Deb's Lake Livingston Real Estate & Stuff!

Call To Action: Florida Residents and Realtors (R) Everywhere!  by KATERINA AND NESTOR GASSET. READ THIS FOR YOUR OWN FUTURE. THE WORD "NO" IS GETTING OUT OF HAND AND OUT OF THIS WORLD. WE OWN OUR PROPERTY WHICH GIVES US THE ABILITY TO PASS IT ON TO OTHERS WITH A SUITABLE CONSIDERATION. READ THIS. THEN SQUEEK. THE SQUEEKY WHEEL GETS THE GREASE. THANKS, DEB

I'm so glad I have my Active Rain friends and co-workers surrounding me. These times they are a hurtin'. I believe that a rose displays as much beauty on a cloudy day as it does on a sunny day. It is all in how you look at the rose. Of course, there's the famous saying, "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" and Shakespeare knew his writing. That's about all he knew but hey...we are not all good at everything.

I flashed back to one of the stories that meant so many giggles when my mom use to tell it to me and I decided to share it with you today.

THE GREAT DEPRESSION (and just what was so great about it)? 

The Great Depression was an economic slump in North America, Europe, and other industrialized areas of the world that began in 1929 and lasted until about 1939. It was the longest and most severe depression ever experienced by the industrialized Western world.

Up until 1931 my Grandfather and his family consisted of Grandmother and 8 children living in Alice Texas. My family owned 400 acres, a home and farming equipment when the Great Depression hit. My Grandfather was unable to pay his balance to the bank before foreclosure to the tune of $300.00. Yep, that's it. $300.00. He could have paid all monies owed back if the bank had allowed him to harvest on time. But, they said, "sorry, gotta go." So, off they went.

They loaded the 1920 Model T Ford converted to a truck with all their personal belongings that would fit and 8 (eight) children. My mother being the youngest at age 3 had a mouth that never stopped!

What a chatter box.

Just like me. The traveling was slow and painful of course but they were headed up north to find work in factories and decided to pick cotton, fruit, and anything else they could do along their way.

 

 

They experienced flat tire after flat tire, hunger, and were spending the night on the side of the roads.

                                                           

 They finally came to the Red River to cross from Texas to the state of Oklahoma. Grandaddy was excited because the fields were full of work for them on the other side. He sat down with the children and explained what was about to happen.

The Red River had a toll bridge. Each vehicle that passed had to pay 10 cents per person to cross. "whew"

For them that was almost all he had. He explained to the children that they simply didn't have enough money to cross the bridge if they didn't hide and be very, very quiet. He arranged a tarp that covered all of the children in the back with their belongings and Grandaddy and Grandmother sat proudly in the front of the Model T.

 

 

All children were settled and they began their journey across the Red River.

MOTHERS PERSPECTIVE: It was so hot. I could feel the sun beating on the tarp and smell something that wasn't so good and I just wanted out of there. I had to go potty and I was thirsty. I waited and I waited and I was certain it had to be over...

GRANDPARENTS PERSPECTIVE: We were in a start and stop line of cars. We finally got there. The man asked us how many and we answered TWO (2). He said, "that will be 20 cents please."

 

At that moment, my little mother threw the tarp back and screamed, "Daddy, are we there yet?"

Needless to say, the man at the toll bridge scratched his neck looking puzzled then asked...."and, how many children do you have back there?"

A full dollar later they were in Oklahoma. They were ready to build their future in the Great Depression. They had no money but they had love and children and a great hope for survival.

I really hope this brought a smile to your face and hope to your heart and an understanding of just how blessed we are. We are still the greatest Nation in this world and our futures are what we make them.

 

After thought: The land my grandparents gave up in Alice Texas is now an active part of the KING RANCH known for its abundance of oil. The bankers knew this in the beginning and this may be why they took the land.

I love my family and my life and I wouldn't change it for all the oil in Texas.

I will be bringing more of their past if you enjoyed this. Thanks for reading.

No silver spoon in my mouth! Save your change...

Later in the rain~Deb

I got a new iPhone for Christmas. It's February 19th now and I'm beginning to figure it out. Evidently there is a commercial on TV that calls random calling of friends and family "BUTT CALLS" based on a person sitting on their phone and making the random calls.

I have been told over the last few days that I am guilty of this obscene gesture...

The one thing I just couldn't do is figure out how to re-lock my iPhone so I wouldn't be touching random phone numbers for calling.

So far my cousin Ruby listened to my conversation with my pedicurist...all the while screaming "Deb, you called me...I'm here....Can you hear me?"

And, my answer was "no, I didn't hear you!" This was obviously a very frustrating portion of her day.

 

I was having a great time myself but she was not a happy camper.

My daughter then called me and said, "why were you calling Cecile in the middle of her school day?" Cec is my beloved grand daughter that can get into much trouble carrying a cell phone to school. Luckily she hadn't and it could have been worse...

Then, Melissa Grant left me a voice mail yesterday saying..."Deb, QUIT CALLING ME! You're butt dialing. I can hear all the conversation on your end and it's a good thing I can keep a secret."

Now, my announcement to the world is that I just figured out how to re-lock my phone after a conversation. Something tells me I will soon be out of everyone's dog house. I hope. It was a simple little button on the top of my phone...

Technology...whew.

I don't do directions but when I put my glasses on....THERE IT WAS! Now, if I can just figure out how to disconnect from the Internet...maybe it's the same button. LOL. Have a great day!

Later in the rain~Deb

Today, even with all the dreary news of the lack of judgment of our government and our denial of the tax credit and other challenging enigmas in my life, I just couldn't help but notice our signs of spring. Buds about to burst with the color of our world to remind us there is hope. Tiny yet strong signs that all will be okay if we just let it be that way.

Even the tiniest of flowers can survive the freezes and lawnmower and storms and so much that life throws at it. And because it has been such a struggle to "arrive" they do so with the grandeur of the bell of the ball.

They pop with their true colors to show the world they are good, strong and simply meant to be.

This is the way I choose to be. I may fail many times but I will fight my way to the sun. I will show my true colors, smile at the sun and my Heaven, and continue to "Be" what I am meant to be. I am surrounded by blessings, not to mention the blessing of "life itself" so why continue to be down?? No way.

If you look closely you will see their smiles! Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks for viewing!

Later in the rain~Deb

Deb's Dash~Tips for a quick showing.

No matter how many times we tell ourselves that we work from appointment only there are the occasional times when you just have to give in to a showing.

 A surprise showing!

At this time I am currently selling my own home and boy am I getting a different perspective of the entire "selling process". Since you're still living there, when placed on the spot, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE LIVING THERE!

A Realtor calls and says, "Mr. and Mrs. People are only in for the day and they spotted your house and would like to see it in about 30 minutes..."

Yikes!They are pre-qualified buyers that HAVE to make a quick move so whattaya do?   

You're in your PJ's, the bed's not made and you had decided to take it easy for the day!

You have 30 minutes to make it look like a showplace.

 

 

 

 

WHATTAYA DO?  LOL with me...

1. First of all don't panic. Remain calm and gather your thoughts. Having a system in place is a wise idea.

2. Get dressed. Throw all dirty laundry (that you put off washing) into the washer and dryer...they'll hold a weeks worth! Out of sight out of mind! Ha.

3. Grab your laundry basket(now empty) and place all personal items away...ie: toothbrush, floss, nail kit, razor and so on out of bath. Carry basket through house and place all unnecessary items into it such as books, newspapers, loose mail and any clutter.

4. Place basket away in closet. You're making progress!

5. Grab vacuum cleaner. And, basically that's it. Grab it. Place on lowest setting and run through house placing strategic brush marks on carpet. No need to plug it in!

6. Make bed...or not.You may place pillows underneath the covers really bunched up and tell the people... "you can walk through quietly and just don't wake the guy in the bed". LOL

7. Load dishwasher with all stray dishes. Makes no difference if they are clean, dirty or waiting to be put away. If they all don't fit simply stack the pots and pans and place into oven. Hit the auto lock button so they don't discover them.

8. Grab your Febreeze and spritz one spritz in each room. Just one. You can also spritz one squirt of your best perfume or cologne in each closet if you have plenty of time.

9. Open all drapes, turn on lights as you leave. Take a Sunday drive. Or Monday or Tuesday. You get it.

10. Call the maid. Let her know to look in all the usual places.

Total time to perfection...20 minutes.

Well, there you have it. I advise that you print this and provide it to each of your Sellers. I hope this helps. Have a wonderful showing and go sell a house!

Later in the rain~Deb

Lake Livingston is located within the Piney Woods of Texas and borders the Sam Houston National Forest. Our beautiful "protected" lands were purchased by Franklin D. Roosevelt in the year 1936 and were reserved with the multi-use philosophy for timbering, cattle grazing, farming and protecting our wildlife.

The World Wide Fund for Nature considers the Piney Woods to be one of the critically endangered eco-regions of the United States.^[1]

The Flora and Fauna of the region is diminishing at a rapid pace due to oil production, timbering and over population. Builders have utilized much of our timber land to provide homes within subdivisions. A select few of our builders are donating a percent of proceeds to preserve our wildlife. What better reason is there to move our way?

The Sam Houston National Forest is a haven of hope and promise for our wildlife.

Our wildlife is being herded deeper and deeper into the Timberlands which is causing an overpopulation of sorts. Homeowners find that they must be very careful about what they plant in their yards due to the fact that much of what we find beautiful is quite tasty to White Tailed Deer!

Lake Livingston and the Piney Woods is one of the most beautiful areas in Texas!

On any given day within the Piney Woods you can see an abundance of wildlife. You may witness wild hog packs crossing the highway, a red fox running across the road, Emus,(occasionally mistaken for an Ostrich by a select few) Armadillo (although usually with their feet in the air by the side of the road), opossum, skunk, bats, squirrel, deer, rabbits, Cougars, Bobcats and a plethora of bird sightings from the Texas Pink Flamingo, Heron, Bald Eagles, Pelicans, Woodpeckers and the Texas Mockingbird (our state bird).

Westwood Shores is a 5 STAR RESORT bordering Lake Livingston , The Piney Woods and is also a bird sanctuary. Texas Tropicals land on your picnic tables awaiting goodies that you might feed them. Squirrels will eat birdseed right out of your hand and the birds will eat the seed on the table with you as you have breakfast. A long-necked Goose, misplaced within a passel of White Pelicans, will awaken you with the sun, honking for you to come out and play.

Recently, there has been talk of reintroducing the Black Bear into our Piney Woods. Yikes! This could play havoc with the many hiking trails and picnic areas!

The woods are big, deep and dense but it makes you wonder whether these two would get along together...

Believe it or not, our great Piney Woods in our very own East Texas is well known (in some circles) as a popular sighting area for BIGFOOT.

Yes, you heard it right. BIGFOOT, otherwise known as the Sasquatch. Bob Hallmark Reports: Is Bigfoot In East Texas?

Texas, because of the density of our great Piney Woods, is an area of intrigue for many a hunter. Not just for the deer or the ducks or the sight of beautiful tropical birds but the infamous, yet to be proven, sightings of the myth and legend carried forward from tales of our American Indians, and early European Settlers.

Hunters of Bigfoot have the most difficulty deciding whether or not the Myth or Legend is in fact true. A suggestion to the hunters might be...

WHEN YOU SEE HIM / HER, SIMPLY ASK, "WHAT SIZE SHOE DO YOU WEAR?!"

If it's a size 44 then we can be certain they found the real thing!

Besides, everything's BIGGER in Texas! *wink* ;-)

Photos of Lake Livingston by Deb Brooks

Slideshow is FREE from www.slide.com.

EXTRA ~ EXTRA ~ READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Diary of a Realtor is currently receiving "TOP NOTCH"writing from over 800 members. Our Group Community is growing in leaps and bounds. Because of our explosion of growth and the quality of writing within the group Active Rain has presented us with our own PREMIER GROUP BLOG. Our new Outside Group Blog is www.TheRealEstateDiary.com . Check it out! Click here to join Diary of a Realtor.

You do not have to be a Realtor to join or participate in the contest! Newbies are welcome .

What does this mean?

Diary of a Realtor has reserved the outside URL~ TheRealEstateDiary.com and we will be building a new outside site featuring posts of a select few "high quality, consistant bloggers" and their posts. Members who are chosen will have an extra opportunity to find Top Placement in the Search Engines.

Our current Diary of a Realtor group will remain just as it is! We will continue to grow and build our diary. Posts to Diary of a Realtor shall remain members only or public. Your choice!

What a great new way to be found! Featured Top Bloggers will receive increased Google Juice and Internet Presence.

EXTRA ~ EXTRA ~ READ ALL ABOUT IT! WIN YOUR WAY TO THE TOP! WHAT A GREAT FIRST CONTEST!

Top Bloggers are by invitation only. Choices are being made by the consistency, quality, creativeness and content of their postings.

Win your way to the Top 10, 20 and 25. .

Contest Theme: "Dear Diary, My Passion is..."

and you're off....your passion can be a host of several or you may concentrate upon one passion. Be creative. This is a non-constraining title.

Rules of the Contest.

1. Content may be of a professional or personal nature or combined. You have carte blanche!
2. You do NOT have to be a Realtor. If you are on Active Rain then come on!
3. Even if you have NOT been contributing to Diary you are welcome to join the contest. Just remember that if you win or are chosen as a Top Blogger you must post consistantly to Diary of a Realtor.
4. Your title must read..."Dear Diary, My Passion is..." and it must be posted to Diary of a Realtor group. If you are not a member yet please join.
All other submissions are your own choice.
5. Contest begins TODAY and runs through noon on February 23rd, 2009
6. ADD YOUR LINK TO THIS POST. I MUST HAVE THE ACTIVE LINK OR YOUR POST MAY GET OVERLOOKED.
7. Feel free to jump out of the box with this post! Photos of your choice are a must. Play with video if you choose and slide shows and other cool media is welcomed. Word count is 500 minimum. ALL POSTS MUST BE TAGGED WITH "Diary of a Realtor and Dear Diary, my passion is... and a link must be included in this post.

EXTRA ~ EXTRA ~ READ ALL ABOUT IT! Top Bloggers Diary of a Realtor Contest Prizes!

FIRST PLACE ~ 3000 points and a guaranteed spot in the Top Ten of our Premier Group Blog.

SECOND PLACE ~ 2000 points and a guaranteed spot in the Top Twenty of our Premier Group Blog.

THIRD PLACE ~ 1500 points and a guaranteed spot in the Top Twenty of our Premier Group Blog.

FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD PLACES WILL ALSO RECEIVE A COVETED GOLD STAR AND A FEATURE!

FIVE HONORABLE MENTIONS ~ 500 points and a guaranteed spot in the Top Bloggers Premier Group Blog.

All other submissions will also be considered for the Premier Group Top Bloggers slots and will receive a 200 point bonus. Good Luck and Get Started!

~ I want to say a special Thank You to Bob Stewart for granting us the PREMIER GROUP BLOG and allowing us to hold this contest to help populate it to the best of our ability. Thank you Bob!

Our honorable judges are:

Gary Woltal

Liz Moras

Sally "WooHoo" Cheeseman

Sally's Top Notch ~ Top Ten example.

Click here.

Deb Brooks