonsai or even hanging with fellow bonsai enthusiasts, consider joining the Atlanta Bonsai Society...looks to me like they have a great time.

Enjoy the above pre-sized Facebook Cover Photo and be sure to head over to the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page for more Cover Photos and lots more information about Atlanta (and surrounding area) events.

Shadow Pix Around Atlanta

Certainly you've done a "series" of photos in various locations? One of my favorites, being the sci-fi fan I am, are my "Vulcan Salute" photos...and I have quite the collection amassed.

However, instead of those, I'm going to share with you some of my Atlanta-based "Shadow Pix," which were made at a number of locations around town...enjoy!

Shadow Pic at the Atlanta Cyclorama

Atlanta Cyclorama

Shadow Pic at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Shadow Pic at the Georgia Capitol Building

Georgia State Capitol Building

Shadow Pic at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Vulcan Salute

Atlanta Botanical Garden (I had to get at least one Vulcan salute in there!)

Shadow Pic at Underground Atlanta

Underground Atlanta

Shadow Pic at Historic Grant Park

Historic Grant Park

Shadow Pic at Barrington Hall

Barrington Hall

Shadow Pic at Centennial Olympic Park

Centennial Olympic Park

Shadow Pic at the Millennium Gate

Millennium Gate

Shadow Pic at the Swan House

The Swan House

Shadow Pic at Woodruff Park

Woodruff Park

The beauty of this kind of series of photos is that they force you to view your surroundings in a different "light," so to speak. You definitely see your surroundings in a way you wouldn't otherwise.

So...go have some fun with a creative series of photos. The possibilities are endless!

If Dali Was an Orchidologist...

"Surreal Beauty" morphs the mind's perception of orchids, much like Salvador Dali morphs our view of clocks, horses, and tigers...not permanently, of course. This year's Orchid Daze exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden is masterfully brilliant!

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty is presented in three distinct areas: the Fuqua Conservatory Lobby, the Orchid Center entryway, the Orchid Center Lobby, and the Orchid Display Room.

The demarcation of each area is noted by artwork that has been incorporate into four doorways, each representing one of the four surrealism artists who were the inspiration for the exhibition. 

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

In each area is a quote by the artist who inspired that particular section...and each quote is cleverly placed, so be on the lookout!

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Conservatory Lobby

The Conservatory Lobby is a grand welcome to Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty. To fully enjoy, one must first abandon all vanity. Why, you ask? Because the Fun House mirrors are going to make you look like you gave up your New Year's resolutions before January 2nd or that you put your makeup on in the dark...all in a hilariously fun way.

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

This area makes a brilliant use of mirrors in all sorts of shapes and sizes. I personally enjoyed the spherical ones. Those are great for self portraits, which we know all the great artists made. 

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Orchid Center Entryway

The Orchid Center Lobby showcases actually two distinct areas. The first is the very short hallway from the Conservatory to the Orchid Center Lobby running adjacent to the Fragrance Garden, where tulips were in full bloom opening weekend (it's warmer in the glass-enclosed, but not covered, Fragrance Garden than it is in other parts of the Garden).

Overhead are bowler hats in a display akin to a hot air balloon festival. They're as foretelling of the fun ahead as were the mirrors in the Conservatory.

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Orchid Center Lobby

Stepping into the Orchid Center Lobby is an exercise of the mind being cleared of all things real and discovering singular elements that culminate in the realization of just what the Orchid Daze creators truly meant by "Surreal Beauty." 

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

This room is truly remarkable...from every angle! And I do recommend exploring the room from EVERY angle. And I really and truly hope you bring your camera...bring the good one, no matter how clunky you might think it is—it'll be totally worth it!

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

One of the more captivating features of this portion of the exhibition are the unexpected raining umbrellas. That's to say that from within three different umbrellas, it's raining! How clever is that?!

Remember to go through the High Elevation Tropicals Room while you're here, then head over to the Orchid Center Display Room.


Orchid Center Display Room

"Lady Slippers in lady slippers," I've heard this display called. Lady Slipper is a kind of orchid, some of which are among those planted in high heel shoes (or "lady slippers"...get it?). 

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

This display is beyond creative...I was blown away by the detail that went into it. From the color palette to the lace covered tree, there are surprises everywhere!

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

A few have asked, "What size are the shoes?" presumably contemplating the possibility of increasing their shoe wardrobe post-exhibition. But alas ladies, the shoes all have holes drilled in them, for proper watering. But they are pretty cool, aren't they?

Orchid Daze: Surreal Beauty,
Atlanta Botanical Garden

As brilliant as Surreal Beauty is, remember to take time to reflect on the beauty of all the orchids in the Orchid Center. There are approximately 2,000 species in the Garden's collection, making it one of the largest collections in the U.S., so there is lots to enjoy.

If you'd like to learn more about orchids, I recommend first following "The Orchid Column," a brilliant and beautiful blog by Becky Brinkman, Manager of the Garden's Orchid Center. And the Garden also offers regular "Orchid Care Clinics" and there's always the Garden's Plant Hotline.

"Orhid Daze: Surreal Beauty" carries with it the potential to make orchidologists of all of us...funny little mustache not required.

Horizon Theatre's Heartwarming Waffle Story

We went to Horizon Theatre in Little Five Points last night to see "The Waffle Palace." I'd met some of the cast last month when I went to The Waffle House Museum, where they were special guests, and have wanted to see the play ever since. 

The performance was phenomenal! The story is solid, the acting is superb, the set is clever...it was an overall incredible theater-going experience. I actually want to go see it again. 

The Waffle Palace at Horizon Theatre,
(Brandon Alexander, Maria Rodriguez-Sager, me, Marguerite Hannah)

If you've ever been to a Waffle House, you'll totally "get it." Beyond the fun they have with the Waffle House culture, there's a touching human story--that story is central to the show and evokes an emotional response, just as any good performance does.

The 2.5 hour performance, and a 10-minute intermission, kept my attention the entire performance...I didn't drift, think about work, wonder who had sent me a text...I was right there with the performers for the duration. 

After the show, practically the entire cast hung around to talk with their fans (which as far as I could tell was everyone in the audience!). They were all absolutely delightful!

The Waffle Palace at Horizon Theatre,
(front) Brandon Alexander, Maria Rodriguez-Sager, Marguerite Hannah,
Mary Lynn Owen, (back) Larry Larson

The show has been running since January 11 and even on a cold, rainy night, the theatre was practically sold out (it may have been, actually...perhaps the few unoccupied seats were those who didn't brave the rain). 

I have to mention the set...the brilliant set! It's designed to look very much like you'd expect a breakfast diner to look. Counter with swivel stools, juke box, open kitchen (grill), neon sign outside, tables with condiment trays and plastic menus, and booths. 

Some of the booths are unique in that a couple of them are front row seats, so the guests occupying those seats are actually on the stage! How much fun is that?!

The Waffle Palace at Horizon Theatre,
Post-performance Set

I'd be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the kindness of the Horizon Theatre staff. They were super friendly, engaging, and enthusiastic about the fun we were about to have with the performance. I wish more business understood the extreme importance of first impressions...these guys get it! "Thank you" to all the Horizon Theatre staff for a great evening!

The concessions are some of the most reasonable I've see in a very long time! And they have GIANT cookies that seemingly everyone else was enjoying (they obviously knew something I didn't). Next time I go, I'm totally indulging. 

You've probably figured out by now that I think The Waffle Palace is fantastic...it's a brilliant show and I recommend it to anyone--from Buford Highway to Buckhead, from Conyers to Alpharetta, and anyone visiting from out of town, get yourselves to Horizon Theatre to see this show!

Horizon Theatre, Little Five Points

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Viva Italia

This year's Valentine's Weekend included an evening at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. We saw Poperazzi who performed with the Symphony a collection of Italian love songs and other songs associated with Italy in some form or another—the evening was titled, "Viva Italia!"

Atlanta Symphony Hall

I've been to the Symphony a number of times over the years and have always enjoyed their programming...we truly have an amazing Symphony. And the lobby space is striking.

Woodruff Arts Center,
Home of Atlanta Symphony Hall

Atlanta Symphony Hall is located in the Woodruff Arts Center, which also houses the Alliance Theatre. There's also the Rich Auditorium where films are shown and other programming takes place. The High Museum of Art, right next door, is also part of the Center.

Also on the campus is Table 1280, a restaurant that I very much enjoyed when it first opened, but it ended up closing.Turns out that they've been offing a performance-related ala Carte Lounge Menu. And according to their website, they've re-opened with full service.

Woodruff Arts Center,
Home of Atlanta Symphony Hall

Viva Italia was wonderful and a perfect Valentine's thing to do. 

The programming at the Symphony is broad in range, so if you think the Symphony is not your cup of tea, have a look at the wide range of offerings on their website...you may be surprised.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

One of the most unique shopping experience I've ever had in Atlanta was recently at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Actually, the experience had a New Orleans feel to it...thanks in great part to Miss D.

Instead of starting from the beginning, let me tell you first about Miss D. Her shop is "Miss D's New Orleans Pralines and Popcorn" and you're going to love the pralines! 

Miss D, Sweet Auburn Curb Market

I've been to approximately a bazillion farmer's markets—and that's pretty much what this is, with a number of extras—but this experience was unique, to say the least. 

One of the reasons I'd been wanting to go to this Market is my love affair with High Road Ice Cream, but more about that in a moment.

When we came across Miss D's shop, her bright red candy apples immediately caught my attention and made for an obvious conversation starter. Of course I told her that the apples looked delicious.

She immediately treated us to a sample of her pralines to which we immediately responded with a purchase. I asked her if I could make a photo to which she cheerfully responded, "Of course," and without even thinking about it pulled out a red parasol—certainly a New Orleans touch and a perfect accompaniment to the candy apples.

It didn't take her long to realize that this was our first visit to the Market, and as soon as she did she told us there was only one way to welcome newbies. She proceeded out from behind her counter and gave us both great big hugs! Wow! What a welcome that was...Miss D is a delight!

Alright, back to when we first came in...the draw that brought us to the Market—High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet.

We parked on the street, not realizing that the Market has its own parking lot. So we entered on what we thought was the front (and I think it was the original front). When we go in, the first shop we saw was High Road. Jackpot!

High Road Craft Ice Cream,
Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Kate was working the booth and she was great...cheerful, welcoming, and enthusiastic about High Road. I was very happy about that given my previous fantastic experiences with owner Chef Keith, the other High Road staff I've met, and High Road ice cream itself. It's AMAZING!

I forget what flavor I had, but it doesn't matter...every flavor I've ever had has been brilliant. We walked around the market with our ice cream exploring quite contentedly.

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

There are so many kinds of shops here. There's gorgeous produce (fresh and much of it local), butchers, bakeries, restaurants, and even a book store. And all the shopkeepers were kind and welcoming...it was just a very nice experience.

Georgia Peanuts,
Sweet Auburn Curb Market

While exploring, we passed a smaller version of the Piedmont Road Grind House Killer Burgers. Their burgers are fantastic and I love that the Piedmont Road location is decorated with period robots...fun!

Grind House Killer Burgers,
Sweet Auburn Curb Market

The Market location is not decorated with robots, but with artwork created by a buddy of mine, Chris Hamer (and it's for sale), owner and creator of Urbanpop. And they're playing vintage videos. Check out Chris' art...it's totally awesome!  

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

We kept exploring and ended up going back to one of the butchers we'd passed earlier. This one was selling freshly made sausage...and how often do you get that? Not very. The gentleman behind the counter—enthusiastically, not pushy—told us how incredible the sausage was. He guaranteed that if we tried it we would definitely come back for more.

We will definitely be back for more...it was indeed fantastic!

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

I don't remember now why it took so long to make it to the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. The friend I went with had been there years before and told me that, based on this visit, it's been through quite the transformation.

I found it fun, eclectic in its offerings, and doctors were eating there, so that was telling in and of itself. And they too indulged in some High Road ice cream after their meal.

We're definitely going back!

Sweet Auburn Curb Market

Camellia Show 2013

At the Atlanta Botanical Garden on Saturday to give a tour, my discovery of the now-taking-place annual Camellia Show, hosted by the North Georgia Camellia Society, was wonderfully serendipitous. There were hundreds of absolutely stunning Camellia blossoms...absolutely stunning!

Here are a few of my favorites from the Show...

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Camellias!

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Camellias!

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Camellias!

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Camellias!

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Camellias!

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Camellias!

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Camellias!

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

"Tray of Three" Competition...

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Some of the Camellias were massive! Note my hand on the left for comparison.

2013 Camellia Show
Atlanta Botanical Garden

Those are only a fraction of the varieties represented in the Show. You can see the rest of the 42 photos I made over on the wanderlust ATLANTA Facebook Page. 

I was chatting with another volunteer the other day who told me that they were talking with a friend who asked, "Why would I go to the Garden in the middle of winter? There's nothing in bloom." My fellow volunteer responded with an extensive list of gorgeous flowers and plants that are in fact blooming right now. 

A consensus was reached...this is Atlanta, not the Arctic. 

Keep an eye on the Garden's calendar of events for other shows similar to this one.