Things I love about #Atlanta

Just got back from my favorite place, Atlanta, GA! Every time I cross into Georgia, it welcomes me home. And it's especially dear to my heart because I got married there and my parents still live there. If you've never been, you must go!

Here's a little list of the things I love about Atlanta...

• Finding shortcuts and driving opposite traffic - many folks complain about the traffic, and it is definitely horrendous if you have to go with the stop-and-go flow at rush hour. But there are so many shortcuts, if you know your way around.
• The trees and nature - majestic, green, towering, shady trees -- especially nice around a hot ball field! Nowhere else are there trees like these. And I love zipping around on windy, hilly roads. Plus, there always seems to be a cool creek around the corner... and my parents have it all in their backyard!
• The neighborhoods - there are some grand old homes and beautiful new estates. It's fun to just drive around and look.
• The restaurants - from eclectic to down-home southern, there's always something new to try. Not only is the food delicious, but the atmosphere is always inviting, with outdoor seating available almost year-round. And many of the restaurants are unique to the area.
• The low cost - everything is less expensive in Georgia. You can find pricey places to eat and shop, but you don't have to!
• A fast-paced city with a slow, relaxed southern attitude - get there fast and enjoy your time while you're there.
• Friendly southern hospitality - service with a smile most of the time, which seems to be harder and harder to find these days.
• Tons to do - from sports: the Braves, Falcons, and Hawks; to the sites like the magnificent Georgia Aquarium, World of Coke, and Underground Atlanta; to entertainment and parks: The Fabulous Fox Theater and Six Flags over Georgia, plus outdoor theaters, festivals, and more!
• The rich diversity - culture, harmony, history. I taught in Atlanta for a few years and I thoroughly enjoyed all my students. Kids are all the same with loads of potential no matter where they're from or what they look like.

Here are a few pics from my Atlanta travels... (over the past few years)

my dad added on a lower deck
--it was finished and screened-in this year =)

can you see the deer?
from the screened-in porch!

spotted some duckies while hiking

me by the Chattahoochee River

gorgeous trees in the spring
but watch out for allergies!

my friend Tina and I
at the Flying Biscuit Cafe
I brought home some cranberry apple butter - mmm

Do you have a favorite place to visit? Ever been to Atlanta?

BUT WAIT! I have a special announcement!

The winner of my writer meme challenge is Juneta Key! Here's her creative, funny meme!

And her avatar prize...

Juneta Key
speculative fiction author

Now, here's a funny thing: I'm at her place today for the last stop on my Windy Hollow Release Tour!

The topic was a surprise, but now it's here so I can tell you... 

How to get through Querying!

I hope you have time to stop by. Have a great week!