WOW! I just got back from a Steem meetup north of Atlanta, Georgia, and I’ve got all the feels. I’m giddy from the whole experience, I’m moved by the love I have for the people I got to spend time with, and I’m still recovering from the late nights. ;)
Three plane rides and a visit with my parents.
My first plane left at 6am, so I had to wake up at 3:20 to get to the airport, and pretty much didn’t sleep that night. Off to a great start, right?
But I was excited, and full of energy, and managed to edit a good portion of my manuscript on my flights through Calgary and Toronto, and finally to Atlanta.
Here’s me with a bear in Calgary airport. Of course it’s a haturday selfie. Bear hugs to my sweet 
When I finally got to Atlanta airport, I was ready to run. Or at least walk all night at my airport pace, which is a good deal faster than 90% of other people. I’m little, but I like to move. Like 
I had so much energy, rearing to go! I charged out to the shuttle area, and then had to wait for a shuttle for a half hour. lol!
But I made friends, flirted with a pilot, borrowed his phone to call the hotel, and then was finally rescued by a driver with a pimpin’ shuttle, playing sexy jazz with a beat that made me bop my head in the back seat.
The driver was decked out in a New Orleans hat and shirt, too. When I mentioned my love of NOLA, he said he was born and raised there. So was my mom. I got New Orleans in my roots.
I met my parents at the hotel. What a treat to see them and have conversations that weren’t constantly interrupted by children. I love my darling boys SO MUCH, but this was a well deserved getaway.
My parents and I took a drive the next day, up into the Smoky Mountains. We went to Anna Ruby Falls, which was gorgeous, and we drove some of the twistyist, greenest mountain roads I’ve ever seen.
Anna Ruby Falls, Northeast Georgia, USA.
We also stopped at a trailhead for the Appalachian Trail.
We were basically where the trail starts—a trail that stretches all the way up to Maine! The end of it is northeast of Montreal!
That blows my mind a little bit. I stepped onto a trail so long it connects all that beautiful country. Maybe one day I can hike a stretch of it.
After dinner and a bunch of hugs, I parted ways with my parents and headed to the house.
The Meetup, Part 1.
'Cause it's too good to smash into one post.
OMG. I did not get enough photos of the house.
Think log-cabin mansion out in the greenest of valleys on 9 acres, with a custom fire pit, a wrap-around deck, and a game room in the basement.
What a place to spend a handful of days with amazing friends!
We sat on the deck long into the night, and I played each of the guitars
Here I am on the deck, with the barn in the background. What a view this place has!
Check out 
Hanging with Amelia and Tang was so good! I got to meet these two in Tennessee, but for too short a time. They were there this weekend, along with 
The whole weekend was amazing, but I’m gonna have to tell you about it in the next post, ‘cause it’s all too much to lump into one.
The highlight of my trip? The people… and recording music with
For now, check us out singing "Lean On Me" for 
.
Love to all the Steem peeps!
You know I had my citrine with me, representing the international family I’ve met through my blogging and on discord. I know a lot of friends who wished they could be there, and you were! We thought of you, and my crystal sent the love out. Magic, I tell ya. ;)
There are so many people I want to meet, and I’m glad I flew across the continent to spend time with those who were able to make it to the retreat. I’m also grateful for the time to be me, without kids, without responsibilities, just to play and laugh and be free. What a gift!
Thank you for reading!
All photos mine unless otherwise credited.
Author bio: Katrina Ariel is an old-soul rebel, musician, tree-hugging yogini, and mama bear to twins. Author of Yoga for Dragon Riders (non-fiction) and Wild Horse Heart (romance), she's another free-spirit swimming in the ocean of Steemit.
dragon art: Liiga Smilshkalne
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