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A Million Reasons Why

By
Real Estate Agent with Falcon Property Company

Why We're In The Rain

Like so many who still walk the hallowed fading halls of ActiveRain, I began my journey here over a dozen years ago. Blogging was a new concept to most of us. We knew we wanted it but didn’t know how to get there.

We were excited at the possibilities when we found this amazing group. We taught each other lessons, we learned, we grew our businesses, we made new friends. We found people whom we loved to the depths of our souls, and we quickly found those we didn’t want to play in the sandbox with.

When I first started, Kerri was the glue that held AR together. It took me almost a year to start, but I remember being so excited when I uploaded my first post and got comments! Wow! This really worked. With each post, you found different personalities and ideas and friends and ways of doing business.

I was learning this blogging business and came back all the time to learn more. Farming, selling, buyers, staging, formatting, referrals, SEO – we were all sharing.

Then one day I shared an intensely personal story, and my journey here changed. I was not only embraced by this community I was coming to love, but the Mama Bear (Kerri) sent me a statuette that solidified why I was here. We were family.

Like any family, there are some you want to hang out with, and some you avoid at any cost. We’ve been through tragedies, trials, triumphs, and teachings together, and grew closer in the experiences. Have I mentioned how much I adored Kerri?

There was so much to learn, countless nuances, so much ‘grease’ that made the wheels turn. I often felt like I’d been invited to a party and they let me into the foyer, but there were closed doors I didn’t know how to open and all the fun was behind the doors. So I learned all I could – that your post had to have at least fifty words for points, that your comment had to have fifty characters for points, that you didn't get points for more than ten comments per day (ten then, now twenty), that if you got someone to join the party, you’d get 250 points and 10% credit each time they got points.

Points

Ah, points, what a simple yet brilliant idea. This platform is crowded with mature adults with thriving professions, and yet those silly points kept us coming back each day for the hundred points we get just for showing up. Some were so motivated by the points that AR became an almost full-time job.

Some of us learned to blog so well from our time here, we became authors. I hope for you that whatever your experience, it has been a rewarding journey and that you’ve made countless connections. I’ve made friends for a lifetime, people I will always treasure – many whom I’ve never met IRL, many whom I’ve traveled innumerable miles to meet. The journey in the Rain has been life changing.

With this post, I will pass the million-point mark. Dozens who started around the same time I did have multiple million of points. They are the ones who held ActiveRain together. I love you guys so much (you know who you are). I’m glad I’m here. I’m grateful for all I’ve learned and the friendships made. I may not ever add another million to my score (one million was a goal, two million, not so much), but I’ll always be thankful I’ve had this experience.

Thank you to the powers that be for keeping this platform open. It has enriched so many lives.

Show All Comments Sort:
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Featured in BananaTUDE!   Mimi you have major TUDE!!!!

 

Jul 26, 2023 03:47 PM
Mimi Foster

THANK YOU

Jul 26, 2023 06:47 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Mimi Foster ,

OMG..I love your post..we miss you posting here in the Rain! Congratulations on your huge milestone! Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker said it best " It truly is all about the relationships, and community of giving, sharing and caring people around the country and CA. "

Jul 26, 2023 04:13 PM
Mimi Foster

OMG - thank you so much, Ms. Dorie Dillard Austin TX 😉 I count you guys as dear friends, even though we've never met. 

Jul 26, 2023 06:49 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Mimi- a big congratulations to you!!! and, as I'm sure you know, it's not so much about the points or destination but more about the journey that got you there. I hope we'll get to see more of you here...even if only from time to time. 

Jul 26, 2023 05:30 PM
Mimi Foster

When you really think about it, Kathy Streib, it was an amazing journey to get from there to here. I promise I'll write more in the near future. Thank you, my friend.

Jul 26, 2023 06:50 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Thank you for this post, Mimi. Very powerful about this unique, and special group of people here in the Rain.

Jul 26, 2023 05:53 PM
Mimi Foster

Such a special group, Dr. Paula McDonald. Thank you for your kind words here and on the other post. We don't face such momentous decisions every day, but the older I get, the more I try to listen to my gut. Thank you for being here.

Jul 26, 2023 06:53 PM
Liz and Bill Spear
Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com - Mason, OH
Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs

Mimi, Congrats on the 1 million mark!  And Kerrie is still sorely missed.  I've wished many a time there was still a daily active management presence in the Rain keeping things on an even keel.  Fortunately the culture of this community is sustained by those members that care so much about what is special here.

Jul 26, 2023 07:18 PM
Mimi Foster

Thank you, and totally agree, Liz and Bill Spear. And those people who give so much of their time to keep us afloat. It truly is a special place.

Jul 27, 2023 01:59 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Congratulations on reaching one million points! I do think there is a lot that is special about this community. It was great to see you on the "blogroll" this morning!

Jul 27, 2023 04:58 AM
Mimi Foster

thanks so much, Kat Palmiotti! Appreciate the kind words and wish I spent more time here

Jul 27, 2023 02:02 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

What a lovely post, Mimi. A big congratulations to you! Here's to the next million points!

One Million Points

Jul 27, 2023 06:10 AM
Mimi Foster

Bless your heart, Nina Hollander, Broker. Cute "card" and that's a daunting thought 😬

Jul 27, 2023 02:03 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker

Mimi Foster you'll be there before you know it! It's the first million that's tough!

Jul 27, 2023 02:09 PM
Mimi Foster

Nina Hollander, Broker 

Jul 27, 2023 02:27 PM
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

Way to go, Mimi Foster !!! Congratulations on reaching this milestone!  And cheers to a great post that accurately shares the many angles of being here in the Rain... the great connections, the opportunity for growth, and ahhhhh yes... the points!  :) 

Jul 27, 2023 06:26 AM
Mimi Foster

It really did feel like an accomplishment, Brenda Mayette. Isn't that funny that we get 1M imaginary points and we're so excited. LOL Thank you!

Jul 27, 2023 02:04 PM
Brenda Mayette

It IS an accomplishment!  Kudos!!  Celebrate!!!  :)

Jul 28, 2023 06:42 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

Wow, congrats on passing the million point mark in the Rain!  It truly is a family here and I am surprised that you and I haven't interacted more and become friends.  You seem like such a wonderful woman!

Jul 27, 2023 07:11 AM
Mimi Foster

What a sweet thing to say, Brian England. Thank you. As time allows, I certainly hope to be around, so let's interact.

Jul 27, 2023 02:06 PM
Buzz Mackintosh
Mackintosh REALTORS - Frederick, MD
“Experience, reliable, leadership”

                                         CONGRATULATIONS!

Jul 27, 2023 07:49 AM
Mimi Foster

thanks, Buzz Mackintosh. Love the photo!

Jul 27, 2023 02:44 PM
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home again, home again...

You'll always be a bazillionairess to me, Ms. Mimi.  I know that Ms. Greenhalg was the glue that held us together back in the day, but you carried on the tradition.

Jul 27, 2023 09:30 AM
Mimi Foster

Hello, dear, sweet, lovable friend! Have I told you lately how glad I am to know you, Alan May? And can we take some of those bazillions and put them in the bank? I'll split it with you!

Jul 27, 2023 02:46 PM
Alan May

let's not allow them to linger in the bank, my Mimi.  Why don't we spend them racing across some exotic locale??

Jul 28, 2023 06:14 AM
Mimi Foster

oh, my goodness! I love that idea!!!! "Someone" will just come and take them anyway 😉 Let me know where we find them

Jul 28, 2023 07:40 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

                                             

Wow, What a great post to read. You summed up this beautiful, caring, and sharing platform and what it has meant to you over the years. Thank you for sharing your journey! Mimi Foster  I just left you a message.

Jul 27, 2023 09:37 AM
Mimi Foster

WHAT A DOLL YOU ARE! I've been in classes most of the day, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, but I LOVE how you just pick up the phone and call. You're a gem and a true anchor on this platform. THANK YOU.

Jul 27, 2023 02:48 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

You are also a gem on this platform, Mimi Foster

Jul 27, 2023 02:52 PM
Mimi Foster

And in real life too, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 🤣😎😇

Jul 27, 2023 02:55 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Ditto Mimi Foster 

Jul 27, 2023 02:58 PM
Mimi Foster

😊 BUT OF COURSE, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. That's just a given

Jul 27, 2023 03:03 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Mimi:

Congratulations on your milestone, but more importantly on the blogging journey you've taken over the years. Indeed, being part of AR has been a life changing experience. Some things have changed with the platform itself, but the essence of what the AR community is all about has not!

Jeff

Jul 27, 2023 10:00 AM
Mimi Foster

SO TRUE. SO TRUE.

Jul 27, 2023 07:11 PM
Mimi Foster

As hyperbolic as it sounds, Jeff Dowler, CRS, it really has been life changing. It's like we all grew up together, isn't it?

Jul 27, 2023 02:51 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS

Mimi Foster That's a great way to think about it. We started as youngsters, hit the teen years, and now are adults. Lots of fond memories of those early years.

Jul 27, 2023 04:47 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Mimi Foster - Congratulations on reaching one million points!  This is no small achievement.  But as our other AR family members have stated.  There is so much more to this platform and your contributions are very important to this community.

Jul 27, 2023 02:19 PM
Mimi Foster

Bless you, Sheri Sperry - MCNE®, and thanks so much for the kind words and the acknowledgement. I love this family.

Jul 27, 2023 02:52 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

AR has been an amazing experience for me.  I was drug onto this platform reluctantly by my broker, back in early 2008.  I immediately became addicted.  And, here I am after all these years, still blogging.  It's kind of crazy because I retired after 40 years as a Realtor in December 2021.  Yet, I remain.

Jul 27, 2023 06:56 PM
Mimi Foster

First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your retirement, Myrl Jeffcoat. I'm afraid I have too many kids to be able to ever retire 😁 It has been such a blessing to be part of this journey with so many amazing people.

Jul 27, 2023 07:10 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Mimi, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Jul 27, 2023 06:57 PM
Mimi Foster

THANK YOU!

Jul 27, 2023 07:12 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 Mimi,
How did I miss this post? First Congratulations, on your Millionaire status milestone.

For those of us who have truly embraced the Weltanschauung of this community, it's been life-changing, hasn't it?

Aug 02, 2023 06:03 AM
Mimi Foster

Couldn't agree more, Carol Williams. As I mentioned to Jeff, it's like we all grew up together and some of us stayed close friends, but there was something for all of us to learn and grow from. It really has been life-changing.

Aug 02, 2023 10:22 AM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Congratulations on a great milestone. Your post is so touching, we all feel the same way. There is nothing else like Active Rain. It kept me going for years. The friends I met here were my support when nobody else was there for me.

Aug 16, 2023 09:16 AM
Mimi Foster

It is a wonderful community. Hope you're doing well! Thanks for stopping by!

Aug 16, 2023 09:54 AM
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

I know I’m late to the party here but congrats on reaching the one million (and now ++) milestone. 

Jan 05, 2024 03:23 AM
Mimi Foster

Thanks so much, Joyce Marsh. It's been a fun journey. Hope life is treating you well.

Jan 05, 2024 06:30 AM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Super news Mimi Foster ! Good for you and congratulations.

Feb 02, 2024 08:43 AM
Mimi Foster

Thank you, Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573. I have certainly learned from you over the years. Hope this finds you well.

Feb 03, 2024 05:13 AM