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Active Rain Members Who Inspire ~ A Compliation

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

The February Active Rain Challenge asked us to feature our AR friends and acquaintances who have inspired us in some manner. There are many on this platform whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in person, by phone, and in sharing business referrals. There are so many over the past 16 years that I decided to create a compilation of some of these wonderful folks.

This is my first time creating a group photo with AI. I had to tweak this picture numerous times as the app kept wanting to put in Dorie twice (the second Dorie is Patricia) while leaving others out. This cracked me up, but after many, many prompts, this is the best it would come up with. Whew!

In random order, here are some great peeps who have inspired in various ways:

Cherise Selley - Cherise was one of the first people I connected with here in the Rain. We were followingone another and commenting regularly. After one phone call, we knew we would be fast friends. To this day, Cherise and I are BFF's and continue to get together whenever we can, even though we live several states away from one another. From health challenges to our faith, we remain tight.

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - Dorie is a fellow Texas real estate professional. I was able to meet Dorie in person as we shared a referral client. She was exactly as she portrays herself through her blog posts. She is warm, thoughtful, and she knows her market. 

Carol Williams - I loved it when Carol called me to let me know that during her travels, she would be coming through Granbury. We met on our historic Square, had a lovely lunch, and enjoyed touring the renovation project we were working on. Carol is so down-to-earth, and I learned so much about her when we met in person. She is fun and is a genuine breath of fresh air.

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist - Having spent numerous conversations with Kathleen on the phone, I knew I needed to arrange to meet her when we traveled to California last summer. We arranged our schedule to be able to fly out of San Jose so we could personally meet her. We met at a wonderful restaurant, and she was sneaky and paid for the amazing meal. Kathleen is a truly deep thinker, and I admire her walk through her health challenges.

Anna "Banana" Kruchten - I think everyone here in the Rain knows Miss Anna! What a life force! I was able to meet her and her sweet husband when we visited her area over 10 years ago. We met at a fun wine bar, and it felt like I had known her forever. I have learned a lot about blogging by following Anna, and I love our connection.

Richie & You  - Over the years, Richie has shared his "Pearls of Wisdom" here in the Rain. He always has some exceptionally kind comments that he shares with all. I really appreciate his wit, his kindness, and his encouragement.

Roy Kelley - Roy is another familiar face in the Rain. If you don't follow him, you are missing out on knowing one wonderful man. I enjoy his photographs immensely.  He shares these gorgeous photos with us on his posts and often leaves you a comment. Thank you, Roy, for sharing your talent with us.

Patricia Kennedy - Patricia and I shared many phone calls when I first began blogging back in 2010. I enjoyed gleaning her real estate knowledge, and although we work in two very different markets, her insights were spot-on! Patricia, if you are reading this, know that you have made an impact.

Debe Maxwell, CRS - Debe is yet another legend here in the Rain. Many members here don't fully understand her behind-the-scenes work to keep this platform vibrant and alive. I admire Debe's take on life, her open dialogue about her personal struggles, and her willingness to lend a hand for all things blogging. You are appreciated, Debe.

James Dray - I got to know James early on as a new blogger. Then, I had some clients who were moving to his area. I knew he was the man to refer! He took excellent care of them, and I was grateful to be able to place my clients in such good, capable hands.

Kathy Streib - And yet, another iconic, Active Rain member! Kathy is a fellow Texan whom I enjoy visiting by phone on a variety of topics escpecially, all-things health and wellness. When I first started blogging here in the Rain, she lived in Florida. Now, as a fellow Texan, I am determined to meet in person soon! Thank you, Kathy, for all of the excellent phone calls and your sunny disposition.

There are many others who inspire me here in the Rain. I know the minute I hit "publish", I will think of others that I should have included. To those of you in this post, know that you have made an impact on my life. Whether we speak frequently or not, there are people who come and go in our lives that create a lasting impression.

Thank you to all of you and to this blogging platform for expanding our knowledge and adding to our friends and fellow real estate professionals' network. Life is precious! Enjoy those who are around you. LIV2DAY!

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Comments(18)

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Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Dr. Paula McDonald ,

OMG..you did a great job! I'm honored to have been included and loved reading the connections you have made over the years in Active Rain! Life is precious and enjoy those around you!!

Feb 27, 2026 09:55 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Of course, Dorie. You are a steady and much-loved icon here in the Rain.

Feb 27, 2026 09:56 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Hello Paula... you certainly spotlighted some of the best here in the Rain. Good job!

Feb 27, 2026 09:59 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Nina. I would love to meet you too! I've only been to your state once, so if I am there again, I will reach out.

Feb 27, 2026 10:00 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Friday afternoon, Paula. Thanks for mentioning me in your post. Your kind words are much appreciated.

Feb 27, 2026 10:02 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

You bet, Roy. I love your posts and especially love your photographs.

Feb 27, 2026 10:06 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

What a fun post to read today.  I needed this. Bill 

Feb 27, 2026 10:08 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Bill. There are truly a lot of great peeps here in the Rain.

Feb 27, 2026 10:12 AM
Richie & You
people first-then business - Riverside, CA
Author & Consultant

Hi there little Paula. What a powerful posting you have here that not only reaches & teaches, but says a lot about you, a decent, loving & giving person (naming a few) Dr. Paula McDonald ...thank you

Feb 27, 2026 10:22 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Dang! Another list I did not make Dr. Paula McDonald 🙃 You would be on my list. 😉

Feb 27, 2026 10:34 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Awe, Bob. You are a gem! Don't ever forget that you are true light.

Feb 27, 2026 10:38 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm

😇 Thanks Dr. Paula McDonald 

Feb 27, 2026 10:47 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Hey, Paula,

Thanks for your entry into the February 2026 - AR Member Appreciation Month

We have a great collection of entries for this month's challenge and it's great to add yours to the collection. You have met a lot of people on AR, and you got around a lot too. The AI Graphic turned out great.

Thanks for your participation! Lew Corcoran and I appreciate your entry.

Feb 27, 2026 03:02 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Patricia. I had a time with that picture. I am learning to use better prompts with the whole AI thing. I have much to learn. :)

Feb 27, 2026 03:08 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dr. Paula McDonald the members you highlighted in this blog are among the who's Who of AR members.

Feb 27, 2026 03:26 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, George - this is an incredible lineup. So many wonderful folks here, and I count you as one of them.

Feb 27, 2026 04:22 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Paula- you did a wonderful job on the group picture!!!! I don't know how you managed it (I'll give you a call next week!)   My hair never looked so good!!!!

Your post proves once again what a unique community this is!!! I appreciate your always informative posts!!!

Feb 27, 2026 06:58 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Kathy. And yes, it made your hair look sensational! Love it.

Feb 28, 2026 06:37 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I miss James Dray, we used to have some nice interactions, and I have spoken with him on the phone before.  I should call him and see how he is doing.

Feb 28, 2026 05:08 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Yes, Brian, he is a wonderful man. Let me know if you reach him.

Feb 28, 2026 06:37 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

All are excellent choices to be included in your post!

Feb 28, 2026 06:23 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Kat. There are so many wonderful peeps here in the Rain.

Feb 28, 2026 06:38 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Retired Broker, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Paula,
I love your image!  And, I loved meeting you and getting the tour of your boutique hotel. I'm kind of sad knowing you and Mark don't own it anymore.  I took many pictures of the historic Granbury Square. I was having a lot of back trouble during my visit with you, and I didn't think I was very much fun, so thanks for the kind words. 

I'm almost finished with a round-up post too. How can we narrow it down, right? 

Feb 28, 2026 08:53 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Feb 28, 2026 06:29 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Kathy, for including my post.

Mar 01, 2026 12:11 PM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Douglas Elliman Las Olas - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector

Dr. Paula McDonald what a fun image and a day traveling down memory lane.  Looking forward to meeting you on Tuesday's zoom 3/4

Mar 01, 2026 09:03 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Eileen. I am looking forward to meeting you as well.

Mar 01, 2026 12:12 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

What a heartfelt tribute, Dr. Paula McDonald. It’s easy to feel the joy and grit woven through each story, and it’s a sweet reminder of how these connections shape us in ways we don’t always see right away 🙂 This one left me smiling and thinking about the folks who’ve nudged my own path forward.

Mar 01, 2026 10:20 AM
Dr. Paula McDonald

Thank you, Lew. I am glad this brought a smile to your face with these fun memories.

Mar 01, 2026 12:13 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Love this! Thank you so much for the inclusion, Dr. Paula McDonald! Love, love, love the image! We have such an amazing community here and there are some wonderful people working behind the scenes to keep the lights on here. For that, I am so very grateful! 😘

Mar 01, 2026 09:00 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

We so enjoyed meeting you and your husband all those years ago Paula!  I think I have a photo.....I'll look for it and share it if i find it!  Cheers!

Mar 02, 2026 09:30 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

This is a fine entry for the Challenge, but also as a statement as to what makes this platform so special. No other real estate site, or social media site can have people thinking I need to meet that person face to face.

Mar 04, 2026 05:36 AM