When I grow up I want to be a ?

Isn't life funny when we look back on our younger days and observe the stages life has brought us through?  As if I  were in a theater where my performances took place, and step by step the platforms changed.

I was a young unruley haired girl full of pie in the sky aspirations and dreams. Every now and then it's refreshing to visit all the significant changes that occured, and the stages I would go through that eventually shaped who I am and where I was going.

The "I can't wait to grow up and be a Movie Star! Or is it an Airline Stewardess? Maybe a  Hairdresser who gets to play with hair and make up! Yea that will be so much fun!" I think I had a new aspiration for each new season! The one thing I knew I wanted and the part of me that would never change would be to have FUN! My heart had to be in my choice or it wasn't going to happen and I was never going to be NEGATIVE like the grown ups! Yep I was always a dreamer who fondly recalls Girly gushes of excitement, sadness, or even disappointment that would happen, yet with each cycle of change I found myself reshaping and growing... it's called life.

The childlike eyes that would find a speck of light that would be a big enough window to let my imagination roam and find something to do, or create. It's like watching my grandchildren who look for something to play with and the "let's pretend game" with our imaginations and acting skills come alive.

Guess what? After some HARD KNOCKS that little girl can loose much of her pie in the sky optomism and her outlook can change into one of "You got to be kidding me!"  The glass is half empty!

Thats the alarm buzzing, yet we can get all caught up in hitting snooze button and staying in that negative stupor!

Time to regroup. Time to find that speck of light in the window that is still there! Time to have the fun you forgot to have! Time to be creative and positive! 

Fast Forward.......

 I miss my active rain friends and taking my travel classes has been such an exciting adventure for me that I just don't know how I can decribe the joy I truly feel other than to say I feel like a kid again!  A new adventure and a new horizon!

I am a creative person who needs to create or see God's creation. Either way that's when I felt the most productive and happy.

I wanted to touch base with my friends on active rain and write a short blog letting you all know that I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving, and I'll be popping in a bit more frequent after my finals for my travel agent position. 

"the earth is the Lord's and all it's fullness" 1 Corinthians 10:26

Did you ever just want it all? Is it possible to have two true loves? I feel like I prayed for and recieved a heavenly bonanza. You see, a not so secret passion of mine is to see the world and travel. I love Real Estate, but I have wanted to explore travel agent classes with a local company who have small classes (about twenty people) once a year and they fill up quickly.

For several months I gave a lot of thought about climbing on board to learn the travel business. I love real estate, but I also find travel irresistible. I  wanted to put to practical use both of my passions, and I was selected to begin classes with Travelocity on this past Monday. I was so excited that they called me during my trip to Bermuda, that I barley had time to unpack write a quick blog on Bermuda and start my classes.

My Active Rain time will be shortened during the next ten weeks while my free time will be spent going over notes and taking weekly tests. I feel that I will have made one more accomplishment in this short life of no perpetuity. I get to keep my two area's of interest (Real Estate and Travel, and learn from both. Who says I have to stay locked away from one?

I remember good ol Zig Ziglar says Almost is No Fun. "There is no commission on the almost sale you make, no fun on the trips you almost take, and no security or joy in the promotion you almost get. There is no thrill in "almost" doing anything in the game of life. The thrill comes from the accomplishment."

So for now I am looking to accomplish two very precious persuits, and will be embracing them both, and go for the brass ring. It's like I was handed to cute puppies from heaven and get to cuddle them both! Travel and Real Estate oh My!

                                                                                                             ~ Bermuda ~

 From a sparkling sea distance you could see the limestone roof tops peeking in splashes of hodgepodge ownerships. A large pink coral reef rests lazily on the ocean floor, making the pink sands of the Bermuda beaches a legendary wonder.

We passed some private Island mansions where the exceptionally affluent people purchased the well sought after and rare opportunity to own a piece of this Atlantic dreamland. The inventor of the floppy disc asked for the cruise ships to beep as we go by. The loud beep of the ship obliges.

Nearing the port I could hear the Town Crier who I soon spotted in his English duds announcing from the shore the arrival of the Empress of The Seas. I will save a story of my cruise ship experience for a latter blog,  for now I would like to say "Oh the Island!" Did I just mention how sought after by the worlds wealthy this English splendor that was hoisted from the sea is? Can I truly pen the beauty?

Quaint little pastel villages are nestled between narrow (did I say narrow?) roads, and as I walk through the town of Hamilton the tropical smell of the rain-forest is dancing in the air,  and during the gentle breeze you catch the heavenly scents.

Hamilton was rich in friendliness, more so than any place I have ever visited.

 Their manners where impeccable, and I observed the casual courtesies as something that flowed effortlessly and quite natural.

The store fronts in Hamilton Bermuda's capital nearly all close around 3:00pm or 3:30pm. It makes no difference that a ship of two thousand possible customers may arrive at 3:30pm. In one instance a shop owner closed down to-feed her cat. Yep, that's how laid back and out of the American rat race they are. All shops  are closed on Sunday.

Now for the exquisiteness of  the Island tagged the Jewel of the Atlantic. You aren't going to see colossal changes to a culture that has kept it's traditions in tact after all these years. Pastel homes grace the sides of narrow streets with much of the natural rain-forest flowers of red, pink, yellow and white buds peaking through the green foliage bordering in natural arrays untainted and perfectly planted by God.

Charlie and I naturally wanted to explore the Island just a bit before we rested on the pink sand of Horseshoe Bay. The gentle waves felt almost like they were being as courteous to you as the town folks! A crystal clear wave lifts you ever so tenderly and soft ocean breeze choirs with a shore splash. Caves for the curious are housed along the curves of the beach.

What does a Realtor do in Bermuda? Meet a Realtor E. Leroy Douglas with W.J. Seymour Real Estate LTD. who is the father of the Assistant Attorney General of Bermuda of course! The interesting facets of  Real Estate was taught to me by a expert Realtor who's welcoming spirit generously lend me time for a crash course. From him I learned that eighty percent of Bermuda property is owned by Bermudians and could only be sold to the Bermudians.

Non Bermudians can only purchase properties from non Bermudian's and pay 22% sales tax. I mentioned how rare the availability is, as well as the financially elite who are gifted with a unique opportunity. In fact to be on this Island for more than 72 hours you may have a brush with the law. You are now considered an illegal.

 The caves along Horseshoe Bay                    

Pictured above is the old Naval Base oh a few hundred years or so that is now the Mall in Bermuda. Don't you love how they maintained the old in lue of building new?  

 There is so much history and culture to share. An Island like no other, sophisticated yet charming. Friendly, and layed back, yet traditional in so many ways. An Island that will be visited in our memories forever. But for now Charlie and I bid Bermuda farewell as we cruise away to Philadelphia, and back to Reality.

If any one has a client wishing to purchase a piece of Bermuda e-mail E. Leroy Douglas                  (eldouglas@seymourrealty.bm)                                                                         

Meet the Empress of the Seas. She will be Charlie's (husband) and I companion for the next week! We set sail on Saturday and are heading to the lovely Island of Bermuda! My first cruise, and I am so excited!

Isn't it funny how we as humans get so excited over experiencing something for the first time! The goosebumps of anticipation on your first day of school.

Soon enough you made a whole new class room of friends and adventures of a lifetime begin to unfold as you live your childhood through the eyes of many first times.

My cheer-leading try outs, the ecstatic joy that I felt when I was picked. Teenage years come and go, and before you know it......

The look of wonder as you stare down at your first child. Now a life of many of their first times begin to make huge impressions on you! Oh look they smiled! Here comes their first tooth! Their first word, Their first step...

I still feel like a child when I experience some of my adventures throughout life. I read somewhere that happiness is not pleasure-----it is victory. Unlike my cruise life sure is a never ending journey, only with some days having a little more of a surprise than others.

         I will be out of the Rain for a week, and miss you all very much. Your task is to be happy!

                                                                                    BONVOYAGE

Today at at least three different times I started to write my blog. Hours have past, and I'm finally able to resume my writing, which now leads to a whole new topic than the one I originally planned. In fact I vaguely recall what my first blog topic was. You see thats how I blog. An inspiration at a given moment and a blog is born. 

I used to be the type of person who just could not stand interruptions. You could be in the middle of needing to seriously concentrate and WAM something happens, and we are faced with usually another persons problem, or someone needs you for something.

Nothing can be a joy robber more than life's disruptions. Nothing can point out just how well you really have the golden rule established in your life, then when you are called on God's carpet but it's on someone else's clock. Oh sure I absolutely love being able to help others, and the whole do unto others motto is great when I get to pick the when where's and how's.

My first attempt at this blog was put on hold. My granddaughter has swimming class, could I help out with my other granddaughter and babysit while Gabby gets to class. In the back of my mind a few things occurred. I'll get back to finishing what I was doing a little later, I can't wait to see my grandchildren I thought.

Second attempt was when a half a ton of wood was dumped in my front yard for my son and his family. Pa winters have proven to be brutal at times and wood burners need wood. A very kind gift disposed itself on my front lawn, and I was redirected to load my sons firewood, and deliver it with a 20 minute ride, and about another hour to unload the truck.

By about now the person who is driving slow in front of me is teaching me how to harness my impatience, and suddenly I am aware of how inconvenient this day is turning out to be. Again I am suddenly aware of how a bunch of negative attitudes can easily cost us freedom to receive the blessing of doing unto others.

Attitudes, they help or hinder a blessing. Like Zig Ziglar says Sometimes you need a "Check Up" from the Neck Up" to elimanate "Stinkin Thinkin" and AVOID "Hardening of the Attitudes."

This blog is inspired by Randy Prothero's blog titled A good case for buyers agency agreements. Now I know there are some who insist on having these agreements pre-signed before they take up with any buyers, however if I did that in my market I would have no one to work with.

The buyers of Luzerne County are not someone who can easily be swayed into signing anything much less a contract that will make you the beneficiary of their house purchase commission. 

That is the local mentality and it's the proverbial hard nut to crack. It's like handing someone a prenup, that says trust ME while I look out for ME. Can this be a self inflicting sabotage on your relationship?

I have learned that in my market folks need to be comfortable with their business relationship first before they sign anything. Once you have them comfortable their loyalty is pretty much guaranteed. I said pretty much. Yes there will be those that burn you, but had I held out a contract initially I would not have the successful relationships established.

There are a few things I have done to protect myself from those who are time wasters and Realtor hoppers. In Randy's case his client was lost to an Open House. Getting people to use my sign in sheet is a constant effort and unless they do, they WILL NOT VIEW THE PROPERTY. Believe it or not there have been some folks who have refused to sign in! I have bluntly told them, you are waisting both of our time, and off they went.

When I conduct my open house I have a Sign In Sheet that will ask specifically if you are working with an agent. If they have an agent, I will happily answer all their questions, show them the property, and tell them to HAVE THEIR AGENT CALL ME  period.No other real estate questions are asked on my end, like are you prequalified, did you sign a broker agreement ect...

 I was recently at a Rich Dad Poor Dad seminar, and through out the meeting the speaker would say The Early Bird Catches the Worm....

Web Site owners this means YOU! When I get a response to my web site I WAIST NO TIME. Call the number, e-mail back promptly, do not wait! I could guarantee that they have several other web site owners e-mailed and usually the one who responds first gets the deal.

This is how I know if they are jerking me around, when I ask how soon they would like to start viewing properties and they respond ASAP, I know I'm in the running...

My web site usually takes the worry of are they prequalified off my hands, and they typically have that information out of the way and have the prequalification in order, so I want to jump right in and show properties and build the relationship.

The Consumer Notice  is the first paper they sign and that is with me reasuring them that it is NOT A CONTRACT.... I could tell by the body movements, the facial expressions, the down right soon to loose interest in you, if I persisit with a Buyer's Agency Agreement.

So for my Real Estate practice, I go by my gut instinct and know when to not loose a client. After a few visits in their company, I think it is a comfortable time to bring up the contract and know by now how well the two of us can work together.  

Just my opinion, and experience from Luzerne County

By Diane Velikis The Luzerne County House Hunter

www.luzernecountyhousehunter.com

Halloween decorating can be so much fun when the greatest reward is the look on the grandchildren's faces when they come to visit grammas house. Yesterday I had a fun day of creating a cute front yard with last minute ideas, and spontaneity.

My wreath was changed a week ago, and with Fall in the air I could not wait to get started! There is something about those road side farm shacks that make decorating for Fall all the more adventurous.

Tall corn stocks, pumpkins, jugs of home made cider, bushels of apples, bundles of hay, mums everywhere, and oh the crafts! I just love the roadside markets this time of year! It's just as much fun as visiting that tree farm at Christmas.

Well my shopping trip left me all cramped up in the car on my drive home, with my huge corn stocks hanging from my passenger window resting cati corner in the back seat. My giddy heart gets to thinking of how I will display my car full of treasures.

Home at last! Now for an afternoon of playing in my front yard!

A porch isn't a porch without a corn stock greeting in the Fall

How could you have a corn stock and not have scare crows?

 And you need your side walks lit with pumpkin lights!

A little bit of spider web bushes looks like fun!

Every yard needs a Great Pumpkin right?

I just love my scare crows!

Can any one guess where I got dreamcatcher519@verizon.net for an e-mail address?

Welcome! You made it to my door! Now what do you say? Trick or Treat!

My grandchildren came over later that day and their little eyes lit up like saucers! Ahh, Makes my day complete.

It won't be long and I will be announcing a contest! Stay tuned!

By Diane Velikis The Luzerne County House Hunter

www.luzernecountyhousehunter.com

Home Sweet Home Not For Sale

I just love the days when my kids come over my house with the grandchildren and the house becomes alive. When I am home alone  my morning companions are birds that chirp outside my office window, making the only living voice to be heard unless Sinbad is barking at the mailman.

When I hear little feet that putter from room to room,  I smile with anticipation knowing that any minute they will burst through my office door with arms spread wide for a big ol hug. Which blond hair blue eyed granddaughter Bailey, Gabby, and Jules Ann, or my blonde hair brown eyes grandson Noah? One thing is sure my quiet morning with the birds is no more.

I love my family room. Sponge Bob Square Pants takes over the TV, and toys that were neatly packed away are drug out again for an official play time at grammas.

I love my sunny back yard, with a play area for the grandchildren and a huge pool that held lots of giggles and splashes for many summers.

I love the kitchen where the cookie jar is visited frequently.

I love the bath tub that had heaps of bubbles in the tub during a sleep over.

I love the country candles that I burn filling the house with the aroma of apples and pumpkins this time of year.

Oh and there is my husband's recliner, with his football remote holder hanging lazily over the arm.

These are the times that my home becomes one big mental scrap book. The priceless times spent with family and friends. Sellers do I understand your emotional attachment to your home? You bet I do! Still the reality is,

You can't sell Home Sweet Home on  a market that doesn't wear your memories...

By Diane Velikis  The Luzerne County House Hunter

www.luzernecountyhousehunter.com