Blonde Blog

The top of Fairmount Hill!!!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:51:22 -0500

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | (503) 990-3707

1640 Saginaw ST S, Salem, OR

THE HEART OF FAIRMOUNT!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $459,900

Year Built	1947
Sq Footage	2,945
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	3
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,520 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Distinctive in design, this elegantly updated home in the heart of Fairmount near the Governor's mansion is a must visit! Beautiful oversize living room with hardwood floor and a wood burning fireplace that serves as the focal point of the room. The formal dining area features french doors leading to one of two decks on the main living area. The gourmet kitchen is all new with new cabinets, granite counter tops, tile floor and stainless appliances. Two bedrooms and a bath are located on the main floor and just steps away on the upper level is a luxurious master suite complete with bath, walk-in closet and sitting area. An office, wine storage room, laundry room, game room and bonus area (possibly another family room?) are located on the lower level. The home is on a double lot and also has a paved RV area. New furnace, siding, and much, much more. Seller has spent 150K in remodel and updates! At the rear of the home, a private backyard oasis with terraced levels of patio and gathering areas makes for the perfect place to entertain or for a hot tub! Tucked away over the double car garage is a bonus space originally built as an artist's studio. Self contained, it has a hardwood floor, kitchen and bath and is accessible from both the rear yard or the alley. It even has it's own deck! Tall windows, skylights and vaults fill the room with natural light. A perfect retreat!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

• Central heat	• Fireplace	• Walk-in closet
• Hardwood floor	• Tile floor	• Family room
• Living room	• Bonus/Rec room	• Office/Den
• Dining room	• Breakfast nook	• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator	• Stove/Oven	• Microwave
• Granite countertop	• Stainless steel appliances	• Basement
• Laundry area - inside	• Balcony, Deck, or Patio	• Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

• Bonus area! Artist's studio, guest quarters, private retreat

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Exterior Front	Exterior Rear view
Living Room	Master Bedroom
Kitchen	Studio

Contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 7, 2009, 5:56pm PDT

Beautiful small acreage in Dallas, Oregon!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:48:03 -0500

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | (503) 990-3707

2490 James Howe RD, Dallas, OR

ALONE IN THE WOODS! 7.45 Acres!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $429,900

Year Built	1988
Sq Footage	2,415
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

This home has it all!!!! Room for livestock, privacy and close to town. The second story of the home is a new addition in 2004! Inviting open floor plan. A sprawling staircase leads to the new master bedroom suite, family room and bath on the upper level. French doors open to the wraparound deck. Perfect for entertaining or quiet evenings to sit and enjoy the view of tall trees. The property is a mix of partially fenced pasture land and wooded areas. The gentle slope of the land will easily support livestock. Huge shop wired for 220 features a concrete foundation, one high door and an office loft area. Just steps away from the home is a darling greenhouse. A wonderful retreat to wile away lazy afternoons. Long private drive. A must visit!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

• Central heat	• High/Vaulted ceiling	• Tile floor
• Family room	• Living room	• Bonus/Rec room
• Office/Den	• Dining room	• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator	• Stove/Oven	• Laundry area - inside
• Balcony, Deck, or Patio	• Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

• Huge shop

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 5
Photo 6

Contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 9, 2009, 8:29pm PDT

Entertainer's Dream!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:44:33 -0500

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | cecily@windermere.com | (503) 990-3707

3290 Cooke ST S, Salem, OR

Tall windows & Skylights

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $264,900

Year Built	1999
Sq Footage	1,804
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	9,583 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Entertainer's dream! Fantastic light and bright home in pristine condition. Why buy new when you can get all the extras and finishing touches like marble counters, tile floor in the kitchen and custom blinds. FA Gas heating with air conditioning and tons of upgrades that you won't find in a spec home. Bring the indoors outside with a gorgeous deck and very private terraced back yard accessed by sliding glass doors. Perfect for entertaining or quiet dinners. The floor plan is open with vaulted ceilings throughout. The kitchen has a raised eating bar as well as two pantry areas. The huge Great Room (approx.40 X 15) features a fireplace for chilly winter nights. Tall windows and skylights let in natural light. Plush master suite features a walk-in closet and the bath has dual vanities and a soaking tub and separate shower. There is also a door off the master suite to the deck! All this and located at the end of a quiet cul de sac in a well established south Salem location! Who could ask for more. Call Cecily Parks Broker (503) 990-3707 to view this fabulous home. This home is listed by Windermere Pacific West Properties.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

• Central A/C	• Central heat	• Fireplace
• High/Vaulted ceiling	• Walk-in closet	• Hardwood floor
• Tile floor	• Living room	• Dining room
• Breakfast nook	• Dishwasher	• Stove/Oven
• Microwave	• Laundry area - inside	• Balcony, Deck, or Patio
• Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

• Back yard is a private paradise!

• Huge Great Room!

• Fireplace

• Vaulted ceilings throuout

• Skylights

• Oversize .22 acre lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Exterior front	Great Room
Kitchen	Deck
Terraced Yard	Another View

Contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

cecily@windermere.com

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 22, 2009, 7:09am PDT

Chock full of charm!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 23:37:59 -0500

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | (503) 990-3707

5518 Kayak Way NE, Keizer, OR

Pretty as a picture!

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $199,900

Year Built	1973
Sq Footage	1,580
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,840 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

A place to call home! Wonderful and chock full of charm! The living room features a wood burning fireplace. Inviting formal dining area with bay window and window seat, a perfect place to enjoy the view of the rear yard. Over sized spacious kitchen with garden window & eating bar that opens to the family room. Sliding doors lead to the deck and a private backyard. Large master bedroom with bath. Underground sprinklers front & back. Located across the street from the neighborhood pool. Great schools and easy freeway access. All this and on a quiet street, too!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	Family room
Living room	Dining room	Breakfast nook
Dishwasher	Laundry area - garage	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Private yard with underground sprinkler's

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Exterior Front	Living Room
Dining Room	2nd Bedroom
Mstr Bedroom	Rear Yrd

Contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Mar 9, 2009, 10:54am PDT

Rolling out the TP rules...

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 17:46:04 -0600

Has this ever happened to you?????

Five approaches to TP maintenance:

You could start with a basic visual aid...

2. Or perhaps appeal to their sense of patriotism...

3. Or go with a not-so-veiled threat...

4. Of course, you could just let your backside do the talking...

5. But remember to cite your sources...

The power of love!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:35:32 -0600

A couple of weeks ago I picked up a new client from a sign call. Even though they were in their mid 50's they were first time home buyers.

At the first contact, the husband appeared to be a big gruff guy, guarded and jaded but the wife was a delight from the first moment. Not deterred, before long we bonded. They wanted a small home and wanted to pay cash. We made an offer and it was countered and rejected. We forged on and found "the one" three days later.

During the course of conversation I learned that Debbie was ill and had been through several bouts of cancer and Lupus and her future was uncertain. As Dan told me the story a tear formed in the eye of this big tough marshmallow in the middle man. He shared with me that Debbie wanted a home and Dan's only wish was to buy her one, his only goal to make her happy. I knew right then and there that I would help find them a house.

These folks didn't have a lot of money and some Realtor's might have blown them off, but not me. On Valentines Day we got our second offer accepted. I called to tell them and told him that the acceptance of the offer was his Valentines Day present to Debbie. He said he had been to the store earlier that day, purchased a card and then sat in the car for four hours trying to express in words his sentiments of love for her.

We signed on the home today and I have never seen two more thankful and excited people. After signing, Dan sheepishly pulled an envelope from his jacket pocket and handed me a card. Inside the card were two one hundred dollars bills and this sentiment:

Cecily

"Thank you so much for all the hard work & butt kissing that you have done for the two of us! You will always be with us. You are so pretty and have a great sense of humor and a powerful determination. I hope your future and life go great guns! Enjoyed you and Jim (The home inspector, and our own Active Rainer, Jim Allhiser, Perfection Inspection, Inc) so much and I can't remember when I've laughed so hard. Thank You again."

All our best forever,

Deb & Dan

This, my friends is the reason we do this job.

The price of this manufactured home: $34,500.

My fee: $1575 + a $200 "feeling the love" bonus.

The feeling of helping wonderful people like this buy a home and realize a dream: Blissful.

The love between this couple and the look on their face when they were handed the key: Priceless.

If you or I get caught they call it cheating!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:21:08 -0600

Watching the news this morning I couldn't help but let out a disgusted groan! No, not by the sad state of real estate affairs and the mortgage bailout debacle but by the headline story that Jessica Simpson has packed on some pounds and is her "rubenesque" look here to stay. Is this all Hollywood has to talk about?

They showed a before picture of Jessica and then a current picture of her from the front and a shot of her bum. Oh, please! The girl still probably wears a size 6 or 8, which albeit is huge by California standards where everyone is a size 1/2 or at the most a size 0 or at least claims to be.

A few weeks ago Oprah made news for days after she confessed her weight had ballooned up to over 200 pounds. With all of the problems going on in the world right now the question of how many pints of "Cherry Garcia" ice cream Oprah eats in one sitting and how many fat rolls she has seems so irrelevant. And what's with her and Steadman???(Oops)

I don't care that Jessica is squeezing into her jeans or that Brittany has showed her hoo hoo to the press for the 38th time. By the way, I don't need to see another close up of that shot on the web!

So let's take a survey...

Here are the questions on the table:

Do you really care that Oprah will be shopping for a summer wardrobe at the local tent and awning store and that her backside was the size of New Jersey last year but is the size of Texas this year?

Is the size of Jessica's bum and the fact that lately it's looking a little more like Oprah's and a lot less than Barbie's keeping you up at night??

Are you concerned that Brittany can seem to find a single store in all the world that sells underwear???

Does the burning question of who's in celebrity rehab today have you surfing the net at all hours of the night....David Duchovny, perhaps? FYI: If you are a non celebrity it's called "cheating" but if you are a big movie star then it's called a "sex addiction".

Hoo Doo You Know?

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:55:30 -0600

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | cecily@windermere.com | (503) 990-3707

2830 Hoo Doo CT NW, Salem, OR

Warmth and charm abound in this wonderful four bedroom!

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $224,900

Year Built	1980
Sq Footage	1,830
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	10,225 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Bring offers-short sale! This stylish home has the best of both worlds, luxury and livability. Beautiful kitchen with newer appliances, oak cabinets with pull-out drawers. Dual wall ovens, too! Formal and informal dining areas. The living room has a gas fireplace and the family room features a pellet stove for cozy gatherings. The fabulous oversize deck on the main level looks out over the private yard with mature landscaping providing vacation views. The master suite has it's own adult retreat, a private deck accessed by sliding glass doors. This home also sits on a .23 acre lot and backs up to a year round creek! Unexpected amenities like sprinkler system, central vac and cedar siding make this home irresistible! Wow! MLS # 605622. Call Cecily (503) 990-3707 or Paula (503) 269-6075 for your private viewing today.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Family room	Living room	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Central Vac

Year round creek

Cedar Siding

.23 acre lot

FA Gas heat with central Air conditioning

Quiet cul de sac

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

cecily@windermere.com

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 11, 2009, 9:37am PST

Fairmount Hill!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:52:12 -0600

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | cecily@windermere.com | (503) 990-3707

1307 Fairmount AVE S, Salem, OR

Step into Yesteryear! Fabulous Fairmount!

3BR/3BA Single Family House

offered at $269,900

Year Built	1930
Sq Footage	2,282
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	3 full, 0 partial
Floors	3
Parking	1 Car garage
Lot Size	4,356 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Come visit this newly staged home! Location location location! Charm abounds in this wonderful home on a corner lot in a highly desirable area of South Salem. Lots of updates including heating, water heater and bathrooms. French doors, 3 levels, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. Formal dining and formal breakfast nook. Private bricked courtyard. All appliances in the home stay, including the washer & dryer! Downstairs master suite with spa like bath. MLS #598410 Call Cecily (503) 990-3707 or Paula (503) 269-6075

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Attic
Basement	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, air conditioning

Location! Location! Location!

Curb appeal

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

cecily@windermere.com

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 29, 2009, 8:40am PST

Got Toys?

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:48:34 -0600

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | (503) 990-3707

1430 Willie Way NW, Salem, OR

Very private rear yard

3BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $189,000

Year Built	1977
Sq Footage	1,156
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	7,641 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Check out this spacious single level on a quiet & private lot? Perfect NW Salem location off Glen Creek, just 1 mile from Marion St bridge. 3 good size bdrms, 1.5 baths. Spacious family room with corner bricked wood burning fireplace for chilly evenings. Two patios, one is covered. Tile roof. Bring all your toys! RV parking and much much more. Fenced yard. Take a visit & see why this is such a great home. Extra Large 2 car garage measures approx 38 x 21 & includes workshop area. Did I mention how private the backyard is....For more information click on the link below. This home is listed by Windermere Pacific West Properties. MLS # 600292 Call Paula Fordham, Broker (503) 269-6075 or Cecily Parks, Broker (503) 990-3707

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central heat	Fireplace	High/Vaulted ceiling
Family room	Dining room	Dishwasher
Stove/Oven	Laundry area - garage	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Oversize garage

Tile roof

Private rear yard

RV space

$5,000 in closing costs at closing

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 7, 2009, 4:10pm PST

It's all fun and games until it doesn't wash off in the shower.

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:36:42 -0600

Are piercings, tattoos and studs the new fashion accessory to our wardrobe? As Realtors, we have an image to maintain. We are in the public eye 24/7. There are many schools of thought regarding proper attire and dressing for success. Dress up or dress down? Suits or jeans? But the new question is how acceptable and professional are tattoos and piercings?

We want people to trust our judgment and our words to lend credibility to our tale of experience. We drive nice cars, live in upper end homes, wear stylish, moderately expensive clothes and carry high tech gadgetry that makes us appear wicked cool in the eyes of the consumer.

The other day, I walked into a real estate office to deliver an offer and to my surprise the receptionist had a nose stud. When she turned around I noticed a huge tattoo on the back of her neck. To her credit, she was a lovely girl, sharply dressed and I do have to say she had really cool hair. I mean, "don't hate me because I'm beautiful hair". But my focus was on the tiny diamond stud perched on the side of her nose in all it's sparkling glory. Which got me thinking....Am I a prude?

No, definitely not. I'm a cool chick. I am the proud owner of two tattoos which I love but when working are discreetly covered. I highly doubt that my clients even know they exist or even care for that matter. I have no piercings, except for my ears. No facial "adornments", tongue studs, brow rings, etc. which, by the way must hurt like a son of a gun.

Please tell me....why would anyone willingly punch a hole clean through their tongue??? That little clicking sound it makes is somewhat annoying to me as well. Kinda like the sound of static on a bad cell connection. Also in question is how one might eat spaghetti while wearing a tongue stud...hmmm. But, to each their own...

If you are going to sport some ink, hopefully it will be something original, yet tasteful. Personally, I'm grown weary of the typical snake with a dagger through it, (yawn) the mural of your life's sorrows stretching from your shoulder to the your wrist (overdone) and the word killer tattooed on the back of the hand. (overused) I'm thinking that the scary toothless skull oozing and gushing crimson tinted ink might need to be covered up and kept under wraps as well.

Really now, would you buy a house from someone with the words "bad ass" stenciled on his neck? I think having "Mom" inked on the upper arm is also a cause for concern, especially if the guy is over 40 and never married. If the only woman a 40ish man has had a serious enough relationship with to etch her name on his skin is his dear old mammy this might just be a red flag. Maybe not when shopping for a Realtor but definitely if you are a single woman doing a little man shopping.

Regardless of personal preference, who we are in our personal life does sometimes spill over into our professional life. With so much time and energy spent marketing ourselves to the world, it's no wonder we are under the public microscope. Although we are not movie stars, rock stars, sports figures or models, our ever smiling frozen mugs are plastered about town on signs, ads and even on shopping carts. Like it or not we have a very public persona.

Let me give you a little "for instance". Last year I was in the middle of preparing Christmas dinner for 20 people when I realized I was missing a key ingredient. Without a thought to the consequences, I tossed on a hoodie, sweat pants and sneakers and made a mad dash for the grocery store.

With my prize of cinnamon in hand, I made my way towards the checkout stand and ran smack dab into a Realtor I hadn't seen for a while. We exchanged pleasantries and then off I went. Weeks later I heard through a friend that I had been seen in public in my...sweats! Oh, the horror of it all! Ridiculous? Yes indeed....but it did happen.

To complicate matters, the girl, and I use this term loosely, from whom this story originated is no prize herself. Why her over bleached blond rat nest of hair and overdrawn brows (are they really supposed to arch up into the middle of ones forehead?) is frightening enough to stop traffic on I-5 during Friday rush hour!

I don't mind telling you, that incident really steamed my grits for a bit. For days, I was sure people were staring at me, not because of the "Cinnamon Incident" as it has come to be known, but because my nose was so far out of joint that I'm positive it was at least two degrees east of center on my face. Lordy Lordy!!!

The points made here are just a reminder that we are never truly invisible to our adoring fans and potential clients. People do judge us on our appearance and behavior or lack thereof. If you plan to pierce, poke or paint your body take a moment to consider the permanence of it and the image you want to project.

The Pinot Noir Promised Land!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:56:58 -0600

If you are planning to visit one of the over 200 wineries scattered throughout the beautiful Willamette Valley, it's hard to know where to start. The Valley region is home to more than two thirds of Oregon's wineries and vineyards.

It's our moderate climate that makes this possible. We have warm summers with cool evenings; an Indian summer often shortened by maritime rains; wet, (did I say wet?) mild winters; and long, often rainy (have I said wet yet?) springs make for an extended growing season allowing the ripening process for wine grapes to be gradual. What ensues is complex fruit flavors and aromatics.

The Willamette valley is best known for their exceptional Pinot Noirs. Because of the similarities in our climate with the the Burgundy and Alsace regions of France, we have often been called the promised land for Pinot Noir in America and the world. But Oregon and the Valley also produce other varieties such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Melon, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Cabernet and Merlot.

On any given weekend, the wine tourist can choose from a variety of tasting tours, and in the summer many of the wineries host special events with live music. Many newlyweds are choosing wineries as the place to exchange vows or hold receptions. And, of course, it's also a fabulous way to spend a lazy day!

One of my favorite places is Stangeland Vineyard and Winery. Owned by the Miller family, this beautiful award winning vineyard is tucked away on a hillside just outside and northwest of Salem. Their handcrafted wines are produced utilizing the best of Old World traditional wine making methods, including aging in French oak barrels, as well as New World innovations.

Owner Larry Miller, an analytical chemist by trade, founded Stangeland in 1978, but the winery really began to take off in 1991. Encouraged, Larry began pouring all his funds from his position with Akzo Nobel into the winery while honing his craft. As in most ventures, the winery started out small, producing only 140 cases. As time progressed, the winery has grown to produce approximately 2700 cases annually.

Retired since 2006, Larry is able to pursue his dream full time. Stangeland wines are now distributed in Boston, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Wisconsin, Oregon and most recently in Florida. They also exported 200 cases of wine to Norway for the first time, where Larry's grandparents originally immigrated from.

In a recent conversation with Larry, he said "It has been a long strange trip but I love what I do. In 2000 and 2001 Stangeland received gold medals for our 1998 and 1999 Pinot Noirs at the Mondial du Pinot Noir in Sierre Switzerland, a judging that contained nearly 800 pinots from 14 or 15 countries. The jury also had as many as 72 tasters from around the world mostly from Europe. After a 6 year dry spell, in 2008 we once again won a gold and silver in Sierre with our 2006 vintage Pinots. This time there were 1076 entries from 22 nations."

I'd say that's pretty darn impressive! I encourage you to drop by their tasting room, visit their website and join the Stangeland Wine Club. You can also view the catalog and order wine directly from the winery. Cheers!

Are Bloggers the missing link?

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:07:46 -0600

Are Bloggers the missing link??? Maybe....

With the popularity of blogging at an all time high right now it's no wonder that, like texting, bloggers are developing their own blog language or "blanguage". I've also noticed some new blog slang lately (Blang) as well which is very similar to on line chat acronyms.

Now don't get all excited....it's not going to be an entirely new language and I'm not talking about learning to speak Klingon, and no, we won't be donning uniforms, wearing capes or even have a secret handshake. We will, however, be easily recognizable to others of our own kind. We are the ones that stand out in a crowded room because of our bloodshot eyes, arthritic fingers, swollen thumbs and laptops chained to our chest like anchors. When acknowledging a potential blogger, just make the two thumb "wiggle". If the other person "wiggles" back, then you know.

What I am suggesting is a way to convert the text shorthand to blogging. Here are some of my thoughts on new "blords" for our "blanguage":

New blogging blords:

Beeple: People who blog. I'm a beeple, you're a beeple, too. Yippee! I've finally found my Beeple!!!

Bloghog: A beeple who's obsessed with blogging.

Serial Blogger: Someone who posts constantly with inane, boring posts over and over again. Someone please dial 911B (see below), would ya?

Blog-anon: Where we all should be....Hello, my name is (your name here) and I'm a blogaholic).

Bliction: Addiction to Blogging.

Blogger-vention: A group of well mean ill informed interfering non bloggers who want to talk to us about our bliction. We're not bad, just so misunderstood.

Shorthand:

BRB: Blog right back

DIBTOL: Did I blog that out loud? Used when you write a comment, hit the send button and then slap your forehead. Did I really just say that? Quick! Hit the edit key!

ABITPIWTITD: A blog in the post is worth two in a draft. Use this if you have twenty drafts and you haven't posted any of them.

BOBAR: Blogged out beyond all recognition. We can all relate to this. When you haven't slept or showered for over 24 hours and, you refer to your family as "those people".

BYOB: Bring your own blog.

2MIB: Too much information blogging.

PMLAYP: Pee myself laughing at your post.

RTFRBP: Read the "freaking" rules before posting.

4COLNNIB: For crying out loud....not now! I'm blogging!

AATWB: Asleep at keyboard while blogging. Come on, admit it. We've all done it!

ROFLWC: Roll on the floor laughing while commenting.

999: Spouse or significant other watching-quiet. Shhhh!

9999: Spouse or significant other not watching-all clear-blog on!

411B: Who's got the info on the best blog?

911B: I'm blogging and I can't stop! Call for help now!

I'm sure you have your own ideas and thoughts on words to add to this list. Please leave them here in the comments so we can begin to form our Blogging Blible. Thanks. Live long and Blog! May the blog be with you! A blog a day keeps the Doctor away. Okay, now I'm done....someone please call 911B for me before I have a blog attack.

Sold into slavery and forced to Blog or be flogged!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:23:51 -0600

I blog because I've become addicted. The first time I tried it I could take it or leave it. The second attempt lent a little adrenaline high as I watched the comments stack up. And by the third post I was eternally hooked.

The rush was good. I wanted more. And now....it's a sweet sweet drug and try as I might I can't keep my fingers from the keys.

Yes, I admit it, I'm a Bloghog.

People blog for many different reasons. Some of us because we love it, some because they believe they should and others because they are point "Ho's".

But not all of us enter into the blogging world willingly. Some are victims, taken from their warm cozy beds, stolen away from happy homes and loving families and forced to blog 24/7 hoping to win their freedom.

These innocent souls have fallen prey to unscrupulous forces that run Blogger Sweatshops across America. These "sweatshops" are popping up in warehouses and basements across America. This abomination must be stopped!

Their plight has been captured on tape. The following video pulls back the shade and gives us an inside peek at what really happens behind the "Iron Blogging Curtain".

A giant martini??? Now that's a party!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 12:23:10 -0600

Another Christmas has passed. Whew! Thank goodness! I don't know about you but I've had it up to my eyeballs in holiday cheer. I can't even bring myself to say "Ho" anymore. Time to rid your living room of the sea of wrapping paper and repair the damage done from the eating assault you've put your body through.

Get up...yes, I know it's tough...but who's fault is it that you feel like swallowed three basketballs and you need a wheelbarrow to haul around your belly? Was it absolutely necessary to sample all three variety of pies and have seconds or thirds of Aunt Mamie's famous Jello salad? Pick yourself up from the couch (or roll yourself off, whichever applies), shake the last crumbs from your lap because now it's time to prepare for the annual New Years Eve celebration.

Personally, I don't go out and celebrate any more. First of all, this is amateur night on the highways. All of us "professional" drinkers have better sense than to attempt navigation through the slew of part time drinkers playing highway bumper cars. I'd rather stay in and force myself to stay up until midnight. Yes, that's right, I said force myself.

In my younger years it was all about the party. Heck, I didn't even start my heart til nine and wouldn't be caught dead in public until ten. But, now that I'm older I much prefer to stay in and celebrate quietly.

Unless you live in a cave, most everyone knows about the big ball that gets dropped in New York's Times Square on New Year's Eve and, of course, Atlanta's 800-pound peach. But you may not have heard about the gumbo pot, the pickle or the giant Peep, a fiberglass replica of the famed marshmallowy candy.

The Peep show is in Bethlehem, Pa., where the city drops the 25-pound illuminated treat from a crane. Wow! I wouldn't want to be standing under the giant peep if there was an accident. That could be a "sticky" situation, huh.

In Lebanon, Pa., a 71/2-foot edible bologna made by the Weaver-Kutztown Bologna Co. is lowered at midnight and then donated to area charities. If you have a hankerin' for a sandwich, bring along a loaf of bread, a knife and a jar of mayo...

In Key West, Fla., a conch shell drops atop Sloppy Joe's Bar; (Conchy Joe anyone?) "Drag Queen Sushi" is lowered in a 6-foot-tall shoe (I'd like to meet the person who wears a six foot shoe) at the Bourbon Street Pub; and a pirate "wench" descends from a schooner in the harbor. "Aarrhh, Matey."

Port Clinton, Ohio, the self-proclaimed "Walleye Capital of the World," drops a 20-foot, 600-pound fiberglass walleye fish at midnight. (hope it's fresh)

In North Carolina, Raleigh lowers a copper acorn weighing 1,250 pounds from atop the civic center, (be on the lookout for hungry frustrated squirrels carrying chisels) and Mount Olive residents watch a 3-foot-high glowing pickle plunge down the Mount Olive Pickle Co. flagpole into a tank. Hmmm....a pickle....my question is why??? With a name like Mount Olive you think they would be dropping a giant martini. Now that would be a party!

A giant gumbo pot is lowered in New Orleans, (yummy) and in Easton, Md., it's a giant crab (pinch me, please).

I think I'm going to settle in with Dick Clark (if they can still prop him up for a few hours), a good book and maybe, just maybe I'll manage to see the dawn of the new year and hum a few bars of "Auld Lang Syne".

See you all in 2009!!!!

I'm done with Ho Ho Ho!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 21:14:22 -0600

Someone from Activerain tagged me for this stupid MeMe thing and honestly I'm glad they did. There are a few things old Santa would like to get off his chest and share with the world.

1. I hate all the elves....every last one of them! They are yappy, argumentative and lazy. I plan on replacing them with these girls. Ho!

2. I am allergic to reindeer dung. And it stinks to high heaven! How about a nice sports car with a Hemi?

3. I am sick and tired of yelling the same old line every year. Just for once I would like to say Hee Hee Hee instead of Ho Ho Ho.

4. Mrs. Claus is really my second wife. Heather Locklear was my first but she doesn't like the cold so she bailed.

5. For cryin' out loud. I'm a grown man. I don't want milk and cookies....next year can you please leave out a bottle of Jack and some spicy nuts.

6. Blitzen is gay. Yes, it's true. Not that there is anything wrong with that!!!!

7. I hate the color red! How about a smart three piece suit with a pinstriped tie.

Pumpkin Pie Wishes And Candy Cane Dreams

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:56:14 -0600

Merry Christmas to all my ActiveRain friends!!!

My hope for all of you this holiday season is that Santa brings you everything you asked for...

And that your stockings are filled to the brim....

With good cheer and family....

A Christmas toast to all of you...

Wishing you more happiness than all my words can tell, not just alone for Christmas but for all the year as well. Ho Ho Ho!!!

Cecily Parks

T-Bone or Bonz: What's on your plate this next year?

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:23:21 -0600

A holiday survival guide for men to keep them out of the doghouse and in the big house for another year.

Men, I've noticed, are by nature challenged when it comes to gift giving. My husband breaks out in a cold sweat three times a year...my birthday, our anniversary and Christmas. Now, he's a big bear of a guy so it's pretty tough to make that happen but on those three little days a year he has a small private break down and usually ends up begging me to take pity on him and just tell him "exactly" I want or to go buy something for myself, wrap it and then feign surprise when I open it up. Which I diligently do "Oh! For me? It's Perfect!"

Why is it so difficult for men to choose the perfect gift? I've been in the stores on Christmas Eve day and the mall is swarming with confused stressed men shuffling store to store all wearing the same panicked deer in the headlights look. In order to make things easier on the entire male population, I have included The Ultimate Guy Rules when shopping for your significant other...

Rule # 1: Appliances. Never ever buy a woman something that needs to be plugged into a wall socket to operate. Items that fall into this category would include toasters, mixers, blenders, vacuums, electric tooth brushes, etc.

Rule # 2: Yard equipment. This falls under the "So No" category. Listed here: hoses, sprinkler heads, lawn mowers, hoes, clippers, etc. In fact, just to be safe, do not enter Home Depot over the holiday and you should be all right. You are allowed to languish in the parking lot and gaze longingly at the building, but that's all. Also, avoid all home improvement sections of major chain stores.

Helpful Hint: If your cart begins to wander towards the plumbing section with reckless abandon and you are unable to control it, immediately relinquish control of the cart to your female companion and head for the frozen food section of the grocery area and wait there until your cart comes to it's senses.

Rule # 3: Listen closely to this one, it could mean life or death (your own)....under no circumstances purchase anything weight related. No thigh masters, ab blasters or gym memberships, no lifetime supplies of Jennie Craig food and absolutely no "hot off the bestseller list" diet books. Please, I'm begging you....this can only end in heartache and pain!

Rule # 4: Never, ever buy us anything you have included on your own personal Christmas list unless you are prepared to receive the silent treatment for the next 364 days when you will get yet another chance to try the shopping game once again. If your list includes a new tool set, a new golf bag, power saw or a newfangled "gotta have" widget then it better not be addressed to us, wrapped in tissue paper and tied with a pretty bow come XMAS morn.

Here is what is on our acceptable gift list: Jewelry (bling), clothing (no Mom jeans or ugly flannel robes), gift cards (Nordstroms, Macy's) at department stores with women's apparel (sorry, Golf World is not a high fashion store for women), personal items, perfume, lingerie (don't get all excited, Frederick's of Hollywood is not really considered lingerie), spa and massage certificates, vacations and jewelry. Oops! Said that one, but it's definitely worth repeating. Bling...bling..bling.

Feel free to print this list out and carry it with you...better safe than sorry. I have empowered you with wisdom passed down through generations of men who faced disgrace and dismemberment by their female counterparts...may the force be with you......now, go forth and shop!

Naughty...Nice...or the Nickel?

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 15:17:32 -0600

With Christmas fast approaching and sleigh bells ringing in the night, I was wondering how all of us here on the rain will stack up this season....

This year, when you take that seat on the mall Santa's knee (I have always envisioned Brad Pitt as Santa) and reach for the stash of candy canes tucked away by the big guys chair, ask yourself this....how will I answer the much anticipated question "have you been naughty or nice"?

I always figure that I have three choices here....naughty....nice...or....the nickel.

Let's review them...

1. Option one: Naughty. Naughty just sounds so darn harsh and bad....I'm not really sure what would qualify....what exactly is the definition of naughty? The dictionary describes naughty this way: disobedient; mischievous (used esp. in speaking to or about children): "Weren't we naughty not to eat our spinach?" Well, since I hate spinach with a burning purple passion, I can cross that one off my list.

2. Option two: Nice. Nice is almost too, well....sugary sweet. The dictionary says: pleasing; agreeable; delightful. That is soooo not me! I can truthfully say that I am not really a pleaser and I'm not always agreeable. I have, however, been delightful...several times this year, in fact. Hmmm...tough one.

So, whats left???

3. Option three: The Nickel. A totally new category created and reserved for the rest of the population, including me. The nickel is when you take the fifth amendment and keep your mouth closed unless it's to utter those four little words, "I take the nickel".

Usually reserved for criminals on trial for murder so that they can't incriminate themselves, I think it can serve a whole new purpose during the holiday season. It's the safe route, guaranteed to keep you out of trouble with friends and family. This comment could be used when you are asked any variety of questions like "does this dress make me look fat?" Or, "how do you like my new comb over?"

So, fellow Rainer's...which answer will you choose and what will be in your Christmas stocking this year....a little "gifty", a lump of coal or some duct tape to cover your mouth and keep yourself out of the clink? What will Santa be bringing for me this year??? Probably a mini gifty, a mini lump of coal and a huge sack of duct tape. Hmmm...maybe I need a bigger stocking.

Happy Holidays to all and to all a good rain!

Pretty as a picture!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 12:45:57 -0600

Cecily Parks | Windermere Pacific West Properties | cecily@windermere.com | (503) 990-3707

2830 Hoo Doo CT NW, Salem, OR

Warmth and charm abound in this wonderful four bedroom!

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House

offered at $229,900

Year Built	1980
Sq Footage	1,830
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 1 partial
Floors	2
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	10,225 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Lil bit of heaven! This stylish home has the best of both worlds, luxury and livability. Beautiful kitchen with newer appliances, oak cabinets with pull-out drawers. Dual wall ovens, too! Formal and informal dining areas. The living room has a gas fireplace and the family room features a pellet stove for cozy gatherings. The fabulous oversize deck on the main level looks out over the private yard with mature landscaping providing vacation views. The master suite has it's own adult retreat, a private deck accessed by sliding glass doors. This home also sits on a .23 acre lot and backs up to a year round creek! Unexpected amenities like sprinkler system, central vac and cedar siding make this home irresistible! Wow! MLS # 605622. Call Cecily (503) 990-3707 or Paula (503) 269-6075 for your private viewing today.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
Family room	Living room	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Central Vac

Year round creek

Cedar Siding

.23 acre lot

FA Gas heat with central Air conditioning

Quiet cul de sac

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Cecily Parks

Windermere Pacific West Properties

cecily@windermere.com

(503) 990-3707

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Dec 6, 2008, 9:59am PST

Born Over Beer....

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:47:20 -0600

Some of my best ideas stem from discussions enjoyed over a refreshing adult beverage with friends. We have dubbed these ideas "born over beer".

In one of those "BOB" conversations with my friend, Tania the other night, we decided that it might be time to create our own "Bucket Lists"....yes, sadly, life and middle age are creeping up on me...but even if they weren't, accidents do happen.

So, before I unexpectedly slip and fall on a banana peel it's probably a good time to put pen to paper and come up with some amazing things that I would like to accomplish before I end up taking a dirt nap in a lush green field somewhere...

For any of you that haven't seen the movie starring Jack Nickolson and Morgan Freeman, it's about two terminally ill men who escape from a cancer ward and head off on a road trip with a wish list of to-dos before they die. They call it their "Bucket List."

Then I got the (I think) bright idea to create a bucket list for real estate. With so many people mulling over the tumultuous state of real estate affairs and assessing their nearly empty wallets I think this is a good time to ponder what we need to do before considering throwing in the "real estate" towel.

It's simple to make a list of exotic places to visit or fun and exciting new things to try but not as easy to make a list of what we really need achieve to make those dreams come true. If we want to accomplish the amazing things on our personal "Bucket List" we first need to put our little noses to the grindstone and take the necessary steps (yes, that's right, people, work) to get our business in order so we will have the time and money it will take to start crossing those items off our list.

Here's what's in my my real estate bucket:

1. Prospect at least two hours a day, four days a week, every week for one year. (Gosh, I really, really hate this part because I'm such a slacker)

2. Pledge to give each and every client my personal best. (Really mean it, follow through and walk my talk)

3. Promise to always be truthful with my clients even if I know sometimes it will not be a pleasant conversation. (No, your home is not "special" Mr & Mrs Seller and not everyone will be impressed that you manage to house four oversize dogs, three cats, two guinea pigs, a turtle, an ant farm and a colony of walking sticks in a little under 1200 square feet)

4. Take at least four new listings a month, every month for a year. (Some months two, other months six as long as at the end of the year it all equals out)

5. Write at least four contracts a month, every month...you know the drill....(FYI: this would be accepted contracts, not just wallpaper)

6. Write five thank you notes every day, five days a week to someone who showed me kindness or went out of their way to do something nice for me when they didn't have to. (That shouldn't bruise up too much)

7. Get one new designation for 2009. Education is a good thing...(I'm working on my CRB)

8. Blog consistently.....at least once a week, every week...yada...yada...yada. (Hands down the easiest, that's why I saved it for last)

What's in your bucket for 2009? You can list your personal or professional bucket items here because they are interrelated....you need one to get the other.

Please join me in welcoming Mike Ronnie to activerain!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:54:39 -0600

Hello Fellow Rainers:

Please join me in welcoming our newest member, Mike Ronnie. Not only does Mike head up The Ronnie Team with Keller Williams Central Oregon Realty located in Bend, Oregon, he is also an owner of that market center and the Principal Broker/Team Leader.

I had the great privilege and pleasure to work with Mike in Bend, Oregon earlier this year and am excited about the opportunity to network with him here on activerain. Not only do I have a deep respect for Mike and his knowledge of real estate, he's also a heck of a nice guy with a fabulous sense of humor. I have no doubt that Mike will be one of activerain's brightest stars in no time.

Mike and The Ronnie Team bring with them 24+ years of experience in the real estate business. Michael Ronnie has worked for and owned California and Oregon real estate brokerages, an appraisal company with some of the nations largest lenders as clients, conducted sales and marketing of residential resale, new home subdivision sales, development land acquisition, lot sales, build to suit, income properties and sales and leasing of land and farms. The Ronnie Team are consistent award winning top producing Realtors® providing excellent customer service.

Thank you everyone!

Cecily

Adult Film Stars On ActiveRain? Who Would Have Guessed?

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:07:24 -0600

Now that I have your attention...

I've been tagged twice in two days so far on the new MeMe's Tagging Game. Although I love to play games this one is requiring way too much brainpower from me and I'm sure others on The Rain.

So, in an effort to stop that particular insanity and create a new and different insanity, I propose a new game.... Some of you are familiar with this game and some aren't....but, either way it's far easier and less stressful than the tagging game. Also, much easier to comment on and kinda fun.

Here's how it works:

Take the name of your first pet

Take the name of the first street that you lived on as a child

Now...combine the two words together.... This is your stage/stripper name.

For instance, my first pet was a spaniel named Tuppy and the first street we

lived on was Brown Rd.

Hence...my stripper name is Tuppy Brown!

See how easy that was....now, please stop the MeMe's insanity of the tagging game and leave your stripper names here on this post.

Please Welcome Laura Gwyn to Active Rain!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:18:35 -0600

Please take a moment and help me to welcome a good friend of mine, Laura Gwyn into our community here on Active Rain. I have known Laura since 1995 where we worked together at Barbara Sue Seal Properties. Although Laura and I no longer work in the same office we have remained friends and colleagues over the years and I have always held a great respect for her personally and professionally.

Laura is the Owner/Principal Broker of Laura Gail Gwyn Properties here in Salem, Oregon. She is an experienced and strong advocate for her clients and believes that each and every one deserves her personal best. Laura is also a Mother and somehow finds time to volunteer for several charitable groups. How does she does it? You will have to ask her. I know you will all welcome Laura into our AR family with open arms and kind words of encouragement.

Cecily Parks

BUSTED BROKER BABES!

Cecily Parks (Windermere Pacific West Properties) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:25:22 -0600

I spent the better part of the afternoon yanking flyer boxes from the front lawns of our sellers homes...why???

A couple of months ago our local MLS sent out a notice that for a limited time, an upgraded listing package, normally $99 would be free. Woo Hoo! Included in the package was a free flyer box for each listing, if requested.

Well, free being an excellent price, my business partner, Paula (a very sweet English girl complete with accent) and I ordered boxes for all of our listings. Another friend, Holly, has taken full advantage of this fab deal and ordered boxes for each of her subdivision lots. Holly is now selling those boxes at half the going rate and has created a small cottage industry operated from the trunk of her car.

Heck, why not? We're Realtors and business is slow...we gotta eat, right? A couple more nights of Cheerios for dinner and I might think about selling mine...just kidding! Although, tis the season for giving so if you are feeling charitable, please follow the link at the bottom of the page to make donations to the bruised, battered and busted Broker Babes of Salem Fund. All donations are appreciated, cash only please, no pocket change. The US Postal service frowns on that kind of thing.

So why did I pull out all those flyer boxes?? As soon as the boxes went up our sign calls went down. During the course of conversation, my partner and I realized that neither of us has received any sign calls for quite some time. I know that people are plucking the flyers out of the boxes because I've had to restock said boxes several times. I've never really been a big fan of flyer boxes and this has just served to reinforce my belief.

I would prefer to get the sign calls. My theory is that if I can get the potential client on the phone I will be able to dazzle them with my sparkling and witty repertoire, expound on my brilliant real estate expertise and then eventually, when I have finally convinced them that I am the greatest Realtor in the free world (more likely they are just beaten down and tired of listening to me talk) I will gain their trust, get their contact information and they will become a client of mine for life. A girl's gotta dream, right?

So, as fast as you can say "Bob's your uncle" I headed out on a mission. Now my trunk is filled with mud covered metal posts and I will have to clear some additional space in the garage to store my "free" flyer boxes. Mental note to self...don't use a sledge hammer to install flyer boxes....it's a serious pain in the behind to dig them out of the yard.

Anyway, I am going to make it a point to fully explain to all my current and potential sellers exactly why I don't believe that flyer boxes will help in the home selling process. Plus, I'm tired of replacing boxes that someone has "permanently borrowed" and refilling flyer boxes early on a not yet caffeinated Saturday morning incognito in my sunglasses and pink fuzzy slippers because a seller has left me a 911 message to let me know that they are out of flyers and need them desperately or nobody will buy their house.