Kate Elim, Lake Anna Real Estate Specialist: November 2007

This coming weekend we will be spending some time at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia. One of our granddaughters will be competing. This is a big event for Allegra and her pony, Snickers. Neither one has competed in a show of this caliber. Allegra is enthusiastic and does not seem to be the least bit intimidated by the competition. It is really not that unusual. Most young people do not wear themselves out saying:

• I have never done that before
• I don't know how to do that and can't learn
• I don't want to try
• I'm afraid I can't
• I tried and failed once before
• Everyone else knows more than I do
• It's too difficult for me
• Everyone else is more successful than I am

You do not have to be young to feel young and confident. Remember that as a REALTOR you know more than you think you do. Remember that there is no way to get every listing you strive for nor to find the perfect home for each and every buyer. If you have prepared yourself well, you have much to offer clients and other agents.

The wonderful thing about real estate is that it is so fluid. There are constant changes, lots of do's and don'ts, the Code of Ethics, new rules and regulations, updated forms and contracts, never ending competition, and a market that goes up and down. These are precisely the reasons it is always a challenge. Embrace the challenge. Be Brave. Compete. Enjoy!

My priority this year and one that will keep me positive for a long time to come: My mom is in her 91^st year. I plan to spend holiday time with her up in Connecticut. Last year I arrived at her home a couple of days before Christmas and spent Christmas Eve night alone with her. Fortunately, Santa did not forget us and we had a fun morning checking all our gifts before joining many family members for the day. What a treat it was. I would love more of the same this year. We had many rocky years and these mellow, relaxed years are such a gift not only for me but definitely for my mom. She and I have fun together. These memories will last for the rest of my life.

I really cannot call my husband, Jim, a close second. He is my now and forever, second to none. The rest of my family also knows how dear they are to me all year long. I will continue to combine real estate with a healthy dose of family time. Bring on the soccer games, field hockey, plays, award ceremonies, horse shows, let's just grab a Frosty time...it's all manna for me.

Fortunately, a number of years ago we all decided that individual gifts were not necessary or even desired. We had as much fun gathering together at Thanksgiving without a wrapped package in sight. We now donate to causes that have meaning for us. Gifts to one another are limited to very personal, thoughtful items. Jim and I will be donating to Hero Miles and Fisher House to assist injured veterans plus Doctors Without Borders. I cannot say enough about these organizations. To help those who have helped make this a better world is the least Jim and I can do.

All the grandchildren will be receiving a photo taken on my 70^th birthday in May with them lined up in the same position as one taken for Jim's 78^th birthday party 2½ years ago. They each have their first photo hanging in their bedroom. Hopefully they will treasure the new one of the grandparents, cousins, and sibling. Special books will be selected for each child depending on their age and interest. Newberry and Caldecott winners provide a good place to find great books. Amazon.com does the rest. The older generation will also receive personal framed photos and books.

Not having to spend countless hours stewing over what gifts to buy for each member of our large extended family, and then actually doing the shopping and all the gift-wrapping leaves me with plenty of time to take care of business.

Our office will be having an AGENT APPRECIATION LUNCHEON on December 13th. We invite agents that we have had transactions with during the year. It's a very nice way to get together and show our appreciation for the assistance they provided in making the year a successful year. A great idea and appropriately named.

ALL OF MY CLIENTS will have a relaxed and unstressed REALTOR® who is actually looking forward to the holidays and not dreading them. Making it about family, friends, and others that matter to us goes a long way in easing the tension and keeping the focus on what is meaningful in our lives.

Happy and Safe Holidays to All.

As long as I can remember when asked which season I loved the most I always replied, "Spring."

Perhaps it has been fall all along. Who cannot love the colors of the changing leaves? We were told that we would not have a very colorful fall this year because of the drought we have experienced. Expecting very little I have been so grateful for the wonderful colors we have had.

The varied shades of yellow, green, red, orange, and even rust are spectacular. When the sun filters through the leaves it provides even more intense color. What better time of year to show off the attractiveness of Lake Anna.

Photos are my way of sharing the autumn splendor of Lake Anna with those that are not here to witness the changing scene. If you are in an area that experiences these seasonal changes be sure you capture the beauty and use it in your marketing materials. How else will potential purchasers know what there is to offer. Being from Connecticut I grew up realizing the magnificence of autumn in New England. Well, here it is in Lake Anna, Virginia. Hooray!