I woke up this morning, about 3am, put on my bathrobe, sat down at the Steinway and thought about our many, many friends, families and colleagues that have lost their jobs, their income, retired and given up their licenses, have had their homes foreclosed, and are struggling with divorce, illness, bankruptcy, hopelessness and unspeakable tragedy.
This is what I hear. And it seems as though there's nothing you or anybody else can do about it, while we're continuously being slammed with rhetoric, false positives, and the insane sophistry of politicians.
I had to stop because I felt like Nero fiddling while Rome was in flames.
Stay strong.
Posted this over a year ago. Thought you might like to see it again. Are we better or worse today ?
Legal Disclaimer: The information and notices contained in this blog are intended to summarize recent developments and news. The posts are presented as general research and information. These posts are not intended, nor should be regarded, as legal advice. Some blog posts concern allegations made in civil lawsuits and in criminal indictments in United States Courts. All persons are presumed innocent until convicted of a crime and proven guilty. Readers who have particular questions or who believe that they need legal counsel should seek the advice of a qualified attorney. It is neither the editor's or author's intention to create a confidential relationship or any broker-client relationship via communication from this site at any time. Please consult with your state real estate board if questions & answers in the education section conflict with the laws of your region or if you need clarification regarding their applicability or how they may govern the services you provide.
Really beautiful David. Yes, I still have my job as a veteran real estate agent and I expect to still have it in the future. Your artistic sensibilty is obvious and deep. If you keep playing for us the process will be much less painful!
Whoa! I still have my ukulele :) That was very relaxing, comforting....don't know how to describe in words except...you reached the depth of my soul :)
Still highly strung with my 2 hammered dulcimers and 60"h, handmade Celtic harp...don't know what I'd do without music in my life! thanks for sharing your soul.
David, the American Dream has always been the American Nightmare depending on how things go. Nothing has changed. Well maybe more lately in this cycle doing the nightmare thing, but it is not new. BTW I play the piano too in dreams and in nightmare times. The music must go on.
Thank you, Mara. The hammered dulcimer is one of the most beautiful instruments in the world. I was a fan of the Carter sisters and loved the way they played when I was a child. I'm very happy to hear from you.
Thank you, Ann. Most desire the rare opportunities yielded to them to escape the madness of society. I suppose the piano could be thought of as a portal to greener pastures.
David, You express yourself beautifully in your thoughts, in your writing and above all.. in your music.
Thanks for sharing your beauty with others.
Thanks to CTann for guiding me your way!
David...you have touched the sensitive side of our human spirit with a bit of your angle dust.
Thank you for sharing.
It might be a little creepy to think about, but I hope that when they do (If they ever actually do) begin to clone folks...that they'll make a few extra copies of David Saks...we all need more...of you!
Thank you, Sara. Gershwin was a great painter. Although the piano was his first love. Music manuscript paper and the canvas have something in common. They're the soul.
Absolutely awesome my friend. I missed you wearing the cowboy hat. Your talent and video score made the 3 minutes and 29 seconds, the best time I spent anywhere today. Thanks David, you know I think you're the bomb!! :-))
My ex husband has my piano. But I have my sanity. Oh, and my job. Which I love. Helping people acheive the dream of homeownership. Thanks for the music!
melancholy, ... but also hear beauty, hope, this too shall pass, and things will look up in your music. With the beauty of music in the world, we are never on the edge of the abyss.
I to play the piano and have since I was 5 years old. Accompanied the high school choir from 8th grade - 12th. Was an assistant organist from 9-12 grade. Wanted to be a concert pianist, my mother thought otherwise and I ended up in Nuclear Medicine, then now my hobby which is RE.
I hope you are using that talent professionally somewhere!
Flagged you for a gold star...that made me smile...fantastic...thanks for sharing.
How beautiful. You very obviously have one very special talent. Thank you so very much for sharing it with us. I now find myself relaxed after a very long day. One thing on my life list is to learn how to play the piano. I have wanted to since I was a child.
Yes, times are tough for many and at times I feel quite guilty for the success I am having in my market. It seems as if I am worlds away from the crush of the down markets, but am wise enough to know it can and does occur anywhere at anytime. I am counting my lucky stars.
Thanks so much again for sharing your gift with all of us :)
Perhaps so, Sally, but teetering the edge of the cliff without a parachute is not my idea of security. With the failure of so many banks last week in the South it doesn't look good. My hopes are for many great days in store for you, and all of our colleagues.
Thank you David...
I think this should be a weekly treat for us. Maybe Sunday nights with David Saks...terrific and your hands are perfect! Keep tickling those Ivories...your are incredible.
David, again you have touched my soul. I really tried to get your message out over the winter, but, alas, I do not have the star power of SarahGray or C. I'm grateful that they have seen the brilliance of what you contribute and have shared it with a much greater audience than I provided. Thank you for all you have given me. I think about you often and hope that you are doing well. You have given me much food for thought and enriched my life, professionally and personally.
3am, or there abouts, has been the time that empires were conceived or evil schemes developed. I cant help but ponder whatever government touches it screws up
Isn't it also about the same time of the morning that John Thane (Merrill-Lynch) and Ken Lewis (Bank of America) met with treasury secretary Henry Paulson, Scott ? Hmmmm.....?
David, Thank you for the beautiful music. The music plays on and life goes on. I unexpectedely just had to get a new job because my former broker a company with 214 agents went out of business last month. I hope it all works out for you and wish you much success. Thanks C.
Thank you, Mitchell. My prayers are for the well-being of your family, colleagues and friends in the days and years to come. I'm very grateful for your comment.
David, I hope you got my note earlier. I really loved this. You have touched me in so many ways. And taught me so many interesting, thought-provoking ideas. You are a gem. Thank you. And, I'm so glad C and SarahGray sent this my way. I tried to get you some press last winter, but they are much more efficient at this than I. All my best.
WOW-I never knew you played the piano but you do not just play it! :) Its you..and the piano very connected. Breathtaking and a breath of fresh air..words so honest and touching..we are all connected and affected..the video...is going up on my site.
I admire anyone who can play the piano..it is a talent I always wanted to have..I took lessons and they were short lived..NO TALENT...NO SKILLS...NO PATIENCE! Do you have CD's for sale?
David thanks for sharing...and if you have a CD for sale...seriously please post the link!
I think there have always been people suffering..and we hear it more often now because people talk about it more..are open about...because we really are much more connected than ever before!
Thank you, Midori. I'm honored to hear from you, and your comment is very sweet and touches my heart. I don't play for money, and haven't anything to sell, but I do have some music manuscripts in the Library of Congress and I'll share the link with you.
Well I hope you place many on youtube..I just listened to you sing...it was nice! :) BTW...I'll be watching..I'm subscribed to you on youtube! Thanks again for the wonderful treat.
Thanks David, that was fantastic. My personal musical talent is keeping my mouth closed and sitting on my hands and listening. And thanks C for inviting me over as to not miss this.
You have many talents, obviously, Tammy, and several are exhibited right here: Your thoughtfulness, your consideration and your kindness. I'm honored to hear from you.
Thank you for the link to your manuscripts. I love your music. Wishing you the very best in all things and looking forward to lurking on your blog. :-)
Perspective is a beautiful thing ! Thank you for sharing that thought ! Is great also to see people come together here on these blogs in the comments and well.
Thanks so much for being 'Real'. The reality of it is being swept away by all the rhetoric. We know several Realtors who have had to take on jobs and are short saleing their homes in lieu of foreclosure. We've known these people for 15 years. Never thought I'd see the day a hard working focused top producer went down. It really sucks. I think the American dream has indeed turned into the American nightmare :(
We have a Rescue Mission for the Homeless in our town. I try and do some form of volunteer work there each yr. ,just to give back for the blessings I've received.
Wonderful! Thank you for taking the time to record and share. What a way to start a Wednesday morning. Sorry that it took such sad thoughts to motivate you to do this. I "pick at" the keyboard... nothing like this! But it does do me a lot of good.
Great Job David, music is truly a International language.
We believe the "American Dream" is and always will be the way of North Americans. It is unfortunate that the leaders of of Countries, at times seem to have their own agendas. We guess that being in a commission based business makes us all a little different. We know that if we don't go out and do what we have to... there is no payday.
There are a lot of people in sad situations but we do believe that they will have to take the bull by the horns.
Incredible talent, incredible soul and sounds. THANK YOU! Way too much carnage left in the wake of the political meltdown. It has touched me in many ways with more to come I am sure. It is like getting hit in the stomach with a baseball bat. In the sidebar statement however, I have never seen home ownership as a "right." A dream...certainly but not a right. I am sure it is just symantics.
David, first of all I agree with you and I see the same thing. However in society... that has always been with us. It is part of a cycle, and this one perhaps bigger than others. I am reminded of the lesson in the Bible that we cannot serve two masters. For the past decade as a nation we persued the material. We all must admit in the past few years with the real estate bubble that a frenzy is the manifestation of the obsessive compulsive. It is kind of scary when the entire world persues it at the same time! and not think that anyone was going to get hurt. We all wanted without asking what or why.
I personally believe that we are headed toward much better times. That may not mean more money, bigger homes, and luxury cars at the expense of exhorbitant credit, but rather the correct values in life that do matter. Dollars cannot hug us, kiss us, or really sustain the soul. They cannot be placed in a U-Haul for the after life either. Hang in there, and we must all learn to relish the truly important things, and live today as God intended. Tomorrow's needs will be taken care of tomorrow.
David, this is beautiful! Someone should start a Group for sharing music on AR - lots of folks have commented about their musical talent! Thanks C Tann for sending me this way.
That was absolutely gorgeous, David. What an amazing talent you had. The beautiful music was such a contrast to the post. It's a nice uplifting coda to the harshness of reality. I've heard of several agents who have had to take on second jobs to sustain them through these times. I'm glad you still have your job 'cuz you play beautifully. I'm going to have to dust off my flute and give it a go again. Please keep posting these. They're fabulous.
Thank you, Missy. George Gershwin is one of my heroes, and musical influence. I have some of his manuscript paper on the wall over the 1901 Steinway upright behind me. The manuscript was a gift from his family friend and biographer Edward Jablonsky when I visited George's home and family descendants in Manhattan in 1994. I made a pilgrimage to visit George's resting place in Westchester on the Hudson. I wrote the piece in the vid, but I'm sure you caught the homage to him with the Rhapsody in Blue rift. No one will ever come along like Gershwin again. He's immortal. And he wrote for the Great Depression. I suppose I will, too. It's great to hear from you.
I think it is important for all of us to have something to throw ourselves into other than work, helps maintain sanity and keeps away that "stinkin-thinking"!
Too often we find ourselves in real estate transactions due to someone's loss: death, divorce, health problems, job loss. When I listed my very first house six years ago, the Seller cried all over the listing paperwork. She was had lost her job and her ex-husband was way behind on child support.
It takes a lot of compassion to be a good Realtor, I think. Appreciate your reminder.
Life is a "Beautiful Struggle"... music is joyful and helps a lot of us tolerate the struggling! My mother gave me the gift of music in my life by communicating her love for it to me and encouraging my interaction with it... thanks for sharing something beautiful with all of us!
David - thank you for the reminder of postive thought and for sharing your beautiful music. I hope you will grace us with more in the future.
Yesterday at our office sales meeting we had the opportunity to hear a bit of Wells Fargo new program they are taking around the country titled Cinemeeting and featuring a vey positive Brian Buffini.
David - I just finished writing a long comment to this wonderful post and my connection got corrupted... argh
I'll try to remember what I said.
My wife and I are both musicians as well. We do music therapy for children with learning disabilities and senior citizens. Your post made me think how luck I am to still be able to do this as well as Real Estate.
Brad Andersohn and I have been bantering back and forth for years about forming an Active Rain Band! We would be looking for a keyboard player as well I'm sure...lol
You playing is awesome. And you are in a very musical city as well so you have roots... lol
Thanks for posting this heartfelt post. It made me reflect on myself and I got to hear you play. Well done my friend and best of luck in the future.
Hi Al and Peggy. The 'American Dream' has become laden with sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, loud, obnoxious snoring, major disturbances of normal sleepng patterns, uncontrollable nighmares and palpitations, and a euphemism for death for some. It's locution that I avoid like the plague. Thanks for your very nice comments and I hope for many good things for you in the days to come.
David - thank you for wonderful music and for a smart melancholy, not a pessimism. I always believed that great performance skills are a-must for Real Estate professionals. I do have a job and I still play piano - thanks God!
Our planet is a waiting room for something better from God, Jim. I treasure your thought and wisdom, and have learned much from you. Many thanks to you, always, my friend.
David, Bravo and standing O. I too worry, feel and see the pain. I have seen more than I care to this year. I just keep trying to make a difference no matter how small everyday.
Much of the city is still in ruins, Kathleen. I suppose the building materials were in short supply. Hmmmm? Haven't we heard that someplace before ? I'm glad to hear from you.
I'm honored to hear from you, as well, Heather, and please continue to explore your instrument. The inconsistencies in life's equation make it rather complicated for those trying to reduce everything to it's lowest common denominator. The lessons of the Book of Job serve me well -
17:15 And where is now my hope ? As for my hope, who shall see it ?
David, I'm so thankful that Club Chaos sent a message about your post. You have touched the hearts of a lot of professional agents. Thanks for sharing your thougths and your talent. We will move forward with the hopes of accomplishing the American Dream of homeownership one client at a time....
Life is a beautiful thing, Wendy. Great real estate agents exemplify, represent and illustrate that example in ways that are sadly neglected. Many thanks to you, and for being a musician, too.
Hi Victoria. I'm glad to hear from you. Santa Fe is a beautiful town. I was there a few years ago. I flew to New Mexico (one of the most beautiful and spectacular places I've ever seen) to see the Rolling Stones play at the University of Albuquerque. Hope the Wells Fargo event was one that rewards your community with good business in the days ahead. Many thanks to you for your kind thoughts.
I admire your work, Robert Hammerstein, and applaud you and your wife for your courage to address the needs of special children and adults in your community. I'm honored to know you and would be equally honored to share the music with you one day. The band idea is a fine one. Many good thoughts for you, always.
Thank you, Jane. There's more within. Serving the needs of those who need mortgage and default recovery, a buyer, financial counseling or a lifevest in the form of a refi to save their home and their family means more than pounding a wooden box full of levers and strings. It just says for me what I can't say with words. Some of the words wouldn't be allowed in this forum anyway :-)
Love and caring makes a difference, Lisa. The greed, awesome rapactiy, and the filth of avaricious, prehensile hoi polloi makes a mess. I've been in the front row with you and have seen my share of misery closeup. I'm honored to hear from you, and please allow me to stand for you, and everyone on this page, today and everyday for the rest of my life.
Well said. Sometimes fewer words are best. My job went away a year ago, and I decided that rather than stay in a 'cube' I wanted to pursue my passion and became a real estate agent. I love working with people and being out. It's tough right now, but I know it will work out... even with all the craziness and the lies.
David - Your talent on the piano is amazing. A very moving piece. It has got me to thinking about a piece for my blog that I have written and re-written for several weeks. I don't play an instrument. I write. Prior to real estate I was a screenwriter in Los Angeles. I love writing, but I became too old for Hollywood.
So now, thanks in large part to your skills and talent, I shall go complete the blog entry I have written and re-written for weeks. I see great change and opportunity ahead for real estate agents and us all, as we and this nation rise from the depths. Yes, Rome did and is burning. But could there have been a Renaissance, without the fall of Rome? No requiem, Talented David, but a Renaissance. I feel I owe it to my friends and family who have lost it all.
Rough day, I came back for another couple of listens. PS you are right about Rome, I was just trying to look on the bright side. It is easy to cement back a broken brick, but impossible to fix a beautiful piece broken crystal. I'm afraid our country was crystal.
Scott, I am truly honored by your request to reblog, and awed by your kind remarks. Thank you for sharing my effort with others and, most of all, I thank you, and everyone here with you, for being my friend.
Kathleen - This country is more than crystal. It's more then steel and concrete. This country is its people. Now this is my opinion and I take full responsibility for it...the problem with this country is the people. Not government...not taxes...not politicians...not terrorist...not immigration...not same-sex marriage...not any of it. The problem is the people.
We, The People, are caught in a downward mood. We seem to be giving up. We look to blame others for the problems because the answers to the problems seem non-existent. We, The People, have allowed ourselves to be divided, fragmented and marginalized...by ourselves.
Say what you will about FDR, but he had it right when he said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself". We seem to be araid of our own shadows for fear the shadows may well be us.
Damn, people, we are better than that. We are the folks that worked together to land men on the moon. We are the people who came together to follow the promise of a Change. We are the people who gave the World wings to fly...defeated diseases...and so much more.
David's beautiful piece of music and talent, kicked me in the butt and I thank him so much for that kick. We can make it through this mess, people. We can...if we work together, look at long term goals instead of short term sacrafices, and start to honestly respect each other for our differences. We need to stop looking to politicians to help us and look to each other. Believe me, if the politicians sense that they are being left behind, they will run like hell to catch up and lead.
Kathleen. thank you for allowing me to play for you. It's my greatest reward, and I'll sleep better, this night, knowing that I've been received by my friends this day in the manner of which they've honored me with their presence, their wisdom, their quality of being warmhearted. considerate, humane, and sympathetic to this world upon which we are all the children of God.
I'm devoted to this business we call real estate, and I'm as interlaced with it as the texture of the polyphony of the piano.
Wow that is gorgeous. My dad played the baby grand in my parents' home until his stroke in 2007. It is devastating to know he won't play again. Your playing made me tear up.
So we work and try to remember that life is so much more and do it all because it is short. And help when we can. Thank you for the post. :)
What beautiful music. Thank you for sharing it. Many have had to leave our industry and haven't yet figured out what they're going to do next or how they're going to handle the fact.
Thank you for your kind words, Candice. I'm sure that your father has a great deal of harmony within. I disagree, however, that life is short and believe in immortality of a sort. Perhaps my concept is a bit askew in the third dimension, but if our dreams are good we yield to them.
That's very true, Christine. Many of our friends and neighbors our facing real devastation, and even more so where real estate values are crashing at an alarming rate. The Bureau of Labor statistics reported this morning that 467 thousand, nearly half a million jobs, were lost last month (June). The Dow Jones Industrial Average has spiraled down almost 200 points and Wall Street has only been open about thirty minutes. I'm grateful for your kind comments about the music.
It's tough for one to heal when there's a great deal of suffering surrounding them, Karen. Turning it off is a cop-out and a huge failure to face the music squarely in the eyes and I hold industry professionals responsible for that nauseating behavior pattern. I'm not a phony cheerleader for the business, nor a deal killer, but I see things in black and white when there's trouble and won't try to alter the canvas with the illusion of sunny skies and sweep the agony under the rug to cover it up. Many thanks to you for your comment and kind thoughts about the music. Please have a fine holiday weekend. It's nice to hear from you.
What a treat. I even turned my speakers. I was instantly rewarded.
Gershwin??
I am still in the real estate business and still enjoying a day on the lake from time to time and I still throw some paint on a canvas from time to time.
Fabulous.....What a great way for me to start off my morning. I love absolutely love the piano and admire your talent. Thank you so much for sharing and for caring.
Beautiful! The only thing I play is my iPod! But I've never, ever thought it was a good to stake my happiness on something as vaporous as 'The American Dream'.
David, I have a piano but haven't been able to play. I'm a writer but haven't been able to write anything but posts. I'm an artist but haven't been able to paint. That's what these times have done to all of us. I'm so glad the music is still within you.
Hi there, Lenn Harley. It's always nice to hear from you. I wrote the music, although there's a smattering of homage to George with a rough blurb of the thematic first section of Rhapsody in Blue, which I could play once upon a time. Some of his original manuscipt paper is hanging in a picture frame over the 1901 Steinway cabinet grand behind me. George had a piano like it when he lived on Riverside Drive in Manhattan. The manuscript was a gift to me from one of Geroge and Ira's friends, and family biographer, the late great Edward Jablonsky. I spent a couple of weeks in Manhattan during the autumn of 1994 visiting with Ed and made a pilgrimage to Westchester on the Hudson to visit George's resting place. Good thoughts for you always, Lenn, and thank you for your sweet comment. I'm rewarded, as well, by your thoughts.
Your ruminations are both thoughtful and wise, Joetta. Why should the dream be proprietary ? The people of all nations desire the comfort and shelter of good housing. I thnk it's a bit characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance, or of any nation categorizing the desire to own a home as something as elusive as a dream. I'm very happy to hear from you.
I am a fan of music, all music and that is a beautiful piece. I too believe that this cycle will pass. I just dont know when. I will continue to help those that I can and hope for the rest.
Thank you, Judy. I don't practice as much as I should. I've become pretty good at reclining in a lawn chair under the hot sun with a glass of KoolAid, although never an attempt to escape the reality of the recession. A good night's sleep is about the only remedy for it. My guess is that if we took a census and went door to door and asked one question, "Did you, or anybody in your household, get a good nights sleep?", nine out of ten people in this country would say "No". I slept great last night because of all of our friends on this page. Friends who shared their thoughts. Friends that have great hopes and aspirations, and faith in the days ahead. A roof over my head, a bath, a good meal, the wisdom of good friends, good music, faith in a merciful creator, and being able to give thanks for the new day when I awake is my idea of success.
My prediction is that it'll take seven to ten years for the market to recover, before we begin to see normal appreciation again in average real estate markets, Vivette. Residential appraisal and Ad Valorem (property tax) appraisal should be under strict control. Thanks for your kind comment about the music.
I have no musical talent, but appreciate yours. We are not beyond hope. But we are a nation in need of repentance. We need to acknowledge are hedonistic life style was wrong and focus on what is right and good. I am not against wealth or nice things, but they have become an end in themselves.
David, As I read through your comments to our comments, I find that your words and thoughts, and dreams and wishes are even more inspiring than your music, if that's at all possible. I'm sure you're right about the majority of us not getting a good night's sleep, only few would it admit. That's what was touching about your recital a la bathrobe. I have found that in a moment of intense crisis, something as trivial as a hurricane down here in Florida or a blizzard up in Chicago where I hail from, neighbors come out of their houses and rally around each other. But in this economic crisis, we all hide inside houses that are sometimes literally crumbling around us. We need to reach out to each other a helluva lot more.
There's safety in numbers, Judy, if as numbers, as the body of citizens of any state, country or community, contnue to work together for the common good of all.
For many, ss Simon and Garfunkel said :
Ive built walls, A fortress deep and mighty, That none may penetrate. I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. Its laughter and its loving I disdain. I am a rock, I am an island
I don't want to be a person like that, and many are fighting the transformation to that sad state of reality because of sudden tragic events resulting in great loss and misfortune.
Thank you for your great comment and kind thoughts about the music.
Thanks, Hannah. I have some boxer shorts with arctic penguins all over them that I'll try to remember to wear next time. They were a birthday present a couple of years ago and I've never worn them before. Great to hear from you.
What inspiration from a fellow Tennessean! I had my headphones within reach, having just been moved by a Chet Baker DVD and enjoyed your Requiem that way, as well. Two very different musicians, but both so moving.
And such sensitivity--in your comments and your responses.
The worlds of real estate and music are both better because of your sharing yourself and your talent.
what a nice diversion. and the feedback shows some real depth of field. the american dream is alive and well for those of us who refuse to give up and give in. you find them in our trade more often than not...we live and die by our wits here, and we get only what we earn...week after week. the viking spirit is predominant here.
i recall there was passage in the Benjamin Button movie that started this way:
"for what it's worth, it'snever too late to be whoever you want to be.
there's no time limit, start whenever you want"
i am working on my ukelele version of somewhere over the rainbow/what a wonderful world.
i play the song when i am feeling beset upon by the bastards of this world and i want to remind myself that they're the exception, not the rule...have a listen...
If my memory serves me correctly, the protagonist of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel began life at the end and died at the beginning. By my estimation, Fitzgerald's intention was that he obviously had nothing to look forward to. Isn't that right, Michael ? Thanks for your thoughts, and keep plucking that uke.
There is almost not a day that goes by that short sales don't bring tears...the stories are horrifiic...and that is why now more than any other time. people depend on the people who can to be strong, to help to do the best and the most they can to assist those who cannot right now....but will again.
David, Exactly: The American Nightmare, we are seeing it across the country. Last night I was shocked to listen to the news that "Obama admits the downturn is worst that he thought. " Apparently he stated, " it will take longer than expected to come out of this, but the stimulus should help" or words to that effect.
Yes our family was hit by loss of main income earners job. Man do you stop wasting money very fast. After 400 job applications and only 3 responses, one of which was a temporary job, we could finally breathe some kind of sigh or relief. A very close friend is filing Chapter 7, it has destroyed part of his soul. I think everyone knows of at least one close friend or family that is dealing with something. Life is tough but we all have to think positive. Thanks for the early morning music!
Music can really take you away can't it? I love playing the piano in such a fashion and would be lost without my piano and guitar. Was that a little Gershwin I heard?
David, This post led me to look at your other posts. I really enjoyed your Flamingo Boogie. This is a sad time for so many homeowners, who are about to lose their homes and the mortgage brokers and real estate agents, who are in foreclosure and/or bankruptcy themselves. As real estate agents we see the misery close up and sometimes experience it ourselves.
That's our most important job, Sally & David, and perhaps fundamental to being an agent today, now more than ever, Retaining a bit of the trait of the sociol0gist and psychologist couldn't hurt either when facilitating clients with the strength necessary to weather this torrential storm. And it's a bad one brewing, and far from over. Seven years, I predict. Signs of normalcy returning in 2016. I'm always very glad to hear from you.
I believe we have a fine President. His heart is right. However, his math is askew and correction is several years away, and, additionally, the problem with ad valorem taxation is still being swept under the rug to avoid any finger pointing at the property assessors office nationwide, Mary. The problem began with the fraudulent misrepresentation of property vslue. It was easier to inflate the value of a home in the property assessors office rather than ask for property tax increases. Everyone got instant equity with the new inflated values in 2000 and ran to the bank to cash in. The city and county governments could tap the higher values for more tax revenue without having to seek a property tax increase. It looked like a win-win situation, but everybody lost, worldwide. I'm honored to hear from you.
Thanks for listening, Eleanor. I'm honored that you would share my manuscripts with your daughter. Hope you have a very fine week ahead and a great day today.
I think of Fred Astaire's song, Corrine, "Pick Myself Up, Brush Myself Off, and Start All Over Again" from the 1936 film "Swing Time"! It's great to hear from you.
Music gives me a sense on continuity, Steve, and restores balance in a world full of dissonance. Your correct. Homage to Gershwin towards the end with a short abstract variation on "Rhapsody in Blue". Great to hear from you.
Gail, we're entrusted with such an abundance of privileged information, which includes daily stories of intense heartbreak and misery, that we have an obligation, by virtue of our sworn profession, and in view of incalculable, countless stories of tragedy, to hold our heads high for those who call upon our service. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate you.
I have my voice. I sing. Last night it was from Jesus Christ Superstar "Try not to get worried, try not to come on to troubles that upset you. Don't you know . . . . everything's all right, yes . . . everything's fine . . ."
Thank you, Lonn. I'm honored by your comment. I believe that the "dream" is not about buying a home. It's about paying it off. And for many, a dream that's not ever going to come true. The key to helping a person realize this is demonstrating to them that they have to live in the real world with real financial obligations.
The Bible says in Proverbs 23:5:
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
I never use that phrase "American Dream" anymore, Lonn. It's the dream of mankind. We have no claim to it as a nation and shouldn't have to take responsibility for it's unrealisitic measure of desire.
Perfect. Thank you for sharing your gift of music.
I really like your quote: "Owning a home should never have to be 'just a dream' for anyone. The responsibility of every real estate agent is to make home ownership a right & reality, in conformance with fairness, the principles of sound ethical judgement, justice & the laws of our nation."
Your post and especially music touched me deeply. I have become a workalcoholic, never take time for myself, family or friends. This has to change.
I will begin TODAY. Life is short and I am not very happy. Only I can change it and I am going to.
Thank you ... we never know how we affect our fellow travelers on this road.
So true, Connie. The road has lots of obstacles and there's some pretty heavy traffic, but we can navigate successfully if the signals to prosperity are in plain view and not obscured by the circumlocutious, periphrastic, rhetorical banter of elected officials and others who are clueless. They just seem to want to say 'everything's going to be ok, everything's going to be ok' while they're slicing filet and drinking claret. Glad to hear from you, and I'm honored that you enjoyed the music.
David - Your music touched my soul and my heart. There are so many challenges to be faced in these tyring times but you have a great gift to sooth those fears and have renewed my spirit and given me hope. Thank you!
Wait a minute. That's your bathrobe... Well, okay. I play in my robe, too, but not nearly as nicely as you. So, when I wake up at 3 AM, I read. Boring, huh?
I focus on the things that I can change. I can't do anything about the weather, economy etc. but within my world I can change my economy so there in lies the things I can do. Although every 2 to 4 years we can help change things maybe as a whole but one I excercise that right I move on.
I did write it, Bonnie, although there is brief homage to Gershwin near the end. My robe is unbuttoned....but comfortably and within the contexture of decency :-) The headphones allowed me to monitor and to receive the signal from the piano, send it to the film editor without having to play with any more volume than I needed, and record the video. Great to hear from you and I'm grateful for your very kind thoughts about the music.
Fine comment, Charles, although the Electoral College seems to make the decision in the fourth year, like it did in 2000. Maybe if the people had been able to elect their leader in the fourth year with the popular vote, which consisted of a 500 thousand vote victory that year, the country wouldn't be in the trouble it's in now. Alas, what do I know ? I'm only a real estate broker.
Beautifully done.. I studied music in college and my late mother was a professional singer. So I should know. Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Yes, it is a sad situation. The dream becomes a nightmare for so many. I'm dancing on the edge right now and have experienced an recent increase in business. I pray it continues and work to make it so. But many a fine agent has had to pack it in in my area.
Wow. I am impressed - that was a lovely piece and you play beautifully and it made me FEEL GOOD! I also play the piano, flute and guitar. Your music is inspiring. Check out Paul Sullivan (pianist and Grammy winner from the Paul Winter Consort) and John Boswell online - I'm betting you'll love their stuff. It's New Age/Jazz which I enjoy as much as classical.
Just visited your website. Awesome. Love your music.
Thank you, Ruthmarie. I've become very indisposed towards the term 'the American Dream' when referring to the prospect of home ownership. It seems as though many in our community are doing likewise. If we, as a nation, take title to the 'American Dream' we should be equally responsible for it's calamitous demise and it's subsequent transposition to the state of becoming a nightmare. I'm very glad to hear from you.
David, wow, so very, very beautiful and talented! I just put my Kawaii U50 on Craig's list today. I have to sell it because I need the money. I have had it since 1986. So many families going through so much change right now. Realtors too. Thanks for your post. It was beautiful.
Hi David~ I had no idea you were so talented, well at least with music I mean. I am not musically inclined, you truly have a wonderful gift! It saddens me as well how many people are suffering and are struggling in this economy. The biggest hope is that it will bring us back to the basics and realize what is really important. Our Faith, family, our health and our friends are what matters most. These material possessions are just a added bonus. In the end, when you die, none of it is going with you.
I hope so, too, Roland. I'm doing ok, thank God. But I've seen so many friends torn apart because of financial meltdown that I had to find a second of refuge from the madness, and the piano is a temporary portal to sanctuary. Hope your doing fine. Glad to hear from you.
Cheryl, your home page should be in 'Who's Who In Real Estate In America'. Your achievements are many. I'm honored by, and grateful for, your very sweet comment. I know that your success and happiness will be great in the days and years ahead.
The gift is you, Vicky, and friends that have honored me with such beautiful thoughts in this forum. My heart is strengthened by your kindness. This is a great planet that we inhabit. I think of it as a waiting room that God has given us to inhabit while we wait for something even better. Angels live among us, and many of them are on this page. The earth is like a big piece of music manuscript paper to me, and we're all notes on the page. God is the composer and it's up to each of us to play our part in the symphony of life. If we play a little off key sometimes, then we turn to the Creator and each other to find the harmony needed to restore balance. These are reasons why music is important in my life.
The same way you have a talent in music.. you can have it in anything you do. .if you want it bad enough .everyday we make a choice to eat or to be eaten. . .I try to be the lion everyday
Great video. . thanks for sharing your calling with us. .
It's ok to be the lion, Fernando, as long as we eat what we kill when hungry. A voracious appetite and the gluttony , the gula, of prehensile enterprise was the downfall of the banking system. Wanting to eat or drink more than one can reasonably consume is fatal. Thanks for your kind thoughts about the video. I'm very glad to hear from you.
The Bible says in Proverbs 25:27 :
It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory.
Proverbs 26:16 says:
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit.
Proverbs 23:2 :
And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
=======================
We can get our house in order if we honor, and accept, these directives and encourage others to do so.
I agree completely. No matter how hard a transaction is - there is someone else who has it worse. I have a beautiful family and a great home. I still have a job that allows me to. I'm thankful to GOD for that everyday.
I enjoyed your music. Thank you so much. It has been a tough year for many of us, myself included. I've learned to enjoy what I have and to spend time with the people I love. The market will eventually improve but we have all learned hard lessons here. Let us not forget them. g
Thank you, Allison. I don't mind playing on YouTube for my colleagues in my bathrobe, but I'm not sure that I'd do it at a Bar Mitzvah or wedding reception. :-)
David. Things are tough for many people right now. Many people DID anticipate a drop in the economy, however, few anticipated losing their jobs and their homes. It is very sad to see.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
;)
;)
;)
I try not to think about all the unhappiness, and joblessness. It is so sad.