Sorry its been so long since I've blogged, but I needed to say this anyway.  I know that the elections are over, and I know that everybody is decompressing from the deluge of media related to it, but I wanted to share a thought with you.

My son came home from his 7th grade class just before the election telling me about a recent discussion that he had with a friend of his.  The question came up, because apparently they do teach civics in public school still, regarding Senator (now Pres Elect) Obama.  He asked how he was allowed to be President if he is African American?  Interesting question, because everybody knows that you must be a natural born citizen to be the prez (otherwise Arnold would be).  I explained that he is only called that name, but he really isn't a hyphenated American, he's just an American.

That reminded me of a press conference that I watched several years ago, with Kristi Yamaguchi, one of my favorite skaters of all time.  They asked her, with their typical finesse, what it's like to be the first Japanese Amerian to win a gold medal.  She stopped them, looked really annoyed, and said this:  "I'm a 7th generation Californian, at what point do I get to be an American?"  It really made me think, because I'm only a third generation American, the product of Norwegian immigrants who looked for a better life.  Nobody questions my citizenship.  I just thought I'd point it out, because it really bugs me.

 

For all of you Colorado Realtors, what a great convention we had!  For those of you who don't get to live here, boy did you miss it!  THe classes were terrific, and speakers were outstanding, the people who worked on this convention did a great job. 

I have to give kudos to the Broadmoor Hotel too, because I set up one of the meetings and they were just a pleasure to work with.  Additionally, when I paid my deposit for the room and snacks, I fully expected an additional bill afterwards.  A week later I was amazed to get a check for the balance not used.  Go figure.

 

A few weeks ago I was at the National Assoc of REALTORS convention in Orlando.  It was a really informative, really busy time.  Typically these conventions are so busy that I don't have time to play - this wasy no exception.  My husband enjoyed the pool and the city and did a bit of sightseeing while I was in meetings, which doesn't quite seem fair but oh well.  I enjoyed many great forums and panels, but I'm writing about the Board of Directors meeting from the last day.  I've been on many boards, and I thought it was just me, but one of the speakers for an item on the agenda was the head of the Credit Union Natl Association (CUNA) and was talking about our new credit union, which should be up and running by summer, but he said that he too had been on many boards, typically a really big board is 20 or 30 members but this room full of amazing talent had several persons (typically 10 or 15) from each state or territory, one or two representative from each affiliated group, the national leadership teams, the staff from offices, and guests.  There were probably a thousand people there, all working towards the same goal.  Amazing.  Only a few times did the discussion get a little long-winded, so mostly it moved right along. 

The conversation shifted to our struggling mortgage situation, and several comments and suggestions were bantered about.  A proposal to present to congress was reviewed and approved to submit.  Who better than us to tell congress and the senate how the real estate crisis could best be resolved.  Many mortgage mucky-mucks were there, letting us know that they're trying, but need help. Anyway, my point in writing is to let you know that we are collectively an amazing group - working together towards a successful future.  You've all placed really capable people in their respective offices.  Thanks.

What a nice feeling it was, the other night (Thursday to be exact) while the forest fire was burning nearby, and all the local residents were surrounded by that weird uneasy dread, to see our community busy readying for the influx of horses, dogs, other pets, and their people who have been displaced by the fire.  I know that the firefighters are busy as can be putting the fire out, but the people behind the scenes who just jumped in to help was really cool.

I was sitting at my husband's softball game (park and rec league) with several local Realtors and Sheriff's deputies and we were putting together a list of possible places to house the displaced creatures.  A line of horse trailers were readied for everything from dogs to llamas and places were set up.  The caravan no doubt went through the night and is possibly still going.

I hope that you all live in a place that pitches in together as well as this place does.  It's really heartwarming to see.  I'll keep you posted more on the fire, last I heard it was over 1,100 acres and nearly 50% contained. 

Talk to you soon!

To all of you brilliant technologically savvy minds out there, I was reading in the recent issue of REALTOR magazine about the video revolution, and I am totally (or nearly) unskilled in this area. Can somebody please help me?!

The article was pitching the benefits of video as a form of advertising, and listed places like YouTube as possible avenues.  Does anybody really do that?  I can see adding a video to my website, or even to an ad, but do people really look for homes on YouTube?  My kids use YouTube quite a bit, but I don't.  (or should I?)

If somebody would get back with me and direct me where to look to see a video in action that they've done (or know of one even), so I can see what I need to be learning.  I would sure appreciate it. 

Thanks in advance, and keep on blogging!

For those of you who weren't aware, the 2008 Colorado Association of REALTORS summer conference just took place in the stunningly beautiful area of Keystone Colorado.  I mention the 'stunningly beautiful' part because it's just 'wow' and if you haven't been there, put it on your list!

I think that the meetings went really well, the Board of Directors meeting got a lot accomplished, and a good time was still had by all (at least all that I spoke to!).  While at the meetings, I picked up a flyer that was sitting on the registration table, and I am sending part of it to you here, because it was a big deal to me, so it just may be a big deal to you too.  It's a really sweet letter, but turns bittersweet when you consider that our dear friend lost in his fight against his illness.  I'm the chapter president for the Women's Council of REALTORS, and had actually planned to read this story at our next meeting, but my 'practice audience' (my family mostly) hasn't heard the entire story in one reading yet, because I get choked up halfway through.  I can type it non-stop though, so here you go.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  None of this is copyrighted material, and I can share it with you.  I will type it in its entirety, including paraphrasing the preface from Bruce Wolf, past Colorado REALTOR of the Year, 2006 and 2007 NAR Treasurer, and good friend to all who was diagnosed with brain cancer several months ago.

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Hi everybody,  Well, it's official?  It's finally springtime in the Rockies, and my date for surgery is set for noon on April 23rd at the University of Colorado at the Anschutz Center for Advanced Medicine.  I decided on the idea that everything is all located there as well as the critical personnel that is so important for this type of procedure.  So, I have followed my heart, packed my parachute, and I have enclosed a wonderful story that a close friend and old neighbor sent to me several weeks ago.  I believe that it sums up what this is all about for me, and I want to tell you all how much Mary and I have appreciated all your tremendous support recently.

Please enjoy this wonderful story an would you be my 'bell ringer' at noon on the 23rd?

Two Horses ........ Author unknown

Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it.  From a distance, eachhorse looks like any other horse, but if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind.  His owner has chosen not to have him put down but has made a good home for him.  That alone is amazing.  If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.  Look around for the source of the sound and yu will see that it comes from the sighted horse.  Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell that lets the blind horse know where his friend is, so he can follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other horse is, trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, it stops occasionally and looks back, making sure that the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges.  He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.  Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives.  Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their way.  Good friends are like that... you may not always see them, but you know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours. and remember, Be kinder than necessary - everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.  Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.

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Bruce lost his battle and is no longer with us but his memory will remain,  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Those of you who don't have the vast sums of cash necessary to purchase in the fabulous ski areas of Colorado, check this out!  Located just outside of beautiful Florissant Colorado, this nearly 900 sq ft home on nearly 3/4 of an acre will put you about an hour outside of Breckenridge or about the same from Monarch Ski area.  This is a fabulous find, next door to the Pike National Forest (2 million acres of pristine wilderness) and minutes from conveniences.  Don't miss this one!  (Did I mention $89,900??? Wow)

I know it's a bit off subject, but have any of you been to Little Cayman Island?  I'm planning a trip there this month and I understand that there's not much there, but any advance notice of things to do would be great.  I plan to scuba dive a lot, and I don't really drink much so night life is a non issue.  Also, I understand that the airport situation leaves a bit to be desired.  Any truth to that rumor?  Thanks for any help!

I just finished reading a blog post by a broker in Michigan, telling us all about what a great place to live her community is, and I caught myself envying the folks that live there.  Then I thought for a second and remembered what a great place I live in!  If you haven't been here, Woodland Park is a small mountain community west of Colorado Springs.  Our elevation is about 8,600 ft and we have only a few days without sunshine each year.  We get a little cold in the winter, but it's nothing compared to the amazing summers we enjoy.  Our average temperature in the summer is about 80 - 85 degrees max.  Wow.  The picture is the view from my office window - no kidding.  We are minutes from world class skiing, fishing, entertainment, shopping, medical care, and an international airport.  The real estate market is still great, everybody is friendly, what more could you ask for?  Here's one of the many reasons I love this place.  Today, I got an e-mail from an associate in California.  He is also a WCR member, and had just sold the house of a client who moved here.  He wrote to ask for the name of a good restaurant to send his client a gift certificate for.  Of course, I sent the name and phone number of a few, and while I was meeting a client for lunch at one of them, he called that restaurant to order the certificates.  As a side point, he told the manager who had referred him to the restaurant and she said 'she's sitting right here having lunch, I'll thank her personally.'  Yeah, I love it here.

Just some idle ramblings......  As the President of the Pikes Peak Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS, it is my responsibility to put together meaningful and relevant programs for our membership,  Our March meeting was today, and just wanted to say what a great program it turned out to be.  We had speakers from the Cancer Society, the MS society, the University of Colorado Center on Aging, Care and Share Food Bank, and TESSA of the Pikes Peak Region - Domestic Violence intervention.  The information that they presented was timely and touching, and it made everybody in the room want to volunteer.  I think that the reason our community is as strong as it is is because of the tremendous amount of support it gets.  I hope that everybody else lives in an area as amazing as this one, but I doubt that they do.  I love being able to help with the support of these great organizations.  This isn't a question, or something that I need help with, but I hope you'll indulge the ramblings.  Thanks