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☀️California Travels ~ Final Leg ~ AR Meet-Up☀️

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Beam & Branch Realty TREC #547752

The final leg of our wonderful California trip ended with a planned meet-up with our own Active Rainer - Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist! We decided to fly out of San Jose so I could meet this dear friend in person! Over the past 15 years, we have enjoyed many blog comments, numerous phone calls, and have even participated in an online Bible study together.

When I first began blogging back in 2010, Kathleen was one of the first people who I resonated with as she shared her health journey with us. We were kindred spirits and sisters from another mister the moment we connected. This is when I discovered that Active Rain was so much more than a blogging platform.

I have met many other Active Rain friends over the years so when we planned our California excursion, I knew we had to figure out how to make this in-person meeting happen. We were both so excited as the meeting date inched closer. I could not wait to meet this phenomenal woman in person.

When I saw her with tears in her eyes, it felt like I was hugging someone I had known all of my life. Her warmth, humor, and, candor are as real as it gets. One of the things I love most about Kathleen is her no-nonsense, logical approach to everything. She is no-drama and I love that about her.

Dinner sailed by as the conversation simply flowed by effortlessly. And when the bill arrived already paid, my husband Mark was astonished. Sneaky Kathleen arrived early and made sure that she took care of everything. We were so surprised and honored to be treated to such a wonderful dinner.

When you are planning your vacations around the country, take a look at your AR roster and see if there are blogging friends who you might be able to meet. It is so worth making this happen and it deepens our connections here in the Rain so much. This was the perfect way to end our California journey.

Thank you, Kathleen, for your warm welcome, the delicious meal, but most of all, for your genuine friendship and love. Having been home now for almost a week, I am still pinching myself from this wonderful trip. Happy summer travels to all.

 

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Comments(16)

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Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Paula- I've been waiting to see your post about your MeetUp with Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist Having been a longtime reader of your posts and spoken with both of you, I agree that you two are two peas from the same healthy pea pod. So glad you were able to make this happen. 

Jun 19, 2025 07:43 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Kathy. I needed to catch up on life back at home and was writing my travel blogs chronologically. It was such a great time meeting Kathleen. You are next!

Jun 20, 2025 03:39 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Paul,

Your post made me smile! What a delightful meet-up! So glad that you were able to share such a special dinner!

Jun 19, 2025 08:06 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Awe, thank you, Dorie. You are also one of those Rainer's I can say I am so proud to have met in person.

Jun 20, 2025 03:40 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Hi Paula! How wonderfully blessed the two of you are to finally meet one another! I'd love to do the same with each of you. It sounds like it was a beautifully memorable summer meet-up! Great picture too.

Jun 19, 2025 09:46 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Debe, this was a huge blessing. We need to come to Charlotte to meet you.

Jun 20, 2025 03:40 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Absolutely!! And we're on the same of the county so, our meet-up will be easy peasy, Dr. Paula McDonald!

Jun 20, 2025 04:13 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

Way to go Paula and Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist for a happy meet up. Active Rainers Hoooooooooo!

Jun 19, 2025 10:24 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Jeff. It really is great to meet in person! Very cool.

Jun 20, 2025 03:41 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

There should be as much of this as possible. Community is important and meet ups can really straighten that. 

Jun 19, 2025 10:24 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I agree with you, Laura. The meet-ups are the best.

Jun 20, 2025 03:41 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Paula - Eureka, coincidentally a city in California) also sums up this final challenge post.  You have proved the power of the ActiveRain community.  Here's to showing/sharing more possibilities.

Jun 20, 2025 02:36 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Michael. Yes, it was a eureka moment. Truly a wonderful experience.

Jun 20, 2025 03:42 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Friday morning, Paula.

Thanks for sharing your travels and your special MeetUp.

Have a great day!

Jun 20, 2025 04:05 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Roy. It was such a special time indeed.

Jun 20, 2025 03:42 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Paul... I am green, green, green with envy that you met my friend Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist. But I am very happy for you both to have been able to do so.

Jun 20, 2025 05:12 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Hey Nina - we will have to come to Charlotte and meet both you and Debe!

Jun 20, 2025 03:43 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Associate Real Estate Broker

Meeting a face person that has been on your screen for years is exceptional. I have been fortunate to meet many members across the country and if opportunity allows will continue to do the same in the future

Jun 20, 2025 06:02 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

I so agree, Ed. She was exactly the way she is here in the Rain. Genuine and true.

Jun 20, 2025 03:43 PM
Mike McCann Broker - Mach1 Realty
Mike McCann - Broker, Mach1 Realty Broker-Auctioneer Serving Nebraska - Kearney, NE
ALL Types of Property For Sale 308-627-3700

Wow!  I have read thousands of posts on AR over the years...and this post is easily inside the top 10 of posts I have ever read!

I feel almost like I was there!  Genuine love and happiness was oozing though out your story!  I am happy and a bit jealous!!

Jun 20, 2025 06:24 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Well, thank you, Mike! That is quite a compliment. All the feels for sure meeting Kathleen.

Jun 20, 2025 03:44 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

It's so nice to see that you were able to meet Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist in person.  If I were in that area, I would reach out and see if we could meet.

Jun 20, 2025 06:37 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

I would definitely make a meet up with you happen Brian England if you are ever in my area.  

Jun 20, 2025 07:02 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You would love her in person, Brian. She is a delight.

Jun 20, 2025 03:44 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Hello Dr. Paula McDonald - the connection and friendship we have made is so incredibly special.  Now it is my turn to visit you in Texas.  🧡

Thank you for making your way to San Jose to make our meet up happen. 

Jun 20, 2025 07:06 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Kathleen! Come on out! We will have you decked out in stylin boots and a cowboy hat in no time!

Jun 20, 2025 03:45 PM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Those in person meet ups are always so much fun.  Glad you too had the opportunity to meet face to face.  Thanks for letting those here on Active Rain read about your time together.

Jun 20, 2025 08:34 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Leanne - this truly is the best part of this blogging community.

Jun 20, 2025 03:45 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you so much for sharing this heartfelt story, Dr. Paula McDonald. I really appreciate how you captured the genuine connection that can grow from online friendships. It’s inspiring to see how these bonds turn into real-life moments that mean so much. 😊

Jun 20, 2025 01:01 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Lew. This real-life moment was so extra special.

Jun 20, 2025 03:46 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

You ladies know how to enjoy a good meetup - and then some Paula!!  I am so glad you got to finally meet her in person.  Kathleen is a dear heart for sure!! ❤️

Jun 21, 2025 11:17 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

She is a dear just like you. I hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer.

Jun 21, 2025 02:25 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

What an awesome meet-up. I always enjoy reading posts like this!

Jun 29, 2025 10:55 AM