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Sarah Cooper and I Share Something in Common! We Both Love West Virginia!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Talk 2 Midori, LLC BK645709
Have you ever been to West Virginia?  I have and its really beautiful and the hospitality..there are no words to describe it.   My sister lived there and I visited once but it was not a planned vacation.  It was a memorial for her and a celebration of her life. It was not an easy time for my family but the kindess of strangers seemed to help.
  
Its the West Virginia way...and everyone is treated like family regardless of whether you are passing through or even just visiting. 

When I first started on the rain, I remember reading a very special lady. It was a post that made me feel and think.  One of those posts that really impacted me and caused me to send her an e-mail.

I asked her if Keyser, West Virginia was close to her she replied back, the answer was no but the e-mail was kind, warm and inviting..the same feeling I got when I was in West Virginia.

Not sure how close Hurricane is to Keyser and it really doesn't matter its the warmth and the honesty of Sarah Cooper that reminds me of the beautiful state that my sister once called home. So let me share with you a little about Sarah Cooper and why I find comfort in reading her blogs!
  • Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?  "I was born and raised in West Virginia and have lived here all but about six years in Charlotte, NC -- my husband's hometown.  I've been married to Jay for 17 years and we have two girls, who I call Tall One (15) and Little One (10) on-line because I am paranoid.  I am a Mom first, a wife, a friend, a real estate agent, a blogger ... and the list would go on from there.  I've been in real estate about 2 1/2 years." 
  • Are you still involved with Habitat for Humanity? Can you tell us a little bit about your experience?  "No, sadly I haven't gone back to help with another house -- but now you certainly have me thinking about it again!  (Boy, you've read my blog, haven't you?)  I was just telling someone last week about working with them, and what fun it was.  You get to give while you learn new skills and work beside lots of interesting, talented people.  And then you have a cute little house to drive by sometimes and think that you helped someone.  It's all good!"

  • I know giving back is very important to you, what charities are you involved with and why?  "Hmm.  I give blood and make donations to the Red Cross Cancer has really ticked me off lately (and continues to do so) and I really don't have any other way to fight it, other than to donate.  I am registered as a bone marrow donor thanks toJulie Ferenzi and Rocky Turner telling us a about a sweet little boy named Trevor Kott.  Trevor's memory actually comforted me when I was in a bad spot about someone I loved -- I couldn't help him, but maybe I could help someone else not have to lose someone.  I also help the Putnam Animal Relief Center and the Putnam Humane Society with their efforts at fund raising and getting the word out about events.  I would love to go back and volunteer as a dog walker again but just don't see how to fit it in.  And does blogging for Mothers Fighting for Others count as charity?  We promote many charities, and Rocky is getting ready to head back to Africa again.  To get my kids into giving we started a new birthday tradition -- they have to choose a charity to donate to for their birthdays.  (I sponsor the donation.)  Little One sent a box of panties to Underwear for Africa and Tall One (if she will ever get it in gear) will be adopting a dolphin."

  • I know you have pen pals all over the world.  How long have you been doing this? The longest pen pal friendship and have you met them face to face? "I've had penpals since high school ... but lost touch with those and gained new ones.  The longest I've stayed in touch has been eight years so far.  I haven't met her face to face yet but she did send her daughter to live with us the summer before last.  So even though I haven't met her, we do share a child now.  :)" 

  • Your girls and your family are your everything, what helps you to maintain balance and sanity?  Any advice? "I maintain my balance by not working too much, really.  I'm lucky, I work because I got bored when I didn't.  (We live simply, don't read more into it than that.)  I know I am blessed, if I get stressed my husband just tells me to quit and go walk those dogs again.  (At times, that has been very tempting!)  But I love what I do and as long as I keep things simple it all works out.  I have a standing afternoon appointment to meet my daughter's school bus.  I work on a team and we help share the workload when needed.  One of my fellow team members is my Dad, and he's good about making sure his grandkids have Mom around, and I'm good about letting him play golf."

 

  • Any blogging tips you would like to share?  "Yes, write whatever you want.  Today I posted a myth that Tall One wrote when she was in third grade.  It had nothing to do with anything but I love it and there it is.  My last post on AR was about a Mother of the Bride dress.  Don't get hung up on what you're supposed to be doing and just do it.  It's going to end up making some kind of sense when taken all together.  Don't overthink it."

  • It seems you have a beautiful spirit always, what keeps you smiling and writing those beautiful and fun posts?  "Midori, you're a total sweetie!!  :)  I have no idea ... I like the people around me.  I wake up and talk to a friend to start off right, maybe some more, spend time with my kids and then head off to work with a smile.  If I start getting stressed out I head over to Twitter or email a friend and find a way to have a laugh again.  Happiness is a choice, every day."

 

  • Favorite inspirational quote?  "Geesh, I like lots of them!  How about, "Take risks: if you win, you will be happy; if you lose, you will be wise." ~Author Unknown  (I tweeted that on Twitter today, so I must like it.)"

 

 

  • Just how many social networks do you belong to? "Uhhh ... I don't remember!!  :)  I actually USE Twitter, Skype, Flickr and MySpace.  I quit Facebook, it irritated me to no end". 

 

  • If you were just starting out blogging, what 3 tips could you give to newbies?  "WRITE.  Just write. Don't be afraid.  It's only blogging.  It's not a big deal.  Try it and see what happens.  Have FUN with it.  If you aren't having fun with it, it will become a chore and you'll hate to keep up with it.  HAVE FUN!"

 

If you are on twitter, Sarah is the very friendly and outgoing WVagent you might spot!  She is the one who says hello and is always involved in many conversations.  Thanks Sarah for taking the time to talk to me and I will definitely see you on twitter! :)

Comments (21)

Chris Griffith
Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL - Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent

Perfect. 

It's only blogging. It's no big deal. Have fun with it.  

They've heard from the best.  Way to go Midori and Sarah. 

Apr 04, 2008 09:47 AM
asdf zcxv
Keller Williams Realty - Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor Area Real Estate
Lovely lovely tribute to the friendship.  Very nice interview and write up.  Excellent for both of you.
Apr 04, 2008 09:50 AM
Rocky VanBrimmer
Minister Realty - Delaware, OH

I personally like Phillipi WV. I also have some other good memories about WV too. However that is from Drum Corp Days and they were spent on the football field!

 P.S. Sarah is getting is being blogged about alot! She 's a good agent!

 

Apr 04, 2008 09:55 AM
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate
Midori -  A welcome interview. I am sure inquiring minds want to know. lol It's great to see friendships develop on here and continue onto other sites like twitter. Thanks for the interview and thanks to Sarah for all of the inspiring blogs that she and you both write. {Bob H}
Apr 04, 2008 10:09 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Hi Sarah-I feel like a total dork...I think that was the fastest phone conversation I have ever had with a fellow blogger!  I was really starstruck and quite emotional for me this post was extremely important.  I hung up because the waterworks were about to start!  I thank you for all of your blogging...I read them and I read them all and love them!  You talk truth and straight from the heart...sometimes the emotion is just incredible!  The good, the bad and the ugly...bit I appreciate every emotion that I feel!  There are so many that I truly admire and I can tell you from your interview all those special people you mention all are incredible people.  So do me a favor and make sure and tell the tall one and the little one they too are in that group.  Thanks Sarah you are without a doubt an incredible blogging friend.
Apr 04, 2008 10:46 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Hi Chris and I must say you aren't so bad yourself! :)  See ya on twitter!
Apr 04, 2008 10:49 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Karen-thank you...piece of cake! :)  Sarah rocks!
Apr 04, 2008 10:49 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Hi Rocky-the people to me were amazing..everywhere we went! It was fun to walk in the snow with my brother...we hadn't done that in years and years! 
Apr 04, 2008 10:50 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Dang Bob..this is awesome..you are really going at it on the social networks.  Lisa probably really appreciates it and I have to say ...I do too!  I did tell Sarah of love interviewing people who knows...you may be next..if you get an e-mail from me..often times that is what I want is an interview...its fun...I enjoy learning about people and I want to share it with everyone!
Apr 04, 2008 10:53 AM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County
Midori - I really enjouy your "interview" posts. You bring some of these AR personalities to life - as if they needed help!
Apr 04, 2008 11:00 AM
Missy Caulk
Missy Caulk TEAM - Ann Arbor, MI
Savvy Realtor - Ann Arbor Real Estate
Gee, this was great. Actually most of it I knew about Sarah. Great interview, I love Sarah.
Apr 04, 2008 11:40 AM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Hi Gary-Thank you!  I enjoy writing them and learning about each person I have encountered.  I am going to give you a call sometime next week!  Hope you will be around.  I got something to tell ya! :)
Apr 04, 2008 12:09 PM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Missy-funny you should say that because I knew most of this stuff already too!  It just goes to show you we all have good taste and there is something to be said about transparency!   Talk to you soon! :)  yup..next week I am gonna take the plunge and call ya!
Apr 04, 2008 12:11 PM
Jennifer Wilson
Agent Solutions - Calgary, AB
Agent Solutions

What a wonderful post. I learned a few things about Sarah Girl today and I have to say she is a true gem.

Thank you Midori, great job! Now we need to do an interview with you. ;-) 

Apr 04, 2008 12:42 PM
Midori Miller
Talk 2 Midori, LLC - Daytona Beach, FL
Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
Thanks, I thoroughly enjoyed it....I am always game! 
Apr 04, 2008 01:09 PM
Monika McGillicuddy
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Hampstead, NH
Southern NH & the Seacoast Area
I love Sarah and enjoyed reading a little more about her. It is a neat interview Midori.
Apr 04, 2008 02:02 PM
Bob Carney
Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales - Mc Henry, MD
Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent
This was a wonderful post about a wonderful person by a wonderful author on a wonderful day. :) 
Apr 04, 2008 04:07 PM
* Rate A Home
Rate A Home - Saugatuck, MI
Midori, excellent ThemThem to Sarah, thanks for sharing with the Group.
Apr 05, 2008 01:07 AM
Robert Hammerstein -
Christie's International Real Estate - Hillsdale, NJ
Bergen County NJ Real Estate
Midori -  Thanks for the scary words about interviewing us {or me I'm not sure who you meant} and encouraging ones also. lol Yeah I've been hitting the comments and twitting and stuff lately. We've been trying to scare up some business that will stick so we can make a living up here in NJ. So far having a little bit of a hard time. That's why I need the inspiration that A/R provides me with in my quest for a mental health lift. lol Thanks again and Dang, as you say, See you on The Twitt hopefully. Bob H.
Apr 07, 2008 05:08 AM
Anonymous
Miller Thomson

Really west virginia is a tremendous place where we friends enjoyed a lot. we played for a while during the rain showers and it has many fantastic spots too.

 

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Miller Thomson

<a href="http://www.drugaddiction.net/west-virginia">West Virginia Drug Addiction</a>

Aug 25, 2008 05:25 PM
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