I Have This Theory About Chocolate.... - 06/30/11 07:09 AM
"I have this theory that Chocolate slows down the aging process... It may not be true, but do I dare take chances?" --- Author unknown.

Grandbury is a quaint little town located in Hood County, Texas. On the Square are many interesting shops. The city, which was founded in 1873 is rich with history, and has many historic landmarks. The buildings are architecturally intesting; however it was this one, "The Art of Chocolate," that caught my attention!
TWO FAVORITE CELEBRITY QUOTES
"I never met a chocolate I didn't like," by Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) in Star Trek, The Next Generation.
"Life is like a … (25 comments)

Summer Reading - 06/29/11 09:47 AM
Out and about the University of Dallas, students are still learning. For some students, summer reading is fun and continues year round. Kudos to those who enjoy reading and have a genuine thirst for knowledge. The world needs more educated leaders and University Campus' are filled with students who want to learn. The campus at the University of Dallas has a park-like setting and affords the students many opportunities to learn indoors and outdoors.



 


Adult learners are special people. They are the young professionals who are students, daughters, sons, some are married, employees, learners, socializers and goal … (10 comments)

Tuesday Treasures: Raggedy Ann & Andy - 06/28/11 08:26 AM
One never knows what treasures can be found in an Estate or Garage Sale. This little couple, Raggedy Ann and Andy were hoping for a home at the Lavendar Farms flee market in Texas. In looking at the dolls, I was reminded that everyone wants a home :)

History of Raggedy Ann and Andy
According to Wikipedia, Raggedy Ann is a fictional character created by American writer Johnny Gruella (1880-1938) in a series of books he wrote and illustrated for young children. Raggedy Ann is a rag doll with red yarn for hair and has a triangle nose. The character was created in … (21 comments)

Motivational Monday's Mojo - 06/27/11 10:01 AM
Today is the need to achieve and the need to nurture - the need to be strong and the need to be tender. No matter what's the weather, or whether or not you're having a good day,look to the good, dig deep, be creative and explore the seed within you.  People, like plants are always growing. Even when conditions seem wild and out of control, creativity flows - just give growth a  chance.




All photos (random wildflowers growing off the side of the road in Denton County, Texas) and written content produced by Patricia Feager, Keller Williams … (31 comments)

Speechless Sunday - Be Bold - 06/26/11 05:24 PM
Be Bold - Own a Home. Be not afraid of the unknown, but live with good judgment, have a sense of adventure, but don't go overboard. Live within your means, be daring and charming. Be cautious to the wind, meet each new experience with joy and anticipation. Sweep out the clutter, keep only what you need, live a good life and keep joy within.
Be creative, explore more, shelter the ones you love, don't burn the candle at both ends, eat more home cooked meals, spend time with family and friends, keep your lights burning, seek adventure but don't be stupid.
Challenges are … (14 comments)

Cut Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face vs. Good Horse Sense - 06/26/11 10:29 AM
When things get out of hand and you're feeling kind of mad, don't cut off your nose to spite your face. In a situation like this, things will get blurry because your brain is out of focus. The problem is still there, it may be staring at you right in the face, but whatever you do, don't cut off your nose to spite your face. According to Wikipedia, simply put, "don't engage in acts of anger or revenge that will hurt you more than it hurts anyone else; it's an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive over-reactive to a problem." 

Successful business … (14 comments)

It's Just Good Horse Sense - 06/25/11 09:24 PM
"Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success." --- Dale Carnegie (American lecturer and author 1888- 1955)

Texas is a great place to live, I was reminded of that this morning by this horse in Denton County. Like this wise horse knows, pride is everything and it just makes good old fashioned horse sense to settle down in a place where you're welcomed into a community of people that is warm and friendly.
Mission Statement: To support the people who desire pride of ownership in a community that is for the people … (29 comments)

If I Could Spread My Wings And Fly - 06/24/11 11:14 PM
There is so much to be done, so much to see, things to do, places to go. If only I could spread my wings and fly...

I saw this bird in Switzerland... gosh, it's been three months ago now. Time does fly but memories are not forgotten. Yes! I'm still looking at my photographs and sharing as many as I can with you. They've become an obsession, a serenade, a memory that I can not let go of, can you blame me? It's photos like this that stirs in me a longing to push a little bit further, make things last a … (36 comments)

Rise and Shine - 06/23/11 05:21 AM
Cocka doodle doo! It's time to get up and Rise & Shine! You are in the home stretch of Second Quarter. Get your tail in gear and get to work - Third Quarter is about to begin! Quit doing the chicken scratch and get busy! The early bird catches the worm! What's your strategy? What's your game plan for today? If you don't have one, you're going to loose. But wait... don't panic! There's still time. I just poked my head outside the door and I hear people snoring. Zzzzzzzzz....
If you're up now, you're way ahead of those sleepy heads. Good … (36 comments)

What's New in Kitchens? - 06/21/11 09:36 PM
Beautiful kitchens are very desirable. Your appliances are the focal point of your kitchen and it should accentuate your cabinets, counter tops, and floors. While traveling in Switzerland, I noticed that there was only one type of name brand kitchen appliance. Because I'm not sure, if I'm allowed to name the appliance, I'll give you a hint. All appliances began with the letter "E" and ended with the letter, "X".
Here are some of the newest kitchens being offered for sale. In the picture below, the island is round and it rotates. There was plenty of storage hidden below, all designed … (51 comments)

What Happens When You Hit A Brick Wall? - 06/21/11 03:06 AM
Do you need to move? Do you think you hit a brick wall,  and there is no where else to go?  Think of it as, an opportunity to grow.

Where there is a wall, there is light, where there is light, there is a possibility

Every day is a new day and things look different.
 Perhaps the wall still looks the same, but out of the shadows something happens,
something changes, something new begins.

Behind every wall is an array of beautiful new beginnings

Roots grow in the most unexpected places

Behind every wall is ample opportunity

Hit another … (30 comments)

Feng Shui LI Tips: Refocus you attention on what is important in your life or the Universe will refocus for you - 06/19/11 08:55 PM
This is a re-blog from Carole Provenzale, Owner of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. Carole is such an important person in the RAIN. She's thoughtful, helpful, and so kind. I'd like for you to get to know her and if you already know Carole, please let her know how much she's appreciated.
The other day I was previewing homes. In one of the homes the homeowner was there and he proudly showed me his house. His home was beautiful and when I looked around I thought of Carole Provenzale. Carole came to mind immediately because I pay attention to what she … (7 comments)

Happy Dad's Day or Happy Ma-Dad's Day!!! - 06/19/11 07:26 PM
To all of you who are fathers and grandfathers, I want to wish you a very happy father's day. To all of the moms who have to play a double role (mom/dad) I wish you a GREAT MA-DAD'S DAY. Whether you're a father or a mother, raising kids is not easy.

Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real dad to raise a child. Children are not perfect, let's face it, sometimes they are like pigs, but they are still loveable and they deserve to be treated with respect. As a single mom, I often had to pull back when my … (24 comments)

Luxury Real Estate Marketing:Are You Playing Your "A" Game? - 06/16/11 10:03 PM
This is a re-blog from Ron & Alexandra Seigel (Luxury Real Estate Marketing) from Carpinteria, CA. If you're not familiar with this beautiful couple, I would ask that you read their posts as often as you can. Once you start, I do believe you will be hooked because their knowledge, warmth, and caring nature comes through in all their posts. This is a very successful team and I have come to know and enjoy them through the Rain and I hope to get to know all of you some day soon too.
Patricia
Via Ron & Alexandra Seigel (Luxury Real Estate Marketing) (ra@napaconsultants.com):
… (6 comments)

Men, Boys & Toys - 06/15/11 04:50 AM
They say the only difference between Men and Boys is the price of their Toys. What's your opinion???



All photos taken June 13, 2011 by Patricia Feager. Photos not to be copied without permission from the author.
… (32 comments)

Where There is Nothing You Can Find Good - 06/14/11 08:41 AM
What are the chances you would get to see something so rare and beautiful, you couldn't help but feel so concordant with nature that your heart begins to sing? These were some of the wild flowers I saw while climbing the Alps in Switzerland. The flowers bloomed from the ancient forest floors rising up to greet me and I wanted to share them with you as a reminder that anything rare and good is possible.
Always look to the good. Where there is nothing you can find good.






All photos taken April 2011 and content were produced … (28 comments)

What is Your Active Rain Networking Style? - 06/12/11 06:58 AM
This is a re-blog from one of the Best Rainers in the Rain. Her name is Kristine Ginsberg from Morris Plains, NJ. If you don't already know Kristine, you will come to know her because of her big heart. She's a beautiful lady inside and out. She is truly a gift to many, here on earth. Call her the AR Angel... that's what she is. 
Via Kristine Ginsberg (Morris County, NJ: Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC):
  What is Your Active Rain Networking style? 
We all have a different technique for how we network and comment in the Rain  - for me, first I go straight … (17 comments)

Statues Around The World - Does This One Make You Smile? - 06/11/11 10:54 AM

If this one doesn't make you smile, what does?
Who or what is this Statue?
Name of country this photo was taken?
State, City & or Town?
Photo by Patricia Feager, copyrighted 2011. Do not reproduce or copy.
… (24 comments)

MAN LOSES HIS WIFE! (LOL) - 06/10/11 07:07 PM
Did you hear about the man who went sailing in Kalmar, Sweden on June 4th? The poor guy called the Coast Guard. He explained he lost his wife and he was sure she went over-board... he searched everywhere on the boat and he could not find her!!!
The Coast Guard arrived and discovered the man was stinken drunk!
His wife was at home - she never even got on the boat!!!
OOPS! Somebodies in HOT water now!
… (14 comments)

A Topic Nobody Wants to Hear - 06/10/11 11:20 AM
A couple of days ago a two year old drowned in the swimming pool of her families home in Double Oak, Texas. I've been told there were several people in the pool at the time she drowned. Nobody noticed that she wandered into the spa and drowned until it was too late - everyone was too busy splashing around, having fun, schools out, lets have fun... 
Such a tragedy! This is a topic nobody wants to hear. This isn't the first time this family suffered a loss so unthinkable, it is almost too much to bear. Her father was murdered by theives last … (19 comments)

Barking Up The Wrong Tree - 06/09/11 07:43 AM
Owners (affectionately known as FSBOs) who try to sell their homes on their own, in America may find out the hard way that they are "barking up the wrong tree."

(photo is of my daughter - copyrighted by the author and may not be copied or reproduced)
What may have worked in the past, does not work the same way it has before. We all know that "money does not grow on trees,"and protecting ones assets is important. For this reason, many owners put their homes on the market because they don't want to part with their hard earned money by paying … (30 comments)

Everything I Needed To Know About Leadership Begins With Baby Steps - 06/07/11 10:36 AM
We all have to start from somewhere! I saw this mom and her baby in Switzerland a few weeks ago. The mom looks on while the baby takes his first baby steps in life. This is true in life, for anything that is born.
I look back at the photo and I'm gently reminded by the look on the mother's face that she has stopped focusing on the pains of her labor and starts to notice the good things in her life. This same principle can be applied in the business world. How does that relate? In the beginning, it's hard … (27 comments)

Everything I Needed to Know about Maintenance, I Learned From My Auto Mechanic - 06/03/11 10:41 AM
Everything I needed to learn about my business in America I learned from my Auto Mechanic.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Inspection should be performed any time a malfunction is experience or suspected - translated, don't let yourself get unglued; stay calm. If you need help, get help from an expert.
Engine oil and filter should be changed at the intervals specified in the maintenance schedule - translated, keep yourself and your business operations pure and clean.  
A clogged filter can limit the speed at which the vehicle may be drive, damage the emission system and cause hard starting - translated, adjust … (45 comments)

FAMILY DISASTER PREPARATION KIT FOR MARYLAND AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA. - 06/02/11 07:20 PM
 
This is a re-blog from Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker, Virginia & Maryland, Lesburg, VA. Lenn Harley is one of the most respected Realtors® in the United States and I thought this was worthy of a re-blog for the following reasons:
1) Excellent advice for travelers. I used to commute 1500 miles with two kids in my car to go to work for seasonal employment out east for a period of five years. I wish I knew Lenn Lesburg back then because this would have been the perfect list of items to have, for any reason, when traveling cross-country.
2) Excellent advice … (11 comments)

WildWednesday - A Bright Idea - 06/02/11 05:55 AM
Here's a bright idea that someone came up with to convert an electric meter into a lamp.

You never know what you might find when you show houses. This lamp caught my eye and grabbed my attention. I've always admired the hands of a man who could turn something ordinary, into something extraordinary. I thought this one was a BRIGHT idea!
 
… (47 comments)

Sunrise; Sunset - 06/01/11 08:44 AM
I have spent almost my whole life looking up to the clouds, authority, and people in general. Here is a rare opportunity when I had a chance to look down on the clouds and feel the power of the universe. One can easily abandon humility in a situation like this. I felt as if I was living on the crest of the waves, as my thoughts plunged into the depths of the ocean.  Somewhere between a sunset and a sunrise, my spirits were lifted.
The brown spot on the left has something to do with my camera. I'm picking it up … (36 comments)