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Monday Morning Gifts: Who said there isn't any Hope, we did it :)

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with CELLing Realty CalBRE #01445865

One year ago-a look back is also a look foreward. March is here, and in many parts of the country Spring has also arrived.  I wrote the following Post a year ago, when so many of us were hit with a struggling Real Estate market.  2008 was a tough year, and so many people lost their homes, their jobs, and we in the Real Estate field lost a lot of our friends.  Yes, it was a tough year, but looking at this Post gave me a lot of hope.....as almost all of the people are still here.  I can't say that about all my Posts...but somehow this Post on Spring and new beginnings, well the people that commented are still here.

Spring is in the air

Out of the Original People that commented only 2 have not posted on AR in the last year, 2 so/so not since October, and the others, well we're still here, doing what we love.  This Post brought me a lot of memories, and so today I wanted to re-share it with you. 

Fran, Missy, Neal, Cynthia, Audrey, Lisa H. Virgina H. and Mara Hawksare all still here and active.  Julie and Cait D. last posted around October, and Suzanne S. still posts .  This has been quite a year for our Industry but we're still here.  Spring is here once again, always a sign of new beginnings, it can only get better from here.  It's my firm belief that the worst is behind us now. 

This will be the last Post in my Monday Morning Series, it's been over a year, and now time to do something different.  Hope you enjoy the following Post from last year at this time, and don't forget to click the fun link on Gift #2.

And let's all continue to support each other as I believe this has helped so many of us with our confidence as different issues arose......whether it was health problems, death of a loved one, children leaving home, birth, divorce, loss of a job, income shrinking....life stuff.  Our friends here on Active Rain have supported each other through many things last year, and we will continue to support each other!  That's the power of the relationships we've build here.

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Good Morning, it's Monday again, and today I have another gift....something for Spring.  The weather has been crazy and some of us have seen Spring type weather much earlier than normal, but then again we saw snow one day and 80 degree weather the next. But it's March now.....and it's time for the weather to change.

 

Spring Gifts

 

Spring is in the Air.....

 

Morning Gift #1   Martisoare

March is named after the ancient Roman God Mars. It is the beginning of Spring in many Countries, and in Romania there is a tradition of wearing a small trinket called Martisoare.  This trinket was a symbol of spring and good luck. 

 I made several of these for people when I lived in Romania.  These trinkets are pretty much only given to Women. 

So.....close you eyes, and pretend you are being given a little trinket with a red and white string, maybe a ladybug, a four leaf clover.  that is your Good Luck Symbol for this Spring.

All of us could use a little Real Estate Good Luck right now.

 

Morning Gift #2-  A little fun, sort of like a Horoscope. What's the Part of You That No One Sees?  Just click the link, and then click a picture as directed.  Oh, you don't have to do the Personality Test, just the picture one.  It's short and eye appealing like a Garden, a nice variety of choices.

 

I remember Spring as having to open up windows and wash everything in the House, in other words WORK....and it is even more important for people selling their homes to plant, clean, and wash windows....in other words, yep work.

 

 

By: Kathy McGraw- CELLing Realty in Riverside County CA

 

Li Read
Sea to Sky Premier Properties (Salt Spring) - Salt Spring Island, BC
Caring expertise...knowledge for you!

I missed your post the first time around...it's as timely today as in 2008.    Thanks for this.

Mar 02, 2009 03:15 AM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

Sally- It's been a long time since either of us were 1st on each others Posts, but I couldn't think of anyone else who I like to see first on this Post of hope than you :)  Talk about relationships....your friendship and positive attitude helped me through a difficult year.  I know it has helped others as well.  With each of us doing our part, we all benefit.  I know for sure that no matter what I do or don't have, I am willing to share it with a friend.  Thanks for everything you have done for all of us this past year.

Kathy- I'm singing with you......although today I feel bad for my friends that are getting pounded with that storm in the Northeast.  Their Spring is a little further down the road.  And now that we've made it....anything is possible.

Li- Glad you enjoyed it, and yes if there was no date, it would be the same for today :)  Success to you in your transactions :)

Mar 02, 2009 03:39 AM
Marlene Bridges
Village Real Estate Services, Inc. - Laguna Hills, CA
Laguna Homes|Laguna Condos|Laguna Real Estate

Hi Kathy - Great reason to celebrate---It's Spring and WE'RE STILL HERE!

Mar 02, 2009 04:17 AM
Mike Jones
SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ
Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Kathy,

You've been an inspiration to me in the last year; thanks for the post!

Mike in Tucson

Mar 02, 2009 05:09 AM
Heather Chavez
Second Self Virtual Assistance - Caldwell, ID
Real Estate Virtual, Assistant (928) 692-3235

Thank you for the inspirational post, Kathy.  I loved the photos as well.

Mar 02, 2009 08:19 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathy unfortunately I cannot say the same, there are many that I know that are no longer around and did not make it through the year, and others that are barely making it right now.  I hope that a year from now I can right a comment saying that most that were  here this year are still here in 2010.  I really hope to be able to say that.

Mar 02, 2009 09:27 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Goodness, Kathy, That flower is stunning!  I can't think about spring until I dig out of the 14" of snow here :)  But I LOVE these posts and really hope you don't stop them.  They give me motivation and always something to look forward to!   Like the gifts your posts always include (and I happen to have a four leaf clover :)!

Mar 02, 2009 11:33 AM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Kathy, It's true, it has been a difficult year but this post, last years' - and this years' - is inspiring. Thank you.

Debi

Mar 02, 2009 01:39 PM
Lynda Eisenmann
Preferred Home Brokers - Brea, CA
Broker Associate ,CRS,GRI,SRES, Brea,CA, Orange Co

Hi Kathy,

So beautifully said and I love your philosophy. Yes in so many ways AR has been a wonderful support group for us all...sort of my own r.e. therapy at times.

Personally I've had the good fortune to meet many and you're one of them! I'm ready to head your way for one of those great date shakes, everyone should try one, right?

Mar 02, 2009 01:40 PM
John Novak
Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV
Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate

Hi Kathy - I think I missed this in '08, but it's just as applicable (maybe even more so) today. This is a very accurate metaphor for the challenging and rewarding career we call real estate.

Mar 02, 2009 01:44 PM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

Marlene- Yes...we're still here :)

Mike- Amazing what we do for each other...

Heather- Thank you.

George- I really do understand that. Some people I adored are no longer here, and others are barely hanging in right now.  Most of the comments on the original version of this Post are still here, and like I said that isn't the case with all my Posts...just this one.  And for me, I will take that as my sign that I and several others will still be around next year (we can only hope).

Carole- you will need that 4 leaf clover to bring you luck while digging out of all that snow :) Thank you for the compliments of my Blog, but seriously don't you think it's time for me to do something else :)

Debi-thanks for the comment...and re-inventing ourselves to be able to survive what none of us thought would happen in our lifetime is a major positive.  This network has been wonderful for the most part for supporting each other.

Hi Lynda- Oh yes, I am ready to meet for a Date Shake....would love to sit and chat again....or this time let's go exploring :)

Hi John- So good to see you....I love seeing familiar faces, and mentally saying oh good he's still here too :)

Mar 03, 2009 05:52 PM
Russell Lewis
Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX
Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Wow, gorgeous and I am with you, I am thankful every day I wake up!

Mar 04, 2009 01:02 AM
Barbara Delaney
Park Place REALTORS, Inc. - Roanoke, VA

Dear Kathy,

Thanks for your supportive message and the beautiful photos.

Barbara

Mar 04, 2009 05:00 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Great post. I wasn't here at ActiveRain in 2008 having joined in March 2007 and taken a 17-month sabbatical, coming back in July 2009. I love Photos, People who are Postive, and Playing in the Rain.

Mar 04, 2009 07:17 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I'm certainly glad you are still around and I hope the next year is better than last year. I know talking on the phone with you, there have been times. But, I think 2009 will be our year!

 

Mar 05, 2009 06:45 AM
Alexsandra Stewart
Remax equity group - Portland, OR
Broker - Portland Oregon Real Estate

Well, sorry I have missed your other Monday Morning Gifts -- this was delightful, the flower is gorgeous -- and I enjoyed your look back as well as the original post.  I was speaking to a friend this moring who kept saying it is an interesting time and this year has been that and more.  I am anticipating a 2009 that will be different - the words I am holding are prosperous, powerful and profound.  May it be that for all.

Mar 05, 2009 07:29 PM
Joseph Lang
Pillar To Post Professional Home Inspection - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Home Inspector, Southern California

Spring is definitely a time of new life.  Great reminder and great post Kathy.

Mar 06, 2009 01:29 AM
Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist
Kingsbridge Realty, Inc - Hubert, NC

Kathy,
We're still here, perhaps not as active we once were but nevertheless, still alive and kicking.

Mar 06, 2009 11:57 AM
Kathy McGraw
CELLing Realty - White Water, CA
Riverside County CA Real Estate

Russel L.- Thanks, and I think many of us of a certain age are greatful just to wake up :)

Barbara- Glad you liked it....hope you have a good day :)

 

Russell- I like your 3 things too :)  I also like people that are go getters that share like you :)

Todd- I have figured that August is my month :)  Can you start a new Accountability Group...or at least talk with Lynda E. who came up with the idea of an accountability partner as one way to help someone else, and ourselves at the same time.

Alexsandra- Thanks...I love your 3 words.

Joseph- Really nice to see you, nice picture which goes along with the new life :)

Cynthia- Yep, we're still here...and it will be nice when we don't have to work so much for so little, and everything balances itself out again.  I am very very happy when I see friends are still here, like you (and me).  We have to make it, I want to see your Christmas Post with treats for the holidays again :)

Mar 06, 2009 04:06 PM
Pam Dent
Gayle Harvey Real Estate, Inc. - Charlottesville, VA
REALTOR® - Charlottesville Virginia Homes / Horse

Kathy - I will miss your Monday Morning Gifts, but I am sure that whatever you replace them with will be a source of inspiration as well.  You cannot help being who you are and that is a caring, positive person.  Thanks for starting so many weeks out well over the past year!

Mar 20, 2009 02:26 PM