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Where in the World Is Suzanne McLaughlin?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with New Paradigm Partners LLC EB #1326335

When I first joined ActiveRain almost four years ago, I spent some time thrashing around as a clueless newbie, trying to figure out how to do this blogging thing. AR wasn't the only real estate blogging site I was trying, but the others were basically black holes - there didn't seem to be any community and I couldn't figure out how to connect with anyone there.

 

ActiveRain seemed to be different. There was a lot going on here, and people seemed friendly and welcoming. It looked like a good place to hang out, and develop new skills. And it was surprisingly easy to get involved, simply because a few members took the time to give me a little encouragement and positive feedback.

 

All of us here know how important that can be. A kind word at the beginning can make a tremendous difference in whether we stick out those first confusing months. And I'll always feel indebted to those members who took the time to help me - Anna Banana KruchtenChris Ann Cleland, Lenn Harley and Suzanne McLaughlin. For Debbie Reynolds' Singing in the Rain contest, I can't write about Anna, Chris Ann or Lenn, even though I want to, because I've already talked to them.

 

Suzanne MclaughlinAnd while I have also talked to Suzanne many times, the rules allow me to write about her because, unfortunately, Suzanne hasn't written a post since the end of September. The reason for that has a lot to do with some big changes and personal challenges that took a lot of time to deal with, but that's mostly done now, and we need Suzanne back.

 

So I called her and nagged her unmercifully to get her blogging mojo back, to hang out here more and take care of the community the way she used to. I miss her lovely localism posts about St Michaels and Albertville, MN - their focus on resources for the elderly and less fortunate so clearly communicate what a caring and giving person she is. I miss her humor and her point of view. And I miss seeing her give a boost up to her latest newbie find.

 

But that's just me. Meanwhile, new members join every day, and they need mentors, people like Suzanne who will reach out to them and give them that all important early support and guidance. And those of us who are old-timers can still benefit from the example set by Suzanne's dedication to doing this.

 

She says she'll be back soon, and I'm looking forward to that. But it wouldn't hurt if you dropped her a note or gave her a call, and let her know you miss her too.

Posted by
Mary & Dick

Mary & Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC
2601 S. Lemay Ave. #41
Fort Collins, CO 80525
970-689-4663
www.maryanddick.com

 

Data Source: IRES MLS

Comments (25)

Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Oh my goodness, I too miss her posts. Thanks for reaching out to her, Dick. I'm going to drop her a note and let her know she's missed. D 

Jan 17, 2015 04:49 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Dick - you are a good community friend.  Similar to the help you received, people helped me and the list grew as I engaged with them.   I do remember commenting on Suzanne's blog.  I will send some encouragement.

Jan 17, 2015 05:06 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

Good call on this AR AWOL blogger.  I remember Suzanne and commenting.  I think I even follow her, I'll have to check.

Jan 17, 2015 05:16 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Dick I've noticed she's been missing for awhile too (but I've kind of been as well off and on). She's a sweetie for sure!  A MN gal through and through!  I remember well your first days.....and I knew you'd be going places fast!

Jan 17, 2015 05:41 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I remember Suzanne!  It would be so nice to see her return!  I hope she does.

Jan 17, 2015 06:26 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Dick- I miss Suzanne as well.  I will do as you suggested and reach out because I do think that she is a valuable part of this community. 

Jan 17, 2015 06:38 AM
David Shamansky
US Mortgages - David Shamansky - Highlands Ranch, CO
Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg

WOW I actually dont remember her. Now I feel bad.

OK thanks Dick you killed my weekend lol

Jan 17, 2015 09:11 AM
Debbie Laity
Cedaredge Land Company - Cedaredge, CO
Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO

I called Suzanne, too. I know she will be back, and I can't wait to start reading her posts again. 

Jan 17, 2015 09:57 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Dick you did a good good thing reaching out to Suzanne.  I need to do the same thing and reach out to a couple of members who use to be very involved on AR but have not blogged or commented in a while.

Jan 17, 2015 09:59 AM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Glad you called and rattled Suzanne's cage.  And I'm honored you would want to write anything about me.

Jan 17, 2015 10:18 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Dick, thank you, now that you mentioned it I do realize not having seen her around in  a while.  I'm glad to know she'll be back soon.

Jan 17, 2015 10:23 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Dick, Life can pull us in different directions. I hope whatever it was that pulled Suzanne away will soon be behind her and she returns to posting in the Rain. 

Jan 17, 2015 10:40 PM
Ron Marshall
Marshall Enterprises - Saint Michael, MN
Birdhouse Builder Extraordinaire

Dick Greenberg Suzanne was flattered that you called....and that you wrote about her.  She is composing a post.  I have to finish up my comments quick so she can take over the computer this afternoon while I watch football, not futbol.

Jan 17, 2015 11:29 PM
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

Anna and Chris Ann did the same for me, then i got the best lesson about market reports from you, for that i will always be grateful.

Jan 18, 2015 12:25 AM
Suzanne McLaughlin
Sabinske & Associates, Inc. (Albertville, St. Michael) - Saint Michael, MN
Sabinske & Associates, Realtor

Well, you did a fine job, Dick Greenberg  and Debbie Laity!  I can see that you have a lot of influence around here since I started getting messages to get my act together and come back.  Thanks to those Rainers who have reached out by message and comment, too.  I appreciate you all.  

I will be posting something later today, I promise.  Right now, I am just going around and commenting on the great people who have sent messages and comments!!

Thanks again, Dick, Debbie and all the rest of you.  You can't imagine what it means to me to have pals like you!

 

Jan 18, 2015 03:32 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Dick, just love ya for this and so much more!!! What a pal! We need to do search and seizure of more of your AR Past Pals who've dropped off the face of the earth. Good for you and look at how you shook Suzanne out of her reverie! 

Welcome back, Suzanne McLaughlin !!!

Jan 18, 2015 04:14 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

So I gather you were able to beat some sense into her head meaning Suzanne McLaughlin ?LOL:) Endre

Jan 18, 2015 05:39 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Dick,

I just read in Kathy's post this morning about your reaching out to Suzanne McLaughlin! You are right..we need to let people know we miss them and encourage them to get their mojo back for writing in Active Rain!! Thanks for leading by example!

Jan 18, 2015 08:40 PM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Dick. Yes, I noticed that Suzanne has been Missing in the Rain too. I am glad you reached out to her, and encouraged her to come back and post again. She's been a huge contributor to our community.

Jan 19, 2015 09:39 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

Dick, Great work here and you and others have been the catalyst to get Suzanne McLaughlin back on the blogging roll. 

Jan 19, 2015 11:34 AM