Bamboo forest in my backyard

March 6, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Who knew Atlanta had a bamboo forest? I certainly didn’t, and the crazier part is that it’s near the dog beach we take Linley to all the time! I’m off this week and enjoyed my Tuesday “staycation” by frolicking in the woods with my best bud.

Our total hike time was five hours(!) but I’d only anticipated about two or three. Luckily, Lin and I kept going and didn’t get tired out. The only times we stopped was when we wanted to take pictures, meet strangers or when one of Linley’s pack leaders of Two Chicks and a Pack recognized him. He’s basically a celebrity in Atlanta now 🤣

We easily could’ve (and probably should’ve) parked in a closer lot to the bamboo forest, and Alex apologized for giving us the wrong directions. But honestly, who could get mad at getting lost in the woods with their best friend? I certainly can’t, and “not all who wander are lost.” 💛 Plus all the meandering led us to meeting some friendly pups and humans!

Parcore!

Crunch crunch crunch crunch crunch!

Lin was like the energizer bunny and kept a great pace the entire time! But rightfully so, he needed a break and was exhausted! He was such a good boy getting back to the car and I took him to the pet store on our way back home.

I can’t wait until next time 🫶

Media taken Tuesday, March 3, 2026 on the East Palisades Trail in Atlanta, Georgia

Just a really great weekend

February 19, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Do you ever have those weekends where you wish every weekend were like that? That’s how I felt on Friday the 13th (a holiday I love to celebrate), Valentine’s Day (a day a hardly celebrate) and the day after.

I’m grateful that I’m starting to feel at home in Atlanta again, that I finally have a truer sense of community and that I’m continuing to meet new people, try new things and experience true joy.

Lin sleeping with one of his actual stuffies

I also had a lovely dinner with a dear friend, coffee with another friend and her daughter, a fun Lunar New Year concert with Alex and a great dance class this week. Although I love staying busy, I’m excited for a lazy weekend!

Media taken Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026 🧧

Atlanta Dog Mom Social Club Event

February 9, 2026 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Today was Lau Lau’s service. Lots of tears were shed, laughs were had and hugs were given. It was a beautiful, sunny day here in Georgia and it was evident how loved Lau Lau and the entire Tracey/Shu family are. 💛

Uncle Ray taking Linley to visit Lau Lau last year

Although today was beautiful but sad, yesterday was full of love at a local bakery who hosted Linley’s and my first Atlanta Dog Mom Social Club event. I saw their sign on a family walk around the holidays, and I’m so glad I found them. The fact that there are other dog moms who love their dogs as much as I do is really special! And of course sharing these memories with Linley means the world to me. 🫶

Before we both moved to Atlanta, it used to be Linley and me against the world. So although we missed Alex, having these solo bonding moments with Lin brings me back to the times it was just us two. We’re two peas in a pod! 🫛

Linley loved all the attention, treats and fun that this event had to offer! He got a little overstimulated and hit a sugar crash about halfway through the event, but it was okay because I got to hold him while he fell asleep in my arms. 🥹 Lin was saying hi to every dog, owner and volunteer in hope for more treats and attention. He also tried really hard to find a girlfriend in time for Valentine’s Day, but he came on a little too strong, so looks like I’ll need to be his Valentine again this year. 😅

Linley and I can’t wait for the next event! 🥰

Media taken Sunday, February 8, 2026 🐾

December 2025 Gratitude

January 1, 2026 / Cate Tracey / 4 Comments

As we enter a new year, I can’t help but reflect on all the ups and downs of 2025. From starting a new job and quickly dreading it due to verbal abuse, planning a casual wedding, getting married and going on the honeymoon roadtrip of a lifetime, and everything in between… I’m extremely grateful for all the greatness this year has brought me.

2026 will be all about letting go, healing and being more open and willing to receive the universe’s gifts, as opposed to wanting to control everything (my schedule, others’ emotions, etc.) Spontaneity is the name of the game for 2026 (aka: the year of the fire horse!)

But until we get into 2026, here’s some of my favorite moments from December. I may not stick with monthly gratitude journaling going into this year, but I’m extremely thankful for the community I have built – and am slowly rebuilding – here in Atlanta.

Moments between Alex and Linley

A blossoming friendship with Colin, Devin and Grayson

Seeing my two favorite pups

…and more moments like these!

Our third annual Botanical Garden Lights

Getting professional photos done with Linley

Linley and Ellie making the nice list this year

Running into our neighbors at Ponce City Market

Linley going on more hikes with the pack!

…getting tipsy and buying a toy for Linley at the Cirque show…

…and Cheeto having a front-row seat at the show!

Enjoying our Chippy the Dog daily calendar

…and even more moments between Alex and Lin!

Strolling through a new part of the city

Sunny afternoon walks

Running around at the park

Grace’s and my first time at the Clermont Lounge!

Wishing Saskia a happy new year in Germany

My happiest holiday (no, really!)

December 26, 2025December 26, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

Yesterday was probably the best Christmas I’ve ever had. I used to love my family get-togethers before my estrangement took place, but holidays haven’t been spent with my biological family since 2018 or 2019. As much as I miss spending time with my parents, Alex and I will be seeing them next month, and that dedicated quality time will mean so much to me.

I was tossing and turning on Christmas Eve night into Christmas Day, and Alex let his parents know that I was feeling anxious and emotional about my past. My first Christmas with his family in 2023 was nice but it doesn’t even compare to the love, support and ease I felt yesterday. I couldn’t be more thankful for that.

We visited Lau Lau (Alex’s grandma) for lunch with all the aunts and uncles and their families, then had quality time with Alex’s parents and brother on the Tracey side, followed by a lovely dinner at Aunt Susan’s and Uncle Ray’s house. Spending quality time with the cousins and our friend Trizzie was super fun, and it felt very much like the cousin time I’d had as a kid long ago. It was nice to feel young again, and I haven’t felt that way on Christmas in probably almost twenty years.

I couldn’t be more grateful for Alex, the love he has for Linley and me, his parents, and entire family for welcoming Lin and me with open arms. As my therapist always says: I deserve to feel safe and loved in every space, and I felt that way in spades yesterday. My father-in-law even turned to me, we clinked champagne glasses, and he told me how happy he was that I was there. And my mother-in-law told me that she looks forward to many more years of love and celebration to come.

What a great way to end a wild ride of a year!

Photos taken Christmas Day, 2025✨

I’m happiest when…

December 22, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

My insomnia has significantly improved this week and I’m beyond grateful for that! The irony is that I’m up now, just past 1:30am my time, but it’s mainly due to sleeping off a migraine I had yesterday evening. I hope I can get some sleep shortly, but since I’m here, I wanted to write about when I’m the happiest. I saw someone else write about this recently and loved the idea, so I’m jumping in…

I’m happiest when I feel at peace with the past. I’m happiest when Linley is snoring and sandwiched in bed between Alex and me (like right now!) I’m happiest when I have balance in my life. I’m happiest when I have conversations with thought-provoking and creative friends and strangers. I’m happiest when I feel like I truly belong in Alex’s family. I’m happiest when a difficult past memory is nothing more than a moment, not an hour or day or period of sorrow.

I’m happiest when I see Alex and Linley running on the beach together. I’m happiest when I don’t let what happened in my past give me anxiety about the future. I’m happiest when I’m on a roadtrip or on a flight, about to have a new adventure. I’m happiest when that adrenaline rush hits while I’m doing something fun! I’m happiest when I feel a true sense of community in family, work and life. I’m happiest when I can be outside with Alex and Linley. I’m happiest when I’m on or near the water. I’m happiest when the guilt and shame that can consume me sometimes is finally set free.

I’m happiest when I let go of trying to impress other people. I’m happiest when people respect my boundaries, including myself. I’m happiest when I have a good conversation with a friend after a long day. I’m happiest when I can make an impact, even if it’s a small. I’m happiest when a friend and I catch up, especially if time has passed, and we pick up right where we left off. I’m happiest when my inbox is empty. I’m happiest when I’m away from my phone (yes, I see the irony in this…)

And I’d say I’m happiest when I finally stop putting the weight of the world on my shoulders!

I look forward to taking steps to ensure 2026 is a much lighter year. I need to heal.

Photos taken January – November, 2025✨

Piedmont Park Botanical Garden Lights✨

December 17, 2025 / Cate Tracey / Leave a comment

Last Monday, Alex and I went to the Botanical Gardens at Piedmont Park for our third-annual viewing of the holiday lights—and trains! We love going every year and it makes for a great date night of seasonal cocktails, gorgeous lights and admiring how creative the staff is.

As soon as you walk in, you see these beautiful, silver birds that fly amongst the stars. Alex and I always venture to the main restaurant area for some holiday drinks before making our way through the greenhouse, larger garden where you can see the Atlanta skyline, and other tunnels of lights. This year we each got two: both were mezcal drinks, one being hot chocolate! We had to take an obligatory photo under one of my favorite tunnels.

Luckily, I’d just gotten a new phone and it was fun to snap some artsy shots of the trees, and of course my favorite lady of the park…

One of my favorite parts of this annual experience is watching Alex watch the trains (yes, you heard that correctly!) I don’t know how else to explain it, other than it’s cute to see little kids point at and admire the moving trains, and then you see 30-year-old Alex doing the same thing. It’s the best!

Last but certainly not least, we enjoyed the dangling lights that sync up to the annual playlist. This year’s playlist was more classical, but I of course captured Louis Armstrong’s debut.

It’s hard to describe unless you’re there, but this entire immersive experience is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the holidays here in Atlanta. All last week I kept telling Alex, “I had the best time and I’ve been thinking about it all day!”

Until next year!✨

Media taken Monday, December 8, 2025.

Another wonderful weekend✨ (pt. II)

October 14, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

This past weekend was so much fun, that I wanted to dedicate a second post toward Atlanta Pride! We do things different here in Georgia: Atlanta Pride is usually the second weekend of October, and Savannah Pride (also fun!), is typically the weekend after. Why do we do it this way? Well, it’s super hot in June so we push it out for that reason, but also to get people north of us to come visit these two amazing southern cities!

We won’t be able to make Savannah Pride this year because we’ll be visiting Halloween weekend, but I had a blast at my first Atlanta Pride! Ironically, our three LGBTQIA+ besties were all out of town, so Alex, Linley and I went as the Tracey Trio allies. We took a lovely stroll down memory lane (well, down old streets I used to live on to get to the parade) and posted up at a great spot. We even saw two of Alex’s coworker friends, too!

Dancing to all the music while admiring all the creative floats, costumes and signs was an absolute blast. Delta was there, along with other big companies in Atlanta like Coca Cola, The Georgia Aquarium and more. See for yourself… 😉

After the parade, we made our way to Piedmont Park for some drinks, free goodies and celebration! A little boy gave us each a pride flag on our walk over, and I was really proud of his parents/family for raising him right. 🫶 We even ran into our besties Devin and Jesse, too; they recognized Lin in the crowd with his rainbow bandanna and his smile and tail wag 🥹

I’m proud that I live where I do. I’m proud that I have a partner who not only sees the importance of pride, but who genuinely wants to join in on events like this (and has a blast with me!). And I’m proud that Lin didn’t get overstimulated until the very end of the afternoon 😅

And so we strolled back home through “memory lane” with big smiles…

Media taken Sunday, October 12, 2025 in Midtown & Piedmont Park, Atlanta.

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

September 2025 Gratitude

October 1, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

I decided I’m going to make a new blog page about all our Tracey Trio adventures from July onward. It’s been a couples months of healing, facing hard truths and resilience. That said, it’s been wonderful to heal, laugh and love with Alex and Linley by my side.

Our summer adventures were so much fun and I can’t wait for more together!

Linley getting his kennel cough taken care of at the vet

Standing on a paddleboard for the first time ever

Alex pointing out a full moon outside our place

Appreciating a sunset like I appreciate sunrises

A belated Gotcha Day celebration on the Pooch Pontoon and private beach!

My first Shaky Knees, and our matching JVB shirts

Linley laying on the toys Alex got him for our wedding day 🥹

Seeing the otters at my second Aqua Vino event

Seeing Pancake and Donut in the office yesterday

Alex and Lin being silly

Last weekend of September

September 30, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

I love the fall, but I’m not ready for it this year. The summer was just too good! Last summer, I was overcoming a back injury and could barely even walk Linley without being in pain. This summer, I did all the things I couldn’t before… and then some!

There were so many firsts for Alex, like camping and whitewater rafting, and so many for me as well. I can’t wait for more adventures as a couple, and as the “Tracey Trio,” even if that means cooler weather and changing leaves. 😌

On Friday, we went to our second Aqua Vino event at the aquarium again. To think a year ago, Hurricane Helene was coming through Atlanta and completely devastated Asheville… it’s quite wild. Not only did I come a long way since last year, but the Southeast did as well #southeaststrong

Saturday was also a ton of fun because we took it easy, explored a new part of the city during a block party, and enjoyed a chill evening together. At the block party, we saw dogs who were trained to do all these tricks with frisbees, too!

Sunday was also great, as we enjoyed a gluten free brewery event with one of our neighbors and her adorable pup, Brody! It was such a great afternoon, and I can’t wait for more memories!

Although I’ve been navigating career, friend and family stuff lately, I couldn’t be more grateful for living in the moment, enjoying the little things and for all the laughter I’ve had this summer. 💛

Media taken Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia 🍑

Gratitude in Heaviness

September 14, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 2 Comments

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about my time in Michigan and how it wasn’t the weekend I was hoping it would be. I’ve been feeling misunderstood and unheard in my career, in my friend groups, and in my family. I’ve been pushing myself to write because I truly haven’t felt like it in a while, but I know it’s good for me to get my feelings out of my head.

I’m extremely grateful for Alex, who has continued to try new things with me, explore new places with me and has encouraged me to do what I love most. The friends I’ve made through him feel like family and I’m forever grateful to them and him for that.

Even when times are uncertain and things feel rocky, there are people who care about you and love you. I need to remind myself of that, too.

Rediscovering Atlanta✨

August 9, 2025August 9, 2025 / Cate Tracey / 3 Comments

Earlier this morning, I wrote about how I need to take myself on new adventures. One small-but-mighty goal Alex and I have this summer is to rediscover Atlanta, which also means going to places nearby that we haven’t explored yet. The rooftop bar at the hotel nearby is one of those places, and ironically, it’s where we stayed on our wedding night!

We enjoyed the stunning view of our city, some delicious cocktails, great disco-style music and even saw a couple get engaged a few tables down! You never know what you’ll find until you do some exploring in your own backyard…