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Storming Atlanta or Atlanta Storms

I made it!  It was touch and go for a while, but I boarded my delayed flight to Atlanta, Georgia via Denver International Airport Wednesday afternoon. I arrived at my hotel by 9 pm.  If you’re a seasoned traveler you know how exhausting it is  simply sitting around all day along with the stress of the unknown.

Our plane flew through thirty minutes of thunderstorms, before touching down in heavy rains. Will someone please give that pilot a raise? It continued to pour throughout the cab ride to my hotel, and then things got really exciting as I watched the thunder and lighting from the safety of my hotel balcony, 21st floor. We never get this kind of weather at home.

I’m in Atlanta, Georgia fulfilling a life-long dream. I’m attending an executive briefing and presidential reception at the Carter Center, where I will meet Past President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter.  Together they founded The Carter Center with the mission to: Wage Peace, Fight Disease, Build Hope.

The Carter Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

  • The Center emphasizes action and measurable results. Based on careful research and analysis, it is prepared to take timely action on important and pressing issues.
  • The Center seeks to break new ground and not duplicate the effective efforts of others.
  • The Center addresses difficult problems in difficult situations and recognizes the possibility of failure as an acceptable risk.
  • The Center is nonpartisan, actively seeks complementary partnerships and works collaboratively with other organizations from the highest levels of government to local communities.
  • The Center believes that people can improve their own lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources.
There’s a reception this evening, and a full day of briefings on Friday.
So, what do you suppose a gardener does when she finds herself alone in Atlanta for a few hours?
I spent part of the afternoon touring the Atlanta Botanical Gardens.

I’m off! More pics to follow soon.

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27 thoughts on “Storming Atlanta or Atlanta Storms”

  2. There should be a ‘love’ button for this post! The short video you chose to share with us reduced me to tears – thank God for good people!! I am delighted you are there, safe and dry(ish) and look forward to hearing how this next momentous 36 hours goes. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and savour! xoxo

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    • Thank you, Pauline. My evening at the Carter Center was wonderfully enriching. I met some nice people, toured part of the presidential library and listened to two wonderful presenters in a program titled: Waging Peace in Turbulent Times.

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    • That’s it exactly, Kate. The Center has done incredible work. In the cruelest of ironies, the director of the Conflict Resolution Program spoke tonight on the futility of using military action against Syria. He emphasized that all hostilities throughout history end when all parties come to the table. Five minutes ago, “45” launched a missile strike in Syria. I feel sick.

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  5. Those pilots are absolutely amazing!!! They never cease to amaze me. The weather on the east coast is incredible and frightening. You did get lucky. And again to find a dry spell and see the gardens! Enjoy your conference. I’m sure it will be wonderful and worth all the tedious and frightening travel. I love their motto of waging peace. So contrary to the present administration.

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    • I can’t imagine a more stressful job, but I know when I fly I always feel like I’m in good hands. I am so fortunate that I got through. According to one of the women I spoke with at the Carter Center, several people didn’t make if for a meeting today. I too love the motto waging peace. It’s important now more than ever.

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  6. Rather you than me flying through the thunderstorm – I’m a nervous flyer – but It was for something you really wanted to do. Have a wonderful stay in Atlanta.

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  9. I’m getting here a little late but I’m so excited for you! Jimmy Carter is such a hero to me–such a fine person. I hope it’s all going as well as you anticipated and that every moment is fun!

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    • Kerry, he’s one of my heroes too. I’ve admired him for years. In person, he’s as you would expect: warm, soft spoken, intelligent and with a twinkle in his eye. The work the Carter Center does is extraordinary. I will collect my thoughts once home and will write a longer post.

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  10. Looked like loads of fun. I’m glad the weather didn’t keep you there! I’d be all alone, lost in America. I’m so happy you were able to fullfill your lifelong dream to meet the Carters. I’m not up-to-date on my American History as far as what his Presidency looked like but I do know he works tirelessly for less fortunate families in pursuit of their health and homes. Seems like a good and kind man. BTW, what should we do today in NYC? tee-hee xo K

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