Saturday, April 18th, 2015
Springtime has come early to the Pacific Northwest. The feel of the warm sun on my cheeks just brings me joy. Because of the unseasonably warm weather, the flowers are blooming early. I spent the day up in the Skagit Valley taking photos of daffodils on a gorgeous day. I don't think I could have caught a nicer afternoon!
Read More →Saturday, July 12th, 2014
The first time I remember seeing a cow was in the Chicago Lincoln Park zoo in the farm animal section. Of course from the time we are little we learn the sounds animals make and where mild comes from. I am just not the type to have a "relationship" with an animal... as cute as people think they are... I just don't relate. But, I love taking photos of interesting creatures. The big dark eyes with long lashes on cows just seem so expressive. Grabbing my camera on Friday, I drove up to Snohomish County with a girlfriend and she drove by several farms with aging pastel barns and fields of cows quietly peacefully hanging out. Then I come to find out it is actually "National Cow Appreciation Day" and I was there to photograph these beautiful animals!
Read More →Friday, June 27th, 2014
We are told that our voice is heard. I go to community and government meetings when I can. I learn about the most current issues, find out about the events and meet others in the area or with similar interests. I go because I hope that my voice is heard because for every person that goes to meetings and comments, there are hundreds ... probably thousands ... of people that do not show. This week I attended the Westlake Stakeholders Group in Seattle. I have a vested interest in the changes ahead as the Seattle Dept of Transportation creates a plan to redo the Westlake parking and walkway to accommodate more bicyclists and pedestrians in a better designed path. This will eliminate a good portion of the parking affecting the businesses, those that live aboard boats or floating homes, and boaters. With all the comments and emails tabulated, the Dept of Transportation said that safety is the number one concern from the stakeholders. I find that interesting because thousands of people are affected. They may have written about the parking concerns, ingress and egress, commuters parking, and even the cyclists and pedestrians commented ... etc.. and added the safety issue. ...
Read More →Monday, June 23rd, 2014
One day I signed up to go on a walking tour of the skyscrapers in Seattle by myself. I learned so much about the city. At the end, the guide said they are looking for more volunteer guides... so I signed up, did the training and now I have been leading tours! Often when we head into the city we forget to LOOK UP!. We are so busy looking for parking, trying to find out which streets are one way, and avoiding pedestrians like we are playing a video game. Each building contributes to the history of the city and how we interact with the built environment can have an impact on our experience in Seattle, today. The information on the tour is relevant for real estate agents so I had it approved for continuing education. For more information about the tours, contact me!
Read More →Friday, June 20th, 2014
When I was a kid watching my favorite cartoon, "The Jetson's" I used to imagine what the world would be like in the future. Though I am a bit disappointed that I am not flying around in a crazy copter with a robotic maid and wearing those cute little creations that Judy wore... I am happy with where we are today. The Seattle Space Needle was used as inspiration and I get to ride on the Monorail. But, what George never really imagined was the internet and cell phone technology. My life completely revolves around what is happening online. I am completely lost without my cell phone and internet connection. As I sit here writing a class about the future of the real estate industry, I have to imagine paperless transactions and video conversations. But, wait! We have those now. What could be next?
Read More →Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
“Pop the hood, Maaam,” the kid at the gas station barks. Now of course, those words are only heard in Oregon gas stations where you are not allowed to pump your own gas. Now that is my kind of state! You can’t pump gas but you can decide what method of execution if on death row. (more…)
Read More →Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
A trip to the dentist has never been this fun before! (more…)
Read More →Wednesday, April 6th, 2011
Could he possibly be serious? I’m sitting at my desk working on the computer. It was one of those quiet days when I am so focused on the screen in front of me. The home phone rings. (more…)
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