Inspired Real Estate For Today

Would you Sell Your Words to Make a Buck? There is an interesting trend emerging in the on-line world.  According to an article in the most recent issue of Business Week, entitled "Pitching Between the Lines", advertisers are exploring a new goldmine of potential targets for their ads...Web surfers and blog readers!

The focus of the article was largely about competing for a powerful new entity known as "mind share." According to Vibrant Media, a marketing company that provides a product it describes as "contextual video advertising," every word across the Internet is an opportunity to engage your customers." 

Vibrant Media business is to build branding for its customers through utilizing a specialized technology which underlines relevant text twice.  When the cursor clicks over the selected word (which has been chosen by the client as being relevant to their brand), the advertisement appears in a small window and can contain a link which produces a bubble, a written pitch, a voice-over or video.

According to Business Week, 3-10% of web users actually click on in-text ads. The web media advertising revenue has increased 27% to 19.6 billion over the past year while newspaper advertising has decreased 1.7% to 46.6. billion. With this kind of money in the pot, it is understandable that the players are influential and the stakes are high.

This does raise some interesting issues however regarding the implications of words and how they are used or misused.  It was pointed out in the Business Week article that some journalist think that "selling words" in a story may further blur the line between editorial and ad content. Apparently, in 2004 Forbes magazine on-line had a lot of negative backlash from the practise.  But today many other companies are utilizing this technology.  In fact the number of newspapers using the format offered through Vibrant Media has doubled this past year and now includes over 3,000 sites.

As Activerain  network pursues syndication for blogging content, and the impact of blogging continues to grow, this will eventually impact the real estate industry.  Real estate is the portal which opens up the door to an exponential amount of business.  Think about the things that transpire when people move.  Banks open new accounts, grocery stores and retail outlets get new customers, schools enroll new pupils...etc, etc.  Billions of dollars move around each year because of the movement fostered by the efforts of the real estate community.

So, with that in mind...Would you Sell Your Words as Advertizing Bait for a Profit?  Would it change What & How You Wrote? Just curious...

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

Depending on your perspective, this post has nothing to do with real estate or everything to do with it.  This is a follow up to a post I wrote  about underestimating the value of a penny. In looking for larger, more important looking notes, there have been many small blessings which escaped unnoticed.  Thankfully, my "chance" meeting with my friend Patricia Jabbeh Wesley in a grocery store some 15 years ago was not one of them.

Patriciahas just published her third book of poetry.  As an acclaimed African poet, her entrancing style of writing about her native country Liberia is studied in universities and colleges throughout the United States.  The Title of this Book is The River Rising.  I've just read Patricia's blog. It's an amusing look at what it feels like to give birth to your third child...I mean book. :)

In some ways the analogy that Patricia draws upon mirror the stages I've experienced in my real estate career.  I vividly remember my first listing.  I was so surprised that someone actually wanted me to list their home that I literally panicked with misgivings. I had arranged this appointment with a girlfriend and her husband to "practise."  I was flabbergasted when they said, "OK, so where do we sign?"  Fortunately, a "midwife" in the form of my brokers' wife jumped into her car and hurried to my side to deliver my first baby...a brand new listing!

Although there have been hundreds of listings since that first one over 12 years ago, I've never lost the thrill and excitement of another opportunity to meet and serve people.  Every listing has it's own personality.  Some are born easy...they are easy to show, easy to market and sell quickly.  Others require special attention and loving care.  Like a child whom you pray for day and night until they turn from their wayward ways, some listings have required special doses of patience. Within each situation has been another opportunity to grow and learn a little more about life and myself.

It has been a wonderful gift to see Patricia's collection of published work grow and mature.  I vividly remember the many long hours she put into giving birth to her first manuscript and prior to that the agonizing process of writing an autobiographical account of what her family experienced through the civil war in Liberia. 

I realise now that I was observing not just the birth of a book, but the rebirth of a woman who walked through the ravages of war and hatred and emerged to change the world by transforming it one poem at at time. In a sense, that's the true purpose of life's work regardless of the specific calling?  Are we not all called to leave something in the world which was not there prior to our arrival?  I think so.

What Was the Deal With That Turkey?

There must have been something about that Thanksgiving Turkey...The past 48 hours have spawned one of the most far reaching discussions that I've ever read on Activerain about the foreclosure crisis in different parts of the country.  The value of this discussion is enormous...both from an educational perspective and the ability for a professional forum to hash out some much needed analysis.  It's also extraordinary to watch Realtors, Lenders & Appraisers add insight...Kudos to Gena Reide, Lenn Harley, Ed Rybczynski, Bryant Tutas, Carole Cohen and others who have added so much Value!  Broker Bryant has compiled a list of related blog posts so far. 

The inital thread was sparked by Gena Reide's reporting

about what the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger was proposing to deal with the widening crisis in his state.  Apparently, an agreement was made with four lenders which had 25% of their portfolio in sub-prime loans to preclude any re-set at least for a time.  This was when Lenn Harley began asking some questions about the implications of this approach to dealing with the crisis.  This sparked the tinder of wild fires here so quickly that even Active Rain falling down hard could not contain them!

Carole Cohen's Post struck a cord...

As I read through the posts...the article which resonated most with the situation which we face in Michigan was Carole Cohens post about Cleveland, Ohio.  Like Cleveland, West Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan in particular did NOT participate in the real estate boom in the same way that many other areas of the nation did. Our appreciation rates were modest...3-5% in most areas through the boom years which saw 100% escalation in equity values in other parts of the country. In fact, I worked with several families who migrated from California over the past 7 years.  They ALL expressed shock by what their dollars could purchase once they got here.

Why Is Michigan Not More Like California...

Normally, this should have created a windfall.  Great prices, attractive inventory.  But there was another issue that started to slowly drain away any potential gains.  Michigan began to loose jobs.  At first, we all thought it was temporary.  Just a bad set of announcements timed ironically just before Christmas.  It started in the late 1990's and year after year, thousands of lay-offs were announced.  New business was not coming into the state at nearly the rate of loss. 

Our governor took to travelling abroad and around the country to convince companies to stay in Michigan.  At one point, city officials from one small west Michigan community pulled out all stops to prevent Electrolux, a major employer from leaving.  Pfizer pulled out of Ann Arbor leaving a gaping hole where major research facilities had existed.  Then Comerica Bank which had been in Michigan for 150 years decided to pull out its' headquarters and move to Dallas this March. It's been rough.  Jobs continue to leave...And not just the lower echelon.  This hit to the job sector was felt deeply within the managerial ranks...engineers, mid-level managers...even schools were putting hiring freezes in place.

We Can Give You the Answer...with or without the Turkey...

But those of us who live in Michigan know all that.  We watched the State plummet to 50th place from the top third tier in a number of significant economic indicators. Severe corrections were forestalled by the entry of increasingly aggressive options for financing.  Ten years ago, a FHA mortgage with 3% down was standard.  But as the nation flirted with innovative financing, Michigan added this layer to its economic woes.

 Here the story diverges. There are two Michigans... 

and they don't wear the same size of pants.  Although the entire state has suffered significantly, the West Side of the State has weathered the storm so far, much better than the east side of the state. According to an article published by Lisa Lyons of the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors, Michigan has ranked within the top tier of 5 States for foreclosures with 14,000 homes going into foreclosure in August 2007 alone!  However, what is hidden in those numbers is that less than 700 of that total was from West Michigan. 

Currently, approximately 1 in 10 homes FOR SALE on our local Board in Grand Rapids, Michigan is in a short sale or foreclosure situation. This is a dramatic increase in the dollar volume of Total Sales since the beginning of the year... from 8.77% of our dollar percentage of sales to 24.83% in November so far.  But, this number pales compared to what is transpiring in metro Detroit where one report indicates that  1 in every 80 homes in the area is in some stage of the foreclosure process.

So, we have 2 different situations within the same state.  The economy of the West Side is more diversified and has been more resilient in this crisis.  The East side of the State was heavily affected by the misfortunes of the top 3 automobile manufacturers. The major corporations who have moved out have also had a disproportionate effect on the east side of the state. In addition, predatory lending was rife in Detroit communities. Earlier this year, the FBI made several trips to the state to educate local lenders and real estate agents across the state about the situation. Detroit, Michigan was ranked at the top for Mortgage Fraud.

Unique Factors Create Unique Issues... 

So while Michigan was affected by the problems faced by the nation as a whole, there were other factors which created unique issues.  The State lost so many people who had to move out for lack of jobs that if there had not been substantial immigration, the situation would have been much more dire according to a report by the United Way.  This, in addition to losses across the manufacturing sector took a real toll. 

The federal government has not come to the aid of our state with special funding.  Nor did our governor negotiate a special deal with mortgage companies.  Over the past several years, we've been digging out of this hole, step by step.  Those who stayed are going back to school to get more education or are starting their own businesses.  A lot of people have taken on 2 or 3 jobs.  And people are selling their homes or renting. We've noted that mortgage companies in some cases have become tougher to deal with...often pursuing judgements rather the writing off loans that are in default.

Which is Why We Benefit Most from Uniquely Local Solutions....

Michigan is a prime example of why it would not be wise to institute federal law regarding the foreclosure crisis.  The foreclosure crisis, like most things real estate related is LOCAL.  Different communities and areas have different reasons for the way in which this crisis is impacting them. The solution in California is geared to assist homeowners who are living in their homes.  But what sort of qualifiers will be in place particularly if the crux of the problem is that homes were bought for speculation and investment?  Will borrowers have to prove the integrity of their purchase to qualify for assistance? 

Most of the mess in the state of Michigan was NOT a result of investors flooding the market and hoping for a quick flip. Most of the people who are loosing their homes are loosing them because they have lost their jobs and can no longer afford them.  Many of these people have been fighting a loosing battle for several years...draining saving accounts and working whatever jobs they can to stay afloat.  It has simply become too much.

When the Pant Legs are Two Sizes...

Simply concocting a one size fits all solution will over shadow the necessity of examination to reveal the systemic flaws which caused chaos in the real estate market. Unravelling the crisis in Michigan will require an economic overhaul and a comprehensive approach to finding ways in which the state can compete in the global economy.

Unfortunately, the bundling of mortgage securities makes the examination of the true issues very challenging.  This may prove to be too time consuming an analysis...one which will not play well for quick sound bites within a campaign commercial. My concerns it that the solution may become so intricately locked up in the bureaucracy of examination that the lesser of two evils may be to do Anything...even if the Result is not the best thing.  

In a somewhat related aside...the following post was unearthed about another segment of society which is being impacted by the foreclosure crisis...Pets are victims of foreclosure crisis too.

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

I've never had Thanksgiving roll around so fast and be over so rapidly!  This year, Thanksgiving dinner was a "community" effort.  Our oldest is back for a short break from college. We decided that instead of mom doing all the cooking, each member of the family would contribute to making Thanksgiving lunch or dinner...depending on how long things took.

Well, it turned out to be quite a feast.  Our youngest made his famous mashed sweet potatoes and a coffee cake.  My husband deep fried a spicy capon and plantains and boiled the green beans.  Grandma contributed an African favorite Jollof Rice and collaborated on the cod baked with a tropical flair in mango salsa.  My oldest son delighted our tastebuds with his signature au gratin potatoes. And I rounded things out with Ginger Sala's cranberry chutney and stuffing, pumpkin pie and fresh rolls.

But what was really cool about today was the camaraderie. Yes, the kitchen scene was a little harried at times with all that creatin' going on, but it was worth it.  There's no substitute for time and simply being able to relax. I also talked with a long time friend today for over an hour.  It was a time to catch up...time to be real & share.   Today was interwoven with those moments...at the dinner table, in the kitchen...just hangin' out.

This process of enjoying simply being is a journey of growth for me.  I'm learning that perfection isn't about looking good, it's about being real and actually being present in the moment.  The moments are the only place where true appreciation can take place in "living color."  I'm so often guilty of lurching past the moment trying to grab the future or driving backwards seeking to remake the past. 

During the holidays, it's not necessarily easy to enjoy the closeness of family.  It seems that the slowing down can allow tensions to percolate which don't have the space to bubble to the surface in the busyness of everyday life. There have been holidays where this has been more difficult...times when my drive to make things perfect was gained at the expense of impatience with perceived imperfections.

We're in a time of challenge right now in Michigan.  I know that for many families, this holiday season is tinged with real fear and dread.  For some, Thanksgiving dinner was simply not an option due to finances.  And it's hard to talk about because it's very hard to admit vulnerability.  But the truth is that we are all vulnerable and being perfect isn't nearly as important as being whole.  This is about becoming solid inside where it counts. It's about honesty at the gut level.  Honesty that reconnects us with the core of the things that are truly important; the things that can't be bought.  This makes a difference and is reason for real gratitude.

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

I'm not sure exactly how many MLS systems we have in Michigan...but there are a lot of them!  I pay to have access to one local Board and fork out more money to have limited privileges on a second.  I recently took a listing which caused me to investigate the possibility of listing privileges with a third board. 

Our initial contacts yielded limited success, but we were finally routed to the right person just in time...for them to go on vacation! Unfortunately, there was no one else to answer the question or process the paperwork, so we waited. 

When, the individual got back from vacation, we were informed that processing could only take place through the mail and since they were going to be out for another week...well, the listing would just have to wait until they got back.  A few years ago, this would have made me frantic.  That was then...This is NOW!

During the hiatus of 2 weeks in which this MLS system has been unable to attend to a listing from a paying client, I took advantage of some Excellent tools available to real estate agents who need maximum exposure for their listings.  My clients are moving out of state and need to sell their home.  They don't have 2 weeks to wait. So, here's what I did....

As children, my mother used to tell us a fascinating story. She would start her mesmerizing tale by weaving our imagination around the excitement, sounds and rhythm of the scene on Market Monday.  She held our rapt attention...describing ladies carrying their brightly colored bundles on their heads or on their backs as they walked towards the market to display their wares. 

Some walked slowly...they had a lot of baggage on their mind.  Others expertly balanced their loads on their heads...walking with the erect, graceful posture that one observes all across the African Continent.  They all walked purposely.  There was much to be sold at market this Monday.

As each person reached their assigned stall, the bundles would come down be unwrapped and arranged. Problems for Sale...all on creative display.  Some were stacked a mile high.  Others were sprawled artfully out of containers...begging you to reach and grab one to take home.  After all the arranging and preening was done, the owners of the Problems would have a short time to catch their breath before the market opened.  This provided an opportunity for them to glance over to see what their neighbors had brought for sale or to stroll around to take a look.

Immersed in the tale, she would encourage us to stroll around the perimeters of the market...looking at the various Problems that others had brought for sale.  The picture was so real for me; markets are fascinating places.  My mother would continue..."Look at those problems she would say...do you want what they have brought for Sale?"  "Would you like a good dose of sickness or perhaps some additional financial misfortune?"  We would of course shake our heads vigorously and say NO!

She ended the tale by telling us that soon after opening inspection, most people would return to their stalls and begin to pack up their loads.  Perplexed we asked why?  She said that after they had inspected other people's problems, they decided that it was best to return with the ones they brought with them. 

Today, I read a blog post about the real estate market in parts of the country which are dealing with a 3- 5 YEAR INVENTORY of homes FOR SALE. I return again to the wisdom of my mother's story. It is time to pick up my bundle and go home.  Here in Grand Rapids, Michigan we have between 9-11 months of inventory in most areas.  In some areas it is less.  While this may seem like a long time to wait for a home to sell, at least your home will be SOLD before a Freshmen in high-school is about to graduate!  That is good News. 

If you've been discouraged by all the bad news about the real estate industry, it's Time to Count Your Blessings and Be Thankful that you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Looking around at the situation in the country and in other parts of Michigan...we are blessed and have much to express Gratitude for this Thanksgiving Season.

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

Picture this.  It's the first day of kindergarten.  You arrive at school with little Jenny tightly clutching your hand.  She's been talking about this for months.  You're both a little apprehensive.  The teacher spots you in the doorway...hesitating about venturing in.  She warmly crosses the room and introduces herself to you and Jenny...in Spanish!

Yes, you're in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but this is not a neighborhood of predominantly Spanish speaking people.  In fact most of the students in the classroom look Anglos...they're very white.  But this is a Spanish speaking classroom. All the students will be speaking Spanish for the next 8 years while enrolled in a Spanish Immersion Program in Ada Vista school in the Forest Hills, one of West Michigan's premier school districts. This is a very innovative approach to education. And it's hot!  Real hot!  In fact, you may have to place your child on a waiting list to get in.

Why?  Well, it's about the the results. According to a report delivered to the Forest Hills Board of Education and published in November 2006, there is a real success story unfolding as a result of this type of education.  The report by Sue Penning noted that First Graders at Ada Vista scored higher on the Language Proficiency Tests than what would be expected of high-schoolers who had taken two years of a foreign language.  By fourth grade, students scored higher than college students who had a foreign language as a major!

My husband recently met with an individual who has children at Ada Vista.  These parents seem to be extremely pleased with the quality of education their children are receiving.  In fact, test results have kids testing higher in just about every subject by the time they finish the eight grade and join their counterparts in primarily English speaking high-schools. 

I've heard it said that speaking another language increases the alertness of the brain.  So does learning to function within another culture.  One of the skills which will become increasingly important as our nation continues to diversify is the ability to relate effectively with different people groups. The single largest increase in home ownership will be within populations that are foreign or considered minorities. 

According to Wikipedia, Cultural intelligence is " understanding the impact of an individual's cultural background on their behaviour (which is) is essential for effective business, AND measuring an individual's ability to engage successfully in any environment or social setting."  Cultural Intelligence is also becoming a pre-requisite for promotion in many major corporations as they compete strategically around the globe. When one of our friends took an executive level job in Asia a few years ago, it was clearly to position for future career advancement.  When he completes this assignment, he will probably recruited by a number of major corporations.

The realization of the importance of Cultural Intelligence is gaining some traction within the real estate community.  But perhaps, not fast enough.  Within our local Board,  barely 2% of the agents are foreign or minorities.  When it comes to brokers...the numbers trend downward even more precipitously.  In recognition of the significance of this issue, the National Association of Realtors is working in cooperation with an number ethnic organizations and lending giants such as Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae by launching Project HOPE.  However, as an industry we are  making limited progress in attracting agents who reflect the changing demographics of our nation or the world.  In the next 10 years, with the US population waning and the diversity of our nation increasing, it will be important to be able to effectively conduct business with people from a variety of different cultures. 

Cultural intelligence is a skill which is important to master in every profession.  Without it, real estate agents will find themselves loosing the advantage when it comes to negotiating and providing expertise.  Cultural intelligence starts with a few simple premises.  It's a recognition that other people matter.  It's about true respect for those who are different than we are...which by the way is really everybody. And...it's an appreciation for the richness that differences bring to our lives.

Grasping these lessons may be the greatest benefit that the educational experience that the first graders at Ada Vista are experiencing delivers.  It may also foreshadow another way of considering how to engage our world in a way that is mutually beneficial within the context of mutual goals and respect for our distinct uniqueness.

Here are some questions to Assess your Cultural Intelligence Skills:

1.  Do you speak any other language apart from English?

2.  Do you network with professionals in related or the same fields who are minorities or foreign nationals?

3.   Have you ever lived with or had a close personal relationship someone from another culture?

4.  Have you ever been to another country?

To Test Your Global Intelligence IQ, Click on the Link!  This is a fun quiz & I was surprised by my result. :)

Photo is courtesy of Matt McGee's photostream

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

Unless you're brand new...you've been in one!  Your first encounter may seem quite benign...a listing pops up for a client and the information seems perfect.  There are usually no pictures on line...but never mind.  The home is in the right area...and seems to be priced right.  So, you pop off a quick e-mail and arrange to go over to take a look.

That's when things begin to become interesting.  The view from the sidewalk may reveal a number of issues which are potential red flags.  In winter time...the home may not have seen a snow plow for awhile. You are faced with contemplating wading through a foot of snow to try to access the front door.  In summer, the trek may be through grass a foot high at the back door where the key-box is...while this is not as cold, it is still disconcerting.

An examination of the home reveals what you've sensed ever since you pulled up at the driveway.  Someone who lived in this home was not happy and the home reflects their time of discontent. 

Angry houses reside in every neighborhood...because angry, hurt people do.  Sometimes the signs of the tension are apparent...holes in the doors or walls, stripped wall paper, garbage or junk left around or items stripped from their moorings...At other times, it is much more subtle. 

I've been in homes which simply exuded sadness.  I felt it as soon as I walked through the front door. It's as though the essence of what happened in the home had not yet left; there was a palpable weight of misery which seemed to permeate the core of the walls.  I've noticed that clients will also instinctively absorb the vibes of a place. Small animals become jittery, seeming to want to escape as quickly as possible...little children become whiny and loudly demand that we leave.  In the worst cases...everyone just wants to EXIT as fast as possible!

Neglected homes often exude the same type of energy that Angry Homes do.  The neglect may stem from a variety of different sources, including excessive clutter..but the overall effect is the same.  The home feels unkempt and uncared for. 

So, what can one do if you're given the task of selling an "Angry House?  Sometimes, the owners are still living in the home. Their ongoing battles, anger, bitterness and sadness continues to be a potent influence.  If home owners cannot leave their home prior to the home being placed on the market, it is important to explain to them that they should not be present during showings.  The presence of homeowners has a way of increasing the level of discomfort which may already exist in a space.

Another helpful suggestion is to hire a home stager. Staging a home can be a very powerful way to neutralize bad vibes.  It's amazing the difference that a coat of paint, some new carpeting and tastefully appointed furnishings can make in a home which has been bruised and battered by its' former owners.  I remember walking through a formerly battered home which had been staged and put on the market for resale.  I was astounded by the change!  It seemed as though the home had once again found rest.

But perhaps, the most important service that I provide as an agent is talking with home owners about the message they are sending out about their home when they project their anger on their surroundings.  Often times people are not aware of how much impact their emotions have on their surroundings. Sometimes, they do not care.  I explain that effort expended in cleaning up their environment physically, emotionally and spiritually has the potential to create good dividends for them.  The converse is a home on the market for many, many months and a sale far below the potential market value. 

Anger can be a very costly luxury...in relationships and in successful home sale!  Bringing a home back to a place of peace restores balance and prosperity.  It also attracts the favorable response of those who matter most in a successful home sale...Potential Buyers!

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan

Probably the biggest source of angst that home owners in Grand Rapids, Michigan have about selling their home is knowing IF their home has a chance for a Sale.  Quiet turmoil mounts with the following irksome thoughts. 

Potential Sellers question, "Will this Home Sell?"  or "Will anyone even want to look at my home?"  This is especially troublesome when the home across the street has been For Sale for the past 6 months...and you've never seen anyone come to take a look.

Well, there's a feature available that allows you to look into the future in a manner of speaking.  As a real estate broker, I can do a Reverse Search for your property which can give you a fairly good idea of how your property might fare on the biggest display arena in the entire world...the Internet! 

Here's an example that I just played around with in the 49534 zip code.  Let's say you have a fairly new home (5 years or less) and you're thinking of placing it on the market for approximately $225,000.  Cick here to contine...

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

I've recently finished reading "The Manual, A Warrior of Light" by Paul Coelho the author of the famous allegorical tale, The Alchemist.  In this book, Coelho writes short inspirational essays which are at once delicious fare for the soul in their sheer breadth of beauty and perspective. I struggle to resist the urge to read it voraciously and also meditate slowly...allowing the wisdom to marinate within the core of my mind.

In one essay, Coelho makes the following statement:

"The Warrior knows that the most important words in all languages are the small words.  Yes. Love. God.  They are words that are easy enough to say and which fill vast empty spaces.  There is, one word-another small word-that many people have great difficulty in saying:No." 

I'm struck by how powerful each of these words is.  And by how empty and barren our understanding and usage of the words often are.  When I release the word Yes from my lips...what am I enabling the creation of?  Will it be for good or evil. 

Love, I'm discovering is not simply an action.  It is a state of being.  It's far more complicated than a feeling.  It's also some of the most difficult work that I've ever done.  How's that for paradox?

God...I'm tempted to leave that one alone.  There are no descriptives appropriate.  I also see more and more that another inversion of self...EGO is a shell which hides how small the truth of it's existence truly is.

And finally No.  Learning to say No and accept the consequences has been huge.  Most of the issues associated with No for me have been about fear and insecurity.  But as Coelho rightly observes in this essay, never saying No is not about being generous, it's more about being absent from one's self. 

Wrapped up in these small words, is a lifetime of Learning.  These are core truth...slowly distilled over time. 

Copyright 2007 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 Click Here to Read More about Grand Rapids, Michigan