Murrieta, CA - Let's Thank Our Troops - 11/30/07 03:55 PM
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Sushi & Friendship - A Face To Face Meeting In The Rain - 11/27/07 08:55 AM

When I suggested sushi, I wasn't sure how it would go over. When you meet someone for the first time and they ask you to recommend a restaurant, it can be a tricky proposition. Sushi isn't everyone's cup of tea.
Lucky for me that Joey Aszterbaum, the Hemet Home Loan Guy, thought it was a great idea. Joey is one of several folks I've been in contact with in the rain. When we had lunch together at The Sushi House in Temecula, it was the first time I have had an "in person" meeting with one of them.

Joey "gets it". He … (40 comments)

Giving Thanks - A Heart Filled With Love - 11/21/07 08:45 AM

I don't know who originated the saying, but I have an Attitude of Gratitude. M.J. Ryan has written a book on the subject. Today, I am grateful:
For my good health For my friends and familyFor having discovered active rain and all the new friends I have made here and all I continue to learn hereFor the beauty all around meFor my spirit of curiosity and sense of adventureFor my love of music, art and the written wordHave you counted your blessings today? If not, you'll be amazed how much better you'll feel after you do. Here's wishing you a very Happy … (24 comments)

Temecula Valley Embraces Slow Food Movement - 11/19/07 10:57 AM
If you're a junk food junkie, you might want to take a pass on this post.
Today, we're talking about slow food. Yep, there is an actual slow food movement. With more than  80,000 members, Slow Food USA strives to educate the public about the choices they make in  the foods they eat. They believe in using fresh, local, organic foods and in taking the time to prepare them so they are tasty and wholesome. They also believe in celebrating food and taking the time to savor it and share time with others while dining.
Slow Food USA has over 170 local chapters … (15 comments)

Taking Time To Explore The Majestic - A Visit To Rancho La Puerta - 11/18/07 04:37 PM

A few weeks ago, I spent most of a week at the Rancho La Puerta spa in Tecate, Mexico. For a little background, read Things Don't Always Work Out The Way You Plan Them. I left Monday and returned Wednesday to finish the week there. What a gift it was for me. Not only did I have the opportunity to spend time at a heavenly place, I got to spend time with two of my photography mentors, Neil & Susan Silverman. Besides being spectacularly gifted photographers, they are excellent teachers.
I heard Neil Solomon talk about the bald eagles of Homer, Alaska … (13 comments)

So What's Your Excuse? - 11/18/07 02:36 PM
I was so touched when I saw this that I felt compelled to write a post about it. You may think comparing humans to dogs is a stretch, but to me it's all about handling adversity and overcoming obstacles. I saw a move called Pass It On the other day. One statement that really stuck with me came from a blind man who said if he were given a choice between having his sight or having vision, that he would choose vision.
Are you letting a changing market stop you? Or do you choose to tackle the challenge and find different ways … (15 comments)

It's A Razor Thin Line - Finding Your Holiday Balance In The Rain - 11/13/07 09:19 AM

We struggle for balance year 'round, but as the holidays arrive, the balancing act becomes just a bit trickier. I look at it as a fabulous opportunity.

It's an opportunity to re-evaluate our priorities. Have we gotten off track? Are we spending too much time at the office, at the keyboard, chasing our tails at the sake of family and friends?
Let this be a time to pick up the phone and let the people that matter to you know how much you love them and what they mean to you. Hug your husband, your wife, your children, your friends. Practice … (24 comments)

Widget Freaks Unite! Check Out SpringWidgets - 11/12/07 08:26 AM
Thanks to friend Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate, I'm now a member of cre8buzz, a new and rapidly growing social network. Read more on Bill's blog, Cre8Buzz! ~ Increase Your Internet Exposure ~ Be Seen..Be heard..Be found.
While there, I saw several cool widgets and noticed they were available at SpringWidgets. SpringWidgets describes itself as "a widget engine for the desktop and the web." You can browse dozens of categories of widgets, create a custom widget, or upload one of yours. Pay them a visit. I don't think you'll go away empty-handed.
 Get this widget!
Murrieta Real Estate Expert - Tom Plant, REALTOR® … (18 comments)

Things Don't Always Work Out The Way You Plan Them - 11/05/07 05:27 PM

Tecate, Mexico. We had no idea the fires had come so close. We are at the serene and incredible Rancho La Puerta. Not only did the Southern California fires come close, they consumed a few of the villas here. The hillsides are scorched, and we passed several fire department base camps on the way and the smell of smoke is still a constant reminder.
 
 
 
 
That, however, is not why I am posting this. We're heading home, not because of the fires, but because Debbie's body is paying the toll for neglecting her sore knees and bad achilles tendons. She winces with every … (18 comments)

Hasta La Vista! - 11/03/07 02:41 PM

I just wanted to say "see you later". Debbie and I are driving to Tecate, Mexico (yes, where they make the beer!) to spend a week at the Rancho La Puerta spa. You will likely not see me in the rain for a week, but I will be working on three contest entries! I look forward to returning with a freshly charged set of batteries. Be well.
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