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Common Ground

Common Ground is a visual commentary on life in Hampton Roads. Every 12 weeks a new Virginian-Pilot photographer starts a photo series around a topic of his or her choosing.



Starting May 12: "Day Trips" - a series of essays and images introducing you to some surprising experiences and locations where you can visit and return within a day. Each week a different Virginian-Pilot staff photographer will take you to a destination about 2 hours away or less. Have any ideas for a day trip destination? Email us and let us know!

My First tattoo





To play audio slideshow - click on the arrow in the bottom, left-hand corner of the viewing window.

 

Eastern Shore resident Arnold Stephens, 68, of Pocomoke City, Md., decided it was time to get his first - and second - tattoo. One for each of his late wives.
A Tasmanian devil for his first, who he lost to breast cancer after 33 years of marriage. A Playboy bunny for his second, lost to kidney failure after 10 years of marriage.
The tattoo session included another first. Stephens got inked by his daughter, Becky Barninger, who recently opened Forever Yours Tattoo in Temperanceville, the first tattoo parlor in Accomack County.
As for her dad’s decision to get body art, Barninger “never thought this day would come.” 

 

 

And if you want the back story on why Arnold chose these characters to represent the special women in his life - you'll have to ask him.

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