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Be Bold, Brave & Believe

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Grants Pass, OR 199909023

When you think about stepping stones, you envision a path that leads to somewhere.  Sometimes the path is layered with pretty landscape and spectacular views.  Sometimes the path is a muddy maze of slippery slopes befuddled with trips and falls.  

Looking back... I accomplished much in 2015, but not without a few spills.  I'm smiling that I made it out alive and sane ;-)  Here's a recap of the path I blazed...    

Scaled my real estate brokerage from a 3000 s/f building to a 675 s/f conference center.  

Digitalized my files and implemented 100% cloud-based 'paperless' environment.

Hired a Principal Broker in preparation of expanding my real estate business in Bend, Oregon.

Became the successor trustee of my father's trust, managing 7 of his properties, including a 10-acre junk yard in CA (American Pickers would have a hay day... lol).

Admitted my father to an Alzheimer's care facility (tear-jerker).

Helped my BFF raise over $75K in crowd-funding donations for her brother. 

Hit by a car as a pedestrian in a crosswalk and survived (sooooo painful!)

Had a total hysterectomy (after years of pain). 

Served as 2015 SOMLS President-Elect and Director on Grievance Committee.

 

A friend recently asked about my plans for 2016... the pic above pretty much sums it up.  I'm boldly declaring from the highest mountain top... This is going to be my year to...  

 

~ Be Bold, Brave & Believe ~

Posted by

Mel Peterson

 Melinda Peterson, ABR, CRS

 Oregon Principal Broker

 Real Estate Cafe LLC

 541-659-1620

 TheOregonDream.com

 

 

Discover Central and Southern Oregon 

David Alan Baker | Laveen & South Phoenix Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Phoenix - Laveen, AZ
Your local Expert

Wow, that is a great year.  Wife and I always talk about Bend Or.  Problem is, I am the main provider.  Be hard to pick up and move, with not established business.  Maybe one day............who knows.

May 2016 be a great year

Jan 12, 2016 07:55 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Bend is beautiful David!  Call me for coffee if you decide to visit ;-)

Jan 12, 2016 10:14 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Melinda (Mel) Peterson 

You had quite the year, personally and business-wise. Hope 2016 is even better. You have such a terrific attitude and it shines through all that you do and say!

Jeff

Jan 12, 2016 09:30 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Indeed I did... Jeff.  I'm happy to have it behind me, and I'm super excited about what the future holds ;-)))  Thank you for your kind thoughts ;-)


Happy New Year!

Jan 12, 2016 10:16 AM
Gayle Rich-Boxman Fishhawk Lake Real Estate
John L Scott Market Center - Birkenfeld, OR
"Your Local Expert!" 503-739-3843

Yeah choose love again and again and again...that's IT. 

Jan 12, 2016 11:52 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Yes, Yes, Yes... Gayle!  

Jan 13, 2016 12:37 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Dang Girl.  I had a calm year compared to you and I thought I was busy.

Jan 12, 2016 12:28 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Lol... Tammy!  It didn't really occur to me that my year was so crazy (aside from the accident & surgery) until I penned it... then I had an OMG moment!

Jan 13, 2016 12:38 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Wow, what a year. I'm sorry to hear about your dad and your accident, but happy to hear about your business. Best wishes in 2016!

Jan 12, 2016 08:10 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Thank you Kat!  Having to admit my father to a home was one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make... I bawled like a baby :(

Jan 13, 2016 12:40 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Good golly, Miss Molly. Make that Mel, you had a heck of a full year. I am sorry about your beloved father, but you have handled his illness with such love and dignity. Way to go on so many fronts. Big hugs - we must meet in Bend one of these days, 

Jan 13, 2016 12:13 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

2015 was a doozy for sure Debb!  I'm looking forward to a bit of reprieve.  It's been an honor to take care of my dad and his affairs... I know you feel the same about your sweet parents.  


Consider it a Bend date Babe!  Have you been to Sparrow Bakery on the Westside?  Best breakfast & lattes ;-)))  

Jan 13, 2016 12:48 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Wow, Mel!  Not sure I could stay functional with so much going on.  

And sorry about your dad.  We went through that with my father, and one of these days I might be able to blog about it.  

Jan 13, 2016 03:04 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

I'm surprised I'm still sane Pat... at least I think so ;-)


I know you experienced the same heart break with your father... I hope you will write about it some day... there are so many of us going through the same thing :(

Jan 14, 2016 02:23 AM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Sorry about your Dad Know how hard that is... but sounds like you have decided to go for life with Gusto! Best of Luck in all you do! Look forward to hearing more!

Jan 16, 2016 03:54 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Thank you Debra!  It's nice meeting you in the Rain ;-)

Jan 18, 2016 02:20 PM
Marney Kirk
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Towson, MD
Towson, Maryland Real Estate

Wow, Mel, you had quite a year. I am sorry for the physical and emotional pain you've endured. I hope that 2016 is a happy and healthy one for you!

Jan 16, 2016 10:36 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Very sweet... thank you Marney!  

Jan 18, 2016 02:20 PM
Women of Westchester Working Together
Women of Westchester Working Together - West Harrison, NY
Women helping Women get ahead

Wow.  You just have a way of meeting life's challenges head on and becoming more successful.  I'm impressed.

Jan 16, 2016 10:59 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

LOL... It's like sliding downhill on a toboggan with no way to stop.  Life is funny that way ;-)

Jan 18, 2016 02:22 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Hey, Mel!

I included this post in todays Last Week's Favorites on ActiveRain.  And enjoy the rest of your weekend!

 

Jan 16, 2016 11:34 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Thanks for the warm welcome mat... You're the best Pat!

Jan 18, 2016 02:22 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Mel -- all I can say is "Whew" while reading each milestone in 2015.  It was nice to meet you in Sherman Oaks this past year --- here's to lots of exciting adventures ahead for you in 2016 and beyond.  

Thanks to Pat Patricia Kennedy for including this post in her weekly favorites otherwise I might have missed it.

Jan 17, 2016 01:52 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Ditto Michael!  I hope we can do it again soon... and get Jane Peters to join us.  She's a hoot!

Jan 18, 2016 02:23 PM
Maureen Bray Portland OR Home Stager ~ Room Solutions Staging
Room Solutions Staging, Portland OR - Portland, OR
"Staging Consultations that Sell Portland Homes"

Your year was full of adventures, not all of them the type you'd want.  No doubt you handled all of them with grace and honesty and came out the better for it.  Best wishes for achieving all that you want for 2016!

Jan 17, 2016 06:44 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

Thanks Maureen!  I'm looking forward to some happier times ;-)  Hope your year is blessed!

Jan 18, 2016 02:24 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

If you get past the issues you had in 2015, and cars, you should have an incredible year in 2016

Jan 17, 2016 08:53 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

LOL... I sure hope so Ed!

Jan 18, 2016 02:24 PM
Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

Holy crap.  You definitely went through the ringer in 2015.  2016 is definitely going to be your year.

Jan 18, 2016 09:35 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

Holy crap... Chris Ann, I'm lol ;-)))

Jan 18, 2016 02:25 PM
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Melinda (Mel) Peterson - it all begins with believing in oneself - leading to being BOLD and BRAVE!

And quite a year of 2015 for you - so many accomplishments...wow!

Jan 18, 2016 02:56 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

I'm there... Praful!  

Jan 18, 2016 03:24 PM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Melinda (Mel) Peterson I think you are bold and brave already.  That is some year you had!  First, my heart goes out to you about your dad.  My mother had dementia.  I took care of her the last year of her life.  It is so emotionally draining so I can only imagine having to deal with Alzheimer's,  getting hit by a car, having a hysterectomy and more,   Are you kidding?  You are an amazing woman!  I wish you all good things.

Jan 31, 2016 07:42 AM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson
Grants Pass, OR - Bend, OR
The Savvy Broker - ABR, CRS

That... and a little prayer mixed in too... Praful ;-)

Thank you Elyse!  So many of us are experiencing the same thing with our aging parents... dementia/Alzheimer's is a mind/heart robber!  I'm so grateful for the special moments I've had with my dad these past 3 years... albeit difficult for sure.  I'm happy 2015 is behind me too.  I'm ready to tackle some much needed fun and happiness in 2016 ;-)  

Jan 31, 2016 08:07 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Melinda (Mel) Peterson - You're not JUST a Realtor, you're a SAINT! You had a lot going on in so many different ways and just when you thought things couldn't get worse, they did. I pray 2016 will be a miraculous turn for greatness. You're such a kind and wonderful woman who deserves more kindness, love, and care. 

When it comes to stress tests (moving, sickness, family matters, business, etc.) your stress level was OFF the CHARTS! I will keep you in my prayers and pray you get featured here on AR too!

Feb 25, 2016 02:27 PM
Melinda (Mel) Peterson

You are too sweet Ms. Patricia!  I surely hope we have the opportunity to meet one day before our maker calls us home ;-){{{HUGS}}}

Feb 26, 2016 10:47 AM