Today, hundreds of posts will populate this forum, each one trumpeting the greatness of our nation. The patriotic nature of this holiday spawns a passionate fervor. And it almost never feels like prejudice. Instead, it seems befitting of our eminence, of our central position in the social universe.
Such arrogance astounds and saddens me. Not because I don’t love my country, but because I view patriotism through a broader lens. I love my country, yes. But I truly love my planet. A lovely cerulean rock suspended prettily in a lemony sunbeam… this is my home. This is where my patriotism truly lies.
Celebrating independence is fine. But we are not independent anymore. We have never been more dependent on our fellow planeteers than we are in this era. To persist in this belief that somehow we are a nation standing alone, standing above, is not only arrogant, it is an exercise in self-delusion. The intertwining of our planetary co-existence is so vast, it overpowers my imagination to even ponder. So the question is, have we evolved to a place where we can celebrate our inter-dependence?
Our nation was formed by wanderers from the beginning. Wanderers, thinkers, and fighters with a collective idea. A good idea and one I truly cherish. Let us not forget though that together, by cooperating, they were able to accomplish what each man fighting alone, could not. Working together paid off. THIS is the gift they left us. Listen carefully to the whispers of our ancestors, there is a beautiful lesson in their accomplishment: We need one another.
Shall we set aside our self-important posturing long enough to spend the gift our ancestors left us and elevate ‘freedom from oppression’ to the next level? By discovering what else is possible, by coming face to face with alternative fates, we might forge a new and grander alliance. Our nation is but one stage on this vast and glorious earth. True independence will come when all of us can share in it.
When I see images of the sparkling mote of dust our planet reveals itself to be from afar, it simply takes my breath away. Everyone I have ever known, loved, admired, feared, or even heard of, has lived out their entire lives on this lonely island in space. It is our responsibility, our soul’s collective mandate to deal more kindly with one another, and to ensure the freedom of all earth’s children, so that they too, may flourish upon the wan blueness of this precious little world. The home we share. The only home we will ever know.
How well I remember the wild, wild west. That adventurous place back in time where we roped and blogged our way into the new frontier of real estate. We saddled up and settled in and found our storytelling voice. Meanwhile, others held back and circled around the campfire, perfectly content to listen awhile as we spun a few yarns under the first light of the bright western stars.
There were outlaws, gangs and gunslingers, and even a few legendary battles. Gaming, round-ups and rustlers and a few hangings to boot. Late nights in the saloon were good for drunk blogging, some spirited wrangling and if you were lucky, a new sweetheart on your arm. But more important, we had true pioneers who laid claim to the new gold of our industry. Cowboys and cowgirls with the spirit of tomorrow fearlessly plowing a new crop of writers with their inspiring guidance and expert roping skills.
It isn’t as though I awoke one morning on this hot, dry plain to find the sun hadn’t risen in it’s assigned position. Or that in the few short years since we’ve settled these hills, there haven’t been new and fresh voices. There are plenty. But the echoes in the canyons don’t reverberate with the same soul anymore. The reins have been pulled in, the stories have all been told, and things have become awfully tame on this big old dude ranch of ours.
With the rustling wind at my back, I ride into the open range and hope the old cowboys who’ve ridden off into the sunset have found their blue skies and green pastures. Their just reward for all they have given of themselves and all that we have gained from their tenure. They are missed and they are Wanted, Dead or Alive.
UPDATE : I am reblogging this again, because the original deadline was May 10th. Yet we only had 1 entry. The new deadline is May 17th. This is the fourth contest for newbies that I have held and we always got more than 7 or 8 entries. I am semi confused, because we have a lot more new members than before. I wrote this blog a few days ago, Active Rain Success StoriesConnie Harvey made an excellent comment that I think could pertain to so many, especially those new on AR. Please read Connie's comment.
On another note, I even left this as a public post, hoping that many of you will reblog this so we can get more to enter into this contest. Also, the contest rules say that you must be new and no more than 6 months on AR... and without a feature. You still can't have a feature, but if you have been on here for less than a year, please join. I know one person that joined AR 9 months ago, but didn't start to blog until a month ago. This would make perfect sense... if you aren't sure, please contact me at jbelonger@ihmci.com thanks, jeff
Here was my original post.
I believe that each and everyone of us is different from the next. Just as I have explained that not one borrower is the same as the next. And just for the fact that each one of us blog differently. Maybe you are very new to blogging and to Active Rain. Maybe you are just afraid to put your first step out there, afraid of what others might say or think.
Well, Active Rain allows all of us to accomplish not only being different, but that it's a great platform and community to practice this on. It's a place to learn from others if we aren't sure on how to blog. Sure, there have been some bloggers from day one when joining Active Rain, they were good at what they did within their blogs. For myself, I felt that it took about 6 months, to not only find my voice, but to feel comfortable and to be good at it.
Overall, here is your chance to stand out from the crowd and to have fun with it. Why not, what do you have to lose.
Here is what I feel about Active Rain, about blogging, and what contests like this allow....
It's a chance for new members to show their talent. If anything, a chance to possibly find your blogging voice.
And keep in mind...The great thing about this community, in regards to AR, there are people willing to help you and help you grow.
So, you are new to Active Rain and possibly very new to blogging. You are afraid to jump out there and expose yourself. Here is a chance to be yourself, just put something out there, and to get new business, referrals, and to make new friends.
Do you know that 80% of the consumers out there shop online when looking for a home, mortgage services, or possibly the services of a stagger. That these consumers come to the internet looking for information and hoping to be educated on certain services. Have you read the many success stories here on Active Rain, proving that blogging works? Check them out here : Active Rain Block Party
We Want You !!!! With so many new ways in regards to technology, blogging has been a great way to market yourself and your business. But how can I blog? What can I write about? What about my presentation or style of writing? It takes time and for many of us, it didn't happen over night. You must be patient.... But what a great place to try and learn how to blog other than writing on Active Rain.
Within this contest, just be yourself. Judging will be based on original content and creativity. It won't be limited to just writing, meaning that you can use videos in your blog, graphics, and or pictures. It can be on anything that you want it to be, any topic. What we want is for you to capture our interest. And keep in mind, lay-out and readability is important also, just as staging a home.... presentation.
And think of this contest as a way to prime yourself for your what you do, if you are a realtor, loan officer, title clerk, appraiser, etc, etc. Sheldon Neal just wrote about this the other day, What makes you different? Stand out from the crowd? This is perfect timing and a must read... and fits very well with the theme of this contest.
First prize will be awarded 1000 points and be Featured on ActiveRainand in theActive Rain Newbie group.
Second Prize will be awarded 750 points
Third Prize will be awarded 500 points
*200 additional points for all that enter this contest*
1. Who is eligible? Anyone on this site less than 6 months (please read below about this ) and who has never had a feature. Yes, if you have been on here for less than 6 months, but have received a feature, you can't enter. For some of you that don't know, a feature is that little Gold Star that you get at the bottom of your post and your blog is placed on the main page of Active Rain. Those blogs being featured in the AR groups don't count as an AR feature. UPDATE : even if you have been on here for a few months longer than 6 months, please read this comment : Additon to the contest rules
2. Number of entrees per person will be limited to (2) and it must be completely original and authored by you. Any plagiarism found will be deleted and may be posted on Rich Jacobson's"wanted for plagiarism" post.
4. Make sure that the title of your blog starts with "A newbie contest - Be different from the crowd".
5. You must include the following in your Tag words below : "A newbie contest - be different from the crowd". If you don't, you won't qualify.
6. DEADLINE for submitting entries is Sunday, May 17th at midnight.
7. Winners will be announced Tuesday, May 19th.
8. Only 200 points will be awarded per PERSON regardless of the number of entries submitted - with the exception of the Winners.
PS.... please, also link your entry in this post, in your comment......
Lastly, bribing the judges can and will be optional. But nothing under 2,000 rubles. Hence why the judges won't be mentioned until the contest ends at midnight on November 1st. Anyone wanting to judge, please e-mail me at jbelonger@ihmci.com
Here are the previous Newbie contests and contest winners :
Desperate calls are not the best calls to receive when you're a Realtor. Nonetheless, I have had a couple in the last month and sadly, the home owners tend to call me when it's too late to do anything to help them. One in particular comes to mind: a woman whose home is scheduled for auction in less than a month. I wish I had known this information during that phone call and if she's out there, here's a way to buy just a little more time until you can pull together the cash you need.
This is terrific information from my favorite beloved Mortgage Banker Boy.... (and Our Dano!):
I came across a link recently on facebook that my biggest supporter, loving fan, brother from another mother, buddy of mine Dan Cummings posted.
In actually sharing it, I was a tad hesitant. As a matter of public record, I have mixed feelings on it. While the concept holds a ton of merit in my opinion and from what I've gathered from those who have been in this industry much longer than I; there is a strong part of me that doesn't particularly like loopholes. Without further ado, here's the link.
Let me add that I'm heavy on personal responsibility. Let me also throw in that all the blame that has been thrown around pointed at this reason and that reason can probably also be pointed in the mirror we look into every now and again. The tactic described in that news story of "Produce The Note" is a clever way of using the system to your advantage. God knows the system has used us to their advantage. What's fair is fair, right? Well, I don't really like to look at things like that. Actually, sometimes I do:) But let's get rational here...
Yes, there is a lot of wrongs in this world. There always will be. Yes, there are a lot of folks who will take advantage of you when you are in the confines of the fetal position. There probably always will be. And while we are still a young civilization, we have accomplished a lot. I do believe we will get through this and while I don't necessary think we will be smelling of roses after the fact... petunias aren't a bad door prize. Shoot for the roses, just don't ignore the other flowers along the way.
I certainly wish I could tell everyone that everything will be okay, because I believe it will. I don't know that as fact, though. All I do know is that WE play a larger part in our destinies than WE may think. Don't stop the negativity, just stop buying into it as if it is the all encompassing facet to these times. It isn't.
We have it pretty damn good. I dare say that we are spoiled to a large extent. Let's move forward swimming in the reality that we need to work hard, help each other, and practice ethics over instant gratification.
I don’t know what made me think a house was forever. Perhaps I’ve imagined that only I am temporary. Death aside, I always seem to be. Remember that adage that says ‘you can never go home again’ ? Well it’s true. Tonight I learned that my grandmother’s house burned down. I can barely swallow this charred truth.
Even though she has long since recycled back into the dust from which she came, I’d still return to visit Grandma back in tornado alley. Her soul danced among the flowers and cattails that graced the streambed that ran through her property. As a little girl, we used to rise long before the sun and sit beside the water awaiting it’s golden arrival. But first we did her hair.
She had the longest, blackest hair I have ever seen. All the way down to her calves, it took 17 tortoise shell combs to mount her single braid into the Eiffel tower she wore for a hundred years. On hot nights, we caught lightening bugs - each delicately pushed into her hair to form her sparkly tiara. The rest went into our own braids, transforming each of us girls into her fairy maids. That’s what she called us.
Her castle was little more than a whitewashed shack. She alone had no cellar, though her house stood for more than a century while the resident mansions lost limbs to twisters. Somehow her humble little abode always managed to survive.
Until today.
What is it that imbues a house with such magic? The tenacity to weather storms, both external and internal? The irreverence to stand up against forces both seen and unseen that threaten to tear down the walls? God knows, I can barely remain standing when the winds of change threaten.
It’s the foundation, I’ve learned. And not the 12 inches on center post and beam, but the kind we build with love. The lasting kind. The kind that gives structure to who we are and stands as a monument to those who made us.
Forever will remain. Her house isn’t really gone after all.
I want to touch things. To leave them beautifully different from before I was ever there. To give. To nurture.
Even as I am unaware, there is a stark difference between simply baking a cake, holding someone’s hand or just doing my job. When I do these things with passion, the difference is visible. A shimmering radiance that sets the merely inanimate apart from those things I have nurtured and loved. Becoming more like me. Someplace my soul can remain long after I have departed. Some would call it making a difference, but I am selfish and I know I will take so much more with me.
And yet my passion is a two way street. I put things inside myself and become the repository of beautiful ideas, experiences and accomplishments. Relentlessly evolving as a composite of all those things melded seamlessly into my own interpretation, with so much Jennifer as their binding force. It will BE me. Some of it will be wrong, but so much more will be exactly right. And I can live with that and I can comfortably die with that too.
Passion drives me to care more. To live outside myself. And to live inside myself more richly. It pilots this odyssey we share along a common timeline, under the same sun - and yet it defines us as unique, as memorable and valuable. My passion underlies the hallmark of who I am and who I am meant to become. Even if I only make part of the journey for which I was intended, I will touch things. And because I did so passionately, I will remain.
I refute clichés and fight them at every turn. (Perhaps it’s the writer in me?) But this Monday morning shaped up to be simply awful! It began with a less than shining example of relationship bliss, unhappy news and… what’s this?Not another meme tag!Thanks Susan!! If they hadn’t all been tossed on the floor, I would have crawled back under the blankets rather than face this miserable Monday.
Suffocating under morning traffic and fighting back tears, I barely gave a thought to what I might want for Christmas. After all, I’m in the midst of shedding possessions and the definitions that encumber them. I already know what I want – and it isn’t a thing – all I want resides within the soul of one particular man. That’s it. Nothing more. So employing my lavish imagination won’t yield the treasure expected from this Christmas Meme. It simply isn’t in me this time. I'm sorry.
My telepathic plaintive cries were heard. I was given marching orders to call off the day midstream and head up to Timberline. I didn’t give it a moment’s hesitation. Trapped in gunmetal shades of black, white and grim, I hurried my escape. Little by little, stress and hopelessness began to fall back with the rising elevation. Then a slice of sun landed in my lap like a golden trinket. Rising above it all, I felt the shimmering weightlessness of separation. Light and light. That in-between place that exists between land and sky. It was perfect. And suddenly I knew.
All I want for Christmas is my very own mountain!
It requires no assembly, leaves no carbon footprint, there's no packaging to dispose of, no shipping fees, children weren’t exploited in it’s manufacture and no animals were harmed in testing. My sweetheart won’t need to spend the requisite two years’ income to purchase it, and it will never, ever go out of style. What gift could be more perfect?
All around me today it seems the world has checked out. Empty seems like company compared to the barren corridors in my office. Calls skate over to voicemail when I try to reach a lender, a broker, even a seller. Even people I love seem to be a little absent today. Where has everyone gone?
Well I’m giving my clients something to be thankful for as we slide into this Thanksgiving week holiday. I am answering my phone on the first ring. I am running errands to deliver docs so you don’t have to. I am previewing homes in outlying areas to make the most of your time. I’m making YOU – my valued clients – my number one priority.
It always seems to happen like this: You receive the invitation. You have the perfect party dress in mind, a little extra money in your wallet, and you’re feeling in the mood to spoil yourself with a fabulous day of shopping. You spend the entire day searching, but nothing you find fits the bill. Discouraged, you discover you aren’t quite as rich or thin as you’d imagined. It’s not such a party after all.
I can relate in more ways than I’d care to admit. As it happens, I’ve been doing a little shopping of my own. With all the negative media portraying last season's bad news about the housing market here in Portland, I’ve been searching for a little good news – news with sequins, if you will - and I’ve felt exactly the same way. Discouraged. All this negativity hasn’t left me in much of a party mood.
Just because you hear bad news, read bad news or believe bad news… it simply doesn’t make it true. As with any worthwhile pursuit, keep up your search and you WILL find it! And I have!
Today… I bring you a sweet little black dress in the form of GOOD NEWS!
According to a group known as Greenlight Greater Portland, a consortium of private sector leaders dedicated to growing a sustainable and vibrant economic future for the seven-county metropolitan area, the current and future economic outlook for the greater Portland area is terrific!
Consider the following highlights from their report:
* The projected population growth for the Portland metropolitan area is 8.0% by 2013.
* The workforce is projected to grow by 6.9%. The increase from Salem North to Vancouver alone is expected to exceed 2 million.
That’s 50,000 more families for the Portland metropolitan area!
* From 2000 – 2008, our population grew by 33.8%!
* 6 of the 25 Most Innovative companies in the world are located right here according to Business Week Magazine.
This is fantastic news for the Portland area real estate market! With all the new arrivals on the horizon, I recommend shopping for the good deals while they last.
Now that I've found the perfect dress, I have a little shoe shopping to do!
If you're in need of a home shopping expert, I'm here to help you find the perfect fit!
I want to be more. I want to truly shine. My desire for refinement inspires me to brave the treacherous journey into the frontiers of my dark interior. The ways in which unknown possibilities haunt, illuminate and seduce me have evoked a mental travel diary of my hopes and desires - a vision if you will. The cinnamon toast of my existence cries out for new experiences. A new direction… spiritual evolution.
So I’ve been rethinking my life in small and large ways, painful but ultimately fruitful. What journey do we undertake that does not bring to light unwanted stowaways – long ignored out of habit? Owning up to the dead ends in our private lives, our business approach – even our relationship with ourselves – is the ultimate enlightenment. Yet we face our demons reluctantly. I certainly do. I realize that unless I undress my flaws, see them for exactly what they are - I’ll never dance at the edge – find no reason to push the envelope.
If only the path were easier. Risk free. We all want the sure thing. But the payoff truly comes in the taking of risks. A single roll of the dice can change our lives in ways we might never dream possible. Even our dreams have boundaries. So why not throw out our limitations and pre-conceptions? Take that chance?
Wouldn’t it be great if we could just stop things at pivotal moments, stand back, and write our own ending? How would it be different? What price would we pay for safety?
We have to risk something. We just do.
I am aware that I’ve made mistakes in this life. Big ones and I own them. But they are mine because taking chances not only nets terrific results and fantastic rewards, but miscalculations and losses as well. Because of this, and this alone – my ultimate gains taste even sweeter.
I am not here on this earth as a mere visitor. I am not content to be seated in the audience either. I want to be the star. So I’ll gather my courage and unleash my adventuresome spirit. I’ll take my chances. Because I know exactly what I want. And simply by making the effort, I will shine brighter.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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I believe that each and everyone of us is different from the next. Just as I have explained that 
She had the longest, blackest hair I have ever seen. All the way down to her calves, it took 17 tortoise shell combs to mount her single braid into the Eiffel tower she wore for a hundred years. On hot nights, we caught lightening bugs - each delicately pushed into her hair to form her sparkly tiara. The rest went into our own braids, transforming each of us girls into her fairy maids. That’s what she called us. 
I want to touch things. To leave them beautifully different from before I was ever there. To give. To nurture. 
I want to be more. I want to truly shine. My desire for refinement inspires me to brave the treacherous journey into the frontiers of my dark interior. The ways in which unknown possibilities haunt, illuminate and seduce me have evoked a mental travel diary of my hopes and desires - a vision if you will. The cinnamon toast of my existence cries out for new experiences. A new direction… spiritual evolution.
;)
;)
