“Hard Times, holding it together ain’t always easy”-from the James Taylor song 1981
Being a Realtor is a unique profession. Over the years, we remember going to the post office and being greeted by people commenting on how Realtors were the nouveau rich. This year, our greeting is a comforting pat on the back as part of the struggling masses. Like most of you, we have had to make some changes. We started to rent our vacation condo in Maui on vrbo.com and discovered a dozen things we could do ourselves even if it took us twice as long. We continue to find joy in every moment and happiness in just being together, finding that to all hardship, Love is the Answer. We have seen this in our business too.
We are blessed to be in a profession that allows us to help others. This year was a year where families struggled to make changes, to move forward in difficult situations and to come out stronger. There is the young couple who was suddenly down to one income, a huge mortgage, a new baby, and a remaining job that became tentative. They made a quick decision to move thousands of miles away for a new future. She stayed back with the children as he went alone to the new job. They spent months apart and when we got their home sold, and the family was reunited, he had to work 7 days a week as the new guy. Her job was to find and create a home for the family in a new place. Seeing them six months later the stress has visibly lessened. They are joyful together, sharing the smiles of love from their children.
This year, two friends, Nancy Kinghorn formerly with Coldwell Banker and Carol Icard of North American Title Company, lost their battles with cancer. They were in their 50’s. They fought bravely. At the memorial for Carol, over 300 people came to celebrate her life. There was a “Carol’s Life” slide show playing and a microphone where people came and told stories, most very funny, of how Carol had touched them. Michael played and sang “Tears in Heaven”, by Eric Clapton. I can’t imagine a better memorial. I know we will never forget either of these beautiful women. The other day, the Realtors on the coast held our annual fundraiser auction and once again Michael was the auctioneer. Over $7500 was raised in under 2 hours which was, miraculously, more than last year! As a memorial to Nancy and Carol, the funds were divided between the two charities that meant the most to them, Coastside Hope and the Boys and Girls Club. We all dug deep to show our love for our friends and help locally.
I spent two weeks in Europe on a trip with my 82 year old Mother. Fortunately the trip was long paid for. While out of the country, the stock market fell. It was amazing to watch CNN and see how much our country affects the rest of the world. It was strange being in Europe when so much was happening at home. The trip pointed out something that I want to share and that you probably know already. The world is a beautiful place. I have now visited 18 countries in my life and the coast is as beautiful as any location in any of them.
Michael and I have been taking our extra time to explore the wonders of where we live; discovering walking/hiking trails from Higgins Canyon, Montara Mountain and Pacifica. There are old Indian caves, rusted cars in places you won’t believe, views of the tunnel project that you won’t see from anywhere else and vistas of our coastline where you can see the Golden Gate Bridge. Every hike/walk is a new adventure. It always brings up the phrase, “and we live here”.
We tried to change it up a bit this year with a Luau in our tropical courtyard instead of a Holiday Party. We loved seeing those of you that came over and missed those of you that couldn’t make it. This year, Michael debuted his second album, Island Rain, on CDBaby.com which is also carrying his first CD-So Many Guitars So Little Time. He has a new band, with fabulous musicians, and is enjoying scheduling gigs for 2009.
2009 is a hopeful year for all of us. We hear the economy won’t be fabulous but, will be on the road to recovery. We have a new blog site at www.CoastsideLife.com where you will find great coastal photos, market condition videos and comments on day to day events. We welcome your participation and, most importantly, your story on how you are turning lemon into lemonade, and on how; Love is the Answer in your life.
Michael and I want all of you to know we cherish our friendships as the years pass together. We invite you to join us on a walk or hike; it’s free, beautiful, healthy and here. We are thankful for our life of abundance in knowing you, and wish you and your families a New Year filled with love and joy.
Happy New Year,
Kathy & Michael