Between 404 Day and now, it’s been a solid month here in Atlanta. We’ve explored new places, revisited some favorites and felt a sense of community with our neighbors (especially Amy because we got to watch her sweet girl, Larkin, this month!)
I look forward to what the rest of April and beyond has in store!
On Friday, I wasn’t feeling the best, but I knew a hike with Linley would help me sweat out my cold in addition to making my heart feel good. We revisited Sweetwater Creek State Park for some light hiking and beautiful views. My mom also had the day off, so we talked on the phone like the good ole days. And as usual, Linley got lots of attention and four young women were adoring him, so I gave them each a treat to give to Linley. He was in heaven!
Being with Linley always makes my day, especially when we can be outdoors together.
And yesterday’s 404 Day celebration in Atlanta was a ton of fun! We strolled through our favorite neighborhood in the city, watched Linley play at Piedmont Park, picked up some plants at Flora and Fauna, and enjoyed an afternoon in our own neighborhood.
I’ve been beating myself up all week about random sh*t, and honestly, I need to stop because I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.
Media taken Friday, April 3 & Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Atlanta, GA.
Alex took Linley and me to Athens, Georgia for our first visit yesterday! We walked around town and UGA’s campus before going to the game where Linley, and other dogs, were part of the main event. Everyone at the game and involved in the game were amazing and we’ll definitely be back for another fun day of hockey!
Linley was basically a celebrity and everyone was taking photos of AND with him all day! A woman we met at a brewery before the game even came up and said hello again. Seeing Linley love and get love back always melts my heart.
Alex signed Linley up for a race on the ice after the first period, and since Lin had been a daddy’s boy all day, I held Linley on the ice so he would run to Alex. However, Linley got cold paws, literally and figuratively, and didn’t want to leave my side! Although Lin didn’t win the race, he won in everyone’s hearts. Going backstage and on the ice was really cool (pun intended) for all three of us in the Tracey Trio!
Life is good and Linley was fast asleep in the stands and on the ride home.
Media taken Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Athens, Georgia 🦞
Don’t get me wrong: I love our roadtrips and weekends away. But there’s something extra special about being home in Atlanta this time of year. It’s not nearly as drastic as Michigan’s winter-to-spring transition, but laying out in the sun, listening to soul music in the park nearby is something I don’t take for granted here.
The last couple weekends have been so much fun, and I know this weekend will be no exception. We’ve even stayed busy during the week, because there’s no point in living for the weekend (in my humble opinion 😉).
Here’s some highlights that have brought me sheer enjoyment and smiles from ear to ear:
I can’t wait for more fun, but enjoying these moments has been exactly what I’ve needed!
Photography taken March 2026
It’s been a week and I’m still daydreaming of our time in Florida. I’m really missing the beach, the sand in my toes and the sea breeze this afternoon.
Last Friday, we attempted to see the sunrise with no luck. But it was still such a fun experience to be at the dog beach again with less people and pets running around. Linley, of course, had to mark his territory and say hello to strangers every chance he could. That’s one of many things about him that I love so much; he makes himself at home wherever we go.
After some fun in the sand, we hung out and had a pretty relaxing morning. You better believe we found another beach to hang out at in the afternoon though, and that was even more private than the dog beach in Panama City. St. Joe Beach, about 45 minutes from our AirBnB, was perfect; we enjoyed collecting shells, walking as a family along the water and the entire afternoon was the “pause button” I really needed.
Like I said in my previous post: I always get so emotional reflecting on all the times Lin and I have enjoyed the beach together. He used to be my little beach buddy when it was just the two of us, and Alex was that missing piece that we never knew we needed (but so badly wanted!)
After s’more fun in the sun, we grabbed lunch in St. Joe and had a relaxing afternoon of good food, conversation and laughs.
After lunch, we headed to this super cool brewery and cocktail bar before cooking at our place. I enjoyed some snacks and two mocktails while Alex had a beer and a cocktail afterward. Linley kept getting attention and we all had some fun with my heart glasses.
Between our afternoon pit stop and heading back home for the evening, I wanted to see the sunset because our first night was such a flop due to the fog. And we got lucky because it was absolutely beautiful! Linley was a bit fussy haha, but we enjoyed it regardless.
I can’t wait for our next adventure!
Media taken Friday, March 6, 2026
Last weekend, the three of us had a great time in Florida. It was my first time in the panhandle and Linley’s first time in Florida altogether. Our roadtrips and long weekends away are something I’ll always cherish, and am already missing so much (we got back on Sunday!)
We started our day on Thursday by exploring a couple places for lunch and nice views in the afternoon. Then once our AirBnB was ready for check-in, we relaxed on the patio for a little while. We all enjoyed soaking up some sun!
Our first sunset wasn’t the most successful, given that it suddenly became extremely foggy as we drove to the dog-friendly beach nearby. It was such a bummer because we really wanted to see it, but we were able to enjoy a sliver of it.
When I look back at these photos and videos, I get emotional because I love these moments together more than I can put into words. And I’ve genuinely enjoyed soaking up every sunset and sunrise with Linley over these past eight years, and now we get to do the same with Alex.
On a lighter note, of course our boy had to sniff and dig around in the sand!
And as much as Linley enjoys the beach, he doesn’t enjoy his post-beach routine (but we do!)
Media taken Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida🌴
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!
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
Something I always enjoyed doing with Linley was hiking, so the fact that I have a husband and friends who want to tag along is so much fun; the more the merrier! We found a hiking trail near our AirBnB last weekend and it was an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. Although it was warmer and a steeper slope than we expected, we had a ton of fun!
After a couple good meals for lunch and dinner, and LOTS of laughs, we enjoyed a cozy night in.
Next stop: Florida!
Media taken Saturday, February 28 in North Carolina
In my previous post, I talked about my appreciation for a good sunset nowadays. But if you’ve been following along for a while and remember some of my Chicago dog beach posts, y’all know how much I love a good sunrise! It’s a start of a new day, chapter or beginning in general. And sharing those quiet moments with Linley has meant the world to me over the course of these eight and a half years! Last weekend in North Carolina was no exception of that…
Media taken Saturday, February 28 & Sunday, March 1, 2026 in Murphy, North Carolina 🌅
I used to love the sunrise because it symbolized more than a new day, but also a new beginning and a fresh start. Ever since I found more peace and healing from my past, I’ve grown to appreciate a sunset in the same way; I know something good isn’t ending for me and that it’s simply starting over.
I’m facing growing pains now: learning which friendships are ones I want to continue cultivating in this chapter, am starting my own business while joining a new company next week, and am seeing a new therapist to help me through current challenges. But for the most part, I’m in a happy and healed place, so it’s time to celebrate all the moments life has to offer post-“survival mode” like before.
Last weekend, Alex, Linley and two of our closest friends and I went to a small town called Murphy, North Carolina for a friend’s weekend. Our first night at the cabin was so much fun because we relaxed outside, enjoyed stunning views, and laughed in each other’s company. It was cute seeing Linley soak it all in, too!
I look forward to more adventures with the guys and am going to cherish all these moments as they come.
Media taken Friday, February 27, 2026 in Murphy, North Carolina
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.
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 🧧
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. 💛
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 🐾
Traveling with the Traceys 