Mermaid Watching

Norfolk Pays Homage... Finally!

2009-09-18T11:56:00.002-04:00

Garden Tempest

2009-05-07T16:36:00.003-04:00

Tucked away in a garden overlooking the Cape Henry bike trail this simple yet elegant lady enjoys a peaceful existence in a cute neighborhood near the beach.

We caught her on May 07, 2009

Picasso's Beauty

2009-05-07T16:31:00.002-04:00

This mysterious maiden is tucked away near the FBI building at Virginia Eye Associates. She is really spectacular- a favorite of the day!

We caught her on May 07, 2009

Mer Majesty

2009-05-07T16:25:00.004-04:00

Her highness is a rare concrete mermaid but she carries her weight well. Her tail is inset with a tile mosaic and she dons several types of sea shells. She is also the only mermaid in Sandbridge surrounded by more than a dozen Promise Dolphins.

We caught her on May 07, 2009

Mer Max II

2009-05-07T16:19:00.002-04:00

This cutie was commissioned by Max & Erma's near Towne Center and proudly hangs in the dining room wearing the company uniform and several adorable cartoons.

We caught her on May 07, 2009

Norfolk, Gateway to the Sea

2009-05-07T16:13:00.004-04:00

Just back from a makeover, Norfolk was not even back on her stand yet when we went to see her at Bell Auto Sales. That didn't keep her friendly caretakers from showing her off for us though.

We caught her on May 07, 2009

Star

2009-05-07T16:09:00.003-04:00

The students of Northside Middle School did the decorating of this colorful maiden as a recycling project. Her mosaic is made from bottle caps.

We caught her on May 09, 2009

Helping Hands Mosaic

2009-05-07T16:00:00.003-04:00

Inlaid into the intricately placed mirror mosaic of this sparkling lady are small wooden hands. Appropriate to her home at the Hilltop Medical Center.

We caught her on May 07, 2009

She Sells Sea Shells

2009-05-03T21:38:00.005-04:00

One of the many very friendly folks with Blue Heron Realty welcomed me to view her standing in the back office. I envy the lucky one who gets to sit at the desk under the reach of this shell and mirror infused lavender lass.

We caught her on May 02, 2009

Mirror Mosaic II

2009-05-03T21:32:00.002-04:00

This "lazy" lady has suffered damage from a broken stand. In spite of the large crack on her torso, she is still majestic enough to impress. She is awaiting repair and I will update my information once she is again in public.

We caught her on May 02, 2009

Celebrating the Arts

2009-05-03T21:21:00.004-04:00

The Palace Theater is home to this currently (and temporarily) downtrodden mermaid. She is slated to get a much needed makeover in the very near future. Even though she is severely weather worn, it is easy to appreciate how spectacular she once was.

We caught her on May 02, 2009.

Timeless Elegance

2009-05-02T04:12:00.006-04:00

This stately beauty stands in the 1800 block of Oceanview Ave. Her deep bronze complexion has high lights in a pale turquoise to accentuate her features.

We caught her on May 01, 2009

Horizons

2009-05-01T18:08:00.004-04:00

Chris Alexander outdid herself... again! This cutie is in the front window of the Kingston School. Her top is a beautifully painted horizon... her tail, decorated by the children who attend there.

We caught her on May 01, 2009

Rainbow

2009-05-01T18:01:00.005-04:00

This technicolor fresco mermaid stands at the heart of the very appropriate Prism Plaza near Mount Trashmore. This vibrant vixen's digs include an indoor garden and glass ceiling.

We caught her on May 01, 2009

Fresh From the Sea

2009-05-01T17:57:00.004-04:00

Decorated with an impressive array of grocery list items, this brilliant mermaid welcomes all who enter the business offices of Farm Fresh in Chimney Hill Shopping Center.

We caught her on May 01, 2009

Hope (nee: Spirit)

2009-05-01T17:51:00.005-04:00

This beautiful girl finally found a safe place to live out the rest of her days at Lake Taylor Hospital after she was horribly mistreated by hateful vandals. Painstakingly mended by Chris Alexander, her scars are barely noticeable.

We caught her on May 01, 2009.

Sukey's Mermaid

2009-05-01T17:43:00.005-04:00

Norfolk Academy plays host to this lovely lady. Formerly in front of the school's book store, she now has a wonderful vantage point of the Lower School's atrium. Her scales were inscribed by the students of the school with their initials and their graduation date and then lovingly applied by artist Georgia Mason.

We caught her on May 01, 2009

Ocarina

2009-05-01T17:34:00.005-04:00

Super secret squirrel tactics are needed to catch this glistening maid. She can only be viewed if you drive to 1 Fish, 2 Fish restaurant in Virginia Beach, look out over the water of Long Creek and sneak a peek at her hiding among the jet skis and fishing boats like ET blended in with the toys inElliot's closet. *bring a camera with a better zoom resolution than mine- she's about 200 ft away ;) *
The bottom photo is from the Norfolk website just to give you an idea of what she looks like close up.

We caught her on May 01, 2009

Reflections of the Soul

2009-04-30T16:38:00.004-04:00

Only viewable from the Larchmont Bridge on Hampton Blvd. this lovely lady seems to rise from a bush in the yard of her owner.
The 2nd photo is from the Norfolk website just to give you an idea of what she looks like close up.

We caught her on April 30, 2009

Silver Mermaid

2009-04-30T16:31:00.005-04:00

This unfortunate lady was badly damaged by vandals who removed her from her post at William E. Wood Realty and threw her into the traffic on Hampton Blvd. She privately awaits repair and redesign by artist Chris Alexander. At her unveiling she will be dedicated in loving memory of deeply missed co-worker Debbie Myers.

We caught her on April 30, 2009

Thumbellina

2009-04-30T16:22:00.004-04:00

Donated by their PTA, W.E.Taylor Elementary School's mermaid rests in the media center. This cutie got her name from the painting technique used on her tail. It's made from using the thumb prints of her students!

We caught her on April 30, 2009

Techno Mermaid

2009-04-30T16:16:00.004-04:00

This intricate lady is displayed privately on a secure floor in the InfiNet building. Her photo doesn't do her justice though since there is no way for its thousands of components to be seen. her tail is scaled with the floppies from old 3.5" disks and her eyes were created with the lenses of webcams!

We caught her on April 30, 2009

Her Favorite Port

2009-04-30T16:10:00.003-04:00

Donated to the city by the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel and renamed "Elizabeth" this maiden has seen better days. Badly faded by the sun, she stands watch over the ferry landing at the Portsmouth welcome Center on Crawford St in Olde Towne.

We caught her on April 29, 2009

Plated Mermaid

2009-04-26T01:34:00.004-04:00

Some girls just age too well! This lady was originally quite polished but after a few years in the courtyard in front of TCC, her shine has transformed into a lovely patina.
The bottom photo was taken we she was born.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Music Mosaic

2009-04-26T01:30:00.005-04:00

Now, if I have any complaint at all about the trials of mermaid hunting, it is that sometimes these ladies are perched high enough to make capturing them difficult. This impressive turquoise and purple maiden stands watch over the Norva.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Miss Definitely Downtown

2009-04-26T01:26:00.003-04:00

Parked on the lawn of the Federal Building downtown, this cute creature of the sea displays a little of everything that Norfolk has to offer.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

MHI's Mermaid

2009-04-26T01:22:00.003-04:00

Marine Hydraulic's mermaid sits at their Midtown facility. She watches over the day to day operations with a scaled down USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) in hand.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Mermaid de Leche

2009-04-26T01:17:00.004-04:00

This beautiful barista stands proud in the front window of the aLatte Cafe on Granby St. She is the first and last thing that happy customers see in their hunt for caffeinated bliss.
Created by the folks at Civic Spirit.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Lady of Little Creek

2009-04-26T01:14:00.004-04:00

She has seen better days but this nautical themed lovely welcomes all who enter Gate 1 of Little Creek Amphib Base.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Go Diva

2009-04-26T01:09:00.003-04:00

My children wanted for this tempting maiden to be real so badly. This yummy creation graces the heart of MacArthur Center.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Gem of the Sea

2009-04-26T01:01:00.003-04:00

A triumph by artist Cindy Graf this dazzling creation rests on the lawn of the Federal Building downtown.
The artist has since moved forward on another art project fund raising for the Live Strong Foundation named A Dolphin's Promise.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Elizabeth

2009-04-26T00:58:00.003-04:00

This redheaded enchantress by Georgia Mason overlooks the Tidewater Woman's Health Clinic.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Mystique

2009-04-26T00:42:00.006-04:00

I guess you could call her opalescent. Maybe even iridescent. Definitely incandescent. This blond bombshell proudly brightens the Downtown Sheraton's main lobby.

We caught her on April 25, 2009

Literacy

2009-04-21T16:18:00.005-04:00

Right next to the offices of the Virginian Pilot, this colorful maiden swims along Brambleton Ave complete with a stack of reading material. I wonder if she has any Lisa Suhay with her.

We caught her on April 18, 2009

Full Circle

2009-04-21T16:10:00.005-04:00

This marvelous lady must be quite a sight for patrons of the SunTrust Bank's drive through tellers. She sits nearby in a garden.

We caught her on April 18, 2009

Yuma Yah

2009-04-21T15:59:00.005-04:00

With shell in hand, this classy lady welcomes folks to the Charlotte St. YMCA near the downtown area. I only wish that I could have gotten a better look at her.

We caught her on April 18, 2009

Soul Session

2009-04-21T15:51:00.004-04:00

Just a little harder to get to see than other Mermaids, this reclusive lady is poised on the side of the Miller Oil office on the way to the Downtown area.

We caught her on April 18, 2009

Donna Marie

2009-04-21T15:43:00.005-04:00

Vining's Landing Marina is home to this unnamed cutie. Dressed like she might have plans to go fishing (*kinda twisted*) this scaled tomboy wears a blouse proudly boasting that she belongs in the "OV".

We caught her on April 16, 2009

Faith

2009-04-21T15:32:00.004-04:00

This Mermaid is just lovely. Sapphire and amethyst swirls are the playground for several smaller swimming mermaids. Quite stunning. She graces the courtyard of the Lake Taylor Hospital.

We caught her on April 16, 2009

Maid For Life

2009-04-21T11:42:00.007-04:00

Another fine example of why Georgia Mason is my favorite mermaid artist. The amount of detail in this Mermaid astounds me. Her colorful tail is made up of hundreds of multicolored cause ribbons representing the many different kinds of cancer. She is a very special lady.

We caught her on April 16, 2009

Flight

2009-04-19T14:21:00.002-04:00

This elegant and inviting bronze bombshell overlooks a cute little fish pond and commands the attention of all who enter this peaceful garden hiding in the downtown area.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Oceana

2009-04-19T14:12:00.002-04:00

Sadly obscured by overgrown shrubbery, this swirly blue and silver mermaid holds a building in her hand and wears mirrored jewels. I plan to keep an eye on the landscaping and try to get a better photo soon.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Belinda

2009-04-19T14:01:00.006-04:00

Just past the glass mermaid ornaments hanging in the window my oldest daughter noticed a spectacular mirrored mermaid! Barely visible because of the contrast, we almost didn't spot her in the window of Clark's Glass Studio.
Created by the folks at Civic Spirit.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Williams' School Mermaid

2009-04-19T13:57:00.005-04:00

Originally know as Life. Celebrated Daily, she was donated to the school by Norfolk Tug Company. With an apple for teacher in tow, this adorable maiden welcomes staff and students to the Williams School in ghent. The 2nd photo is from the City of Norfolk website... It's how she used to look.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Evey

2009-04-19T13:46:00.007-04:00

Signed and dated by Georgia Mason, this charismatic raven haired lady graces the lawn next to the Olney Rd entrance of Lewis Hall.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Miss Liberty

2009-04-19T13:39:00.005-04:00

Patriotic family that we are, this star spangled maiden is on the family's short list of favorites in spite of how weather beaten she is (faded by the sun). She really is a sight to behold as the Empire Machinery & Supply Corp mascot.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

A School of Fish

2009-04-19T13:32:00.005-04:00

She sports a beautiful underwater scene complete with bubbles on the front lawn of Norfolk Collegiate School on Tidewater Dr.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Liquid Energy

2009-04-19T13:25:00.004-04:00

Perched on the wall of the Paxton Company building (GO marine safety!) in Norfolk's industrial park area this fluid and mysterious lady is quite intriguing.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Miss NATO

2009-04-19T13:18:00.005-04:00

The Willard Model School on Willow Wood Dr. is home to this maiden of diplomacy wearing the flags of the many countries belonging to her namesake organization. The kids had fun pointing out the different countries (all 3 that they knew anyway).

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Sirena At Play in Willoughby

2009-04-19T13:07:00.009-04:00

Recently given a makeover by mermaid pro Georgia Mason this magnificent not to mention historical maiden is a new addition to the lawn of the new Pretlow Branch Library. She stunningly depicts in detail the "Rocket" roller coaster from the old Oceanview Amusement Park. The 2nd photo is a "before" picture.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Sirene de Mission

2009-04-19T12:59:00.004-04:00

We had been watching for her return since we realized she was missing from her home on the median in front of DePaul Hospital on our first hunt. She has since returned from hiatus and is now perched on the lawn by the corner of Granby St and Kingsly Ln. looking more fabulous than ever.

We caught her on March 29, 2009

Aubrica

2009-04-19T12:52:00.006-04:00

This uncommonly fashionable maiden was another accidental discovery. I found her while out running some errands at JANAF. I only just found out that she was originally named Aubrey Alexis.

We caught her on November 8, 2008

Evie

2009-04-19T12:39:00.006-04:00

This prima ballerina was an accidental discovery we made while popping into Arby's on Little Creek Rd for a quick dinner. She is staged atop the Evelyn Ott's School of Dance well lit and mid grand jete.

We caught her on October 6, 2008

Seasonal Mermaid

2009-04-19T12:31:00.005-04:00

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall are all present and accounted for on this spoiled mermaid. She lives in her own fountain and attends more than 100 weddings each year since she took up residence at the Norfolk Botanical Garden's welcome center.

*update* This mermaid is soon to be replaced by a brand new Georgia Mason design!

We caught her on October 1, 2008

Toga

2009-04-19T12:21:00.005-04:00

Decorated with what must be thousands of mosaic components, she dons a grecian drape to welcome people to the Berkley area near the Norfolk shipyards.

We found her on September 29, 2008

Sea Shimmer

2009-04-19T12:14:00.005-04:00

This mysterious beauty sits on a broken stand in front of the Ghent Physical Therapy building near the end of 21st St. I drive by her regularly and she is never facing the same direction twice.

We caught her on September 23, 2008

Palace Princess Beatrice

2009-04-19T12:06:00.006-04:00

Guarding the entrance to the Palace Shoppes in Ghent, she is perched high atop her post on the sidewalk in Ghent watching over the district's shoppers.

We caught her on September 23, 2008

Nora Folk

2009-04-19T11:58:00.007-04:00

This silvery swimmer is very entertainingly "clothed" in Norfolk postcards and tickets to Tides and Admirals games as well as events for Chrysler Hall and Scope. Her "broken arm" gave me the opportunity to tell my kids about the Norfolk Mace.

We found her on September 23, 2008

Mujeres Del Mar

2009-04-19T11:51:00.004-04:00

This copper toned and patina fits in very well to her neighborhood downtown as a classic beauty in what would otherwise be an unadorned entry way.

We caught her on September 23, 2008

Jester Mermaid

2009-04-19T11:45:00.005-04:00

This very opulent bejeweled treasure is sadly mounted on a dingy building out of range for up close enjoyment. I feel the need to mention that my girls want this one to hang in there bedroom. lol

We found her on September 23, 2008

Courtney

2009-04-19T11:34:00.005-04:00

Wow! I love this one! She is a creative triumph. I love the stenography reference while keeping with the traditional "blind justice" mystique. Just awesome!

We caught her on September 23, 2008

By the Stars

2009-04-19T11:25:00.005-04:00

This peaceful beauty watches over the Discovey Child Care Center on Redgate Ave. We found her on the way to dinner at our favorite restaurant Orapax (shameless plug- try the Pegasus Wings!).

We caught her on September 23, 2008

Mirror Mosaic (blue swirls)

2009-04-19T10:53:00.004-04:00

We found this brilliant maiden shortly after sunset. With her up-lights, there is no missing this one. She lights up Boush St like a beacon by the Bank of the Commonwealth.

We caught her on September 23, 2008

1950s Fish Dish

2009-04-19T10:31:00.005-04:00

We love this one for being blissfully old fashioned. My grandmother (who actually carried Rowena's products in her gift store) would be very excited to see this lovely and have the excuse to run into the shop to grab some lemon curd and pound cake.

We caught her on September 23, 2008

Gliding Through The Bay

2009-04-18T22:02:00.004-04:00

This pretty lady is perched at the Norfolk Visitors Center in Oceanview to welcome folks with her delightfully sunny face.

We caught her on September 13, 2008

Ship Ahoy

2009-04-18T21:54:00.004-04:00

This lady is heavily detailed and covered in different scenes of various ships and boats and swimming towards the sky intentionally (unlike the unfortunate Sea Shimmer whose stand is broken).

We caught her on September 11, 2008

Mei Madeline

2009-04-18T21:38:00.006-04:00

I think she's had work done. :)...
Mei had once worn a white garb but her new red cheongsam suits her quite nicely. Hey, not everyone can pull off red, right?
At last I saw her, she was still keeping an eye on the Pagoda Restaurant.
The picture on the bottom was taken before her make over.

We caught her on September 11, 2008

Maid In Voyage

2009-04-18T21:31:00.005-04:00

Unpleasant pre-teen expressions aside (nevermind the cranky tween ;), this guilded glider is just as impressive to me as her sidewalk mate Jestacular. The detailed work is truly wonderful.

We caught her on September 11, 2008

Jestacular

2009-04-18T21:20:00.004-04:00

This lovely maiden is spectacular. Her design is very intricate, not to mention sparkly ;) She hangs out on a shady sidewalk downtown on the Mermaid Trail.

Sadly, I was just informed that this mermaid has been damaged beyond repair and will no longer be displayed. :(

We caught her on September 11, 2008

Flower Garden

2009-04-18T21:11:00.004-04:00

This lovely floral maiden watches over the main vein of Boush St. at Tazwell St. in what other than a flower bed.

We caught her on September 11, 2008

Dominique

2009-04-18T21:03:00.005-04:00

One of only 2 "wired" mermaids (so I'm told), this beauty illuminates the lobby of the Dominion Tower on Waterside Dr.

We caught her on September 11, 2008

Marina

2009-04-18T20:55:00.005-04:00

Designed by Georgia Mason, this radiant lady enjoys a shady spot under the trees at the new Pretlow Branch Library at the corner of Granby St and Oceanview Ave..

We caught her on August 26, 2008

Nautical Mermaid

2009-04-18T20:50:00.005-04:00

This salty nymph resides in the parking lot of the Oceanview Pier under a shade tree. Surprisingly resilient, she has survived many a storm.

We found her on August 26, 2008.

A Rising Community

2009-04-18T20:38:00.005-04:00

I didn't know for while the name of this playful girl. I just called her Judy Boone's mermaid since her home is the lawn next to Mrs. Boone's offices on Oceanview Ave. At one point my 2 youngest children's favorite trophy was "Boody Joone" because of her sand castles. :)

We caught her on August 26, 2008

Holiday Sands Maiden

2009-04-18T20:28:00.004-04:00

She is covered from tip to tail with mirrors except for the tiled mosaic of a seahorse on her lap area *do mermaids have laps?* Anyway, she resides in front of the lobby of the Holiday Sands Hotel.
The photo without children is before her make over.

We found her on August 26, 2008

Lady Anne

2009-04-18T20:19:00.005-04:00

Also known as the Colonial Place Mermaid, she overlooks the water from her post on Mayflower Rd. Her arm had been damaged but that doesn't take away from her beauty. The detail in her scenery is truly astounding.

We caught her on August 21, 2008

USS Wisconsin

2009-04-18T20:09:00.005-04:00

Since these ladies depict parts to the same scene, I guess you could say this lady is a "2-fer". They hang across from each other over the food court in Waterside as a tribute to the mighty warship.

We caught her on August 21, 2008

Tiger Wood

2009-04-18T19:59:00.005-04:00

An obvious choice to stand watch over the entrance to the Viginia Zoological Park (also known as the Norfolk Zoo) on Granby St, this maid's design mimics the markings of the zoo's two coveted tiger inhabitants.

We caught her on August 21, 2008

The Jewel of Norfolk

2009-04-18T19:30:00.005-04:00

109 East Main Street's balcony is the current watch post for this pretty in pink maiden. From there she can see the Spirit of Norfolk's berth.

We caught her on August 21, 2008

Siren

2009-04-18T19:20:00.005-04:00

Siren faces the street from her well shaded perch. This very colorful maiden calls the parking lot of dentists Bonnie, Bonnie & Horowitz on Granby St. her home.

We caught her on August 21, 2008

Shamrock

2009-04-18T19:13:00.005-04:00

This lucky dame hangs out on the awning of the Perry Building in Ward's Corner. Sláinte!

We caught her on August 21, 2008