baldylox Posted May 17, 2013 Last weekend we had a local doll meet out at Magnolia Gardens. It's a plantation area that has been keeping an active garden for over 300 years. They have all sorts of plantlife there as well as animals that were here when the Charleston area was first settled. It made a great backdrop for photos of the dolls we brought along! Here's the big open area across from where we ate lunch: DSC_0993 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_0994 by balldylox, on Flickr There's a really long trail inside the gardens that winds thru 300 year old stands of trees as well as flowers of all types. They also had bridges all around since this area is right on the river and has many swampy spots. DSC_0997 by balldylox, on Flickr They even had a hot house filled with gorgeous orchids and other flowers. DSC_1002 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1003 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1005 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1011 by balldylox, on Flickr Of course with all these flowers around, people couldn't help but break out the DD's! Here's Kiyo by the pond: DSC_1016 by balldylox, on Flickr She's a gorgeous 05 girl on a DDdy body and I really like her look and style. DSC_1017 by balldylox, on Flickr Semi's newest girl Latte showed up too and she really liked the orchids. DSC_1018 by balldylox, on Flickr And I liked her outfit too. DSC_1020 by balldylox, on Flickr The Ashley River that slowly creeps by in the back of the plantation. DSC_1024 by balldylox, on Flickr Ebl's girl Mishka seems to have found something interesting in the cotton barge display.... DSC_1025 by balldylox, on Flickr M - "COTTON!! BEHOLD IT'S AWESOMENESS!" L - "You're an idiot, get that outta my face." DSC_1026 by balldylox, on Flickr Looking back across the pond towards the bridge. DSC_1027 by balldylox, on Flickr Miyuki finally arrives to show the others how casual style is done. DSC_1028 by balldylox, on Flickr I love the hat on her. DSC_1030 by balldylox, on Flickr Mishka - "Try some COTTON.... it's DIVINE." Miyuki - "Ummm okay... just don't try to stab me or anything." DSC_1032 by balldylox, on Flickr Miyuki was TRYING to give me a cute pose and pic until *SOMEONE* decided to photobomb us. DSC_1034 by balldylox, on Flickr After the Cotton Drifting, Miyuki found these cypress knees to pose on. These are the root systems of the cypress tree and they grow like this to help secure the trees in the muddy and swampy areas they grow in. DSC_1035 by balldylox, on Flickr Resting on the bridge.... DSC_1037 by balldylox, on Flickr It seems Kiyo wants some normal company for a bit since Latte seems VERY interested in her. DSC_1038 by balldylox, on Flickr M - "So what's the tanned girls deal again?" K - "I don't know! She won't let me do anything alone!" L - "You belong to me now girl! If you don't comply I'll release those photos of you in the shower!" DSC_1039 by balldylox, on Flickr "HELP ME." DSC_1040 by balldylox, on Flickr "Tee hee! But blackmail is how we express love on my planet!" DSC_1041 by balldylox, on Flickr Anywho.... more flowers! And yes, that's the river directly behind her. DSC_1042 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1045 by balldylox, on Flickr There were trails like this all over the gardens. DSC_1048 by balldylox, on Flickr Cocoa makes herself known... "I was there for this battle! And I won!" DSC_1051 by balldylox, on Flickr Looking back down the river trail: DSC_1054 by balldylox, on Flickr More flowers. DSC_1056 by balldylox, on Flickr I really enjoy living here in The Lowcountry. So many rivers and marsh areas that look like this. DSC_1057 by balldylox, on Flickr "What are you taking pictures of mister?" DSC_1058 by balldylox, on Flickr Cocoa and Latte resting in the shade. DSC_1062 by balldylox, on Flickr Kanu makes her appearance! And in front of a family grave marker too. DSC_1064 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1068 by balldylox, on Flickr Kanu finds MOAR flowers. DSC_1069 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1072 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1075 by balldylox, on Flickr And then Kiyo finds Kanu.... I think she likes her. DSC_1076 by balldylox, on Flickr Meanwhile over in the marsh, a night heron is hunting. He's dead center in the pic below: DSC_1078 by balldylox, on Flickr Kanu has run off and just like my other girls, she's a climber! DSC_1079 by balldylox, on Flickr See? I told you this place has been here a while! DSC_1082 by balldylox, on Flickr Cypress swamps... DSC_1086 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1087 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1088 by balldylox, on Flickr Complete with alligators! DSC_1089 by balldylox, on Flickr Kanu wasn't impressed tho... DSC_1093 by balldylox, on Flickr Dragonfly! DSC_1094 by balldylox, on Flickr Kanu showing off her LONG hair. DSC_1098 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1099 by balldylox, on Flickr More swamp... DSC_1102 by balldylox, on Flickr Flutterbye! DSC_1104 by balldylox, on Flickr Ohhhh.... we were super impressed when we stumbled into the bamboo forest! I had NO idea there was so much of it here! We figured we'd be attacked by ninjas any second but Kanu didn't seem too worried about that. DSC_1106 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1107 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1109 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1110 by balldylox, on Flickr More alien craziness! C - "The sun! I wants it! Come here!" L - "I'm gonna grab it before you do!" DSC_1111 by balldylox, on Flickr The landscaper has been slack, he let a tree grow thru the bridge! DSC_1114 by balldylox, on Flickr It isn't all woods and swamps tho, there are some nice grassy areas here too. DSC_1117 by balldylox, on Flickr DSC_1118 by balldylox, on Flickr And of course, more bridges. This one is used on MANY calendars and tourist pamphlets. They also hold many weddings and other events here. DSC_1119 by balldylox, on Flickr MOAR SWAMP! DSC_1121 by balldylox, on Flickr A nice little gazebo. DSC_1123 by balldylox, on Flickr After all the hiking, we made it back to the main area for some rest and a trip to the gift shop. They had some cute tea sets in there which Semi bought for her girls. While everyone else was inside, Kino woke up from her nap ready to check out some flowers! DSC_1124 by balldylox, on Flickr "Are these daisys?" Yes they are dear. Do you like them? "I do!" DSC_1125 by balldylox, on Flickr "But I like this one too." DSC_1126 by balldylox, on Flickr "And these!" Heh, she likes flowers. And yes, she's standing there unaided by anything. I'm so glad I did kips and the ankle repairs on her! DSC_1128 by balldylox, on Flickr "PAPA! Look at all the colors!" DSC_1129 by balldylox, on Flickr Right after I took the pic above, I ran off and left Kino. We were in a very short maze-like area and I wanted to sneak around and surprise her at the next corner... "Papa? Where'd you go?" DSC_1133 by balldylox, on Flickr HEY KINO! "AHHH!" DSC_1134 by balldylox, on Flickr "That wasn't funny Papa!" Sorry dear, I won't do it again. DSC_1135 by balldylox, on Flickr Kino, check out these flowers over here. I think you'll li..... Kino? Hey, Kino! Where are you? DSC_1136 by balldylox, on Flickr "BOOO!" ACK! Kino! You about gave me a heart attack! "Now we're even!" Why you little.... DSC_1138 by balldylox, on Flickr Here's the main house at the gardens. It's been around for a long time and people still live in it that are related to the family who used to own the gardens. The bottom of the house is a museum and gift shop. DSC_1139 by balldylox, on Flickr "Papa! I'm thirsty! Can we get something to drink?" You're quite excited today aren't you? At home you're so much quieter... "Drinks!" DSC_1140 by balldylox, on Flickr A cool looking sundial on the way back to get drinks. DSC_1141 by balldylox, on Flickr Ebl's little sister bought this peacock feather and Kino was fascinated by it. "Soooooo pretty...." DSC_1143 by balldylox, on Flickr Kiyo looking smexy. DSC_1144 by balldylox, on Flickr Good thing Manami wasn't around or poor Kiyo would have been pounced on looking this good. DSC_1145 by balldylox, on Flickr The gangs all here! And it was getting windy! Check out Mishka's hair flying around. DSC_1146 by balldylox, on Flickr Kiyo striking a pose. DSC_1148 by balldylox, on Flickr Latte looking cute as ever. DSC_1149 by balldylox, on Flickr Mishka fighting to keep her hair under control. DSC_1150 by balldylox, on Flickr My girls all together along with Cocoa and Mishka. DSC_1151 by balldylox, on Flickr After the meetup, I saw this bee buzzing away in some flowers. DSC_1153 by balldylox, on Flickr And that was all! We had a really great time out there and it was so cool to finally see more DD girls showing up to local meets! My vinyl domination plans have finally bourne fruit! A DD in every household! Bwaahahahaha! If you want to see more pics of the actual gardens and some more odds and ends of the girls, please check here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/balldylox/sets/72157633513853734/with/8746487600/ Thanks for looking! Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oni-Chan Posted May 18, 2013 Great story, looks like it was a great day to go out and take pictures! I have more dollfies than my age in years *×* Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silverwing Posted May 18, 2013 Eeek! Don't you know that 90% of ninja attacks happen in bamboo forests? The pictures here are so nice. Such lovely girls all around! I love Miyuki's outfit. Is Kanu's Hair longer than she is? The pic of Kino in the flowers after she spooked you looks really great. was it something you did with the exposure? or was that all natural lighting? The colors are always so vivid in your posts! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted May 18, 2013 Great story, looks like it was a great day to go out and take pictures! Thank you! It was a really nice day for sure, not too hot and some light breezes. Eeek! Don't you know that 90% of ninja attacks happen in bamboo forests? The pictures here are so nice. Such lovely girls all around! I love Miyuki's outfit. Is Kanu's Hair longer than she is? The pic of Kino in the flowers after she spooked you looks really great. was it something you did with the exposure? or was that all natural lighting? The colors are always so vivid in your posts! Ha ha! We were all a little scared of a ninja attack but Kanu said ninjas are wusses. Luckily no one was lost or killed there. Thanks about the pictures! And yes, Kanu's hair is longer than she is tall. As for the pics of Kino in the flowers, the only thing I've done to them are tone down the sunlight a bit with GIMP. I set my camera for direct sunlight and a quick lens so not too much light gets in out in the bright sun. Other than that I don't do Photoshop or anything on my pics, what you see is what I shot. I prefer it that way because sometimes Photoshop makes pics look fake or "off" with colors. I'm glad you like them tho! Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moonfaery Posted May 20, 2013 Kanu! She's so lovely Billy! All of your pics look awesome! Hubby & mine's Girls: Kana (Saber Extra), Serena (Momo), Taki (Cirno), Allora (06), Mizuki (Nanami) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted May 20, 2013 Kanu! She's so lovely Billy! All of your pics look awesome! Thank you very much! You'll get to see her next month so don't worry. Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pscindy_13 Posted May 20, 2013 good idea in doing the doll meet there! it's a very good place to take pics Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted May 21, 2013 good idea in doing the doll meet there! it's a very good place to take pics Thank you very much! This was my first time going there for a doll meet but some of the others there had gone 3 years ago when it was WAY hotter and said it was a "Dolly Death March". LOL So it was good to go now when it was pretty nice out. Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
takoninja Posted May 21, 2013 Wah, so beautiful! It makes me want to have a doll meet of my own, but there aren't quite enought dolly fanatics I know in my area yet... It looks like you and the girls had lots of fun~! Name: Tako Moguchi Dolls: Yume (DDdy, HDD-02, modded s-bust), Himeko (Obistu 40cm, modded HDD-01), Hitomi (DDS M.O.M.O.) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted May 21, 2013 Wah, so beautiful! It makes me want to have a doll meet of my own, but there aren't quite enought dolly fanatics I know in my area yet... It looks like you and the girls had lots of fun~! Thank you! We don't have a huge group here but the people who do show up have many dolls to bring along, whether DD or resin. All it takes is one or two others to have a meetup and some fun! Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EblKtty Posted May 21, 2013 COTTOOOOOOONNNNN XD luls that was a fun meetup. I need to remember to post my pictures At home: Too many.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted May 21, 2013 COTTOOOOOOONNNNN XD luls that was a fun meetup. I need to remember to post my pictures The whole cotton bit was just too funny! And yes, we had a really great time out there, we must do MOAR meets like this! PLEASE post your pictures here! I wanna see what photos you got of Mishka and the other girls too. Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EblKtty Posted May 22, 2013 Yeah we really should XD its more fun with dds . I am also half way done with my sisters dolly. I ordered the head/wig/eyes today so now i just need to wait for more resin to sell so i can buy the body :3 i think by the august meetup i should have Eblktty and my sisters doll join the girls At home: Too many.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted May 22, 2013 Yeah we really should XD its more fun with dds . I am also half way done with my sisters dolly. I ordered the head/wig/eyes today so now i just need to wait for more resin to sell so i can buy the body :3 i think by the august meetup i should have Eblktty and my sisters doll join the girls Heh, you have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say you're having fun with the DD girls! And I'm also glad to hear you're coming along well with your sisters new girl! It will be so cool to see Mishka and Ebl together at last and also your sisters new girl! So many new DD's joining the group.... it makes me smile so wide! Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
creationdss87 Posted May 26, 2013 what an awesome place to have a meetup! The picture turned out great Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
baldylox Posted May 26, 2013 what an awesome place to have a meetup! The picture turned out great Thanks! I'd been wanting to go out there but never got around to doing so until now. It was lots of fun since there were lots of dolls showing up. Billy I gave up counting the girls I own, they keep multiplying and won't stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites