I am a student (maybe an addict) of Social Media (SM). I really don't know a thing about how it works or even what I intend to do with it.  Perhaps the goal started as a way to expand my business and let others on the internet know about the services I offer, or just to stay on top of my 13yr old as she begins to surf the net (yes I know all about her "secret" MySpace acct.), but along the way it's changed. 

In the beginning there was Active Rain (AR) where I learned the art of blogging and continue to dabble in SEO while writing more blogs and continuing the process of finding my voice and expressing my thoughts on  real estate and my locality as well as my view of the world. 

On FaceBook I am reconnecting withold friends, from college and high school, as well as expanding my relationship with some of my AR and SM friends. It has also given me a vehicle to reroute my blogs to and post articles I find to amplify a thought or open discussion among my friends.

LinkedIn provides me with a professional platform for my resume allowing me to show my expertise in business and post recommendations from former clients and colleagues.

Lately I've been trying to figure out Twitter, and I think perhaps I've become addicted!  I'm lost in the cyber babble of voices from th UK, Greece, South Africa and Canada as well as those I know locally here in the states. But this amazing group of SM users is truly just that AMAZING! 

3 Examples of the power of tweets:

1.) On Monday I had an email from a friend, who was having a problem with Priceline, which I thought was unfair. I posted a blog on Google and than blasted it on Twitter. I won't say I personally caused the reversal of Priceline's attitude with a well placed "tweet", but quite a few people called on my friends behalf.  Thank you @CoachKatrina, @JasonCrouch, @Armano and the many others who came to my aide and therefore that of my friend.  I even got a few seconds of internet fame from Dave Armano, which was just a nice bonus!

2.) Yesterday there was the US Airways crash into the Hudson and this is how groundbreaking and fast Tweets can be: http://twitpic.com/135xa

Which resulted in this type of press for JKrum unsuspecting twitterer.

    3.) Today it's an experiment in SM and the power of $1.00 By David Gandrud

So while I've not managed to create an actual business use for Twitter for myself, I've managed to learn a lot about the power of Social Media done right, and I have had my faith in humanity restored!

Tweeton! 

Cat Zwicker-Grant is the Principal Broker of Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC in Central Oregon. All Opinions and comments expressed herein are her sole property and do not reflect the opinions and thoughts of her co-brokers, family etc...

 I want a White Christmas, I love snow at Christmas....

"Give me strength oh Lord I pray, so I can shovel snow yet again today!"

I arrived early and shoveled my share,

there was no snow falling I was free from care...

But here it is only 11:00 am

and the snow is falling once again.  

The forecasters are saying 3-4 inches today,

with more snow overnight... oooh flipping hooray.

This stuff just keeps falling and it's getting piled high! 

I'm sitting in the office doing paperwork why?

I should be out tubing, or skiing I think.

At the very least a walk in the snow and a nice hot drink! 

But the City will fine me if I let the walks go, so I just will sit here and wait to shovel more snow.

If you are in Redmond, and looking for a property to buy or just some small town fun... stop on by... the comic relief is worth it and then some!

I shouldn't have to say it, but I will... the subject matter (as corny as it is) and photos are the property of the author.  Cat Zwicker-Grant. "Borrow them at your own peril."

...It's as easy as a day at the park - Smith Rock State Park that is!

Most people, when they think of Oregon immediately think of our lush valleys with verdant hillsides, vineyards, orchards and the like, or of our beautiful rugged coastline with crashing surf and rocky drops to narrow beaches. 

Another favorite vista, is the Cascade Mountain Range with its rocky peaks and almost year round dusting of snow.  In Central Oregon this is our predominant view, you can drive just about anywhere and see Mt. Bachelor, Broken Top, The Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Three Fingered Jack and Mt. Jefferson... on a really clear day you can even add Mt. Hood to the list.  But my favorite views are not necessarily of this beautiful mountain range, but of the world renown climber's paradise Smith Rock.

Just a short drive from north Redmond and east into Terrebonne; down a meandering country road of small cattle ranches and hobby farms Smith Rock rises on the horizon.  

The Nez Pierce and other regional tribes thought the rocks here held power and considered this to be a magical place.  At times there is an almost spiritual feeling, especially at dawn when Smith Rock is bathed in a rose to tangerine glow.

 Smith Rock is a great place to hike and has trails for the novice and expert alike; click here for a trail guide. It can be a goat scramble so where sturdy hiking shoes and layered attire, the weather can be chilly in the morning and evening and down right toasty at mid day when the high desert sun bakes the rocks. Be sure to have plenty of water on hand as well. And if you're a climber this is absolutely paradise but since I'm afraid of heights, here is a better guide to the challenges available to you at Smith Rock State Park.

"Tell me not in mournful numbers, that life is but an empty dream!  For the soul is dead that slumbers, and things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest! And the grave is not it's goal; dust thou art, to dust returnest, was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, is our destined end or way; but to act, that each tomorrow finds us farther than today."

"...Let us then be up and doing, with heart for any fate; still achieving, still pursuing, learn to labor and to wait."

(Excerpts from "A Psalm of Life," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow 1807-1882; the complete text is subject to Public Domain in the United States.)

I can hardly say that I'm an expert photographer. But you can't miss when snapping pictures of the rural beauty of Tumalo.  Hidden between Bend and Redmond, Oregon, Tumalo offers small to large acerage parcels for the rancher or horse lover in all of us.    I just took these photos Wednesday, and today there is snow in air and clouds. Who knew winter was so close on our heels! So just enjoy the pictures and know that if you move to Central Oregon tyou could have a yard like this!

 A bit more grass than I'd like to mow...but what a view!

 Looking for property in Central Oregon, don't forget to contact Cat!

All photos and content are the property of Cat Zwicker-Grant a Licensed Oregon Realtor and may not be used or reproduced without her permission.

"Oregon's statewide population has grown dramatically in the past 30 years from roughly 2.5 to 3.5 million.  Our population is expected to grow by an additional 1.7 million new Oregonians in the next 30 years."  - The Big Look Task Force Sept. 2008 

Oregon is the only state to have a land use and planning system reviewed and mandated at the state level.   

   Tom McCall, a Central Oregonian native and State of Oregon Governor from 1967-1975, believed that part of the legacy we as Oregonians could leave to our children and our children's children was stewardship of the land and its resources.  McCall was dismayed by what he perceived to be the ongoing misuse of public and privately held lands and wanted to set forth Oregon as the environmental model for the nation.  To that end, McCall became the founding father of Oregon's Land Use and Planning system which was enacted into law in 1973 under Senate Bill 100.

The Goals & Successes of Land Use Planning

1. Manages growth through a consistent and predictable process
2. Limits sprawl
3. Preserve farm and forest lands
4. Maintain rural landscapes while keeping cities urban
5. Support the agriculture and timber industries
6. Build Healthy livable cities

     ...And The Hurdles

1. Providing new housing & jobs while maintaining Oregon's high quality of life
2. Addressing farm and forest lands that do not provide an economic benefit; reexamine how they are designated and potentially allow for alternate uses
3. Addressing the implementation of environmental protections where they have been lax in the past.
4. Researching and developing methods to pay for infrastructure and growth.
5. Understanding the effects of carbon emissions on our climate and the challenges that may create.

If you are currently living in Oregon get invovled! go to www.oregonbiglook.org They have several great videos to help you understand the specific concerns and challenges Oregonians face as well as research documents, an on line survey-Statewide Public Opinion Survey and a schedule of Town Hall meetings and upcoming events.

If you are thinking of moving to Oregon, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about our state and Oregon manages her lands to prevent urban sprawl and ovely rapid development, this is one of the reasons' our housing market may recover sooner than most!

The Big Look -Watch the film and get involved!

NOTE: Cat Zwicker-Grant, P.C., a licensed Oregon Real Estate Broker and Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC, are not affiliated with the Big Look Task Force in any way other than personal interest and involvement in land use issues in the state of Oregon. 

7463 SW Canal Blvd., Redmond, OR  97756

$795,000

Whether you feel like horsing around or just want a little extra room to roam this 16 acre hobby farm with 12 acres of irrigation may be just the place for you!

Conveniently located between Bend and Redmond and outside the Redmond Urban Growth boundary.  This parcel contains two legally permitted dwellings, with the potential to tear down one and site your dream home to take in the Cascade Mountain View!

The 1940's farm house has been refurbished and offers  

 2 master bedrooms

large country kitchen and dining area

Cozy living area with wood stove

Small den or 3rd bedroom

For more information on this property go to 7463 SW Canal Blvd., Redmond, Oregon.  or contact Cat through her web site at Real Estate by Cat.  

For those of you unfamiliar with our little town; Redmond has an approximate 'urban' population of 26,000 give or take a few; we've grown leaps and bounds in the past 5 years.  Last night, September 12, 2008, at our monthly 'Art Walk' the Downtown Redmond Partnership in conjunction with the City of Redmond and our local area Chamber announced our new logo and tag line.  "Redmond Downtown ... Who Knew!"  A somewhat off the cuff nod to our our neighboring localities who seem to think on occasion that the 15-20 miles that separates us is an ocean and that there is just not much to do here.

Downtown Redmond, while admittedly a work in progress,  offers clean pedestrian friendly streets and locally owned businesses and shops.  Locations like Dawson's Station offers one stop shopping where you can buy  the latest best seller at Shelf Life Books, participate in one of their several book clubs or just enjoy a mean Mayan Latte with chocolate and chili powder. 

The Mustard Seed Cafe, open 7 days a week for breakfast and lunch is a charming and affordable meeting place to dine with business associates and friends alike. 

 If you are looking for a start to your weekend, a quality house warming or good neighbor gift, Wine Styles has a multitude of offerings from gourmet snacks and custom gift baskets to wine tastings on Thursdays and live music and wine & beer by the glass on Fridays. Wine Club Memberships are available but not necessary to participate in these events. The new Healing Hub offers a buffet of holistic healing and alternative health options from massage therapy to natural wellness products for your home and family.  Also on this block: Cooks -N-Counters kitchen supply and gourmet cooking equipment, Doggie Styles, a boutique for Fido that includes gifts for the pet lover as well as in house grooming. Edward James financial advisers, Bank of Oregon Home Loans Office,  Blue Moon Boutique, The Hen's Tooth, Aqua Escapes and Desert Sky Real Estate, LLC.  (Okay perhaps I have a tiny shopping addiction, at least to good coffee and books!)

Other downtown area shops not to miss include Goody's Ice Cream Shop in the Old Redmond Hotel, Paulina Springs Book Store, Santiago's Yerba Matte bar and for a trip back in time Cent Wise Hardware and Sporting Goods. 

In the summer there are flower baskets hanging from the street lamps, and we line the main streets with flags for all of the major federal holidays so you literately drive through a sea of flags! Come this fall we will have scarecrows decorating the main downtown corridor. Local area groups for adults and kids alike will participate in dressing up the downtown for fall with a contest to adorn the lamp posts with a variety of scarecrows in various themes to warm our hearts through Thanksgiving.  By Christmas window decorations are a favorite and it brings in our local populace as well as tourists from the surrounding destination resorts on a daily basis to see which shop will offer the daily advent window through the Christmas season.  Of course their is community judging, prizes and the all time favorite, downtown dollars to be won for shopping sprees in our city center.

So if big city life has got you down and you have a hankering for local community spirit and some good old fashioned fun come to Downtown Redmond, "Who Knew" we had all of this to offer and more!

(Trust me there are more stores and businesses than I have creative copy, but if I've missed someone, contact me and I'll gladly put you in the mix.)

 For more information on Redmond, Oregon follow this link.

... the short and simple truth.

 In trying to face life with vision and focus, it is easy to lose your clarity. Like staring at a picture on the wall until it begins to merge together, losing that fine line between the actual content; blurring into a puddle of color like a watercolor left in the rain.  Frankly at times I am so submerged in the day to day I am often "obtuse" to that which is going on around me and in that light I'd like to step forward and redirect myself to the legacy I'd like to leave behind... both in my day to day life and frozen for eternity on line!    

 What I want to leave behind:

 Live with honesty and integrity, say what you mean and mean what you say.

 Never walk away from a challenge, but do not participate in unnecessary fights/arguments. 

Treat others as you would like to be treated and perhaps even better.

Remember to "say please and thank you;" to that end practice your manners in hopes of infecting someone else with the day to day kindness which can lead to spontaneous happiness.

"Love yourself so you may Love unconditionally" as conditions and expectations can lead to disappointment.

 What I know today:

Life is not just a gift but a lesson to be learned from. All lessons require practice (and patience) to gain mastery. You won't know if you've obtained mastery until it is over and you've been judged by the legacy that is left behind.

Hard work and desire does not always equal results. Life's challenges are part of the lesson, change your direction and try again!

 No one ever dies wishing for another deal or another day at the office.  Enjoy each day with your friends and family that too is a gift.

And (thanks for the reminder here Sally),  that by reaching out and sharing our thoughts, be they hopes, fears, dreams, or upsets whether in person or on line, we can touch someone else  and give them hope, courage, a few words of wisdom to smile at or just a good laugh!   And the beauty of it all, these thoughts that define your moments will probably outlast your lifetime on the internet.

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted...."    Randy Pausch (1960-2008)

  If the above is true, many of us should have the equivalence of a PH.D in Real Estate by now! Surely with the current housing market and economic climate many of us have earned the right to say we received our "education" by the school of hard knocks and we have earned it. 

 But one thing life teaches us is that sometimes the hardest teachers andthe most difficult lessons are the ones we learn the most from.  In life just like in school there is a balanceof repetition and rote touched with moments of creativity and excellence.

   So maintain your balance...

     DON'T stop networking, contacting leads or prospecting through your past referral and client base. Utilize your professional organizations and on line social sites to expand your knowledge and your influence.  It is easy to forget the importance of simply communicating with past clients and peers and letting them know they are appreciated. And, don't forget the power of creating and building new relationships. There is synergy from actively being involved with others either as a group or one on one.

    REMEMBER to take time for yourself and your loved ones. They are your true support staff at the end of a hectic day, week, etc...

     Be Creative... 

      KEEP SWIMMING... but occassionaly change your stroke! There is a large amount of frustration in our market place and everyday more and more people get discouraged with the lack of hard results from their efforts. If what you're doing is not working try something new.  Sometimes just breaking the mold can get get you out of a rut and onto a path of positive energy and results. As my husband is fond of saying, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result."  

    KEEP LEARNING. Raising the bar in our personal and professional lives can at times seem a difficult task, especially when we are being pulled in many different directions.  It becomes even more critical when times are slow or there are new practices and rules requiring us to relearn or take an entirely new direction. However, by adding those elements of ongoing education, dedication and involvement you create the forward momentum and drive that can push you forward and through what can appear to be difficult times. 

     This is not rocket science, just a simple reminder of what works in a sometimes weary world, and the good news is it is not career specific but works in all walks of life!