Chapter 14 - 10.27.18 - Amicalola Falls (Another Repeat)
Through rain, cold, fog, and 425 stairs, we #ch8sewaterfalls, because we can. We ch8se because, "why not?" The drive to the falls was a little shorter than other ch8ses; and despite the sprinkles of liquid sunshine proved worth it after all. Fourteen fantastic ch8sers showed up to help narrate this chapter. When those of us met at Publix, we were three cars deep, and eight ch8sers strong. By the time we made it to The visitors center at Amicalola, we had nearly doubled in number. Ya'll let me just tell you, though we would have ch8sed, had it only been two of us; it is always an enormous surprise to get to the falls and see how many other ladies join in. As with most ch8ses, the number of ladies who RSVP, hardly ever match the number of ladies who actually show up, so to see the added seven sistas in the parking lot, literally made my day, and made me truly appreciate the love of the ch8se even more.
Three cars left the Publix meet up, and three showcased the new #ch8singwaterfalls, car window flag. Can I tell you how proud I am of these little babies. The logo design and creation happens to be all mine. Let me pause and toot my horn. The logo is everything I see in the ch8se. The C of course represents the ch8se. The 8/infinity symbol is the unique quality of the logo, as it is the character that separates our ch8ses from others chase. The 8 doubles as an infinity symbol, which represents the never ending ch8se, and of course, the waterfall imagery speaks for itself. Yes, I'm pretty proud of this design. Beneath the logo is our web address, where you are now, reading this blog.
Three flags went out; however, only two returned. Instead of listening to my first mind and using super glue to secure the flags, I trusted the little clamps and lost one on the way there. But now worries, no problem, no big deal. I have 6 more flags, an in house print shop, and a great partner to replace that one. Hubby happens to be my partner, he and I did the flags at home, and couldn't be prouder. He too has many gifts, #eunedatee, is just one. When time permits, he prints t-shirts, my flags, along with other stuff.
Ok, so back to chapter 14 at Amicalola Falls.
By the time we got to the falls, visibility was poor. We had increased elevation during the drive, and the fog had wrapped itself around the mountain, and made it difficult to see. Of course that did not stop us. It was misting, and cold; however, we kept on keeping on. We had driven for miles, we were on a mission, and I literally heard McFadden & Whitehead's song in my head..........
"Ain't no stopping us now, we're on the move!
Ain't No Stoppin Us Now! We've got the groove!
There's been so many things that's held us down But now it looks like things are finally comin' around I know we've got, a long long way to go And where we'll end up, I don't know
But we won't let nothin' hold us back We're putting our selves together We're polishing up our act! If you felt we've been held down before
I know you'll refuse to be held down anymore! Don't you let nothing, nothing Stand in your way! I want ya'll to listen, listen
To every word I say, every word I say! Ain't No Stoppin Us Now! We're on the move! Ain't No Stoppin Us Now!
We've got the groove! Ain't No Stoppin Us Now! We're on the move! Ain't No Stoppin Us Now! "
We pushed beyond it all and began the ch8se. After the talk before the walk, introductions, and head count, the fifteen of us, despite the elements, took the best selfies, shared laughs, and paused to enjoy the beauty before we descended the 425 stairs.
Keep in mind the elements, and know that they did not stop us. The metal stairs were wet, as were the wooden rails. Our gloved hands were wet, yet our feet were steady, and sure, we took down those stairs like the champs we are.
The base of the stairs opened up to a trail, which could have taken us away from the falls and the other that took us to somewhat of the middle of the falls. It was the perfect platform to soak it all in. This vantage point was priceless. The picture above is great but does no justice to the magic we experienced in that moment.
The date of this chapter conflicted with a lot of other events that were taking place in town, and left me uncertain of the participation. What I've come to realize in an even greater way, preparing for, and during the ch8ses, is that what God has for me, is truly for me. The people, positioned in my life, and those who brave the ch8ses with me are in the right place at the right time, always, without fail. Eight of the fifteen ladies who helped to write this chapter, were either first time ch8sers, or were out on their first group trek with #GirlTrek. Eight ladies came, saw and conquered. Now ya'll know I love symbolism, signs and numbers, right? " Number 8 resonates with the influences and vibrations of authority and personal power, self-confidence, executive ability, confidence, inner-strength......," (http://sacredscribesangelnumbers.blogspot.com/2011/06/angel-number-8.html). Of course number 8 symbolizes other things as well, but these I identify with. Personal Power, Self-Confidence, Executive Ability, Confidence, Inner Strength.
Now, it may have been seven, and in which case, "Number 7 resonates with the vibrations and energies of the ‘Collective Consciousness’, faith and spirituality, spiritual awakening and awareness, spiritual enlightenment,spiritual acceptance and development, mysticism, intuition and inner-knowing, inner-wisdom......." (http://sacredscribesangelnumbers.blogspot.com/2011/06/angel-number-7.html). Again, Collective Consciousness, Faith, Spiritual Awakening, Spiritual Acceptance, and Development......ya'll either way, all in my business.
This ch8se was pivital for me in so many ways. For each of you to embrace this passion of mine and author these ch8ses with me are life changing. These sentiments are repeat offenders, as each ch8se leaves me renewed, refreshed and energized. I see strength, courage, victory, magic, peace, happiness, and unity to name a few during the adventures of the ch8se. Like all others before this one, the chase is more than the beauty of the waterfall, more than its natural awesomeness. I tell you what, I will end here, and allow you to see some of the magic that unfolded in the pictures below. The pictures are worth thousands of words; however, the experience is priceless. Each ch8se unique in its own right. Perhaps you too will step outside of this blog and ch8se with us soon.
Until we ch8se again, stay tuned........
Deborah McGlawn
11.12.18