Results of the ActiveRain May Contest - Life Is A Story

Brian England - What I love about you is that you are not ashamed of your faith. Thank you for your entry into the ActiveRain May Contest - Life is a Story. Your church is very beautiful. So was your story My Catholic Faith. I especially like the Pieta in the far left corner of your photograph, a work of art sculptured by the great Michelangelo. I hope you find true love and that your faith continues to grow stronger every day. Your support here on ActiveRain is greatly appreciated. Until we meet again, stay humble, kind, and keep showing us the beautiful parts of you that make you so likable. 

Ed Silva - As a trained and experienced observer, I appreciate your thoughtful comment. It is good we support one another and point out what we like about what they do. Thank you. Congratulations on being the 3rd place winner for this contest. The Judges were fair. I am glad you were selected. What impressed me about your entry are several characteristics about you that jumped out at me. Such as, always give your full attention, be mindful of not overstepping our boundaries, be honest about what you observe for the good of the client and not for your personal gain, and to always remember, they are the only ones that can make decisions. 

Ed it isn't easy being a decision maker and that's another thing I am grateful for which seems to be your trademark and a signature of your soul.

Kat Palmiotti - you're a great woman, kind, intelligent, and an honest Broker/ friend. I treasure our friendship and hope someday to get back to Montana for another visit with you. Jeff Dowler, CRS was right - you were ALL winners! Your entries were outstanding. The Cooking Journey was an example of your excellent ability to write memoir that resonates with others and tells us about you. A Sign in the Montana Forest is about your journey in business and how important it is for you to market your land listings. Talk about going the extra mile! You do that and so much more! And you really do know how to take risks and follow safety rules. You're someone I admire and respect. Keep writing because that's another skill you have that I admire and respect. The world needs more people like you and I am proud we both got our humble beginnings writing blog posts to our industry here on ActiveRain. Write On!!! You are truly respected both in this industry and on ActiveRain. 

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 - What is a Memory was a great story for the Contest. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for the compliment. This was the first time I was given permission to host a contest that I feel passionate about and it didn't feel like work at all. When it comes to work, I put things into two piles. One you tackle because it really doesn't seem like work and you enjoy it; the other is drudgery. I was happy because so many wonderful members, like yourself embraced the idea and participated. Your story really got my attention right from the start. As long as I can remember, old wallets symbolize money, secrets, special wallet photos too. A man's wallet was always private just like a woman's purse. A wallet tells a story. Whoever crafted that leather wallet made it to last, stitch by stitch. The letters were more than likely embossed raised gold. A paycheck stub proves, I have a job! Back then, for a man to have meaningful work was a big deal. The Morrison Luxury Hotel was a brand, something to be proud of for the people who worked there. By the way, my home town is also Chicago. Joseph, the history you uncovered was so interesting! All you had to do from the moment you found that wallet, was follow the money and stay on the trail. This was such a good story. You should feel proud of your story. You had me hooked. You were right! What you found wasn't just an old wallet, it was a "treasure trove of history," that created memories much clearer to understand and appreciate. I love to read and I think you have the beginning of a great story that needs to be told as a memoir; passed down to a younger generation. Joseph, you're a great writer. I really liked your story very much and wish you the best with lots of new-old memories with lots of money too!  

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist - Yes. This was my first time to host and I am thankful I had an opportunity to do so. There were many great stories with terrific photos, so different, original, and worth reading. These were really, really good life stories. I appreciate everyone who participated in photo journaling and those that read and left valuable comments too. Everyone gave it their best shot! I am very grateful to Jeff Dowler, CRS, Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, CRB, Phoenix Broker and Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! They worked very hard and it was no easy task. Plus, they got the results out in record-breaking time. They are a powerful trio AR can count on. I think we could all find justification for each one. However, as Jeff said, and I agree, they were ALL winners. And of course, if it wasn't for Debe Maxwell, CRS none of this would have been possible. 

Hannah Williams - Life is a Story and Mine is I Love American My Home  was a powerful story and you crafted your words convincingly because you know it's true and others do too. WOW! You wrote a great story. Thank you.

Relatives on my father's side lived in PA. My dad's parents left Ellis Island and he went to work in the coal mines. I was five when he died but I still remember him and my father's family members from PA when they came to his funeral in Chicago. That year was 1959. Not long afterwards, there was a letter informing my grandma and grandpa about a terrible fire and the town was gone, with the exception of the church which they were affiliated with.  After the last relative on my dad's side died, my sister got a box and inside were letters from my relatives who lived in Centralia. Her name was Ann and she was the youngest niece of my grandparents. Her letters were so sweet. America meant something to all of us too. We all made sacrifices.

I can't even imagine how difficult this past year was for you in the land you love with so much American History. Memorial Day brings it all home, doesn't it... I really liked the photo you included of your parents. What a beautiful mom and dad! I'm guessing you miss them??? If you still  have them in your life, I pray they are okay. My parents have been deceased for a long time. Besides my sisters and myself, we are the oldest living relatives from that generation that were immigrants who passed through Ellis Island with very few clothes and belongings. Most of the men died young. Working in coal mines was so dangerous. But I do remember my grandma and grandpa and appreciate the sacrifices not only they made but everyone living in the Melting Pots. The duty of making sacrifices was the passage people passed in exchange for freedom. 

If I had an opportunity to sit down and talk with you and see were my roots came from here in America, it would be such an honor. You embrace being an American and I do too. Many served. My father, WW11, my grandfather WW1, my husband who never had parents Vietnam, and countless nephews too. I love our American Flag and our heritage and was proud to read what you wrote. Always know, you are special and I think the world of you. 

Debb and Bernie  - I hope everyone reading all the photo journal entries for the May - Life is a Story Contest had an even better experience reading all the life stories than spending an afternoon wandering around a Library reading books of interest or trying to select something good to read through their Kindle. Congratulations on earning the #1 spot for the Real Estate Category and to Endre Barath, Jr. for earning the #1 spot in the Personal Category including Buzz Mackintosh, Ed Silva, Scott Seaton Jr. Bourbonnais Kankakee IL Home Inspector, and Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727 - all who entered were WINNERS! 

If there's one thing I know for sure, people who write must strive to be truthful, clear, logical, and fair. That goes for judges too. When writing a blog post, it's even more important to be careful about how we write because the audience is so wide and subjective. 

What a treat it was to read so many stories from the heart, brilliantly told and who knew this or that about the author? The photography was beautiful and they spoke volumes. 

Congratulations again and thank you for giving us a glimpse into the world of nature through your eyes and what the power of words and photographs can do to inspire readers. Personally, I think everyone who participated wrote treasure books to be cherished and remembered.  

Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - Because of the limitations on how many names we could add to a post, this was the only way I could include all names above, including yours. 

Special thanks to our wonderful Judges: Jeff Dowler, CRS, Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, CRB, Phoenix Broker and Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! And of course to 

Debe Maxwell, CRS. Her guidance and support to the membership is a gift and she keeps on giving... 

Scott Seaton Jr. Bourbonnais Kankakee IL Home Inspector

Jeff Dowler, CRS , Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, CRB, Phoenix Broker and Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! and I are thankful you survived a heart attack. Your family needs you! You are part of the AR Community and we care. Your story was gripping and heartfelt. Congratulations on taking second place in the Personal Category. We all wish you and your family good health and many reasons to cheer each other on. Also, we look forward to reading more blog posts. You're a great writer and have a lot to offer. 

Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-939-2727 - Congratulations on taking 3rd place in the Personal Category for the AR May Contest - Life is a Story. Atlanta Buckhead Midtown - Isolated Living - Borders Defeat Loneliness was such a catchy title! The pandemic created lots of changes for all creatures on earth, including our fine feathered friends who make great pets and needed companionship and consistency when it comes to human interactions, food, safety and shelter.

For as thoughtful as you are, I'm not a bit surprised that you would overcome your own loneliness by attending to birds when pet shops were closed. People adopt and foster dogs and cats all the time, but who would ever think of birds and/or other pet shop creatures? Aren't we all creatures of earth? 

Lynn, you are always mindful, not just when something strange goes on and there's a need, but always. Somehow, someway, you always find a way to beat loneliness and the fear of the unknown. I think that's why you are so great for ActiveRain. For in the beginning you were always there, for all new members of ActiveRain. I know that I didn't seek you out because I didn't even know you. You discovered I was in need and you guided me when I was struggling. I remain forever grateful. 

People are a lot like birds and other pets. Some need more attention than others, there are those who are very entertaining, and quick learners too! Consistency is the secret to success. When it comes to where people live or work, some are messier than others and there are those more picky. All are beautiful. All are smart. But somebody has to take leadership to help those creatures on earth in need. And that's how I think of you. You seek to understand human nature and that has made all the difference. Thank you for that generous gift of who you are. 

Sondra Meyer: - Seriously, there were many great stories written by AR Members. The winners deserve congratulations and praise but all of the participatns poured their hearts out. I do hope you'll have an opportunity to read them all. Thank you for congratulating the winners - I think they were ALL winners.

Diana Zaccaro - Check to see if you got Points. Here's how you do that:

1) Start with My Home 

2) Look on the left side where you'll see your photo/profile

3) You will see 3 sections 

4) Under the box that begins with Folder look below in the 3rd section

5) You will see My Blog. The 5th one down says Points.

6) I believe you may have been issued points on 6/15

If you don't see it let me know.