365 Challenge: Day 192 – Elements
Elements: experiencing all four of them on the trip today: earth, air, water, and fire
Today’s 365 Daily Challenge word is ‘elements’ because on this third day of the vacation, I see all four of them: (1) earth in the tree and greenery, (2) air in the wind blowing the Spanish moss, (3) water in the lake in the background and (4) fire in the hickory smell in the air all around. And I was also completely in my element in this beautiful arboretum at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina. We spent a few hours this morning at this lovely place, where you can see tons of pictures below, or also on my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts. Afterwards, we drove to Wrightsville Beach, which was exactly like the seaside town I wanted to visit. Lunch at the Oceanic right on the beach while we watched surfers crash, bathers play on the sand and people mulling about the small island space.
We drove three hours this afternoon to Chapel Hill and checked in at the Siena Hotel, which is gorgeous. More on that in tomorrow’s post. We toured UNC Chapel Hill and are now back at the hotel for a short break before going out to dinner and a few bars this evening. Or maybe I’ll enroll in a Master’s program and start auditing classes. Or possibly find a party at one of the fraternities or sororities, as we saw at least ten houses the size of mansions…. makes me miss my college years and my fraternity days when I was our president. Oh well, feels like a different life… but it’s also given me two fantastic book ideas. One is called ‘Alternate Lives,’ which I’ll explain in a post once I get back home. Another is called the ‘Elements of Living,’ a book about how to experience all the things in life you should embrace regardless of who you are. I need more time to write all these books, but that’ll have to wait. I need to finish and schedule this post, then head to dinner. Ciao!
500 year old Airlie Oak Tree with Spanish Moss – Stunning
Lake in the middle of Airlie Gardens
Sitting area built in an old oak tree
Random trees in between the various gardens
Cemetery with graves from the 1700s (creepy lighting effect!)
Bridal Walk to the lake where they hold weddings
States built all throughout with small sitting areas
Brunch at Wrightsville Beach @11:40 (oops, drinking before 12 noon, I’m bad!)
View from our table of the surfers while we had brunch
About Me & the “365 Daily Challenge”
I’m Jay and I live in NYC. By profession, I work in technology. By passion, I work in writing. I’ve always been a reader. And now I’m a daily blogger. I decided to start my own version of the “365 Daily Challenge” where since March 13, 2017, I’ve posted a characteristic either I currently embody or one I’d like to embody in the future. 365 days of reflection to discover who I am and what I want out of life.
The goal: Knowledge. Acceptance. Understanding. Optimization. Happiness. Help. For myself. For others. And if all else fails, humor. When I’m finished in one year, I hope to have more answers about the future and what I will do with the remainder of my life. All aspects to be considered. It’s not just about a career, hobbies, residence, activities, efforts, et al. It’s meant to be a comprehensive study and reflection from an ordinary man. Not a doctor. Not a therapist. Not a friend. Not an encyclopedia full of prior research. Just pure thought, a blogged journal with true honesty.
Join the fun and read a new post each day, or check out my book reviews, TV/Film reviews or favorite vacation spots. And feel free to like, rate, comment or take the poll for each post. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
September 20, 2017 at 6:19 AM
Stunning! And I’m super jealous that you had a glass of champagne even before noon!😀😂🍾 Looks like you are having a fabulous time… So glad 🤗✨
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September 20, 2017 at 7:59 AM
Thank you
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September 20, 2017 at 6:47 AM
Just beautiful!!! That tree!!!💚
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September 20, 2017 at 6:55 AM
These pictures are amazing!! The gardens are beautiful and charming. Don’t get me started with the beach. I’m a sucker for salty water and fine sand! All, Very lovely! 😍
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September 20, 2017 at 8:01 AM
Thank you very much! Can’t wait to catch up when I return.
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September 20, 2017 at 6:57 AM
The picture are amazing!! 😊
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September 20, 2017 at 8:02 AM
Thx!
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September 20, 2017 at 7:25 AM
Looks beautiful! Oh I want to visit all those places!! And so glad you scheduled this post cause I would hit you if you got up at 6 to write……
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September 20, 2017 at 8:02 AM
All scheduled the night before!!!
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September 20, 2017 at 9:33 AM
Smart!
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September 20, 2017 at 7:51 AM
oh my, these pictures are amazing! 🙂 i love the trees, and the beach and everything ❤ 😀
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September 20, 2017 at 8:04 AM
:). Thx.
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September 20, 2017 at 8:30 AM
Pretty!
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September 20, 2017 at 8:40 AM
Gorgeous photos,what a beautiful place,enjoy!!
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September 20, 2017 at 9:09 AM
Thx
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September 20, 2017 at 10:59 AM
Stunning photos, I’m actually reminded of Dallas Arboretum. Only slightly, but the trees and the lake really took me back there.
I’m so glad you are having such a good time. 😁
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September 20, 2017 at 10:59 AM
Oh and I can’t wait to hear all the book ideas!
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September 20, 2017 at 3:19 PM
Fun stuff! No story last night btw. Was Not around when we got back to the hotel. Perhaps tonight!
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September 20, 2017 at 3:43 PM
Oh DOH! I was hoping for a fun ending to that story! You put me to bed giggling anyway! 😂
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September 20, 2017 at 3:45 PM
Sorry
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September 20, 2017 at 12:12 PM
Thank you. Duke was even better today!
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September 20, 2017 at 11:49 AM
I am wondering how jealous i will have got by the end of your trip! 🙂
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September 20, 2017 at 12:12 PM
Sorry!!!!!!!!
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September 20, 2017 at 2:39 PM
:):):)::):):):):):):):):):):):)
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September 20, 2017 at 12:12 PM
Lovely pics! Wish I were there. Have a fantastic time!
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September 20, 2017 at 3:18 PM
🙂 thx
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September 20, 2017 at 12:32 PM
As you predicted, I love the pics. I am glad you got to visit Wrightsville – the name alone should make it a spectacular place. Yup, the lighting around the cemetery gives a creepy feel.
And like the meme says, it’s already 12:00 somewhere. Drink up.
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September 20, 2017 at 3:18 PM
Perfect name match, huh? 🙂
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September 20, 2017 at 12:47 PM
I’m so happy you are enjoying your visit to my home state!! Wrightsville beach and Wilmington are one of our favorite day trip “vacations” throughout the summer! And I’m very happy you got to visit UNC Chapel Hill where I spent 6 of the happiest…and some of the craziest years of my life getting my Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree! 💙💙 I can’t wait to see your pictures from Duke! And a delayed welcome to North Carolina 😉❤
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September 20, 2017 at 3:18 PM
Thank you very much. Been great so far!
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September 20, 2017 at 11:46 PM
You’re welcome! So glad 😊 NC is a pretty wonderful place ❤
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September 20, 2017 at 12:48 PM
gorgeous pics!! Hope you’re having a great time!!
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September 20, 2017 at 3:18 PM
Thank you
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September 21, 2017 at 7:12 AM
You’re welcome 😊
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September 20, 2017 at 1:20 PM
Wow! This place looks like heaven. Nice pictures! loved 3rd and 4th one. 🙂
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September 20, 2017 at 1:58 PM
I’m back on my computer now and will try to catch up.
Oh, my! North Carolina, my lovely old home! I miss it dearly. 😦 I lived in Wilmington for a short while. I also lived in Raleigh, Durham (alas, not Chapel Hill, though I was a frequent visitor there!), Sanford, Fayetteville, Goldsboro, Charlotte, Pineville. . . well, the list goes on. I had a job that required temporary moves, so I moved quite frequently! I became quite good at it, too!
I love the Spanish Moss, and your pictures (which are fantastic, BTW) bring back so many great memories!
Enjoy the state! Will you be getting to Ashville, or have I not gotten to that story yet?
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September 20, 2017 at 2:11 PM
Hi. Yes Asheville on saturday. Do tell!
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September 20, 2017 at 6:06 PM
You’ll love the area! Biltmore is amazing!
I once worked with a construction company (I was in management of administration and construction, so I handled and worked in both capacities.) We gutted the VA hospital and converted it to condos. I was there for several months and loved it. My favorite area of NC is Charlotte! Have fun and take lots of pictures!
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September 20, 2017 at 9:46 PM
Thanks for the background. Loved Charlotte. /)
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September 21, 2017 at 12:32 PM
You are welcome! Me, too!
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September 20, 2017 at 3:51 PM
What beautiful pics!
But you forgot the fifth element- quintessence. Though if you found peace and tranquility in you time in nature, then you found it.
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September 20, 2017 at 3:58 PM
Great addition. I did find it but should have mentioned it!
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September 20, 2017 at 7:33 PM
Love the photos and the book ideas! Enjoy the vacay!
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September 20, 2017 at 7:35 PM
Marvelous!
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September 20, 2017 at 10:07 PM
Looks like a great trip!
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September 21, 2017 at 9:27 AM
Oh so jealous! The pictures are just gorgeous. As much as I can’t stand the heat, I do love the beach. I hope you’re both having a great time, James. ❤
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September 28, 2017 at 7:12 AM
Beautiful photos & great post 👍
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September 28, 2017 at 7:56 AM
Thank you
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