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Rising Above - Looking for the Best in People and the World

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

Mid-March Madness (Sadness)

 

Losing our Golden Retriever, Mac, in mid March, about the same time our Governor starting shutting down the state, was a one-two punch. Things felt so surreal in our world.  However, our pals, Ron and Alexandra, reminded us that finding another pet to love is one of the the best ways to honor McKinley.  

 

March 31st, Finnegan, was born. He was one of the five boys out of a litter of eleven. It was uplifting to get weekly photos, email updates, and videos of the puppies nursing, eating their first mushy meals, and learning to play. Many of you know about our epic road trip (armed with common sense, masks, hand sanitizer,  and disinfecting wipes) in May to pick him up.

 

 

A bonus, we got to see our beautiful daugther and granddaughter.

 

Joy Opens Doors  

 

Naturally, with all the joy and positive energy we felt with this new little guy, the business doors started opening again. Funny how that works. The phone started ringing and hasn't stopped. Sellers are finally ready to list. Buyers are hoping to relocate. We have been busy getting our listings sold, and helping buyers find the right home. It's been very satisfying.  

Sure, we are doing business a bit differently, and admittedly, it's tough not to hug a favorite client, or at least shake hands. However, kind words and attitudes go far in expressing fondness and appreciation.  Much of our business, like always, can be done from home. We like it. 

 

We love how you get back what you send out. 

 

Meaningful Marketing - Nature in Vogue 

 


One thing positive about the stay at home orders is that many people started gardening more, some for the first time. Others hit the trail, or started biking, or walking. Nature, once again, provided them with a connection to something bigger. 

Our View Homes of Clark County marketing messages in March, April, and May, were geared towards the joy of gardening, benefits of nature, and the restorative aspect of soothing views and elbow room for the soul. In short, taking good care of yourself. We got a lot of positive feedback. 

 

Our niche was shining and likely will continue to shine in the months ahead. 

 

A New Way of Thinking


My son and his family moved to the Bay area about a year and a half ago for a great job opportunity. However, because the family lives in Danville, and his office is in San Francisco, he spent far too much time on BART.


His company, like many, will not return to their usual way of doing business. Therefore, he gets to move back to the Pacific Northwest ( Portland ) and will work remotely, with trips to SF about every six weeks. 

 

Hurray, we will have grandkids nearby again! 

 

Optimistic About Life and Living in the Now 


Recently, an acquaintance asked how we remain calm. "Don't you want to yell and scream at people who are acting so stupid?" she asked. Further, she implied, those who don't protest, express outrage on social media, and generally voice their displeasure with others wrong-doings, have their head in the sand. 


We do not have our heads in the sand. It's impossible not to witness some pretty sad, and at times horrific, behavior, locally and nationally. Yes, we have opinions about it too. However, we choose to be aware, try to help how/where we can, and then move on...

 

To enjoy life, to express gratitude, and to look for the best in people, and the world. 

 

 

THIS IS AN ENTRY INTO THE JUNE CHALLENGE HOSTED BY Anna Banana Kruchten Arizona's Top Banana! AND Carol Williams - WE APPRECIATE YOU BOTH. THANK YOU. 

 

 

 

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments(36)

Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Debb and Bernie,

What a great photo of Kelsea and Rae, and Finnegan snuggling with them...We wanted to walk on the beach this morning, but it was drizzling, so we had breakfast at the Summerland, and then went to TJ's for a few things.  We get constantly asked how come we are so happy? It comes from the inside not from conditions outside oneselves!  Love your post...A

Jun 26, 2020 10:15 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Debb and Bernie - opening doors can definitely be forth joy.  Here's to more. . .   There need be NO shortage.  

Jun 26, 2020 10:24 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - Now more than ever, being surrounded by nature and small-town America is so important.  You choose to enjoy life in a positive way and that will always be beneficial for you!

Jun 26, 2020 11:09 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good afternoon Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - great story of turning pandemic into opportunity.  New puppy and and grandkids back.  What could be better.

Jun 26, 2020 02:03 PM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Debb and Bernie, a lot of people are starting to look and find ways to be closer to Nature. And to do more gardening. You have summarized your win-win attitude so well, I smile, agree with it 100% and feel tempted to copy and paste here, too:

To enjoy life, to express gratitude, and to look for the best in people, and the world. 

 

Jun 26, 2020 02:10 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Isn't it wonderful how joy can open doors...

Happy Friday evening to you both Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD 

Jun 26, 2020 03:34 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debb,
It doesn't surprise me that you've found joy in spite of circumstances.  We always have a choice and what "luck" for the timing of Finnegans entering the world.  I say "luck" in jest because that's how the world works.... when you live with gratitude in spite of circumstances. 

Jun 26, 2020 03:37 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

To live a life of abundance with family, friends, and pets is such a blessing. Despite the madness out there, I am guessing you're in the top percentile when it comes to gratitude and happiness. 

Jun 26, 2020 04:02 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Debb and Bernie:

What an uplifting story, and a very personal one, as well as a positive message for doing business successfully these days.

And how exciting to have those grandkids nearby again...I suspect there are lots of similar chanegs as businesses adjust to the pandemic and how their employees can work going forward.

Jeff

Jun 26, 2020 05:15 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Debb and Bernie- I am so happy that this was featured!!!! What an uplifting post!  Life has thrown us some lemons and you have made a wonderful lemon sorbet!!!  I think that Finnegan has to be the luckiest pup around!

As to getting closer to nature...Larry has made a few trips to Academy Sports and Outdoors and noticed that the supply of fishing rods and lures is pretty low. 

Jun 26, 2020 07:06 PM
Kathy Streib

Aw, thanks, Kathy. Yes, fishing has become another way many are getting out into nature. Hunting too, but that's a tough one for me, unless someone really needs to food. 

Jun 27, 2020 07:14 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

I'm sorry for your loss, I know that pain and it took me 10 years to get a new dog. We got Peroni and he changed our lives (why did I wait so long)?

I am a Bay Area native with 40% of my family living in Oregon, so reading your post had me smiling at our similarities.

Enjoy your puppy, grandchildren and the good life we can all live, eveni na pandemic.

Peroni Nelson

Jun 26, 2020 09:13 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

What a wonderful photo, and it's great to hear your son and family will be nearby!

I know someone who feels if you're not blabbing all over social media about how you feel about some specific issue, then you don't care and you're a terrible person. I don't feel that way. The way I deal with any issue I feel strongly about is through action, not words on social media. My vote, my physical help in some area, etc. Personally I think that makes more of a difference than any social media words.

Jun 27, 2020 05:52 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Another great photo of Peroni. Thanks Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor e-Pro, CRS, RCS-D, Vets - we need to do a challenge about the Pets of Active Rain. 

Jun 27, 2020 07:12 AM
Sham Reddy CRS
Howard Hanna RE Services, Dayton, OH - Dayton, OH
CRS

Thanks for sharing!

We are doing business a bit differently, and admittedly, it's tough not to hug a favorite client, or at least shake hands. However, kind words and attitudes go far in expressing fondness and appreciation.  Much of our business, like always, can be done from home. We like it. 

Jun 27, 2020 08:45 AM
Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD 
What I always loved about AR culture from WELTANSCHAUUNG and COMMUNITY GUIDELINES -- "looking for the best" -- in others and ourselves.
Enjoy your days - Lynn

Jun 27, 2020 09:07 AM
Ginger Harper
Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage~ Ginger Harper Real Estate Team - Southport, NC
Your Southport~Oak Island Agent~Brunswick County!

 

Life is better for all when you look for the best in others.  Good point.

Jun 27, 2020 07:31 PM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

Delighted to see this in the "Daily Featured" E-mail - congrats for that.    I'm so happy for you getting a new fluffy puppy, and your son moving closer to you soon.   

My business, like yours, is benefiting from new people wanting to be closer to nature.   And less face time in the office means more people can live here.

I love how your post makes me feel.    I agree-there is so much wrong, now-but the best use of my energy also is not to get caught up in negativity.   The more positive our energy, I think the more useful we are to others.   And we are in a service business.

Jun 29, 2020 07:00 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Indeed very uplifting post and indeed we need to look and see the good in people...sadly the ones that are Jerks and A'holes remain the same or become bigger... I see it when I am on the road running red lights honking their horns to name a few... loved your perspective and I agree with you. Endre

Jun 29, 2020 09:51 PM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

There's something about gratitude that acts as a magnet to bring more reasons to feel grateful. Magic.

And dogs - they don't allow you to stay too much inside yourself! Losing one is painful - as I know only too well. But a youngster demands your attention while adding joy and laughter. They are tthe best medicine.

Jun 30, 2020 10:10 AM
Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty
Front Gate Real Estate - Brandon, MS
601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell

Good news all around. Congrats on having your son near by again. We huggers have been challenged during this time, haven't we?

Jun 30, 2020 01:27 PM