Cheryl's Real Estate Home Staging Blog

Pet Feature ~ Meet Bear and Bella

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:39:35 -0600

I just had to share this story from my AR friend - Teresa Harris-Lake Norman NC Residential Real Estate Broker Teresa and I both are animal and dog lovers! I am praying that the Lord will touch someone's heart that can help these precious puppies. God bless,

Via Teresa Harris:

Pet Feature ~ Meet Bear and Bella

Today I received an email from Melissa, a local lady that read one of my blog posts. As most people who subscribe to my blogs know I blog a lot about localism in the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas, about living green, and about pets. I am a firm believer that pets have an innocent way of enhancing our life’s if given a chance.

Melissa had read my, ‘Operation Noah’s Ark’ post which was about the rescue of hundreds of animals in an animal hording case. In fact this post has created more emails and calls than any other that I have written thus far; emails and calls asking who to contact to adopt these animals.

For the past month I have wanted to have a pet of the week or month that needs to be adopted, in hopes of being a link in assisting pets get a second chance.

Today, I was given the sign that now is the time to do my part.

The reason Melissa emailed me today was to find out if ‘Operation Noah’s Ark’ could take on two more dogs that were left at her house. Although, the organization will be contacted, I really doubt that they will be able to take on two more, with the hundreds and hundreds that they have to keep until the case goes to trial ….

Melissa's reason for having to give up these precious pets is because her mother in New York has stage 4 cancer and she is going to have to leave North Carolina by or before Thanksgiving to help care for her. I don't know and I doubt Melissa knows how long she will have to be in New York, but if we could possibly find someone who would be able to foster these two until she gets back to North Carolina may work.

Trust me I know that most all shelters and humane societies are maxed out, but I just can’t help but think that maybe someone in cyberspace is possibility looking for a great pet and will see these pictures and fall in love with them and decide to adopt them.

So Melissa this one is for you ~ my very first Pet Feature goes to Bear and Bella!

Please Meet Bear and Bella

They are sisters, who are beagle mixed, approximately one year old. Since they are sisters and they have been raised together since birth, it is Melissa’s wishes to try and keep them together.

If you are interested in more information about Bear and Bella or if you have a pet that needs a new home that you would like featured please email me or call me at 704-458-1807. Pet Feature is FREE!

About the author:

Teresa Harris is a Lake Norman Residential Real Estate Broker who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Lake Norman and surrounding counties. Please visit www.TeresaMHarris.com for your relocation and/or your local needs.

Teresa Harris - Holbrooks Real Estate, Inc. - 704-458-1807 - Teresa@TeresaMHarris.com

Copyright © 2008 By Teresa Harris, All Rights Reserved...*Pet Feature ~ Meet Bear and Bella*

Hickory Amateur Photographers-Catawba Valley Camera Club Wants You!

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:18:36 -0600

The Catawba Valley Camera Club in Hickory NC has been around since 1947 and they are always looking for new members that love photography. They have meetings the first and third Wednesdays from 7 - 9pm in the North Annex of the Arts Center in Hickory (SALT Block). Come and learn from some of the best photographers in the Hickory area.

Right now, they are focused on THE IMAGE*INATION COMPETITION !!

The Catawba Valley Camera Club in conjunction with

The Hickory Museum of Art presents

2nd Annual Photo Competition

OPEN COMPETITION

Non Professional
AMATEUR ADULT and YOUTH DIVISIONS

SUBMIT YOUR BEST PHOTOGRAPHS
ENTRY FEE - $10.00 UP TO 2 ENTRIES

CASH PRIZES
Plus one-year membership to the
Hickory Museum of Art and Catawba Valley Camera Club

HURRY !! The last entry date is Saturday, November 15th, 2008

Click on the links below for more information.

Competition Entry Flyer (pdf)

Competition Entry Rules (pdf)

Competition Entry Form (Word)

The Catawba Valley Camera Club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month in the North Annex of the Arts Center in Hickory. Meetings consist of competition among members as well as instructional lectures. Field trips are planned throughout the year to enable members to share and demonstrate techniques as well as spend time enjoying photography together.

We would like to invite anyone with an interest in photography to join us at our meetings and on our field trips. We would like the opportunity to share our knowledge with you as well as the chance to learn from you. Membership is not required to attend meetings or participate in field trip activities. Membership is required to participate in club competitions.

Membership dues are $35.00 per year ($15.00 for students). Anyone interested can attend our regular meetings at the Arts Center or contact the following for additional information:

Ed Lane: 322-6226 (Office) 322-8675 (Home)
John Setzler, Jr.: 234-3557

Viewmont Camera: 327-2959 (Mike)
Club Website: http://www.cvcameraclub.org

SHOW US YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS !!

Catawba Camera Club Member -Dennis Hacker recently tied with himself for third place, with "Dragonfly" in the Beginner Division.

and "Gentle Flower"

Calling All Active Rain Artists, Show Us Your Artwork!! Updated

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:54:05 -0500

Active Rain is full of "hidden" talent and I mean true artistic talent ! Sure, AR has lots of talented people but I have been so impressed with the artists that I have found here.

After seeing Lizette Fitzpatrick's fantastic artwork and reading Blog & Abstract Artist-Marti Garaughty's comments, I wanted to share some of the AR talent that I have found. (Marti commented " we should organize an AR art exhibit, so much talent floating around here.") GREAT IDEA!!

Lizette has a "Faces Collection" but has more art on the way, very colorful !

Marti Garaughty does gorgeous abstract paintings, love the colors in "The Day It Rained"!

WA Home Inspector-Charles Buell has a secret Art habit, check it out !

Elaine Manes ~Fellow Stager painted some great artwork that inspired me to get my brushes out again.

Cheryl Willis-MO Real Estate Broker is a very talented quilter, she even started an AR Quilt Group.

Carolyn Tann-Starr is an accomplished artist, check our her portrait of James Bond.

Richard Weisser-GA Broker is an expert photographer and has been one of my favorites long before I "knew" him here on AR but he also likes to paint-check out his art!

Susie Blackmon-NC Broker is another talented AR shutterbug, she offers a "Photo of the Day"

I KNOW there are many more! PLEASE pass this along and SHARE your art or artistic Active Rain friends here in the comments!! Let's discover all the great art here in the Rain !! Show us your ARTWORK !!

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Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Spectacular Fall Color in the Smoky Mountains!

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:42:23 -0500

I'd like to introduce you to my friend and Smoky Mountain lover, Sandy Sgrillo. Sandy owns Smoky Mountain Llama Treks near Pigeon Forge TN. Her company does hiking treks all over the Smokies with her professionally trained pack-llamas. They are easy to lead(not ride) and make for a fun time with family and friends.

Sandy went hiking this past Sunday and shared with us this great fall color report from the beautiful Smoky Mountains. She gladly agreeed to let me share it with you! Thanks Sandy!

Fall Leaf Report by Sandy Sgrillo - Smoky Mountain Llama Treks Sunday 10/12/08

Hiked up to the Mt Cammerer Lookout Fire Tower today(this restored 1930's fire tower is the last of it's kind in the Smokies)....was DROP DEAD GORGEOUS! If I die tomorrow, it will be OK, because today I was half-way to heaven......

Took Low Gap up to the Appalachian Trail(a constant 5 miles UPHILL...just about killed me)....colors at the top were unbelievable! They're peaking up there now......

At the Tower, it was extremely windy and chilly, upper 50's, but just beautiful. We had lunch inside and spent time walking the catwalk...

Hey locals....if you can, get up there in the next few weeks or you'll miss out!! And for you out of staters...get your butts up here!!!! Im so lucky to live here.

Enjoy the pics! Smoky Mountain Photos by Sandy Sgrillo

Folks, hurry make your plans to get to the Smokies soon before all the beautiful fall color is gone - but of course - after that everything is a lot quieter, less traffic, etc!

Try our spectacular cabin rentals near Pigeon Forge, they are even pet friendly with approval. Plan to take a Llama Trek with Sandy while you are there !! You will not regret it.

Please Subscribe Via Email For Future Blog Updates !!

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lenoir, Lake James, Boone, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Welcome the "Hickory HOP" to Hickory NC !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 18:01:25 -0500

We have a new service in Hickory and I have been meaning to share it with you for a while. Thanks to a friend of ours named Sarah, I was reminded today by her email. She recently used the new "Hickory Hop" and was thrilled with their service..

You see, the "Hickory Hop" is a new shuttle service here in Hickory NC providing a ride to the Charlotte Douglas Airport 6 times a day, 7 days a week. What could be better than a stress free ride to the Charlotte Airport.. No parking, no hassles, no GAS!

"Hickory Hop" will even deliver you to a hotel or your home in Hickory for a small additional fee. Their vans are the cutest with the bunny tail on the back!

Gee, I wonder if they might haul furniture for me to my next home staging job/?? Now that's a thought....

Here's my friend's glowing review of the "Hop".

My sister and I recently used The Hickory "HOP" when we went to Montana and found our experience to be such a good one we want to share it with our friends and family for your consideration the next time you fly out of Charlotte.

The Hickory "HOP" is a shuttle service from the Hickory Airport to Charlotte. "Why drive when you can HOP?" "Save money" "Save the driving aggravation. Eliminates the need to find parking at Charlotte Douglas Airport." "Van Pool and Go Green with the Hop!"

Family Discounts Accompanied children 12 and under ride free! Accompanied children under 18 1/2 price! They have 6 scheduled times daily! 7 days a week

Departs Hickory Airport
6:00am
9:00am
12:00 noon
3:00pm
6:00pm
9:00pm

Departs Charlotte Airport
Arriving Passenger Shuttle Pickup Area
7:30 am
10:30 am
1:30pm
4:30pm
7:30pm
10:30 pm

Call for other times!

Rates:
$30 one way, $50 round trip
Additional Family Members ride 1/2 price
Parent accompanied children 12 and under ride free

Additional $10 Hickory Area Hotel drop off and pick up fee
Additional $20 Hickory Area Home drop off and pick up fee

For Reservations Call: 828/327-2340 (reservations@hickoryhop.com) Dispatch at 828/312-0488 www.hickoryhop.com Have a great day!!!Sarah

Subscribe For Future Blog Updates Via Email !!

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Stagers, Go Green With Milk, Milk Paint That Is !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:44:00 -0500

As Professional Home Stagers, we do try to be as environmentally friendly or "green" as possible. In fact, Stagers always try to work with furnishings and accessories that the client already owns thus reducing waste.

Today, I discovered another "green" product called Milk Paint. This is a product that we can use and recommend to our staging clients when they need rooms painted. According to the website, Milk Paint is an organic paint, non-toxic and zero VOCs. It even claims to be self-priming, providing a flat, consistent finish. It comes in dry form and does need to be mixed with water.

There's a great testimonial page with comments about the product from people that have allergies, pregnant, etc. They all were extremely pleased.

If anyone has tried this product, I would love to hear from you. Check out all the information at the Milk Paint website.

Please Subscribe Via Email For Future Blog Updates !!

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Following The Yellow Brick Road To The Land of Oz On Beech Mountain NC

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:45:45 -0500

Did any of you ever dream of going to Oz or the Emerald City when you were a kid? Watching The Wizard Of Oz movie was a much anticipated event when I was a kid. You know, we didn't have Pay Per View, or DVDs, Tivo or even VCRs back then. We waited for the yearly TV viewing of Judy Garland off to see The Wizard......NO, I am really NOT that OLD! ;-)

I had the privilege last weekend of experiencing a little "taste" of this very special place - at least a replica of it. Beech Mountain, NC hosts "Autumn At Oz" each year the first weekend of October.

The Land of Oz was a small theme park from 1970-1980 and many children and families visited the Oz characters. It closed and over the years was vandalized and went down hill. Thankfully, a group of people started working to recover any of the items that were taken from the park. They have even asked for donations of yellow bricks that were removed.

In 1993, after much refurbishing, The Land of Oz is open for this one weekend in October. Of course, it will never be what it once was but it's still magical.

For many years, some of the original characters have come, even some of the original munchkins! They have all the characters dressed up and encourage all the visitors to dress in Ozzy wear.... and that they do! Check out these visitors! Oz fans take this very seriously!!

LOTS of little Dorothys, Lions, Glindas and witches visiting the Oz on top of Beech Mountain.

It was a beautiful day in the 70s, perfect weather to walk the yellow brick road and meet Dorothy, Toto, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow, Auntie Em, the Wizard, the Wicked Witch, Glinda-The Good Witch and lots more. Great photo ops!

Our group with the Tin Man !

Each year, since we bought property at Beech Mountain NC four years ago, we had hoped to get to Autumn at Oz....FINALLY, we made it this year and enjoyed it thorougly!!

We're OFF to

see the Wizard......

Subscribe For Future Blog Updates Via Email !!

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Corrie Ten Boom and The Widow of Zarephath...Faith and Real Estate???

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:09:45 -0500

Today, I found a blog post written by my dear friend - Elizabeth Nieves. Amazingly, it was written one year ago but I could not believe how desparately we NEED it today! I posted a comment that I would love to reblog this and she gladly updated the post to allow it. Bless you, Elizabeth! Times are tough, finances are uncertain, nothing seems to make sense YET GOD is still in control. HE knows what we are facing so our FAITH must stand in HIM.... not the banks, the stock market or anything else! Matthew 6:33 - Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.

Via Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team:

Some years ago, I came across an old, battered copy of Corrie Ten Boom's book, The Hiding Place. Within moments of opening the book, I was lost in its yellowed pages and Corrie's memories of being imprisoned in brutal concentration camps in The Netherlands and Germany.

In The Hiding Place, Corrie tells of a time when she and her sister Betsie were in particularly horrific conditions, and Betsie was very ill. Corrie had a little bottle of medicine that Betsie desperately needed. Carefully concealing her possession of the contraband medicine, Corrie would ration the medicine to Betsie a little each day. The bottle was dark, but Corrie could feel that the bottle was almost empty.

Corrie tells that there were many other sick women around them...hundreds, in fact, who were just as sick as Betsie. At first, Corrie wanted to keep the medicine just for Betsie...out of fear that it would run out and Betsie would die. Then, Betsie told Corrie that they needed to share...that God would perform a miracle...just as He had done for Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in the Old Testament. God used Betsie to show Corrie that she needed to trust God, and she made a choice to share the medicine with all of those who needed it.

Everyday, for weeks, Corrie would go from one person to the next giving out the precious drops of medicine. Each time she would turn the bottle up, another drop would appear. Each day, she was sure that the medicine would run out. Yet, there would always be another drop. One day, a female guard, who was sympathetic to the women, smuggled in some vitamins. On that very same day, Corrie turned the bottle, and it was dry.

In 1 Kings 17, we find the story that inspired Betsie and Corrie to trust God. Israel was suffering from a drought. During the drought, God sent the prophet Elijah to the brook Cherith. Elijah drank from the brook and the ravens fed him there twice each day. After a period of time, the brook dried up, and God told Elijah it was time to move on. Then the word of the Lord came to him: "Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food." So...Elijah got up and left.

When he arrived at the gates of Zarephath, he saw a widow there gathering sticks. Somehow, he knew she was the widow of which God had spoke. He asked her, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" The widow explained her situation to Elijah: that she lived in extreme poverty, that she had only enough flour and oil for one last meal, that she and her son were going to eat that last meal and then die. Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.'" She went away and did as Elijah had told her. And, just as God had promised, the flour and oil did not run out until the drought was over.

For many of us who are a part of the real estate industry, we are experiencing a period of drought. It has not rained in many months, and the brook has dried up. Many real estate professionals are leaving the industry out of fear and necessity. For those of us who have decided to 'stick it out', I want to offer this thought...

Just as Corrie shared her precious drops of medicine, and the widow shared her last handful of flour and last drops of oil...we should be looking around us and sharing with those who are less fortunate than we. When I was a child, my mother would tell me over and over...'No matter how little we have, there is always someone who has less. So, that means that we must always share what we have, because we could be so much worse off.' Her words have stuck with me my whole life. I credit her for teaching me that I have a responsibility to the world around me. Her faith in action taught me to also have faith. In fact, I'm absolutely certain...that IF the Bible were being written today...my mother would be listed as a woman of great faith.

Faith inspires faith. These women...Corrie Ten Boom, The Widow of Zarephath and my precious mother...these simple, quiet women...have inspired and challenged me in ways they never could have imagined. They inspired me to share what I have, whether I have much or little. They inspired me to believe, even when I cannot see. They inspired me to trust that I will gain more by giving than by hoarding. They inspired me to live for others...not only for myself. They inspired me to want to inspire you.

The drought will end someday. Until then...have faith!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®

The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale

A SCREAMIN' Birthday In Boone NC-See The Video !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:30:46 -0500

Last week, I blogged about sharing my upcoming birthday with our special friend - Brandon. I told you that we had a surprise in store for his 15th birthday. Brandon pestered us continually about WHAT we had planned. Finally, he shouted - I KNOW WHAT IT IS! We are going white water rafting. So, we played along.

On Friday, we left Beech Mountain and drove down to Boone NC as a light rain fell. As we headed to the parking area on Hwy 421 to be picked up by our guides, Brandon still thought he was going rafting. When the Pinzgauer 6-wheel drive Swiss Army transport pulled up with "SCREAM TIME ZIPLINE" emblazoned on the side, I thought that he finally "got" it but later he told me when he did really get it.

As the rain continued to fall, we loaded into the vehicle with another family and headed to the Zipline location.

When we arrived at the Scream Time Zipline barn, we stepped out to see beautiful mountain scenery with cows lazily grazing in the rain. You could barely see the cable lines criss-crossing the mountain above us. WHAT A Gorgeous location - I LOVE the mountains!

Our guides helped us get suited up with harnesses, helmuts, etc. THEN, we piled back into the Army transport and pulled up a very step hill/mountain to the first of 6 ziplines! Wow, this is when Brandon finally realized the SURPRISE, he was thrilled !!

<< Brandon and Roger by the ZipMobile!

I was getting excited also, at first I thought that I would just do photos but after chatting by phone with Monie McCoury, owner of the Zipline, I changed my mind. He told me that a 90 year old lady zipped, loved it and brought back friends... GEE, if she can do it, SO CAN I !!

So, Brandon and I started our birthday adventure with my hubby, Roger to cheer us on! At the top of the mountain, we gathered at the first line with the other family. Something was said about the lady in the other group celebrating her 50th birthday and we could not believe that there were 3 of us there celebrating a birthday on September 26th!! We truly enjoyed our day with the Bridge family from the Raleigh/Durham area. Cathy Bridge had a zippin' birthday also, and we sure enjoyed sharing it with you guys!!

The Bridge Family at the Zipline >>>>>>

Brandon, Me and Roger - a little soggy in the rain but I still LOVED IT. We zipped back and forth with the 5th line going through the trees, very cool. I felt like Jane in the jungle!! I am looking forward to going back when it's not raining! Wow, one of the best birthdays I can remember!!

Since it was so rainy, I did not get as many photos or video as I would have liked. My camera is not waterproof. I hope to put up a video of Brandon zipping as soon as I load it to YouTube-I couldn't seem to load it directly from my PC. (anyone know?I might need help)

Thank you Lord and thank all of you guys for sharing our birthday.

Video of Brandon's first Zip on his 15th Birthday at Scream Time Zipline in Boone NC

Check out Scream Time Zipline just outside of Boone NC in Vilas - YOU will NOT regret it !

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Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

The "FRIENDSHIP BALL" Arrived Via Elizabeth Nieves-Now Guess Who Gets It?

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:47:57 -0500

The Active Rain Friendship Ball Rolls On !

Elizabeth Nieves, one of my special AR friends kindly passed the friendship ball to me on Sept 27 and guess what I found in my Google Alerts on Sept 27 ! Pretty cool !

Google Blogs Alert for: cheryl gilliam

Now the FRIENDSHIP BALL is in YOUR court -- Cheryl Gilliam and ...
By Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh -...(Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh -...)
Although I was familiar with Cheryl Gilliam before my personal leave, I truly connected with her on September 10th. After reading one of my posts, Cheryl called and left me a beautiful and encouraging voicemail. ...
Raleigh - Durham NC Real Estate... - http://activerain.com/blogs/enieves

Elizabeth is an amazing person, beautiful inside and out. I am so blessed to know her. I truly feel as if she is an angel among us, she constantly inspires us, please check out her wonderful blog. She also chose Chastity Guevara and inspired her to share a beautiful poem that she wrote.

Now, my job is to pass along the ball to two other people.... Ok, this is really tough! Drum Rolllllll pleassseee ! I have chosen my AR friend - Cheryl Willis - Real Estate Professional-Mt Vernon MO, Elaine Manes-Lakewood Colorado-Home Stager and Teresa Harris-Real Estate Broker,Denver/Lake Norman NC (I cheated and chose three).

Cheryl Willis is a Real Estate Broker in Missouri. She not only started a fantastic AR group called - AR My Name Is Cheryl, she also recently won the AR Unique Marketing Contest. Cheryl is truly one of a kind! I was the first to join her group and we have spoken on the phone several times. She is such a caring person. hardworking and she can make a mean quilt also! She keeps promising to visit NC hopefully soon!

Elaine Manes is a fellow home stager here on AR and she lives/works in beautiful Colorado. I truly admire her work and sense of humor. She is very talented in staging and art. She also loves dogs which you know is near to my heart! Elaine even inspired me to get out my paint brushes again(still need more practice).

Teresa Harris is a real estate broker just down the road from me. She lives and works in the lovely Denver/Lake Norman area of North Carolina just outside of Charlotte. Teresa works hard for her clients and has a soft spot for animals. We have chatted via AR for a good while now and plan to have lunch as soon as gas is not so scarce!

So, ladies here's the Friendship Ball for you to pass along !!

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

ONE NATION…UNDER GOD…INDIVISIBLE – (An URGENT Call to EVERY American: PLEASE pray for YOUR country!)

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:09:54 -0500

I was so moved by this post by my AR friend and sister in the Lord, Elizabeth Nieves. I felt the need to share with as many people as possible so that we may unite in prayer for our nation!

If any two shall agree as touching anything on earth it shall
be done of our Father who is in heaven. Matthew 18:19

Via Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team:

As I awoke this morning...I immediately became aware of the heaviness in my heart...my mind racing with thoughts and questions. My country...YOUR country...is in a state of emergency. Every newspaper, radio station, TV station and internet media source is reporting the same thing...the U.S.A. economy is on the brink of a recession...if not worse.

The demise of Washington Mutual, Inc...one of the largest banks in our nation...is a wake-up call that we, the American public, cannot afford to ignore. It was not the first giant to fall under the unbearable weight of its enormous debt, and it will certainly not be the last. Even as we dodge the falling debris of the walls crashing around us, we remain hopeful that our government will ‘fix' the problem...just as it has always done.

What else can we (THE PEOPLE) do?

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

On April 6, 1789...George Washington was elected as the first president of the United States of America. In just a few months...we will elect our 44th president. Whether you are Republican, Democrat or Independent...you are an AMERICAN. Will you take a moment to pray for the healing of AMERICA...one nation under God? Will you pray for ALL of OUR leaders to seek the wisdom of God for OUR COUNTRY?

These are the words that some of our past presidents prayed for our country.

Let us pray these words one more time...together.

Thomas Jefferson
A Prayer for the Nation

Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion us into one united people, the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those whom in Thy name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that through obedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth. In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--Washington D.C., March 4, 1801

Abraham Lincoln
A Prayer for Peace

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continues... until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid another drawn with the sword... so still it must be said that the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and for his orphans, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

--Second Inaugural address, March 4, 1865

Franklin D. Roosevelt
A Prayer in Dark Times

Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity...

Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph...

Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom. And for us at home--fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them--help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice... Give us strength, too--strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace--a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

--D-Day, June 6, 1944

UNITED WE STAND. DIVIDED WE FALL.

UNITED IN PRAYER...WE OVERCOME.

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR®

The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

Search Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and ALL Triangle Homes for Sale

Sharing A Birthday With Very Special People!

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:02:45 -0500

Ok, I am not all that excited about another birthday tommorrow but I am very grateful that the Lord saw fit to grant me another year. My heavenly Father has given me more than I can ever thank Him for. A wonderful loving husband, precious mom, great family, Christian brothers and sisters, fantastic Christian ladies to work with, a Spirit filled church with a Godly pastor, our sweet dogs, my AR friends, health and every single blessing is from HIM!

Most of all, I am so thankful that Jesus gave me eternal life through His shed blood when He saved me 23 years ago(so you know I am over 23;-). Praise the wonderful name of Jesus Christ !

Even though I could write about any one of my many blessings, I want to share with you today - A VERY SPECIAL friend ! His name is Brandon and he turns 15 tommorrow. We will be sharing a very special weekend to celebrate our birthdays together. My mom will be bringing her famous delicious homemade "from scratch" German Chocolate cake - my fave !!

You see, my husband - Roger and I claim Brandon as "our son" but not by birth! Actually, he is the closest thing we have to a child other than our furry/doggie kids.(We also claim his 3 brothers!)

My close friend Melanie is Brandon's mom and she asked me early in her pregnancy if I would like to be with her and her husband, Dwayne in the delivery room. Now, she knew that I had never experienced that before so you know that she was really brave - not knowing how I might react.

Of course, I was thrilled that she invited me and we looked forward to the birth. However, we did NOT know that the Lord would allow her to give birth to this very special child on my birthday! Melanie called me early on Sunday morning - September 26, 1993 to tell me she was on the way to the hospital. I was so excited! Wow, I was actually there in the delivery room to see Brandon Lee Cornett come into the world and I didn't even pass out! That has been one of the most precious gifts that I have ever received. Thanks to Melanie, Dwayne and our Lord, we have an extended family(all 4 of their boys) and my mom has adopted "grandkids" along with her grand-dogs !

Now, thankfully - it didn't end there! Over the last 15 years, we have been together at some point for almost every birthday. This great kid, along with his older brothers are so very special to us. They all have sweet personalities, great humor and genuine qualities of love and compassion for others. I COULD NOT have ordered better kiddos - no, they're not perfect but close enough!

For the last several years, Brandon's parents have allowed us to take him out of town for this special day. You would think as Brandon got older - you know about teenagers that he wouldn't be interested in being with us but he starts asking months in advance "Hey, what are WE doing for our birthday" ! What a joyful blessing!! Thank you guys !

Watch for my next blog about the surprise birthday gift - Brandon is just beside himself trying to figure it out!!

Brandon - Sept 2007 at The Outdoor Pavilion-Lodges At Eagles Nest, Banner Elk NC

He's just too cute ;-)

James 1:17 Every good gift and every PERFECT gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

"Art On The Bench" Local Artists Bring Color to Hickory NC-Part 2

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:33:23 -0500

The City Of Hickory's Public Art Commission brought color to Hickory in a unique way this year. Local artists were chosen to paint 21 metal benches to be placed around town. See my first installment of "Art On The Bench" Local Artists Bring Color To Hickory NC - Part 1 for photos of the first 4 benches on Union Square in downtown Hickory.

Thanks to my sweet hubby, I was able to find and photograph 6 more "art benches" on Saturday around Hickory. He drove while I jumped out to do photos - except for the 2 photos he took for me on busy Hwy 127. I still have 11 more benches to find and share. This has been like a scavenger hunt, great fun!

Two of the art benches are located in the "SALT Block" of Hickory.

Ocean Fantasy by Heidi Rice is a tribute to children's creativity - located in front of the Millholland Planetarium.

<<Beth Palermo created this bench featuring The Hickory Choral Society with colorful swirling musical notes.

"Da Benchi" by Becky Wisniewski - Morganton Day School created this contemporary composition of the "Mona Lisa" - located in front of the Hickory Women's Resource Center.

The next 3 benches are located on busy Hwy 127 in Hickory through the Viewmont community.

A tribute to the "American Military Aviators" by Michael Kincaid in front of Viewmont Baptist Church.

"Bench Marx" by the students of Morganton Day School. This is a tribute to the Marx brothers in black and white and the scroll on

the back lists the Marx brothers movies.

This beautiful landscape with a lake is by Charles Garrett, Jr.

All the metal benches were provided by Bakers Waste Equipment in Morganton NC.

Stay tuned for the last 11 benches - coming soon !!

For more information about the "Art on the Bench" program please call Public Art Commission Staff Liaison Donna Cullum at (828) 261-2215 or email her at dcullum@ci.hickory.nc.us .

"Art On The Bench Program" Hickory NC photos by C. Gilliam

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Please Welcome A Newbie From Hickory NC !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 18:02:47 -0500

Help me welcome a NEW member to our little group. Tim Frey is not only new to this group but he is a newbie to Active Rain as well.. I told him that you guys would make him feel right at home here in the Rain ! He's still learning his way around.

Tim is an expert in wood flooring, if you have any questions - let him know. He does flooring in new construction and existing homes. Frey Flooring is located here in Hickory NC He learned his trade from his father - so you KNOW that he does a great job - you can't beat an education like that. I can't wait to check out his beautiful wood floors.

Ok folks, throw out the welcome mat to Tim Frey !

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Cheap Art For Staging - Thanks to Elaine Manes !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:17:39 -0500

I have to thank Elaine Manes -Colorado Stager for inspiring me to do some artwork again.

Elaine recently wrote a blog - titled You've GOT to be kidding !!! I Want Some Of That ! She was floored by the high cost of artwork and decided she would paint some of her own art for home staging. WOW, she did a beautiful triptych of aspen trees.

I agree with Elaine that these canvas paintings are perfect for staging projects. Portable, light weight, inexpensive and fun to do !

As most of you know, I love anthing creative and it's been a while since I have painted anything artsy SO I was very happy to be inspired by Elaine.

Finally, I had the chance this past weekend to try a canvas for this bedroom. My inspiration was the rug and believe me I KNOW this is NOT even close to Elaine's gorgeous work but I will keep trying.. I have a triptych in mind next !!

The rug in the photo does not "read" as blue as it appears in person..

A close up of my "Blue Leaves" art. Thanks Elaine and be kind, please ;-) !!

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Check Out "OUR" Special Active Rain Group!! It's Growing !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:22:13 -0500

I am so proud to be a part of this fantastic Active Rain family but I am also thrilled to be part of group started for "Cheryls" and those who know them!! Cheryl Willis MO BROKER GRI MT VERNON started this little group on June, 1st 2008 and named it what else, AR My Name Is Cheryl .. In less than 3 months, we have grown to 28 members - oops, NOW it's 29 wonderul members with 314 posts.. **UPDATE

Now, you have to love Cheryl Willis, she has a great sense of humor - you need to check out her testimonials !! The Cheryls have even welcomed a couple "Guy-Cheryls". These guys are brave, first you have the Ohio Home Inspector - Kevin Corsa another Home Inspector from Seattle WA-Charles Buell and Katy TX - Real Estate Consultant - Gene Kruger III.

The group has 1 Celeste, 1 Debbie, 1 Lisa, 1 Karen, 1 Teresa, 1 Margaret, 1 Valerie, 1 C Tann-Starr, 1 Kara, 1 Sharon. As of today - we have 15 Cheryls and only one spells her name with an "S" but we don't hold that against her !!

** UPDATE - One of my favorite Real Estate Agents - Pamela Patterson from Greenville SC JUST joined us !! (She happens to be my cousin - also) So now we have 1 Pamela !!

NOW, why don't you come on over and join our AR My Name Is Cheryl group- you will have lots of fun and learn a few things whether you are a Cheryl or not!!

Member	Location	Type	Joined Group	Role
Cheryl Ashurst	Montgomery, AL	Real Estate Agent	08/24/08	Member - Can Post
Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector	Seattle, WA	Inspector	08/20/08	Member - Can Post
Austin Real Estate, Kyle Real Estate Celeste Messer	Austin, TX	Real Estate Agent	08/14/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl "Coop" Cooper	Dardenne, MO	Real Estate Agent	08/13/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl S. Miller~Maryland Real Estate, COS, Serving The National Harbor Area	Fort Washington, MD	Real Estate Agent	07/24/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Cox	Charlotte, NC	Home Stager	06/27/08	Member - Can Post
Debbie DiFonzo - Southwest Missouri Real Estate	Lebanon, MO	Real Estate Brokerage	06/20/08	Member - Can Post
Lisa Edwards	Pahala, HI	Real Estate Agent	06/20/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Frei - Realtor® & e-Pro Certified Realtor®	Absarokee, MT	Real Estate Agent	06/06/08	Member - Can Post
Karen Faucette	Valdosta, GA	Real Estate Sales Person	08/25/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Hampton	San Diego, CA	Real Estate Brokerage	08/15/08	Member - Can Post
Teresa Harris	Denver, NC	Real Estate Agent	08/14/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Johnson	Highland Park, CA	Real Estate Brokerage	06/07/08	Member - Can Post
Gene Krueger III	Katy, TX	Mortgage Company	07/22/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Latshaw	Dexter, MI	Real Estate Sales Person	06/26/08	Member - Can Post
Margaret Mitchell	York, ME	Real Estate Agent	08/07/08	Member - Can Post
Valerie Osterhoudt	Cromwell, CT	Real Estate Agent	06/16/08	Member - Can Post
Pamela Patterson	Greenville, SC	Real Estate Agent	08/28/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Marantino, review, refresh, results!	Colorado Springs, CO	Home Stager	06/16/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Lee Anderson Riverside Notary Loan Signing Services	Riverside, CA	Notary	06/29/08	Member - Can Post
KEVIN CORSA H.I.S. Home Inspections Stark & Summit County, OH Home Inspector	Canton, OH	Inspector	07/15/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Supplee	Schwenksville, PA	Real Estate Agent	08/18/08	Member - Can Post
C Tann-Starr	Flushing, NY	Real Estate Agent	07/08/08	Member - Can Post
Kara Turner	Springfield, MO	Real Estate Media	07/10/08	Member - Can Post
Sharon Wager "Your Blue Jean Agent"	Camillus, NY	Real Estate Agent	08/18/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Winn	Rock Hill, SC	Real Estate Agent	08/24/08	Member - Can Post
Sheryl Woods	Louisville, KY	Financial Planner	08/26/08	Member - Can Post
Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC	Hickory, NC	Home Stager	06/05/08	Moderator
Cheryl Willis MO BROKER GRI MT VERNON	Mount Vernon, MO	Real Estate Agent	06/01/08	Founder

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

An Answer To Prayer! NC Mother Found Alive After 5 Days Missing

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:08:57 -0500

Our local news reported Amber Pennel from Lenoir NC had been missing for 5 days when a miracle occured on Tuesday night. This 21 year old mother of two was found alive just as it started to rain. After searching everyday, her truck was barely noticeable down a 70 ft ravine where she had been trapped..

Caldwell County NC, EMS Director - Tommy Courtner only saw a slight crushing in the heavy kudzu but called out and Amber raised her hand, then her head.. I cannot imagine how amazing that moment felt.. Elation and thankfulness that she was found alive.. She had broken legs and dehydration.. Thank the Lord, it seems that she is recovering at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

This miracle in NC was reported this morning on Good Morning America and there are videos on MSN about the rescue. Thank you Lord for your protection !!

"Art On The Bench" - Local Artists Bring Color To Hickory NC - Part 1

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:22:56 -0500

Early in 2008, the City of Hickory's Public Art Commission began the search for local artists to participate in a new program called "Art On The Bench". Artists submitted designs for the benches and the PAC made 21 colorful choices. The benches are now complete and placed at various locations around Hickory.

Here are the first 4 benches located in beautiful downtown Hickory on Union Square. I will be sharing the other benches in Part 2 and Part 3 since I am still trying to locate them all..

Vickie Jo Franks created this folk

art sun and floral design. It's hard to

see in my photo but it reads "Please Do Not Litter" on the bottom of the bench.

Matthew Ninemire painted this bench with musical symbols and overlapping concentric circles.

This is probably one of my favorite benches since I love dogs..

The artist is Tom Perkins and he reminds us to Adopt from The Catawba County Animal Shelter.

This bench was designed and painted by Jeff Morgan. It portrays a downtown sidewalk with cracks and a fire hydrant.

Hickory Public Art Commission Chairman David Zagaroli said "it was such a success that we are planning to have a Phase 2 of "Art on the Bench. That's great to know, maybe I will enter the next one and STAGE my bench..

Enjoy and come back for the rest of the benches...

See Part 2 of Art on the Bench" Hickory NC

"Art On The Bench Program" Hickory NC photos by C. Gilliam

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Active Rain Groups - How Do You Choose and Why?

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:42:24 -0500

After writing this blog to answer a question about Active Rain points I realized that there's just as much confusion about Active Rain Groups. When I first joined AR - I had no idea how to join groups or why. I hope this might help many Active Rain newcomers but particularly for - Celeste Messer -Kyle TX Realtor (Drop By, Give Celeste an AR Welcome)

After joining AR and filling out your profile, do a search for your area or profession and see what comes up.. Then, click on an interesting post, read it and scroll to the bottom and see which groups it was posted to.. You can click on a few groups to see if you would like to join-some are private or by invitation only. You can do it the laborious way, by going to the Active Rain Home, click the down arrow on Groups and scroll through hundreds of groups.

There are tons of groups to enjoy, personal and professional. Your blog post subject does matter, ever group has guidelines and it's a good idea to read the guidelines for that group on the left side. Each group title will usually explain the group objective...

Write a great blog article, then think about which groups you should post that information to. When your post is ready to publish, start clicking on your 5 groups, you'll get the hang of it.. There are times when you may not be able to post to 5 groups, depending on the subject..

***TIP- JUST In Case You Don't know this - AS SOON as you title your blog and start the post, go down to the Visibility Drop Down Box and Click - DRAFT and then click on Post Blog Entry !! Then go back and Edit, do this throughout your post to "save". When ready, go back, drop down, click Public or Members Only. This might save you from re-typing a post - ASK ME How I know??? It was a long time before I picked up this valuable tip !!


Visibility:

Since Celeste Messer is a Kyle TX Realtor, I typed Texas Real Estate Groups into the Search and here's the link for the results. Below are a couple other TX choices or search for your state.

Post is included in group: Texas Real Estate
Post is included in group: Posts to Localism
Post is included in group: Texas Bloggers

NOW, I just discovered that Kyle TX is not far from Austin TX - SO, Celeste - if you have not read the blog written by Austin Real Estate Broker Mr Jason Crouch - Active Rain Blogger - Extraordinaire - then JUMP right over there!! You are in for a TREAT !! Now TX girl, get going on your Texas Blog !! These are the groups where Jason posted about the Big Bash for his birthday AND AR Get Together ! You should go!

Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Lone Star Real Estate Professionals
Post is included in group: Texas Real Estate
Post is included in group: All Thing's Texas
Post is included in group: Family Ties

Groups are smaller communities within the larger ActiveRain. Join groups created by others, or start your own and get others to join.

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Here are JUST SOME OF the Groups I'm In: There are some groups that I only occasionally read and post to but that's OK, when I have an extra minute - I try to check out different groups.

North Carolina Real Estate	(Leave Group)
Active Rain Newbies	(Leave Group)
Photography	(Leave Group)
Stage It Forward...	(Leave Group)
The Art Of Marketing You	(Leave Group)
It's Raining DOGS! Dog Lovers Group	(Leave Group)
Technology	(Leave Group)
Car Buffs	(Leave Group)
Great Shots!	(Leave Group)
Flipping Houses for Dummies!	(Leave Group)
Home Staging	(Leave Group)
Second Homes	(Leave Group)
The Hubba Clubba...ROAR!	(Leave Group)
Christianity and Real Estate	(Leave Group)
Staging Secrets	(Leave Group)
Fraiche Aire	(Leave Group)
Staging Successes	(Leave Group)
Localism Brainstorming	(Leave Group)
PETS ARE PEOPLE TOO	(Leave Group)
Redesign Renegades	(Leave Group)
RealEstateShows.com Users	(Leave Group)

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

From One Active Rain Newbie To Another, What's The Deal With Points-This is NOT the Olympics!

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:12:41 -0500

After being on Active Rain for about 4 months, I am still a newbie.. I wrote my first blog post about Home Staging here on 5/20/08 . Learning about Active Rain can be a curvy road - it's NOT the Olympics. I have recently read other newbies asking about points and posting to groups, etc.. It took a while for me to understand points and why we should even strive for them. I am still learning how to manuever the curvy road, so thought I would post a few links about the "Points" Mystery below...

You will see a few bloggers here who say - no need to worry about points and I agree - somewhat.. The primary goal of blogging on Active Rain should not be about the points. It SHOULD be about educating our readers about our industry - whether that be Real Estate, Home Staging, Home Inspections, Mortgages, Insurance or anything related to Real Estate. We also, can ask and receive lots of help from other AR members!

Best of ALL, the GOOGLE Juice is phenomenal!! I create Google Alerts for my name, my business name and numerous key words and a huge number of my alerts come from Active Rain blog articles - that is AWESOME !!! A few days ago, a Google Alert for my name appeared because my Denver NC Realtor friend-Teresa Harris listed me as a fave blogger - too cool !!

Our Active Rain blogs should bring attention to our town, community or our profession and tell folks - WHY they might need our services or love our town and what it has to offer !! AR even allows us to have specific groups we can join to blog about personal things other than our profession. We can read about other AR member's Christian faith, their love of dogs, cars, trains, their vacation or personal struggles.. My favorite little Group is the one that my AR buddy Cheryl Willis-Mt Vernon,MO broker started for Cheryls and their friends - we have a blast there and we can post any of our blogs there. It's becoming a great cross section of AR members that otherwise may have never connected(we even have a couple Guy-Cheryls) so come and join us..

We are a living, breathing community on Active Rain - we become friends and business partners from afar.. Blogging in this way will bring us many wonderful rewards and in the process - you will earn some points.. NOW, the purpose of those points are many - just for starters check out these great links:

This is just a very small summary of blog posts about AR points, do a search if you want more info!! Now go WRITE some great content, make tons of comments on other blogs, invite some folks to AR and earn some points !! God bless,

Flickr Photo - Curvy road sign by Gaetan Lee (Creative Commons)

Flickr Photo -Pennsylvania Dutch Country by Nicholas_T (Creative Commons)

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Sharing In The "Rain" !! It's Just Normal Around Here !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:40:45 -0500

Each week, I find more and more interesting people and information here in the Rain -thanks to the many here that share.. Earlier this week, Teresa Harris - Denver NC Realtor wrote a great blog called Variety is the Spice of Life...Including Active Rain. Teresa shared with us a few of her favorite bloggers here in the Rain and gave a little summary of what she enjoys about their blogs.. If you have not read it yet, please check it out. I was thrilled to be on that list- thanks, Teresa.. I have read many of the bloggers on her list but plan to check out the others now..

Teresa Harris and I share a few things even though we have not met face to face yet !! She is a NC girl even though she came by way of Ohio as a child... She loves selling real estate on Lake Norman, Denver NC and around Charlotte NC and I love doing Real Estate Home Staging around Hickory and Morganton NC. We also share a love of dogs, she has two Westies and I have a "bunch" of dogs. That's Snow smiling at us in the photo..

I think that she also likes Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains, so do we. So much so, we have cabin rentals there with gorgeous Smoky Mountain views and they are pet friendly too !!!

As Teresa mentioned in her blog, Active Rain has over 100,000 members and there is just no way that we can get around to all the blogs that we would like to read.. It's always helpful when someone else shares their favorites so it's a little easier for us to discover new blogs to read.. I just need a few more hours in the day....

I will be sharing one of my other favorite bloggers here in the next post - stay tuned !!

Need a Home Stager or Interior ReDesigner in NC ?

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell & Live

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Welcome to Gatlinburg Tennessee and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 12:45:29 -0500

Via Richard Weisser, Associate Broker, E-Pro ERA United Realty, Auctioneer, CE Author:

When you ask the question: "What does this town have to offer?" few can offer the response of what makes Gatlinburg one of a kind: Gatlinburg Tennessee offers The Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

That would be enough, as the Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited National Park in the United States. Somewhere between eleven and thirteen million visitors every year come to enjoy the unsurpassed natural beauty and the magnificent splendor of creation at its finest!

But Gatlinburg has so much more to offer! It has plenty of lodging available for park visitors. Everything from simple motel rooms to deluxe chalets! It also offers every kind of eatery imaginable. Everything from simple fast food to elegant dining. is available!

There are also hundreds of merchants, plenty of shopping, novelty and boutique stores as well!

Other popular stops are Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and the ski slopes of Obergatinburg. There is also an extensive arts and crafts community where you can buy one of a kind items created by local artisans.

Gatlinburg has something for everyone. Why not plan a visit to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park today?

Photo courtesy of Richard Weisser and SmokyPhotos.com

Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor
Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc.
Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties
770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX)
Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette
All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.

All Aboard !! Tweetsie Railroad - Blowing Rock NC - Fun For Everyone

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:43:14 -0500

Tweetsie Railroad has been around since I was a kid and that's been a really LONG time!! It's so well known in the South, just the mention of "Tweetsie" will bring a grin to most folk's face. The Tweetsie Train is a steam locomotive with a distintive loud, shrill whistle - then the conducter yells - ALL ABOARD !! It's not your run of the mill theme park, it's smaller, more personal and less crowded.

This family park brings back the old fashioned fun of the Wild West with the US Marshals fighting off the train robbers. You can ride Tweetsie over and over to see the cowboys and Indians.. There's also entertainment, live music, a deer and goat park, face painting, ferris wheel, chair lifts and lots of other rides, etc..

Tweetsie Railroad is located on Hwy 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock NC, just a short ride from Hickory (about 42 miles). On the drive from Hickory up the mountain, you will enjoy gorgeous mountain vistas including the profiles of Table Rock and Grandfather Mountain. Why not drive through downtown Blowing Rock to check out all the unique shops. Our personal favorite is Kilwin's Ice Cream and Candy Store - try the old fashioned Vanilla milkshake - it comes with whipped cream on top - YUM !!

We recently enjoyed the day at Tweetsie for a family reunion. It was a beautiful day in the Blue Ridge Mountains with temps in the high 70s and low 80s.. I hope you enjoy the photos from Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock NC. Check the Tweetsie website for more information.

<< Face Painting At Tweestie

Photos by C. Gilliam

Refinishing a Metal Table Frame - Suggestions Please !

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 12:50:37 -0500

This metal table base needs an update. I would like a little more rustic feel, it is currently a pewter/silver finish. I would like to use it as a sofa table with a glass top.

I hope to paint or refinish it in some way to resemble the color and finish on the candle holder below - another Jennifer Farrell item from one of my favorite places for bargain accessories - Big Lots . Maybe not the same pattern but a slightly bronzed or copper look..

I would love suggestions on how to accomplish this look.. I thought about using a couple different colors of spray paint and dabbing the colors to blend.. Does that sound like it would work or should I try something else?? I could spray paint the whole thing solid then go back with some type of faux look??

OK - please come and share your ideas - I know how clever you all are !!!

Need a Home Stager or Interior ReDesigner in NC ?

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell & Live

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

Beautiful Accent Pillows Made From... You Guessed It - Placemats Again!

Cheryl Gilliam Home Staging-Hickory NC (Just Heavenly Decor & Design) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:35:24 -0500

Most of you know by now - that I am the placemat pillow queen.. I blogged here about placemat pillows and here about other throw pillows that I have made. I love how inexpensive and quick they are to make.. Also, I find unique placemat prints to work with..

I picked up these great leaf placemats at Big Lots. They are part of the Jennifer Farrell collection. Each Big Lots store has different accessories from the collection. I was out of town a couple of weeks ago and found some beautiful candle holders and a decorative mirror that I could not find in the Hickory stores.

These two great decorative pillows were a quick project and with polyfill came out less than $7 each.

I probably would have had them finished in less than 30 minutes IF I could have:

Found the seam ripper - used a sharp knife point instead
Found some green thread-realized the top stitching was gold thread -found that
Found my glasses to thread the sewing machine

Anyway, I love the way these turned out.. I hope to use them in the vacant staging that I am proposing today.. That home has a cabin feel with some wood interior so - the leaf print seems to fit..

Need a Home Stager or Interior ReDesigner in NC ?

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell & Live

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC




Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor Era United Realty, Newnan Georgia, Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. Serving Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Meriwether, South Fulton, Pike and Spalding Counties 770-827-6225, 770-683-8400 X364, 770-683-8401 (FAX) Follow me on Twitter Account cowetafayette All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2008.