Len Elder is my favorite teacher.  A mortgage broker, real estate broker, and attorney at law, Len writes cirricula for the Hogan School of Real Estate in Tucson, Arizona.  Sunday a couple of months ago, I found him at Starbucks, papers strewn across the little round table, writing poetry.  Len carries a book of his poetry in the trunk of his car.  If you ask, he's likely to share it with you.

This particular Sunday morning, he was writing haiku.  It's a Japanese form of poetry, consisting of 17 syllables divided (in English, at least) into three lines which consist of a "phrase" and a "fragment."

The teacher let me read over his shoulder. I copied this poem down on the back of my business card, and asked him to sign it.  He did.  Here's what he wrote:

          He didn't mind when
          the foreclosure notice arrived. 
          His soul had moved out long ago.

                    (copyright 2007 Len Elder
                                     Tucson, AZ)

This Thanksgiving, no matter how tough the market, we are blessed to be where we are in life, sharing what we have with friends.

Been there and back:  As a young man and a real estate developer during the downturn that followed Black Monday, October 1987, I experienced the pain of failure and foreclosure. 

In this difficult market, I've shared that with many clients who face difficult choices. "I'm here to tell you that there's light in the darkness," I tell them, "and that ours is the most wonderful country on God's earth.  You'll get through this.  I did. All we need together is a plan. Just a little one.  Let's take stock of your blessings and move forward." 

It will be a good Thanksgiving, no matter what!  And that's the real estate opinion of this Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.

Mike in Tucson

Mike Jones (Tucson Mortgage Company, LLC): Loan Officer in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona

 

25 Comments on I've Been Foreclosed, and that's Good News for You!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
21
2007
Mike, Great Point! Have a Happy Thanksgiving and may you eat plenty of turkey..:-)
6:15am • #6
241,539 Points Outside Blog
That is a fantastic Haiku. I don't actually know a good one from a bad one but this one elicited a ping of emotion. So it must be good right?
6:31am • #7
1,952,020 Points 478 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Goodness Mike, what a thoughtful post.  The teacher wrote a positive verse about a negative experience foreclosure.  We do move on. 

Life happens.

 
6:48am • #8
960,785 Points 21 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Agreed, Family and loved ones! Have a Happy Thanksgiving my friend! Charles
6:50am • #9
130,235 Points Outside Blog
That pretty much sums up how most of the people feel when that final notice arrives, they know the battle is over - thanks for sharing and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!!
7:03am • #10
304,064 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi Mike,
Len Elder has peeked into a soul and penned the emotions.  Profound.
7:21am • #11
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cynthia: you have a way with words yourself. Thanks for commenting.

Bill & Barbara Jo: In another life fifteen years ago, I experienced the pain of foreclosure; it makes me much more aware of God's blessings every day.

Charles: Thank you, my friend!

Lenn:  Thank you so much for commenting.

Todd & Danielle:  When words elicit "a ping of emotion," that's good poetry.

Matt:  Thanks for commenting; I'll enjoy some turkey.

Linda: Thank you so much!  Same to you and yours in Fort Worth, and wherever else they may be.

Cheryl:  You're a wealth of information. Thank you for the links.  I've got to go try my hand at Computer Assisted Haiku!

Kris:  I appreciate your comment; Happy Thanksgiving!

Candy:  Thanks for being the first to comment.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Mike in Tucson
8:18am • #12
742,160 Points 18 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mike,

That haiku perfectly captures the vibe I get when I take someone into a foreclosure.

Sad, but true...
9:15am • #13
1,914,489 Points 386 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Wow, Mike!  This one is pretty deep, and it does remind us to count our blessings.  Thanks.
9:18am • #14
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Mike:  Thanks for taking time to comment! 

Patricia: It sure does, doesn't it?  Thank you for visiting and commenting.

Mike in Tucson

9:25am • #15
Mike:  Who knew a haiku could be so poignant?  And who knew you would be writing haikus on AR?  lol.  :)  Happy Thanksgiving!  We should all be grateful for what we have.  :)
10:52am • #16
Oh, Gosh, that poem makes me so sad... and it's so true.  I'm certainly blessed and very lucky! I am grateful for what I have.
2:36pm • #17
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Jan:  It's good to be grateful; it's the best choice for looking at life.  I lost a brother, age 43, last August.  He was an inspiration to me, and I'm grateful to God for the years we had together.  Here's a link; you would have liked Jonathan.  Thanks for commenting, and for subscribing here; I'll see you soon on your blog.
How did you know my brother? -

Richard:  I really appreciate your comments; thanks for coming back so often.  Happy Thanksgiving.

Mike in Tucson
2:45pm • #18
217,645 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog
That was so profound...it has left me at a loss for words.
10:32pm • #19
NOV
22
2007
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks for commenting, Joan.

Mike in Tucson
4:30am • #20
OCT
21
2008
315,518 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router

Thank you for posting. I loved your Haiku, wish it was not so true! Please post more!!!!-Dinah
2:25pm • #21

Really liked the Haiku...talk about imagery. Very insightful and cool.
10:34pm • #22
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Richard,

Thanks for commenting.  Sad, isn't it?

Dinah,

Thanks for creating the group.  I'll be posting again.

Mike in Tucson
10:59pm • #23
SEP
16
2009

I always found Len to be an arrogant and pompous jerk.  Very full of himself.  Although this Haiku is sad, please don't start treating this guy as the self-proclaimed know it all he is. 
David
3:45pm • #24
712,458 Points 118 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

David,

That's not the Len I know.  Perhaps you just don't know him well enough.

Mike in Tucson
11:02pm • #25

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Mike Jones

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Tucson, AZ

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SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171)

Address: 2840 E Skyline Dr, Suite #230, Tucson, AZ, 85718

Office Phone: (520) 344-6943

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