Julie's Blog

What is Plugged In to YOUR outlet??

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:35:00 -0600

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"There's nothing as constant as change."

~ Unknown

FEELING WIRED?

Feel on edge? Not sure what to expect next? Nerves frayed? Feeling overwhelmed by today's complex world situation? How is it that some people are calm, fearless, and content, while others are frightful, worried, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future?

In the 1950's there were only three models of Chevrolet, about four dry cereals, two or three types of soap, etc. Mom went grocery shopping weekly. There were no shopping malls, computers, cell phones, portable CD players (or CD's), 401(k)s, Internet, or co-ed dorms. Life was simple and calm - and revolved around the family. Technology didn't dominate daily life.

Today, our choices have expanded exponentially. There are hundreds of vehicle models, 50 different cereals on the shelf, software for every occasion, hundreds of cable channels, and millions of pages on the World Wide Web. Think that might clog your thinking just a little? Want to get back to simplicity, peace, and security?

Try a few of the following suggestions. Begin limiting your choices. Spend less than you earn. Limit trips to the store. Spend the evening at home - with your family - with the television OFF. Go directly home after work. Identify your principles - and live them. Count your blessings daily by entering them in a journal. Read. Treat yourself to a hot bath.

Think of your life as an extension cord with too many appliances plugged-in. Each vies for the limited energy you have available until a short-circuit or fire occurs. Start unplugging all those peripherals now, and you'll notice your life-light begin to shine.

Do you Gobble Gobble!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:23:28 -0600

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes."
- William Shakespeare

GOBBLE! GOBBLE!

Remember when you were a teenager leaving the house on a date? Your parents' last words as you went out the door were, "We'll leave the light on for you". Think about that. So what if they did or didn't leave the light on? Their words were really more of a verbal hug. They cared about you - wanted you to know it - and applied the hug with kind words.

With Thanksgiving in just a few days, why not take the time to "leave the light on" for someone who may not get many hugs? There's still time, and it's easy.

First, learn who needs hugs. Check with your local fire, police, or sheriff's department. Ask whether they know of three or four families or individuals who could use a hug. Ask also whether they would consider delivering your hugs at the appropriate time. Two groups stand out as needy - the elderly and families with small children. Of course, we're talking about individuals who are experiencing difficult circumstances in their lives, be they physical or financial.

Next, consider what type of hugs you have to offer. Perhaps you might prepare three or four Thanksgiving turkeys with all the trimmings. Live in the country where people heat their homes with a wood stove? Deliver firewood. Live in a cold climate? Add some warm socks or a sweater to your dinner box. It's really not that difficult to come up with ideas that would make a difference to your chosen recipients. If you aren't able to provide "things," consider visiting with some nursing home residents. Brighten their day by listening for a while.

It goes without saying that our country is truly blessed. Although practically invisible to most of us, however, there are some individuals who are being challenged. They need a hug, and we can brighten their lives by way of simple gestures. Make a family project out of it - involve your kids. Do it anonymously. Afterwards, when you get home, we'll leave the light on for you!

Abandon Neutrality!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:33:25 -0600

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in time of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality."

~ Dante

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!

Think there's any "moral crisis" going on in our country right now? What about in our city? Our schools? Our neighborhood? Where did it come from, and why are we facing these challenges?

We are a country - city - neighborhood - blessed with peace and prosperity. Our daily choices range from which SUV we will drive, to where we will dine next, to how we will redecorate our home this year. Our concerns include our child's upcoming soccer match, whether or not to refinance the house, making "Salesperson of the Year," and taking more time for golf or tennis.

With all the choices complemented by our affluence, we have also become compliant, accepting, and politically correct. We strive to please everyone, avoid "rocking the boat," and prefer the status quo. It's so much easier that way, isn't it?

In doing so, however, we may also abdicate responsibility for teaching our children the value of principle-centered living. What principles should we be teaching - and practicing? Why not adopt and teach the value of courage, diligence, faithfulness, generosity, cleanliness, honesty, encouragement, frugality, humility, industry, justice, moderation, order, resolution, silence, honesty, sincerity, temperance, and tranquility?

Imagine how the world around us would change if we taught and participated in more of these time-honored values. Remember that our country IS our cities, our neighborhoods, and our homes. What begins at the grass roots level - literally in our own backyards - can be spread throughout the world. Abandon neutrality and you can change the world!

Julie Beall

Thought in the mind hath made us

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:46:04 -0500

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"Thought in the mind hath made us. What we are
By thought was wrought and built. If a man's mind
Hath evil thoughts, pain comes on him as comes
The wheel the ox behind . . .

. . . If one endure
In purity of thought, joy follows him
As his own shadow - sure."

~ James Allen

GO TO THE GARDEN!

The human mind is like a garden. It directly reflects the care and attention given to it. Consider two gardens side-by-side, in the same soil.

The first is bursting with color, gives off the most delicate of fragrances, is free of weeds, and forest green. New buds continually replace each other, and it's a delightful place to spend a sunny day.

Just a few feet away, you encounter a musty patch of stunted leaves, few blooms, parched soil, and insect infestation. The few plants remaining beg for a kind word and attention of any kind. They look sad from their days of inattention.

Why is there such a disparity between the two gardens? The first has a gardener, while the second has been totally ignored. And just as an untended garden will fail to prosper, so will an untended mind.

Imagine how easy it is for the mind to wither and atrophy when attention is not paid to its simplest needs. The mind can be so creative, unless it is fed passive TV drivel hour after hour. The mind can be so enthusiastic, unless powered by a body nourished by fast food, chips, sugar-filled cereal, and caffeine-packed soft drinks.

Just as a vibrant garden inspires, a well-tended mind can bring forth the best in others. It deserves our attention. It should be watered and fertilized with foods filled with the proper nutrients. It can be expanded greatly through the stimulation of education. It can remain viable only through the practice and application of solid principles.

When the care given is incongruous with the results desired, the garden is a disaster. When the mind's actions do not match its stated objectives, chaos is the result. Our minds have the potential to bloom more abundantly than any garden. They deserve our utmost attention.

Julie Beall

The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will be the philosophy of the government in the next."

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 13:08:48 -0500

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"The philosophy of the classroom in one generation will be the philosophy of the government in the next."

~ Abraham Lincoln

TEACH VALUES 101!

What do children and government have in common? That depends on which classroom you visit. If you have children and are actively involved in their lives, you are likely to encounter a classroom filled with intelligent, interested, involved and respectful children.

Unfortunately, many teachers today will tell you that's not what they are seeing. In some 1st & 2nd grade settings, children fall asleep because they spent the night in the family car while mom or dad sold drugs. Others are antagonistic and disrespectful, traits also learned from other family members. Still others are raised in a "no rules" family, where parents simply abdicate their parental responsibilities.

Many parents still take their responsibilities seriously. In fact, there appears to be a resurgence of young parents who teach their children the values of honesty, integrity, and service to others. It's about time. If you're one of them, I applaud your commitment to making the world a better place.

There has also been a dearth of honesty, respect and morality over the past 30 years or so. Children brought up during that time often experienced the negative effects of a no rules society. Today those same individuals are beginning to lead companies and be elected to office, yet we are surprised that company CEO's and elected officials could ever lie and mislead as they have been exposed to do recently.

As the children of today's classrooms are disposed to believe and behave, so will they as the adults of tomorrow's generation. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, you can make a difference for the next generation of leaders. Take time to encourage, nurture, and teach the children in your family. Sometimes, a single comment or gesture can give a child the impetus to become great.

Julie Beall

Time's a' wasting

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 23:59:59 -0500

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"Time is clay. Make something."

~ Unknown

TIME'S A'WASTING!

To paraphrase a favorite tune, "If I could save time in a bottle..." I could have saved literally millions of minutes so far. Of course most of us think in terms of a 24-hour clock that gives us another chance to save each time we wake up. We think of time beginning anew with the start of each day. Not so. Time is actually a continuum, a straight line.

If you were born in 1952, you could have saved 27,856,800 minutes by now. Born in 1968? You'd have a bottle full of 19,447,200 minutes. No matter when you were born, it's easy to calculate just how many minutes you could have saved by now. The real question, of course, is how many minutes are left. Bet you didn't want to hear that.

Not to worry. It's what you do with what you've got that counts. So why not begin looking at time as clay - as something you roll in your hands and form into anything you like. Remember making little cars, or a house, or a little clay doll when you were little? Back then, no one told you what to make - you just let your imagination guide you.

As you got older, you were told what you could do, when you could do it, and how much time you had to get it done. You quit playing with the clay, and didn't have the time to let your imagination guide you. More than likely you fell into a routine (a.k.a. a rut), one possibly designed by someone else's imagination.

Why not take some of the time you have to rediscover the joy your own imagination can bring? Think back to those wonderful days of clay - and make something!

A Taste of Springboro, Ohio

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 21:54:41 -0500

Take a look at some of the highlights of Springboro, OH in Warren County! For more information, please visit: http://www.JulieBeall.com

Go Retro-Simplify!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:48:49 -0500

GO RETRO - SIMPLIFY!

You've heard that it's good to "take time to smell the roses." You may have also read how Steven Covey encourages you in "Seven Habits" to take time to "sharpen the saw." You no doubt have also experienced the frustration of trying to find even a spare moment for yourself.

Why do so many sources advise taking time off for yourself for thoughtful introspection? Don't they know it's impossible in today's fast-paced world of money, soccer games, career challenges, family responsibilities, church & school activities, and so much more?

In fact, our society is totally preoccupied with all of the above. For those living in a big city, or even the suburbs, the pressure is even greater. Those who live in the country at least enjoy a little peace and serenity at the end of the day.

How did this happen? It's simple - or at least it was in the 1950's. Back then there were two kinds of soap - Lifebouy and Ivory. There were four automakers - GM, Ford, Chrysler, and American Motors. There were no computers or Internet, and long-distance was used only to inform relatives of illness or death. A schoolteacher's most serious behavior challenge was passing notes in class. Families watched "I Love Lucy!" together. There was no MTV. Divorces were rare.

Today the choices that face us each day are awesome. Which of many Internet providers or long-distance services should you use? Which cell phone or notebook computer should you have? Where will you find the money for the special dress, chauffeur, and professional photograph required for your daughter's fifth-grade "Prom"?

The world is spinning so fast, and isn't likely to slow down soon. As usual, relief must come from within. While you can't change the world's pace, you are free to change and simplify your own life. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Most importantly, take time to create those special moments that "take your breath away."

Turn on the Light!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:55:44 -0500

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"No matter where you go, there you are."

~ Unknown

TURN ON THE LIGHT!

Ever felt crippled by fear? Perhaps you dread that unwanted phone call, that knock on the door, or the return of pain. What makes it worse is your imagination. Your mind conjures up all sorts of imaginary shadows on the wall or things that go bump in the night.

Remember when you were just a kid? You saw those shadows on the wall and cried out in fear. Your mom or dad came in, turned on the light, and "Voila!" - no more shadows on the wall. Simply by exposing your fear to light you learned to overcome your fear.

Now you're an adult and your fears are different, more complex, yet most are still conjured up by your imagination. Fear of the unknown holds you in its grip. Where is the light that used to save you?

The light is still there - with one difference. Now, as the adult that you are, you must be the one to turn on the light. It is up to you to expose the fear for what it usually is - a figment of your imagination. Fear is most easily overcome through exposure. Take time alone to examine your fears, determine their origin, and overcome their crippling effect on you.

If you suffer from a health problem, get a diagnosis and begin a treatment plan. If creditors are calling, face them, and then determine how you allowed yourself into the present situation. If sales are down, adjust your marketing approach.

It takes faith on your part to know you have the power to overcome your fears. Hence another quote: "Fear knocked at the door. Faith answered. No one was there."

Best of Springboro

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:50:57 -0500

Ever wish you had a resource that would tell you the places where you can be sure to have a good time? Ever wanted a quick reference to ideas for a fun night out? www.JulieBeall.com has created a webpage for you: www.BestOfSpringboro.com

Our team has spent many hours voting on the "Bests" of Springboro to provide you with our opinions and insight.

We encourage you to please check it out and give us feedback. Do you agree with us? Or do you think another place in Springboro has the Best Coffee? Best Park? Best Breakfast? ...Or maybe you want to see a different "Best" on our webpage.

E-mail: Julie@JulieBeall.com

Don't Worry...Be Happy!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:12:47 -0500

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

Men are disturbed not by things that happen, but by their opinions of the things that happen.

- Epictetus (55-135)

LIGHTEN UP!

Ever feel yourself getting perturbed by something that happens during your day? Ever have the urge to say something about it, when silence might be the best approach? Perhaps you feel the need to make a judgment about each situation that arises

Maybe it's time to slow down a bit. As the song says, The truth is - none of us have the right to judge others, nor their actions. We can control only one thing - our own actions. If there is something to be judged, it would be our reaction to things that happen, not the events themselves.

In Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits," Habit #5 says, "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." In explaining, Covey states that "People do not see the world as it is; they see it as they are - or as they have been conditioned to be." He goes on to make the simple statement that "When you understand, you don't judge."

Once you take the time to understand each situation, there is no longer a need to judge. Interestingly, when others realize that you no longer make those judgments, you will find that they no longer judge you either.

Want to free yourself from being disturbed about the events of the day? Just follow the advice of Epictetus, who said, "When considering the future, remember that all situations unfold as they do regardless of how we feel about them. Our hopes and fears sway us, not events themselves."

"Chocolate in Art"!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:11:40 -0500

Hidden Hill Gallery

"Life is like a box of chocolates-you never know what you're gonna get!"

We have all heard this popular quote from the movie Forrest Gump, but this time, you can know exactly what you're ‘gonna get'...well, maybe not in life, but at Hidden Hill Gallery, you can create your own box of gourmet chocolates!

Not only are their chocolates rich and free of preservatives and artificial ingredients, but each individual truffle is a beautiful piece of artwork. Although the cheapest piece of chocolate is around $1.50, the intricate details of each one is well worth the price.

Not only do they sell pre-made chocolates, but you can also create your own! They begin with a base of milk, dark, or white chocolate (or truffles) and then add a swirl of peppermint, strawberry, caramel, or the flavor of your choice to build your own box of chocolates!

But not only does Hidden Hill offer "chocolate in art", they also have fine art to purchase. Beautiful paintings, drawings, photographs, and prints done by fantastic artists decorate the walls for your enjoyment and purchase. If you're looking for a large classy picture for your new home, or a small painting to spruce up your kitchen, Hidden Hill Gallery of Springboro has a wide variety of artwork, and a delicious snack for you to enjoy as you admire the gallery.

So if you're looking for something fun to do without leaving Springboro, drive on over to Hidden Hill Gallery to feast your eyes and your taste buds on some of the finest quality art in the area!

http://www.hiddenhillgallery.com/default4.asp

by Brandi Hoffer and Julie Beall

Millennials in the Real Estate Market

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:37:49 -0500

Text messaging, E-mailing, Facebook-ing, Writing a Paper, while Listening to their i-pod—my generation is a multi-tasking one. We were the kids that participated in everything: ballet, t-ball, swimming, soccer, piano lessons, tap dancing. You name it, and we probably did it at one time or another; and not by ourselves either. Mom and dad, our ‘helicopter’ parents, were right there with us, holding our hands each step of the way.

Some researchers have given us the name ‘trophy kids’ because we practically got a trophy for everything we participated in (and it’s true—I still have a box full of all of my trophies just for breathing and wearing a jersey!).

But this new generation, being called the “Millennials”, are no longer kids anymore. We have grown up and are starting to take our first steps of independence. Mom and dad are still watching from the sidelines, and we are looking to them for approval and they are giving to us. So it is a confident reservation that we are stepping into the workplace.

And as we do this, we are looking to take our first big independent decision ever—purchasing a home.

So what are some things real estate agents should know about this rising generation? What makes or breaks a deal with a Millennial? How does this new generation respond to agents? What do they want most from a realtor?

I have taken the time to interview several Millennials who have purchased houses in the last year or are going to before this year is out. I will be posting these responses the next few weeks in the upcoming blogs.

Feel free to comment, Millennials! What do you want most from a realtor? What is your motivation for buying a house? Are you single or married? How involved are your parents in your decision?

by Brandi Hoffer

and Julie Beall

Live your life

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:58:09 -0500

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"There is no reality except the one contained within us. That is why so many people live such an unreal life.They take the images outside them for reality and never allow the world within to assert itself."
~ Hermann Hesse

JUST ASK DOROTHY!

You've probably seen it a dozen times - "The Wizard of Oz." It's a delightful tale of fantasy, complete with munchkins, a scarecrow in need of a brain, a yellow brick road, a wicked witch and a mythical wizard with the imagined power to send Dorothy back to Kansas.

Regardless of the fantasy, the beautiful color, the unusual characters, and the whimsical plot, there is a powerful message that comes as one of Dorothy's last lines as she prepares to leave Oz. She says, "If ever again I go looking for my heart's desire, I won't look any further than my own backyard." It's such a simple statement, yet it carries a lesson for all of us.

How often do we look outside our own world of home and family for "our heart's desire?" There are so many distractions that lure us out of our own backyard: careers, shopping, powerful people, sports, clubs, TV, committees, the Internet, and the list goes on. There's so much to do and so little time. Then one day we look and our own backyard no longer seems to exist.

We should take time to smell the roses in our own garden, rather than looking over the fence and down the yellow brick road to see the roses of others. We need to let go of the imagined - the tin man, lion, and scarecrow of our own making - and appreciate the real Auntie Em's in our lives. If we don't, we may wake up one day to realize we're "not in Kansas anymore."

Springboro: A Top Place to Live

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:23:16 -0500

Top Places to Live?

Trivia Question of the Day: If you could live anywhere in the United States, where would it be?

A. New York City or Chicago! I love the big city

B. Give me the hot weather! I'm thinking Orlando or Santa Clara.

C. I prefer the remote rural areas in Arizona or Wisconsin.

D. Anywhere with a beach. Maine, South Carolina, Michigan, I don't care!

While you may have chosen one of the above places to live, Money Magazine is considering the following to be a top choice for Americans:

E. Springboro, OH

"Why?" you may ask? For its balance.

Springboro, Ohio is located within 30 minutes of the big cities, Dayton and Cincinnati, yet in and of itself does not have the congestion of a big city. Main Street portrays the old-fashioned history that the city contains, with quaint storefronts and family owned businesses. When asked, what is your favorite part of Springboro, one resident replied, "My favorite part about Springboro has to be Main Street. I love how it feels like a little town with so many family oriented businesses and restaurants. Especially K&W ice cream!" Another answered, "Don't forget the Tractor Supply Store! I bought birthday gifts there for my dad the last 2 years!"

Springboro also provides its residents with a various church denominations, quality private schools, and professional hospitals. It is also a bicycle friendly community that provides safe accommodation for cycling and encourages its residents to bike for transportation and recreation. Local farm markets and family-owned pizza restaurants provide a family friendly atmosphere for those in the community. Most of Springboro's subdivisions are even equipped with a community center with a swimming pool and tennis court. Heatherwoode Golf Course is also quite an attraction.

All in all, Springboro is a great mix of suburban life-small enough to feel old-fashioned and personal, yet big enough to stay connected and updated technologically. So look to see if Springboro makes it as ‘one of the top places to live in America' in Money Magazine's August Edition! (I certainly think it is!)

by Julie Beall and Brandi Hoffer

Good Neighbors

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:12:44 -0500

Won't you be my neighbor?

By Julie Beall and Brandi Hoffer

This morning as I tied my gym shoes, stepped out my front door, and began my morning jogging routine, I decided to go little farther than usual. I cut over toward Settler's Walk and Dorothy Lane Market. The weather was perfect--not too cold to tighten your lungs, but not too hot to send you running back into the air conditioning. Several others shared my thoughts: one girl walked with her Dalmatian; an elderly couple strolled down the sidewalk holding a cheerful conversation; and a fit man was just completing his morning workout.

As I turned down Yankee to start my trek back home, I decided to take a detour into Brookside. I noticed a moving truck in the driveway of one of the homes, and watched as the family was filling it with boxes upon boxes. Still a little far off, I saw his next door neighbor come out, coffee in hand to retrieve the morning paper. After a short exchange, he agreed to change his clothes and help his neighbor finish packing his boxes into the truck. The man seemed overcome with relief.

I continued on my way back home, now with a smile on my face. Though it was a small gesture to simply carry some boxes, its impact went deeper. We all know how a little act of kindness can go a long way, and the quality of neighbors really can make all the difference in a community.

Simple Pleasures: Farm Market Produce

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:07:47 -0500

Simple Pleasures

by Julie Beall and Brandi Hoffer

Grabbing a cup of coffee on the way to the office, taking the kids to soccer practice, running by the bank, filling the car up, getting this week's groceries, stopping by McDonald's before the baseball game. Sound familiar? In the hustle and bustle of life, we may not take time to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures it has to offer-especially not in today's busy society.

But rewind a generation or two and we see that our grandparents made it a point to enjoy the small things in life. Whether it was once a week for a Sunday morning church service, or every evening for a family meal, they took a time out for the small things. The simple pleasures.

One such grandfather was Lee Lovely. In the early 1920's, he moved to Ohio from Kentucky to better support his family working at a paper factory. He and his wife soon purchased a piece of land to live out their dream of beginning a farm market. During the hard economic times of the Great Depression, the Lovely's strove to earn a little extra money with this investment in sweet corn in tomatoes. Yet in the process, they encompassed the meaning of community: giving of themselves to help someone else.

Driving east on State Route 73, you may have never noticed the quaint store amid the new buildings and housing developments. Yet still today, Lee's grandson, Steve Lovely continues to bring that same sense of community to Springboro-not only with his quality homegrown foods, but with his service.

So I urge you, the next time you drive east on 73 to give Lovely's Farm Market a try. Whether it's to pick up a watermelon for an afternoon picnic or to treat your kids to a scoop of ice cream, or simply to just experience some friendly, old fashioned service, make it a point to slow down a little bit. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Here are some of Lovely's Farm Market's favorites:

•· Fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, watermelon

•· Ice cream, bags of candy, caramel apples

•· 12 varieties of sweet corn

•· Tomatoes, lettuce, string beans

Lovely's Country Café serves homemade fried chicken and sandwiches along with homemade sides!

For more information, visit: http://www.lovelysfarmmarket.com/index.htm

Springboro Entertainment

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:52:09 -0500

A Taste of Broadway?

by Julie Beall and Brandi Hoffer

For thirty-three years, LaComedia Dinner Theatre has provided superior entertainment for the community of Springboro. "A Taste of Broadway". Or so they claim.

They perform 6 shows a year, and last autumn I was able to attend Beauty and the Beast. Now, I have been to more than my fair share of musicals and plays on all levels, so I went into the show with a bit of skepticism. They begin the evening with serving their house signature salad and then opening up the buffet. The food was truly something to rave about: Steamy sweet potato soufflé, chef-carved meats, and-my favorite-gourmet macaroni and cheese! So far, so good. If the show turned out to be a faux pas , then at least I could leave with a satisfied appetite.

As the curtain parted, my sixth sense of hypercriticism turned on. I was no longer another member of the 600 seated audience. I was a judge. A critic.

And so it began. The tale of the cursed prince in the castle was told. Belle entered the stage skippingand singing through the little town. A shot from stage left rang out, and Gaston boasted loudly about his kill of the day. Every character played the role to a tee. I sat in my front row seat, feeling like a little girl with my mouth agape, and eyes wide with fascination and amazement. Even the difficult portrayal of wolves in the forest and the unforgettable transformation of the beast into man provedto be phenomenal.

Truly, LaComediahas captured a beautiful snapshot of Broadway productions. And to think that it lies so close to home!

Currently (from May 7^th - July 5^th) High School Musical is showing. Click on the following link to find out more information on this and other upcoming productions:

http://www.lacomedia.com/playbill.htm

I think I may be seeing another production before this year is out. But this time not as a critic-as a little kid.

Be Impulsive!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 09:40:41 -0500

Visit us online at www.juliebeallandco.com

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come."

~ Victor Hugo

BE IMPULSIVE!

There seems to be a lot of anger in the world today. Forget the national and global squabbles, and just take a look closer to home - on your TV, in the schools, among fellow employees - right in your own backyard

There's another attitude issue that could stand some help - disrespect. It seems like the days are gone when youngsters (even 20-somethings) value their elders, social customs, even the laws of the land. Common courtesy and politeness, even among adults, seems non-existent at times.

Want to be a changing force in your personal world? It's easy, costs nothing, and goes a long way towards making a meaningful contribution for the better. It's accomplished with an electrical impulse. Really. Consider your brain. Everything you think of, each idea you have, each action you take begins with an electrical impulse - a single thought. The thought required to cause change is called an "expectation."

Teachers use this thought daily in their classrooms. They EXPECT students to listen, to observe silence, to walk single-file, to not cut in line, and to learn. They EXPECT not to be challenged, disrespected, or ignored when they speak. The best among them EXPECT nothing less than excellence. Know what? Their students respond positively to those expectations.

The electrical impulse called "expectation" is simple to enact, yet more difficult to enforce. You have to really mean it. As a country, a people, even families, we've grown soft on expectations - and it shows. Fear of offending someone seems the rule. Why not be "impulsive" for the next 30 days with those you love by setting a new, higher standard of expectations. The results will both amaze and delight!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 1ST TIME HOME BUYER'S PROGRAM GO TO: julie@juliebeall.com

Julie Beall

Julie Beall

Now for your Monday Morning Coffee!

Julie Beall, Irongate Realtors
305 E Central Ave., Springboro OH 45066 937-806-1057

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AGE Doesn't Matter

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:39:39 -0500

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INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"I always wanted to be somebody.
Now I realize I should have been more specific."

- Lily Tomlin (from her "One Woman Show")

AGE DOESN"T MATTER!

Whether you're 23, 43 or 73, ask yourself this wonderfully refreshing question: "What do I want to be when I grow up?" Regardless of our age, it's so easy to lose sight of the specific "somebody" we always wanted to be. What's more, the "somebody" we had in mind in our 20's may be someone different in our 50's.

Worse yet, maybe we grew up to be the "somebody" someone else had in mind - like our mother or father. The influence of those around us often prevents us from even asking the question "What do I want to be . . . ?" We try so hard to be their somebody that we don't allow ourselves to grow up at all.

So . . . going back to the matter of age, it doesn't matter WHEN we decide who we want to be so much as that we DO decide. It is at that moment that a catharsis takes place, and we rid ourselves of everyone else's determination of our identity. We are free . . . free to become the person of our dreams.

Is it easy to develop and maintain our new identity? No. Our day-to-day activities will still attempt to distract us from our new persona. Nevertheless, as artist D. Morgan points out in one of her paintings, "The impossible dream - isn't!" Take a quiet moment today, just for yourself, and ask, "Am I the somebody I wanted to be?"

Julie Beall

Now for your Monday Morning Coffee!

Julie Beall, Irongate Realtors
38 N. Pioneer Blvd, Springboro OH 45066 937-546-0222

Visit http://www.juliebeallandco.com

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Beat the other Guy

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:35:13 -0500

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INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"Competition will always place your life in the hands of others, while initiative gives
you the freedom to choose your own destiny."

~ Willard & Marguerite Beecher

BEAT THE OTHER GUYS!

From childhood we learn to win by competing. If one marble player wins, the other loses. If our football team wins, the opposition loses. If we earn top honors for the greatest sales volume or number of transactions, our fellow associates don't. We are taught to be competitive - and we learn the lesson well.

In being competitive, however, we must always measure our success in relation to others. First we choose the leader whom we must surpass. Our objective is to exceed the performance of that individual - the current Number One. Then, when we become the leader, we live in constant fear of having our performance exceeded by those striving from below to surpass us.

By always competing, then, we are not free to focus on doing our very best. Everything we do is related to what others have done or may do. A refreshing alternative is to put initiative to work. You freely choose your own destiny, then work to achieve it - totally oblivious to what others around you are doing.

Initiative begins with a delightful vision of yourself achieving what you think is important. Followed up with action, you achieve not only your objectives, but also the thrill and satisfaction of knowing you are in charge!

Julie Beall

Now for your Monday Morning Coffee!

Julie Beall, Irongate Realtors
38 N. Pioneer Blvd, Springboro OH 45066 937-546-0222

Visit http://www.juliebeallandco.com

No Fear!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:31:18 -0500

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INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"Men are disturbed not by things that happen,
but by their opinions of the things that happen."

~ Epictetus

NO FEAR!

A well-known motivational speaker once said, "No one knows enough to be a pessimist." He also quoted statistics showing that a very high percentage of the things we worry about are either A) things that never happen, or B) things over which we have no control anyway. His point? Not only do we not have enough information to justify our worries, we also are virtually unable to alter the outcome of most situations.

Our worst fears are generally of the unknown (not enough information). Our imagination runs wild, conjuring up worst-case scenarios. We become fearful, anxious, and even overwhelmed - yet the source of our fear is non-existent (except in our minds).

"Think you can - think you can't - either way you're right."

"As a man thinketh, so is he."

"Argue for your limitations, and sure enough they're yours."

In other words, by your thoughts alone, you control the outcome. Although there exist many risks to our peace-of-mind during this uncertain time, we still have the ability to pursue our very best hopes and dreams. We may find that their achievement requires more effort than usual. Doubt may creep in. Nevertheless, as you have heard many times, "It's all in your head."

Julie Beall

Now for your Monday Morning Coffee!

IF I was a Carpenter

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:29:14 -0500

IF I WAS A CARPENTER!

A story, written by an unknown author goes like this:

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he would build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is YOUR house - my gift to you," he said.

Life is no different. Each of us is given lumber, a hammer, some nails, and a saw - but no instructions or blueprint for our lives. If we ignore a bent nail here, a split board there, and a wall out of plumb, we may find ourselves living in a ramshackle cabin where a beautiful home might have stood. Then we step back for a good look and recognize that we were the carpenter in charge.

Build your home with pride. Use the right tools. Get the education you need. Learn from a master. Take no shortcuts. Finish it with your finest touch. Remember - the plaque on the wall says, "Life is a do-it-yourself project."

Ever been criticized

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:25:31 -0500

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INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"I am looking for a lot of men who have an infinite
capacity to not know what can't be done."

~ Henry Ford

EVER BEEN CRITICIZED?

If you've ever had a dream - you've also had critics. It seems they show up right on cue every time that special new dream begins to form. Critics come in the form of family members, employers, friends, and associates.

Interestingly, the only opinion worth listening to is your own. The opinions of others simply reflect their own limitations - and have nothing to do with the achievement of your dreams. Just imagine how shallow the world would be today if the following individuals had listened to their critics:

Arnold Schwarzenegger's family said, "How long will you go on training all day in a gymnasium and living in a dream world?"

Mary Kay Ash's attorney advised two weeks before her first store opening, "Liquidate the business right now and recoup whatever cash you can. If you don't, you'll end up penniless."

His teachers to Ray Charles: "You can't play the piano, and God knows you can't sing. You'd better learn how to weave chairs so you can support yourself."

What Diana Ross heard her teacher say when auditioning for a high school play: "You have a nice voice, but it's nothing special."

Have a dream? Live it, pursue it, and achieve it - with a passion!

Julie Beall

Now for your Monday Morning Coffee!

Julie Beall, Irongate Realtors
38 N. Pioneer Blvd, Springboro OH 45066 937-546-0222

Spread the Table!!

Julie Beall CRS (Irongate Realtors) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:22:18 -0500

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"Too many of us are hung up on what we don't have, can't have, or won't ever have. We spend too much energy being down, when we could use that same energy - if not less of it - doing, or at least trying to do, some of the things we really want to do."

~ Terry McMillan (Cited in The Best of BITS & PIECES)

SPREAD THE TABLE!

Here we are in the midst of the holiday rush - buying gifts, attending parties, decorating, sending cards, and preparing for the feast of the season. First, stop and remember the reason for the season. Then by all means where ever you find yourself during the holidays, remember to BE THERE, enjoy the moments and finally ask yourself ....We are doing all this for whom?

We tell ourselves it's for the ones we love. We want to make them happy, fill them with joy, and make their world bright. We want to make everything perfect for them at this special time of year.

In a way, that's like preparing the holiday feast for those who matter most to us, then eating it for them and commenting on how tasty it was. Truth is - we can't "make them" do anything; we can only spread the table before them.

Whether they choose to consume the feast, or be happy doing it, is their choice - not ours. We can give the presents, offer our own good holiday spirit, or bake the cookies, but we cannot "make" anything happen.

Epictetus once said, "Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. If you think that you have free rein over things that are naturally beyond your control, or if you attempt to adopt the affairs of others as your own, your pursuits will be thwarted and you will become a frustrated, anxious, and fault-finding person."

Why not take a little of the pressure off of yourself this holiday season? Feel free to give whatever gifts, energy, creativity, or love you have to offer, but let go of the desire to control the outcome. The gifts that will make the most difference are those that arise from the heart with no expectation of reward.