“The Event” on Friday night was a success!  I have to say it was one of the most impressive evenings, important evenings I have spent in a long time.  Jacksonville is very fortunate to have had the opportunity of Immaculee’s presence.  If you were not able to attend, please look for her to be somewhere in the future.  

Fabulous evening!  The capability and capacity of the human spirit is such a gift.  With Faith…we can overome anything…

grow and flourish, leaving behind all that is not good.

Immaculee and her faith, are more my hero today, after listening to her, than she was before. 

Life is amazing.  Truly amazing.  I know I have posted many times about an event that is coming on Friday but it is because I am very, very excited to be involved with this production.  Have you ever read a book that truly changed your life?  Both at the moment you read it and on going awareness and understanding as time goes on.  “Left to tell” is that book for me.  My brother, John, gave it to me for Christmas four or five years ago.  I could put it down.  I read it more than once.  I talked about it, shared copies of it…

A dear friend, Judy Klein, is devoted to a school called St. Gerards Campus  in St Augustine.  She saw a speaker and a play that she was absolutely determined should come and be shared in Jacksonville and she wanted to incorporate her desire to support her charity, St Gerards.

She asked me to assist her.  I am not going to pick up the author of that book at the airport on Friday.  She is a hero, a role model, a teacher, to me.  I am amazed that I have this opportunity.  I will hear her tell me the story that still, to this day, makes me think, teaches me, amazes me.

I hope you will consider coming on Friday night.  I hope so because I want to share with you the powerful message, and the incredible experience, I absolutely know you will have.

VIsit ticketmaster for tickets to see Immaculee Ilibagiza and “Miracle in Rwanda”…

You will be thankful. 

Life is amazing.  Truly amazing.  I know I have posted many times about an event that is coming on Friday but it is because I am very, very excited to be involved with this production.  Have you ever read a book that truly changed your life?  Both at the moment you read it and on going awareness and understanding as time goes on.  “Left to tell” is that book for me.  My brother, John, gave it to me for Christmas four or five years ago.  I could put it down.  I read it more than once.  I talked about it, shared copies of it…

A dear friend, Judy Klein, is devoted to a school called St. Gerards Campus  in St Augustine.  She saw a speaker and a play that she was absolutely determined should come and be shared in Jacksonville and she wanted to incorporate her desire to support her charity, St Gerards.

She asked me to assist her.  I am not going to pick up the author of that book at the airport on Friday.  She is a hero, a role model, a teacher, to me.  I am amazed that I have this opportunity.  I will hear her tell me the story that still, to this day, makes me think, teaches me, amazes me.

I hope you will consider coming on Friday night.  I hope so because I want to share with you the powerful message, and the incredible experience, I absolutely know you will have.

VIsit ticketmaster for tickets to see Immaculee Ilibagiza and “Miracle in Rwanda”…

You will be thankful. 

I had a very unfortunate experience of late.  We have all had the experience I know, but it still is disappointing.  I am very proud of almost  all the realtors I have done business with in Jacksonville in the last 30 years.  An amazing group of professionals who are diligent, caring, honorable, all the characteristics of true professionals and, most importantly, their word is honored as a promise.  Occasionally, and fortunately, very rarely.  I have the experience of working with an agent who does not handle things in a “Do unto others manner”…most likely influenced by some personal goal.

It is important to always remember that the customers, on both sides of the transaction, not just our personal customer (such as our seller or our buyer) is of utmost importance – not just the ones we represent but the cross sale customer as well.  That is the purpose of the term “Transaction” Broker/Agent.

When we do not honor that code….it only adds to the sour taste many people have of our industry, and our particular company.  In my experience, the agent involved is a reflection of her company, her manager and our profession with customers who had a negative experience already with this particular company.

You know, as I tell the agents I work with here at Magnolia Properties…most questions can be answered very simply…if I were the buyers or sellers…what how would I want this handled?  When you truly ask yourself that question, the answer is very clear.  And I dont think you will have to doubt whether it is within the “law” or not….it will be legal.

If you have taken the time to read this…I hope we will each and all remember that our reputations are the most valuable and priceless of treasures.  It takes only a brief negative incident to damage a reputation.  It also typically causes damage in some way to another person or persons.

When mistakes are made with the best of intentions, those can be repaired.  When our motives are selfish or self serving….that damage is difficult to overcome.

Right now, today, take a look at all the contact you have had with people today.  My childhood pastor called it an examination of conscience…to be done every day.  Did I do the right thing…could I have done something a little better the next time…was I more interested in my needs, or did I put others needs first?

I loved this little prayer….

When you get up today…be the kind of woman that makes the  devil say….”oh S___,  she is up!” 

I am hoping so many of my friends here will trust my judgement and purchase tickets to see Miracle in Rwanda.  I mentioned this a little while ago.  Several years ago I read a book that completely changed my life in so many ways and continues to impact many aspects of my life.  The book?  www.Lefttotell.com.

We will have the opportunity to hear Immaculee, in person, tell her story and also have the opportunity to view the award winning play “Miracle in Rwanda” here in Jacksonville on March 11.  Just a little more than a week away!  I promise you that to spend an evening in attendance of this event will be an evening you will never forget.  Please visit ticketmaster and purchase your tickets, for you, your children…(older children) and perhaps as a gift.  If you really know me, you know that I would not encourage this if it did not profoundly impact my life and I know it will impact yours.  Dramatic, uplifting, life changing…..I promise!

….and all money to help one of our local charities right here benefiting Jacksonville and Northeast Florida:  www.stgerardscampus.org   Non-denominational, Christian based, life changing and saving school and home.

Please, Please purchase your tickets on line at ticketmaster and change your life! 

 I feel lucky today!  The sun is that kind of Spring is here sparkly, the temperature even suggesting summer ahead.  THankful to live here in Jacksonville and that is only one of the reasons. 

I was blessed with a phone call today.  This call came from an agent with another company, a great agent.   She made my day.  You may know her, Linda Deason.  She told me she was calling because she had a potential listing but due to the circumstances, the owner had to supply two names and the final determination would be made by another party.

Linda knew the seller would be in good hands if she could add my name as the alternate.  She made my day. 

I had a cross sale with Linda a while back. 

I decided I wanted to remind all of us Realtors, how important we are to each other in so many ways.  We need to respect and appreciate one another.  If Watson doesnt list houses, I dont have listings to show…and if Vanguard doesnt list houses..Watson is more limited, and of course all the other brokers with a potential buyer for one of Magnolia’s listings….

“Coop” really means we depend on each other for our real estate livelihood.

Thank you Realtors!

I do love the face that Florida’s weather is so changeable – I guess that is where that expression comes from.  All of a sudden things are going along just beautifully, the sun is shining and Jacksonville looks like spring then…we get a little cool weather as a surprise…just enough to say goodbye to winter I guess.

I woke up thinking about taxes (great!).  But I also realized…as Realtors, if we are paying taxes, we should be thankful…taxes mean income!   I decided as of this morning, I am going to try not to complain.

I do think the attitude of our country is becoming more positive about our economic future.  Not because of things I have read about the Jacksonville economy, or on the state and national level, but just the “feeling” I get…from others attitudes, traffic in the malls and shopping centers,…callls to our floor desk, appointments being made – sign inquiries.  I would love to hear from anyone else about what they see and are sensing. 

Our office is so busy these days, cars fill the parking lot, agents in the office – like a “buzz” that I love to hear.  Energy,

excitement and anticipation.  I think we should make a commitment to remind ourselves and our families, then everyone we know…how much we love what we do, that real estate is our profession, and the future looks very bright – because it does.  That kind of energy is infections and transforming. 

You know, real estate in Jax is kind of like our weather….you never know what the next day is going to be…

isnt that part of our addiction….okay, yes, admit it…you are addicted to this career.  Have you talked to anyone that has had to leave our profession in the last couple of years that said they would never go back?…No…they tend to talk about how long before they can come back!  So lets “get on with it”…and see what this day is going to bring…

love to hear your comments……. 

well, just got it…went to a wonderful Bible study at our office (Amy Owens….incredible!)…

Based on a book www.lefttotell.com   please check it out…

Amazing walk in faith..1  ..

Incredible women attend….

Love to have you come join us…   Mondays at 7pm.  Call me for more info

904 465 3951   my cell is always “on”…

Thank you, Amy.

Wow, the new year has begun in earnest and I am just getting around to writing.   I have had a whirlwind couple of months but I know everyone has.  The world seems to spin faster and faster, ever year shorter and shorter.  The past year has been challenging on many levels but the funny thing is…I am happier than ever (and perhaps a little crazier…!)…lol

I had a fabulous experience last week attending a monthly event for an organization I belong to called “Legaqtus”.  Some of the finest people I have ever met but that added to the evening.  I had the very great pleasure of meeting a local businessman, a local miracle, really.  Casey Jones.  Perhaps some of you may know him.  He and his family live in Mandarin.  They attend St Josephs Church.  Actually, many of you have seen him but did not realize who he is…the last man, the last person, rescued from the wing of the plane that landed (?) in the Hudson River!  The very last person.  His picture standing on that wing was published in many places.  His story nothing short of incredible.    “Make every moment count” he said…every moment.  Did you do that today?  I am in awe of the miracle of the survival of everyone on that flight…everyone.

Heros are everywhere.  Casey is a hero because he shares his story, faith, and allowed others to go first.  A local hero.  Someone you may have walked by in the grocery store, sat next to his family in a restaurant.

I met another hero today.  Her name is Pat.  I had a Dr.’s appointment, and each time I have been to my family guy…she greats me.  We always laugh.  (Especially at the weight in)…

I was telling her about ”tHE eVENT”… and Immaculee….she told me she spent years as a missionary in Kenya…during the time of the genocide.  The people could not eat fish because the rivers ran so full of bodies and blood.  My friend, Pat, is a hero.

I did not know.

I think I want to think about the heros I know and learn about the heros that are around me every single day.  Heros live life…to the fullest, whatever that is.  Ask the people near you as you spend your day…  I bet you would be surprised to learn about their life and experiences.  I would love for you to share what heros are in your life.

Sweet Dreams 

Do you know what a flash mob is?  If you saw the video of the food court and people singing…that is a flash mob.  Becoming quite the “rage” you know.  I feel in love with that video and if you havent seen it, please do.

Go to Youtube.com and search for flash mob food court….you will absolutely love it!

If you know me, then you know Matthew, my oldest.  Matthew has treated me to life from a very different viewpoint than many and for that I am thankful.  Realizing how much I loved that video, Matthew, as only Matthew can, found an opportunity for us to participate in a Flash Mob last Saturday morning at the Riverside Arts Festiva.  What a blast, what

a special moment…a great way to truly begin the Christmas season.  Thank you to the people that organized it.  Everyone there enjoyed it so much.  Especially me!

But also, I had not been to the Arts Festival…I loved it and want to go again next week.  If you haven’t been please go and see.  You will be so happy you did.  Do your Christmas shopping, take in the artwork, and even buy fresh produce.

We are so Blessed to live in our fabulous Jacksonville!