Time

Time is a blessing and a curse. It can consume or give a sense of freedom. It can bring the comfort of boundary, holding things in order. Or time gives us feeling of claustrophobia. Most of us live with the underlying sense of time, constantly aware of how it holds us in its grip throughout our day.
We wake up wondering what time it is. We arrange our schedule by the clock. Appointments need time and we strive to be 'on time', frustrated if the courtesy is not reciprocated. Our recreation even needs time. "I'll be back later."
Later.
Now as it is summer time there is a sense in my life to get things done outside. Pulled in different directions but hoping that now is the time to enjoy the summer. I mean in Oregon when the sun shines you better take it when you can. Summer says "time out." School is out, vacations are planned. I don't want to waste time, but isn't that the point sometimes? To waste it? There is joy in time wasted.
But is there regret in it too?
My daughter and son in law are wondering if now is the time to buy a house. Well, maybe. There are perks for sure in finding just the right spot to call your own. A big decision. One that should be made carefully! With the incentives now for first time home buyers it seems reasonable. So as we discuss the pros and cons of being a home owner and I value the time we share, giving advice to my grown up girl, making grown up decisions.
Time is a gift.

changes

It used to be that I'd recoil at any change. I, as a rule, don't embrace change. But as I've 'matured' it seems that I almost expect it, choosing to accept it. In a perfect world, I'd get to chose and control all things that affect my life, and once approved, I'd set it in stone and call it good.
Yet living in reality, I know that is not an option. O, but what great things I'd miss.
I remember a movie that has the world of Jim Carey living in a bubble. Everything was peachy, day after day. As a viewer I knew it wasn't right, but in his world, it seemed normal. And there lies the problem.
In the last 2 years, I've lost people in my life and gained others; I've learned and flexed. I think most of us are all in the same situation, in one way or another. Perhaps our life style has changed, not because of anything we've planned. Potentially, what these changes bring is an opportunity to see things differently.
Moving might in and of itself bring stress and worry. But perhaps there is a wonder waiting at the end of the road. A new friend, new experiences, things unexpected but good.
I haven't physically moved location, but what I have moved is my outlook and attitude. While I never signed up for some of these life experiences, I certainly am moved by the journey itself.
I have new dear friends that I hadn't even met a year ago. I have a new respect for those in my life that I before took for granted. I still have much to learn, but I am starting to get used to changes, expecting them, and enjoying the journey.

Blogs

It is evident that we have reached a point in our communication style that makes it difficult to go back to just a written note, a quick phone call, or heaven forbid,a 'drop in' visit! If I can't text someone quickly to get my thought out, or ask a quick question, it probably is going to have to wait until I have some extra time on my hands (which is rare!)
It is so convenient to carry on more than one conversation at a time; texting one person while chatting with the one sitting across from me. Can you say multi-tasking? I love email; quick and easy. Get to the point, hit send and I am done! I adore my laptop; I sit cross legged on my couch, favorite CD playing, a wonderful something to drink and away I go!
Twitter, Blogging, Blackberry, the web. All wonderful tools! Yet, I have to admit, when I go out to the mailbox and see a hand written envelope ( a real one, not those fake company fonts that make me question if it is personal), I usually open the envelope before I even make it back to my house. And if it is really special, I put it in that little red basket to read again later.
Most of us feel the same way. We love technology, I use technology, but when it comes right down to it, I kinda miss that personal touch.
A home buyer is like that; first they look online....getting to the bottom line of what that house is like. Is it in the right neighborhood? How many bathrooms? What is the square footage? All this information at the tip of their fingertips! But once all that is analyzed, they still want that personal touch. They want to walk through it, picturing themselves in the home. Such an important aspect is the emotional connection. Though the pictures and the 'stats' bring them in, what really sells a home is the personal touch. You can't get that with technology! Feeling the emotion of a home is what sells a home. Maybe someone will walk away from your house, and mentally put it in their little red basket.

advice

Those of us who are parents know the challenge of having our children actually take our advice. I could come up with a perfect solution to a difficult situation, careful in my selection of words, giving encouragement and love. It would often be met with a reply challenging my understanding or assuming a mother's downright ignorance. The blank expression, possible tears would invoke in me a reaction of frustration.
Ah, but then, ...Oh the wisdom of another! The best friend's mom, the older sister or a mentor could say exactly the same thing and "wha-la' ....Amazing Revelation!!
It seemed as if there was determination to drive me literally bonkers! I would hear myself think..."Isn't that what I said?" But now with their new found wisdom, I realized that the end result was basically what I was hoping for. It didn't matter whether I received the accolades, but there was joy in having the issue resolved.
Advice is like that.
Sometimes it just takes the right wording or credentials to make a difference. As a stager, I find the homeowner will realize the value of what is said, trusting that a professional knows the situation. Quite possibly the realtor offered the same advice, but with a different voice, the listener absorbs. I have learned the beauty of having someone else step in, backing up my desires or advice can work to my advantage. Less stress for me! Sooner or later when my words echo back, I smile to myself.

Focus

Walking through a home that I've never visited before always brings a reaction. It can be a pleasing one if it reflects a similar style to my own; a feeling of connection and ease.
There are many homes that inspire, leaving me with a desire to mimic the same look in my own home. How can I convince my husband that we need all new furnishings and the to-do list must be re-vamped? If only!
Then there are those houses that ignite a response of disappointment. Maybe the house is not quite the 'Brady Bunch' feel, but close. They are stuck in a time warp, comfortable to the homeowner, but rarely to the guest. There is not one thing that is interesting, as all is a distraction.
But look past the shrapnel of decor and there lurking in the room is a lovely fireplace. Can't see the large picture window? It is because those pleated drapes are in the way.
Most rooms host a focal point and staging provides the avenue to show it off. The possibility that the buyer might miss it is a chance you can't take. Once you clear out the personal decor, make that fireplace stand out by drawing attention to it. One carefully placed picture or a framed mirror set on the mantle can make all the difference. You can place a colorful accent on the hearth,whether it be a large vase or a plant. Just make sure you it does not over power the focal point.
If you can't seem to find a focal point in a room, then create one with a thoughtfully placed sitting area or small unique table, accented with color.
Perhaps the look you create will be just the right attention to detail, bringing an offer on your home. You might even inspire someone!

invest

When faced with the decision of color on those walls, where should you start? While painting seems like a chore not for the faint of heart, don't let the idea overwhelm or defeat you before even starting. The most dramatic change can be made in any room for a very small investment. The investment made in a gallon or two of paint will most likely reap a return of 100% IF you carefully chose the right color.
Light colors have a way of making a room feel larger, but a white wall lacks interest.
A common mistake is to assume that new homeowner would prefer white walls, yet the room will lack pizazz. Instead, chose a warm muted color such as a soft green or taupe which will provide a neutral move-in-ready room.
It is best to stay away from 'custom' colors that appeal to a smaller clientele. A red accent wall may be your choice, however it often becomes that stand out factor that will define your home in the purchaser's mind! You want someone to remember your home for its space and charm, not because of that funky red wall!
If you are color challenged, a great place to get updated color ideas is to thumb through some current interior or home themed magazines. They will give a color scheme to inspire you.
It might take a bit of effort, but time invested & the right wall color will create a sense of warmth.