Mary's Blog

17th Annual Summer Solstice Benefit Auction

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:00:39 -0700

17th Annual Summer Solstice Benefit Auction

June 22, 2013

Partnerships in Community Living, Inc.

Partnerships in Community Living, A non-profit organization, located in Monmouth, OR, is having its 17th Annual Summer Solstice Benefit Auction. Please join us for a silent auction, oral auction and a scrumptious dinner. Only $25 a ticket for a great cause. The auction will be held at the Eola Hills Wine Cellars, 501 S Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall, OR 97371, (503) 932-9590. RSVP by June 7, 2013 for reservations.

A small introduction to what the summer solstice means

The Summer or June Solstice occurs when the sun is at its furthest point from the equator, it occurs when the syun is directly over the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere. It marks the first day of the summer season in the northern hemisphere,and is derived from the Latin word "solstitium", meaning "sun-stopping" because the point at which the sun appears to rise and set stops and reverses direction after this day. This day has the longest hours of daylight for those living north of the equator.

In ancient times, solstices and equinoxes were important tools in guiding people to develop and keep calendars, as well as helping them to grow their crops. The importance of understanding the seasons and weather played a key role in the lives of many people who spent much of their time outdoors. It is also a time when festivals, celebratins and other festivities were celebrated.

For this Auction, I was contacted by one of the directors of Partnerships in Community Living, who had seen my website, www.artofmarystewart.com, liked my work and asked me if I would consider donating a painting. How could I say no to an organization that does contribute so much to the lives of so many.

Red Grapes at Sunset

Watercolor on Canvas 16 x 20

Listed at $700

JOIN US ON THIS DATE

JUNE 22, 2013

Eola Hills Wine Cellars

501 S Pacific Hwy W

Rickreall, OR 97371

503-932-9590

WE WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU!

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Rite Aid 7th Annual Plant Sale for Doernbecher Children's Hospital

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:49:15 -0700

Rite Aid 7th Annual Plant Sale for Doernbecher Children's Hospsital

April 26th and 27th

9 am - 5 pm

29555 SW Boones Ferry Road

Wilsonville, OR 97070

This annual plant sale brings all varieties of plants which have been donated by local nurseries for purchase to the public. All proceeds go to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital and is the best donation I can think of.

My grandson who is now 10 was in Doernbecher's for 6 months when he was 18 months old. He had leukemia, but the good news was that because he is a "Down Child", this type of leukemia does not usually reoccur in Down children. In a child that does not have Down syndrom it is usually fatal. We were blessed.

He is now in remission with a compromised immune system but is doing so well. Grazi at 18 months

Grazi just turned 10

There will be plants and shrubs, arts and crafts booth and kids kartz plus pony rides. Each year we purchase plants and they are the healthiest of any that we have purchased and plan to attend this fyear even if we do not need anything we will purchase something.

Annual Rite Aid Plant Sale

Don't Miss It !

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Life is a collection of moments

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:09:59 -0800

Life Is A Collection Of Moments

Life is a Collection of Moments, a phrase that was presented to me this last week in an off moment, a glance at a writing that I happened to be reading in an obscure place I had happened upon. I began thinking of the depth of this phrase and how it has been throughout my own personal life. When one looks back throughout the moments of one's life and all of the different collections that have accumulated to make a book that is the tapestry of one's life, it is amazing. The good, the bad and the ugly, all moments that become part of the collection of your life.

I know we try and not think of the things that were what I would call ugly in our lives, however, they become an important part of us as they are part of the makeup of who we are as a person. The good and joyful things are easy to remember and are a huge part of who we are, but it takes all of the slices of the pie to make up the whole.

A collection of moments in our lives can be a brief as a nano second and as long as it takes on the other side. I love the thought of a collection of moments to make a part to make a whole. So I decided to make a video of some of my collections of moments that have made up a large part of my pie, memories from the corners of my mind as the song would say.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Looking for Property in Wilsonville? Here's the Scoop

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 15:52:41 -0800

Looking for Property in Wilsonville, OR?

Here's The Scoop

The City of Wilsonville, OR is a beautiful and typically smaller town of around 20,000 population in 2012. We have several shopping areas with great stores and fabulous restaurants. Friendly shop owners that welcome business even if you are just window shopping. Our schools are in the West Linn/Wilsonville School District, one of the top in the State. it is a much sought after school district and brings new families just because of that fact.

We have many great family neighborhoods where residents have many community activities, and always welcome new families and are sad to see others leave. Many neighborhoods are along the Willamette River which meanders along the South side of Wilsonville. There are also many country homes with acreage to accommodate produce, fruit trees, and of course horses. There is a lot of horse country around Wilsonville.

We are close to I-5 and I-205 for access to Portland traveling North and to the South, Salem, Oregon's Capitol. One is not far away from the Oregon Beaches or the Mountains for wonderful hiking or skiing in the Winter. Oregon is a great place to live and Wilsonville is a bright star with easy access to whatever you would like to do.

Property for sale in the Wilsonville, OR area ranges in pricing from $85,000 all the way to $4.5 million. This includes, condos, attached housing, detached homes, farms and manufactured homes. The following is a 3 month breakdown.

Current Total Active Homes for Sale 103

    Detached residence Active           68
    Short Sale                                     3
    Condo/Attached                          33
    Farms                                           1
    Res-Manufactured                        1

Total Short Sale Active                  3

     Short Sale Pending                     15
     Residential                                 10
     Condo/Attached                           5

Pending Sales                              47

     Pending Residential                   33
     Pending Condo/Attached           14

Sold                                              75

     Detached Residential                57
     Condo/Attached                       17
     Farm                                         1

Currently there are 38 active homes for sale under $300,000;

26 homes for sale between $300,000 and $400,000;

14 homes for sale between $400,000 and $500,000;

5 homes for sale between $500,000 and $600,000;

4 homes for sale between $600,000 and $700,000;

1 home for sale between $700,000 and $800,000;

3 homes for sale between $800,000 and $900,000;

5 homes between $1.2 Million and $2.0 million; and

1 home at $3.7 million and

1 at $4.5 million.

These numbers are as of February 13, 2013 and of course this can change and does almost daily but it does give an overview of the Wilsonville area real estate market.

Looking for Property In Wilsonville? Here Is The Scoop

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Ways of advertising that worked for me

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 18:40:34 -0800

Ways of Advertising that worked for me....

Then and Now

I have done many things in my lifetime and had several successful businesses of my own, one of which was going to school (2 years), studying for and becoming a Massage Therapist early in the 1990's. I began with nothing but a rented room, my massage table, oils, lotions, telephone and a lot of hope. I had been in sales for many years and was itching to get started.

I made a business plan that was fairly detailed with facts and money guidelines. Advertising was part of my limited budget but I knew that without some form of advertising no one would ever know I was there let alone find me.

I tried lots of things, grocery carts, name in telephone books of different organizations, sports calendars, going to all of the events handing out cards and brochures. Walking around to different businesses to see if they would let me leave my cards and brochures, joining the Chamber of Commerce and advertising in the local newspaper. Sending out letters to everyone I knew and hardly knew.

What I found was this: There were two things that worked well in the beginning that was the Chamber and their directory and the local newspaper (No internet then as we know it now). My practice was in Lake oswego, Oregon and people their consider their local newspaper gold. I always, always had my photo on everything and I do mean everything. In the paper I advertised 4 weeks on and 3 weeks off. Why I don't know it is just what I did. Honestly people thought I advertised every week and I received a lot of business from both ways of advertising. One lady that finally came to me told me she had my advertisement on her refrigerator for a year. Wow !

I found that word of mouth was the next best and actually the best. Honestly my women friends never came to me, they probably thought I would see or know too much about them and that was okay, I understood. I built a very thriving business for many years, massage was very good to me and I loved almost every moment. I made many friends and loved all of my clients. I also lost some of the elderly as they passed on, but I received so much from them that is still with me today. How fortunate can one be.

Finally after 15 years I was too tired emotionally, not physically, as a lot of clients were referred from physicians, psychologists and psychotherapists to learn what healthy touch was. I heard a lot of difficult stories and events and although I worked hard at leaving it all at the office some of it is always bound to seep in. I was very busy. Fifteen years was enough although I can safely say I do miss it, and sometimes think about doing it again.

There are many different ways of advertising and getting the word out and times have changed I know. The premise is, in my opinion, the same for all businesses, real estate included, get your name and your brand known.

Word of mouth travels faster than the drums in Africa, interacting with people, networking, social groups on the internet, just the internet and all of those SEO's and most of all loving what you are doing.

These were some of the many ways of advertising that worked for me then and now.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Village On The Lake ~ Lake Oswego, OR ~ Simply Fabulous Neighborhood

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 19:51:56 -0800

Village On The Lake ~ Lake Oswego, OR ~ Simply Fabulous Neighborhood ~ This home is not to be missed, the website says it all!

1579 SW Bay View Ln
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Village On The Lake

Mary Stewart

Mobile:

5036357121

Price	:	$675,000
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	3
Square Foot	:	4,665
Lot Size	:	12,632
County	:	Clackamas
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1989
MLS Number	:	12276607

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

Coveted Village on the Lake Home. A spacious well built home with views of Lilly Bay from all back windows. Vaulted ceilings, with open concept and hardwood flooring. Main level offers a large kitchen perfect for entertaining with new stainless appliances and cook island; Master Suite with large walk-in closet; 2nd bedroom; full bath and large laundry with lots of storage. A den or office, plus formal living room with fireplace and a formal dining room complete this main floor.

Large daylight lower level with fireplace sports 2 bedrooms with a possible 3rd, a full bath and lots of storage. Sliding doors lead to deck overlooking the bay. Another area perfect for entertaining and perfect for kids and their friends.

This home is private and quiet, and makes you feel like you are on vacation. A huge attribute is the Marina with lake access and an enclosed swimming area. Lots of fun in the summertime for the kids and families of this sought after neighborhood. There are lots of children and friendly neighbors with something always going on in the neighborhood.

Features List

Vaulted ceilings	Hardwoods	Windows with views
Large kitchen	Large Laundry	3 fireplaces
Skylights	4 car tandem garage	security system
2 family rooms

Equal Housing Opportunity.

HomeTrust Real Estate : 10121 SE Sunnyside - Clackamas OR 97015 : 5036357121

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

The Lights and Sounds of The Wilsonville Meadows Neighborhood

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:02:54 -0800

The Lights and Sounds of

The Wilsonville Meadows Neighborhood

Christmas Season 2012

The lights and sounds of the Wilsonville Meadows neighborhood video came a little later than I wanted, but the old adage of better later than never is my excuse. Our neighborhood is a congenial one where everyone is friendly and cares about their neighbors. We have many dog walkers, runners, cyclists, and people who just walk for the exercise and communing with their neighbors. This neighborhood has been around since around 1992, and the neighborhood has matured, yet the yards and homes are well kept, neat and tidy with the beauty of lots of brilliant color in the Spring and Summer months. When Fall arrives the trees are all decorated with the yellows, oranges, reds and rust colors that bless the Fall season.

I have watched small children grow into adults and new ones take their places. The small children riding their bikes are suddenly driving cars around, and every once in a while you see a home that has its trees draped in toilet paper. Schools are close and some of the best in the state where children excel and go on to college or a job that suits their gifts.

Wilsonville Meadows Neighborhood a great place to live

work and play for all ages.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Our Hands ~ Pause for Thought

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:04:23 -0800

Our Hands ~ Pause For Thought

I read this story on Godvine and thought I would share it because there is so much truth within it. I have never really thought of what my hands do and this gave me pause for thought. I realize it may not be a real happening yet it holds so much to think of. I hope you enjoy it and it gives you pause for thought as well.

An old man, probably some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the park bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands. When I sat down beside him he didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if he was okay.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb him but wanting to check on him at the same time, I asked him if he was all right. He raised his head and looked at me and smiled.

"Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.

"I didn't mean to disturb you, sir, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were okay," I explained to him.

"Have you ever looked at your hands?" he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"

I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.

Then he smiled and related this story:

Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life. They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They dried the tears of my children and caressed the love of my life. They held my rifle and wiped my tears when I went off to war. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They wrote the letters home and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle. Yet, they were strong and sure when I dug my buddy out of a foxhole and lifted a plow off of my best friends foot. They have held children, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life. But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And He won't care about where these hands have been or what they have done. What He will care about is to whom these hands belong and how much He loves these hands. And with these hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.

No doubt I will never look at my hands the same again. I never saw the old man again after I left the park that day but I will never forget him and the words he spoke. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and wife I think of the man in the park. I have a feeling he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel his hands upon my face. Thank you, Father God, for hands.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Henry Our Beautiful and Funny Golden Retriever ~ A Portrait

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:03:06 -0800

Henry Our Beautiful and Funny Golden Retriever

A Portrait

Henry is a rescue dog. We have had him about three years and he has enriched our lives tremendously. He is about 5 now and goes with us wherever we can take him. I decided to paint Henry and the following is the process it took to get to the final portrait. It is watercolor on Canvas with an Acrylic background. It took me a while as I cannot devote all my time to painting and in the meantime just a couple of months really, Henry's face got a little whiter. Just the same he is the best leaner, gentle and loving dog. We are so fortunate.

Henry Our Beautiful and Funny Golden Retriever

A Portrait 2012

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Wilsonville's 8th Annual Holiday Tour ~ Favorite 5 Country Farms

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:37:07 -0800

Wilsonville's 8th Annual Holiday Tour ~ Favorite 5 Country Farms

December 8 and 9, 2012

Neighboring farm owners have banded together creating Favorite 5 Country Farms in Wilsonville and Sherwood offering a unique, self-guiding Holiday Tour of local small farms.

Bring the family and discover friendly farm animals, such as Alpacas, Arabian horses, hunter/jumper horses, ponies, sheep and miniature donkeys.

Fresh Christmas trees, perfect presents in small shops with unique home and garden decor. Soft Alpaca apparel, resident artist created distinctive jewelry, original art, fragrant herbs,so much more.

A day of fun with so much to do and see including freshly grilled burgers and a warm friendly atmosphere. Admission is a can of food for the food bank.

For Directions and more information take a tour on-line here

Favorite 5 Country Farms

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Wilsonville Public Library - Week of Dec 3 through Dec 8, 2012

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 12:10:20 -0800

Wilsonville Public Library ~ Get In The Holiday Spirit

Week of December 3 through December 8

This week in our Wilsonville Public Library there are many things happening every day.

Monday: Spanish Storytime at 6pm

Tuesday: Toddler time 10:00am
                 Job Support group 10:00am
                 Babytime 11:00 am
                 Wilsonville Knit n' Spin 6:00 pm
                 Family Story Time 6:30 pm

Wednesday: Family storytime 10:30am and 1:00 pm

Thursday: Family Storytime 10:30 am
National Novel Writing Month Wrap Up 6:30 pm

Friday: First Friday Film 6:00 pm

Saturday: College Savings Plans 10:30 am
The Crimsonnaires 2:00 pm

The Library will be alive with Music with Book Notes Concert Series featuring the Crimsonaires on Saturday. Tualatin High School's premier chorus sings A Capella. Get in the Holiday Spirit with these talented teens!

First Friday Movie features Santa and his high tech operation...great movie to bring the family to and it is free. Snacks are available by donation.

Get in the Spirit of the Holidays this week at our own Wilsonville Public Library, something for everyone.

Hours

Monday - Thursday 10am - 8 pm

Friday - Saturday 10 am - 6 pm

Sunday - 1pm - 6pm

Library Phone 503-682-2744

Wilsonville Public Library

8200 SW Wilsonville Rd

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

A Night to Remember

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:57:44 -0800

A Night To Remember

Family fun With Lots of Laughing, Dancing and Singing

Thanksgiving has come and gone, all the preparations and the wonderful family meal, now a distant memory. The table has been cleared for Christmas Decor and a new month is looming in anticipation of lots of Holiday Cheer and Joy.

The day after Thanksgiving has traditional meaning for our family, it is the day one of my Granddaughters comes to spend the day, evening and night with us. It is a day of decorating our tree for Christmas. This is special for all of us and for her because she is being raised Jewish and her wonderful parents let her experience our way of celebrating the season.

Friday night, my two Granddaughters, Gabby and Charlotte and I listened to Christmas music, sang to the tunes, and danced all around the room. We were a little crazy, but such a good crazy. We ate pizza, laughed until we cried and decorated our tree with much love.

I hope your Holiday Season begins in such a great way.

This was a Night To Remember.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Wilsonville Public Library Thanksgiving Week

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:55:59 -0800

Wilsonville Public Library Thanksgiving Week

It is a quiet week at the Wilsonville Library but there are still a few things happening for local residents.

Tuesday

Genealogy Club meets from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Spanish Storytime meets from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday

Get To Work~ Job search support group ~ Meets 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Babytime meets from 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.

Thursday and Friday
Library is Closed due to the Thanksgiving Holiday

Hours: Monday - Thursday 10am - 8pm

Friday - Saturday 10am - 6pm

Sunday - 1pm - 6pm

Library phone: 503-682-2744

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Living In Wilsonville- Wilsonville Meadows Neighborhood

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:26:37 -0800

Living In Wilsonville - Wilsonville Meadows Neighborhood

Looking for a new home and looking in Wilsonville, OR? Wilsonville has many beautiful and family oriented neighborhoods and Wilsonville Meadows is one of them. Homes here retain their value, are well kept along tree lined streets, a great community.

Wilsonville Meadows is a sought after neighborhood for many reasons, and one of those is the Wilsonville School District. Highly rated schools that give a good education embracing achedemic excellence, top notch sports teams and a vibrant school community. The School district also has quality art, theatre and music programs for students dabbling in the arts and music. The Wilsonville High School Choir has gone to Nationals for the last several years and is fortunate enough to have Sue Schreiner as the Choir Director.

Here are a few statistics of homes actively on the market and sold homes in the Wilsonville Meadows in the last 6 months

5 Active Listings range from $299,900 to $389,500
2 Pending Sales listed at $399,900
8 Sold homes ranging from $248,000 to $379,000 (last 6 months)

Wilsonville Meadows and the City of Wilsonville is a wonderful place to live and work, go to school and call home. We are a closely knit, smaller community with lots of community involvement and things to do. Close access to the I-5 freeway with Portland only 20 minutes North and the State Capitol of Oregon, Salem, only 35 minutes away to the South.

If you are interested in the current homes for sale in Wilsonville Meadows, click on the link. Our for sale properties information is a direct feed from the Multiple Listing service and is updated multiple times per day, it does show the whole of Wilsonville properties and not just the Wilsonville Meadows.

We have it all!

Come and check us out and make your new home in Wilsonville.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Like An Elusive Butterfly

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 17:01:03 -0800

Like An Elusive Butterfly

Sometimes the good things in one's life are like butterflies, flitting from one direction to another, or the winds that blow through the trees swaying the branches with their gentleness. Perhaps the waves gently hitting the shores on a mid summer day, constant and steady but never the same.

The good things sometimes come in bunches and can be anything from a smile on someones face to a windfall that was very unexpected. The good things come in different packages, like Christmas or Birthdays, some are small, some are large, some are wrapped in beautiful wrapping and some come in disguises that are difficult to recognize.

The good things are like elusive butterflies to me and when I catch a glimpse of one landing on a beautiful flower, I am filled with the joy that sometimes I search so hard for without realizing that is what I am doing and I recognize that I am very thankful, today is one of those days.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Real Estate Activity last 3 months in Wilsonville ending Nov 9, 2012

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:59:39 -0800

Real Estate Activity in Wilsonville

In the Last 3 Months

The Real Estate Market in Wilsonville or anywhere else is not an easy market to predict, we have our highs and our lows. There are periods of time where homes seem to sell better than other times, and it is a changing climate with lots of uncertainty of where we are. Sometimes it is just a better guess than others, however, if a home is priced correctly for that market, has good curb appeal, in good repair, as updated as possible and clean plus staged to a certain degree, it has a good chance of selling within a reasonable amount of time for a good price.

I have complied what has happened in the Wilsonville area, population approximately 20,000, in the last 3 months to give an idea of the real estate market where we live. Just good information.

As of Today November 9, 2012

Active Listings = 121

Includes:

11 Condos - price range $108,900 - 4324,900

26 Attached - $193,200 - $515,000
80 Detached - $225,000 - $4,500,000
3 Farm - $795,000 - $1,595,000
1 Manufactured with acreage - $2,100,000

Pending Listings = 50

Short Sale Pending Listings = 14

Sold Listings = 81 Last 3 months - Remember some months have 31 days this is why the difference of 1 listing

60 last 2 months
30 last 30 days

30 sold - $250,000 and under

19 sold - $300,000 - $250,000

21 sold - $400,000 -$300,000

9 sold - $500,000 - $400,000

1 sold - $509,900

1 sold - $1,700,000

Real Estate Activity in Wilsonville

In the Last 3 Months

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Don't Worry....Be Happy

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 09:59:24 -0800

Don't Worry Be Happy

I have always loved this song by Bobby McFerrin and this morning my oldest daughter sent be a text that was singing the words to the song. Well sort of, it was text sing. The song had been running through her head and is now running through my head. Love it Simply Love it.......Time To.... Don't Worry, Be Happy.

I am thankful for these small and not so small moments, thanks Brenda !

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Prepare Your Home For Winter

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:21:29 -0800

Prepare Your Home For Winter

Preparing our home for winter is an annual thing here in the months of October and November before we get the freezing weather. We have fairly mild temperatures in the Portland Metro Area, but we also get a couple of hard freezes every winter, lots of rain and some wind. Taking the steps to winterize your home is necessary if you do not want frozen pipes, and other problems that may cause your heat bill to rise or other things like water leakage.

Here are a few tips I gathered from the Better Homes and Gardens website to help you along.

If you have a fireplace and it is wood, think about converting it to gas. Wood burning fireplaces lose more energy than they produce.
If you have a wood burning fireplace and plan on keeping it that way, have the chimney inspected and cleaned before winter
If you have ceiling fans and it allows you to reverse the direction of the fan, do so, as warm air rises and the clockwise rotation of the blades should force the warm air down for maximum benefit.
Wash the windows inside and out. Gives you sparkling windows that let in plenty of light on the darker and grayer days ahead.
Rearrange your furniture and give your home a new cozier winter feel.
Make your windows and doors airtight so air does not leak out losing heat.
If you don't have storm windows and can afford them install them to reduce air leakage year-round.
Clean your gutters and flush with water. When winter rains come the water will back up under the roof when too full with no place to go.
Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
There can be air leakage through electrical outlets and there is an easy fix. There are outlet gaskets or insulation gaskets that you can put on the switch-plates, you can get them at the hardward store.
Make sure to have your furnace inspected so it functions properly and ready for heavier use with winter approaching.
Plug Hidden Leaks, if you have pipes that have gaps around the pipes fill them with an insulating foam sealant.
Protect your pipes from freezing. There are foam tubes with a slit on one side and you can cut them to any length. Available at hardware stores.
Check and see if you have enough insulation.

These are recommendations or ideas and not all will apply, but for us the biggest things are the gutters, the pipes, draining the irrigation system (which is required by our city), covering the outside faucets with insulation so no freezing occurs. I know there is more especially if you are in snow zones which we are not. My motto........Be as prepared as you are able.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Thankful for Family

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:51:31 -0800

Thankful For Family

I am so thankful for family and what they bring especially the immense amount of Joy. Watching them from babies, to toddlers, grade school, preteens, teens, young adults, college, adults, married or not, grandbabies and the cycles begins all over again. Now let me ask you, what more could one ask for in the way of family.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

A Prayer For The Coming Months

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:09:40 -0800

A Prayer For The Coming Months

A while back 2008, my oldest daughter asked me to send her a prayer for her and for her Family. The following is the prayer I came up with in a quiet time and is the prayer I sent to her. Perhaps it may apply, especially in these days of uncertainty for you. I ran across it in one of my journals and thought it may be a good thing to pass along. I hope you think so too.

"May the Lord God light your hearts with his wisdom, love, energy, compassion and understanding. May you pass it along to each other so it intermingles with your spirits and your hearts, and each of you in turn bring something different to the table of your home, the fruits of your labors and the goodness of your food as you share your love with each other.

May the understanding that each of you bring to your table be shared in a selfless way, without judgment, harsh words or non-forgiveness. May you go to sleep each night in the arms of each other with forgiveness of the day given freely to each other without wanting for oneself. May your dreams be that of goodness and ways of making the best of what you have, which is more than most have in the way of love and kindness if you so choose. Remembering what you have forgotten to remember.

May you all be blessed by the One God that is yours, mine and the world's and may your home truly be warm and filled with love, trust, peace and understanding, plus the will to make it a better place to be for all who live and enter there. May you always remember His word and the peace that comes with it.

With this prayer I give to you my love and admiration for all you have been, all you are, and all you "ALL" will be."

A Prayer For The Coming Months

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Exercising Ones Right

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 09:49:50 -0800

Exercising One's Right

Being a American means many different things to everyone. To me it means freedom, freedom to choose, freedom to speak, freedom to work at what I want. Freedom to live where I want, freedom to live how I want. It means to me that regardless of what color or race or creed I am, I am an American, first, last and always. Even if one might not have been born here, that does not mean you are not an American, it only means you were not born here. We are a fortunate people, a fortunate country and despite differences in politics, religion, or anything else we have all been given the gift of living in a free society, lets treasure it and do our part even if we do not agree with someone's politics, views, rules or regulations, that is part of the beauty of the gift of freedom.

The Delcaration of Independence in part Says:

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights. Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpation's, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpation's, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this,let Facts be submitted to a candid world."

We are fortunate to live where we do, exercise one of your rights and that is the right to vote today.

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Whats Happening in the Wilsonville Library The Week of Nov 5, 2012

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:14:30 -0800

Whats Happening in the Wilsonville Library This Week
November 5, 2012

There is always a lot happening in the Wilsonville Public library and this week is no exception. With all of the rain coming down and Fall is falling into the winter and holiday season it is a great place to spend a little time for the whole family.

Tuesday November 6

10:00 am - 10:30am is Toddler time, stories for Toddlers, this is a free event
10:00am Job Support Group
11:00am Babytime storytime for babies ages 0 to 12 months. books, rhymes and songs for you and your baby
6:00pm Wilsonville knit and Spin ~ A friendly weekly gathering spot for all knitters and spinners. All skill levels are welcome.
6:00pm Presidential Election Extravaganza

Wednesday November 7

10:30am Family Story time
1:00 pm Family Story time
6:00pm Charles Dickens class

Thursday November 8

10:30am Family Story time
6:00pm Book Club
6:00pm Documentary film "The Life of Vesper Geer"

Saturday November 10

2:00 pm Beltraine Quartet

Lots going on for the whole family, enjoy your Wilsonville Public Library

Hours:

Monday - Thursday 10am-8pm

Friday - Saturday 10am - 6pm

Sunday - 1pm - 6pm

Library Phone :503-682-2744

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Preparing Your Summer Yard for Winter in Wilsonville

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 11:12:06 -0700

Preparing Your summer Yard for Winter In Wilsonville

Mary's List of preparations

Preparing your summer yard for winter in Wilsonville, with cooling temperatures, increasing rain, less pests, and an amazing display of color and then the falling leaves can be a huge undertaking. Plants, shrubs and trees are changing their colors while readying themselves for winter and cold temperatures.

Lawns need winter care and planning for this will help produce a Spring lawn that is great in color and healthiness. When fall and winter begins sometimes it appears that the grass is dying, it is not really and may need some over seeding. There are many different types of grasses and depending what you have planted will depend on what you do and how you care for it. Fertilize for winter to prepare for spring. However there are exceptions in different parts of the country.

Rake the thick layers of leaves that settle on the surface of your lawn. When wet they can compact and suffocate the grass below, routinely raking, blowing off of the lawn is great or if you have a mulching mower to shred them into fine pieces is great. Put those raked leaves in the compost pile or use as mulch as they are an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter. You can also use them as a winter blanket on your garden.

Remove dead annuals and mulch hardy perennials. Annuals typically die when temperatures drop and perennial tops die and they need to be cut back, but most times the root ball is large enough to withstand any freeze that may occur.

Perennials and hardy plants you may have in containers require additional protection because they are not well insulated. Personally I cluster them together in a protected area if I cannot bring them into the garage or a shed. When you do this a typical rule of thumb is to water them on the holidays so they do not dry out but will not be over watered. I have had very good luck with this.

Time to Plant Spring Bulbs, do this when you have a few dry days so bulbs or tubers will not rot because of really wet soil.

Go easy on the pruning! Pruning promotes growth which you do not want to encourage as shrubs and trees are trying to go dormant for the winter.

Clean your ponds, check the equipment, don't overfeed your fish, their metabolisms slow down.

Put lawn furniture away in a protected area and clean the patio/deck so it too is ready for winter.

Check all of your equipment, make sure it is clean and free of dirt and is dry so no rust occurs and the equipment will be ready, clean and disease free for next spring.

Many things to do to ready your yard and garden for wintertime, and this is only a small sample. Check out your local garden stores or Google up advice, make a list of the "To-Do's", check off the list in a timely manner and then sit back, relax a little and enjoy the winter, Unless of course you have to go out and shovel the snow.

Preparing Your Summer Yard for Winter in Wilsonville

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

When Thankfulness Creeps Up on You

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 09:40:02 -0700

When Thankfulness Creep Up On You

Waking up at my usual time of 4:30 or 5:00 in the morning, I jumped out of bed and started down the hallway on the way to the kitchen to make coffee, let the dogs out, let Henry the dog out to retrieve the paper, and hand out the cookies for a job well done.

The morning quickly became a cycle of dog play, you know the nipping, licking, and the playful exchange of bones. Hectic and not peaceful but I did manage to read the paper and have coffee. Cleaned up the kitchen, straightened up the play area the family room has become with two dogs, made my bed, got dressed and now I am in the office writing this post.

I put on an album of Bette Midler's called Bette of Roses. The dogs have settled down with the music and one of my favorite songs she did is now playing. Peace just washed over me and I am Thankful this day and I Believe In You. Music, part of the tapestry of the Soul.

When Thankfulness Creeps Up On You

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

A change is in the Air

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 11:26:03 -0700

A Change Is In The Air

A Change is in the air, yes indeed. Daylight Savings changing our internal and external clocks, Autumn and the changing colors, in my area, rain and gray skies from blue skies. October is over and November is here, elections, Thanksgiving and then my favorite, Christmas will be in the air in all kinds of ways.

The largest change for me, has been a change of Real Estate Companies and all that goes with it. I was not unhappy with the company I have been with but when opportunity knocks at one's door sometimes it is best to answer it. This is what has happened to me, opportunity, so yes Change is in the Air.

The things that have changed with this new adventure is the company name, address, and people. What has not changed about me is my focus on clients, attention to detail, follow through, communication and making their journey as smooth as possible in this market. I am still the same Realtor that is ready, willing and very able to take care and help people with their quest in either selling or purchasing their American Dream, which by the way does still exist.

Yes, Change Is In The Air

Mary Stewart, Principal Broker

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

503-635-7121

Mary's Real Estate Website: www.marystewarthomes.com

Mary's Business email: marystewarthomes@gmail.com

Visit new website for my Art Work at www.Artofmarystewart.com

Two years running
2011 and 2012 FIVE STAR REAL ESTATE for OVERALL SATISFACTION

Licensed in the State of Oregon

HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC

Disclaimer - As an Independant Contractor of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC, the views of my blog are my own and not of HomeTrust Real Estate, LLC