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It all started with mint . . . Does it get any better?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cornerstone Business Group Inc 0225086119

I realized something today that might be worth a little reflection.  I was at an REO I'm prepping for the market, and I decided to join in the fun by doing a little weed-whacking.  The property is nearly ready to launch, but the most recent rain caused the drought starved grass to spring up for joy!  That meant another mowing before the list.

Anyway, I started the trimmer and I was making my way around the house when I got into a thick portion of grass that hadn't been mowed, and then it happened.  As I was knocking the grass down I hit a large section of wild mint.  I love the smell of wild mint.  I lingered there for a couple minutes soaking up the aroma of the freshly cut mint.  It was so sweet. 

That got me to thinking.  As high intensity as I can be, and as hard charging as I can be and as much of a take no prisoners kind of business person as I can be - it's really the simple things in life that bring me the most pleasure.

I love the smell of fresh mint.  I get carried away with the sound of the ocean crashing outside my window while I drift off to sleep.  I thrive on the feel of my muscles getting tense and hard when I workout.  I get inspired when I put on my snorkel and paddle around the rocks in St Thomas, Antigua or Puerto Vallarta.  The fish are bathed in brilliant colors and their beauty sends rays of thanks to the God who created them so magnificently.  

I'm always entertained watching a baby belly laugh.  I marvel at the intelligence of my dog as he tries to con each family member out of an additional bone each day.  I stand in awe as I watch a hawk glide through the air so effortlessly.  I am fascinated with the array of colors in a sunrise and the breathtaking beauty of a sunset.

Real estate may be my profession, but so many things beyond my profession fill my heart with wonder.  The simple smell of mint this morning made me forget all of the tasks that are ahead on this property, and for that one moment, I was consumed with something that brought me pure pleasure.

Comments(21)

Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Andrea, thank you for your generous words.  You're way to sweet.  So right, about smelling the roses, or mint in my case.  I realized that this morning.  Have a great evening!!

Aug 29, 2011 11:47 AM
Kerrie La Guardia
ActiveRain, Community Manager - Kirkland, WA
Let it Rain!

Andrea, serioulsy right???  Mike you constantly paint a picture and keep my eyes on your post....not an easy task with all the quality here on AR but you do it again and again and again.  Great message, great post!

Aug 29, 2011 11:57 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, Kerri.  I thought you were going to say it was difficult because you are ADD or something.  8-)  Oh no wait, that's me. 

Aug 29, 2011 11:59 AM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

I am in awe, every day there is another awesome post by Mike.  I wish I had that talent.  I love the message in this one.  For me, I love sunrises and sunsets.

Aug 29, 2011 12:17 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thank you, Kathy.  I'm partial to them too!  Enjoy today's sunset!!

Aug 29, 2011 12:18 PM
Joshua Zargari
MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY
MJ Decorators Workshop

Thank you Mike.

Looking forward to reading your posts.

Have a good evening.

Aug 29, 2011 12:48 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Mike- it truly is the simple things in life that can continue to give us so much pleasure.  You turn your head, get a whiff of something and you are flooded with good memories.  

Aug 29, 2011 12:52 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Mike - absolutley the simple things of life bring so much joy and serenity.  It's always funny to watch our cat convince both of us he hasn't been fed yet.  Sometimes he wins cause he's so persistant!!  Gotta love it!!

Aug 29, 2011 12:58 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Thanks, Joshua, you too!

It is, Kathy.  Thanks for stopping by!!

Aug 29, 2011 12:59 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

They are sneaky, Anna.  My dog does that.  He will go through the exact same dance to get each family member to feed him when they get up.  Little does he know we're communicating with each other.  8-)

Aug 29, 2011 01:00 PM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Mike - Great post. I also love the smell of mint. We had a persistent patch in our back yard years ago that we couldn't get rid of, and it started to take over everything. Then our Lab had a big litter - 8 puppies - and as it was summer, they spent most of the time in the back yard after about their first 4 weeks. They made the mint patch their home - if you think you love the smell of mint, you should try mint-flavored puppy breath. And as a side benefit, the little monsters completely destroyed the mint patch.

Aug 29, 2011 02:12 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

That's a great idea, Dick.  I bet I could get my wacky dog to eat mint.  He's nearly a vegetarian alreay.  Hmmm?  That's a great story! 

Aug 29, 2011 02:31 PM
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

Good words and love the tie ins too.

I will say the take no prisoner attitude you speak of sounds a bit foreign to me and shocking to hear you alike it to you...

 

JK

 

Peace

Aug 29, 2011 03:47 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

So true Mike, most of the time it's the simplest things in life that bring us the most pleasure.  Thanks for the reminder.  I think we get wrapped up in what's going on in our lives and businesses and forget to enjoy what's right in front of us.

Aug 29, 2011 11:11 PM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Right, David.  I have a feeling . . .

That's me to the letter, Roger.  My little mint discovery yesterday was a great reminder.  Have a great day!!

Aug 30, 2011 01:26 AM
Marco Giancola
Beachfront Realty - Miami Beach, FL
Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida

Mike I am right there with you. There is unexpected joy around every corner and it shouldn't be missed.

Aug 30, 2011 01:48 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

You bet, Marco.  Of course, it's waves on those FL beaches that I love to hear too.  8-)

Aug 30, 2011 01:50 AM
Alan Gross
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company, Equal Housing Lender - Bethesda, MD
Loan Consultant

I have fresh mint in my yard and I cut a little bit each time I mow. It does smell great. The simple things in life can give so much pleasure/

Aug 30, 2011 01:59 AM
Sherri Berry
Reliant Realty, Murfreesboro - Murfreesboro, TN
Murfreesboro TN Homes & Real Estate

I agree with the others Mike - it is amazing that you come up with not just good, but excellent posts, day after day after day!  It is the simple things in life that bring us real joy.  Money is nice, but unless we appreciate the miracles in life that actually come free, we will never be happy.  

Aug 30, 2011 01:59 AM
Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV
Cornerstone Business Group Inc - Winchester, VA
Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro

Absolutely, Alan.  I love that smell.

Thanks, Sherri.  And, congratulations on your "Good News" contest success! 

Aug 30, 2011 02:11 AM