Newsletter for July 2018
The Fourth of July is behind us. Where’s the summer gone? I hope yours has been as much fun as mine. Busy, sure. Hot, absolutely. But fun, with a good sense of satisfaction partly because it’s been good to share the time with family and friends but also because of my business. I love being a Realtor and it’s always satisfying to match people and houses or to help someone move on to another stage of life but recently a long search for the right home has been completed and that’s really rewarding. For several years, my clients have been looking for a way to downsize and we finally found a house that fits. Ironically, I’ve sold their “new” house twice before over the last oh, twenty years or so, which is kind of cool. Here’s where you come in: it’s time to sell their present home so they can move and you can be part of the “Home Team” by passing the word. Tell someone who’s looking for a house in Bon Air, Bon Air Elementary School district, completely renovated, with loads of space (over 3,600 square feet) with a killer garage perfect for home business or hobbies, on a double lot. A respected Bon Air contractor built it for his family and they have loved living there for 59 years. Now it’s time for another family to love this home and make memories they will cherish for generations.
Here’s the link to my website with more information: https://www.hometeamadvantagerealtor.com/-listings.html The second featured listing on the site is another great brick home in Chesterfield with lots of updates and I’ll tell you more about that next time. That is, if it’s not already gone.
If you’ve read this newsletter for awhile, you know that I love sharing good stuff. Acts of kindness, outstanding achievements, interesting people, neat events. Good stuff. Friendships that last for decades certainly fit that description and I witnessed those last weekend when we had a spontaneous pool party. I’ve always been proud that my kids and their spouses have maintained friendships as they age, with elementary school buddies becoming parenting pals and high school BFFs remaining BFFs despite moves, jobs, kids. Having second generation kids in my pool is extremely cool.
If you’ve read this newsletter for awhile, you know that I love sharing good stuff. Acts of kindness, outstanding achievements, interesting people, neat events. Good stuff. Friendships that last for decades certainly fit that description and I witnessed those last weekend when we had a spontaneous pool party. I’ve always been proud that my kids and their spouses have maintained friendships as they age, with elementary school buddies becoming parenting pals and high school BFFs remaining BFFs despite moves, jobs, kids. Having second generation kids in my pool is extremely cool.
Watching a scrawny little boy who grew up to be an amazing man cuddle the child of another “kid” I’ve known since they were in high school is an extraordinary experience. They support each other in so many ways, from passing on baby clothes to attending each other’s band performances. Witnessing that heals my heart in these times of animosity and selfishness. I thank God for my friends like that and for the friends I’ve had and lost. Nancy Ittner was my dear friend and, while I miss her every day, I’m so glad to have had her in my life. If you are blessed with friends you can count on, no matter what, be grateful. They’re one of the most precious gifts life can offer and you can share that gift with others. It’s the balm in a life that sometimes is scary, stressful or sad. That person you call or text when things happen, good or bad…that’s the kind of friend I’m talking about.
Families offer that kind of support, too. That was illustrated later Saturday, in “pool party part two.” I heard stories (and saw pictures) of a daughter-in-law who utilized her hairdressing skill to highlight and cut a wig to match her mother-in-law’s hair during chemo hair trauma, who does pedicures “softly” to protect the tender skin that results from treatment. That’s love in action. We all need that kind of care at some point in our lives and we can all provide it to the people we love as well as those we simply encounter along life’s pathways. It can be as simple as an offer by a stranger to help lift a box or as life-changing as offering a kidney. Each kindness, each act of caring heals a tiny part of the world’s wounds. If you look closely, you’ll see these acts performed every day and you will be inspired to imitate them in your own life. I know I am.
Between celebrating summer with family and friends and doing a lot of business, I’m also sharing Richmond’s history through the photographs of my great-grandfather. This Thursday I’ll be giving a presentation at what I still call the Virginia Historical Society, now the Virginia Museum of History & Culture as part of their banner lectures. In addition to Richmond’s World War I images, I have postcards, photographs, and memorabilia from a unique piece of American history: Gold Star Mother Pilgrimages. Mothers and widows of men killed in battle went to France to see their loved one’s graves and one of those journeys is documented in the Stilson collection. Paris in 1932. Wanna come along?
https://www.virginiahistory.org/events/programs-and-activities/lectures-and-classes/richmond-france-images-and-stories-richmond-and?start=2018-07-12T12:00
If that’s not your cup of tea (or your glass of iced tea!), check out other summer activities. Take advantage of the break in heat to make some memories. There’s so much to do and if you can’t think of something, you can always ask me for suggestions. My mom or my brother Parks are experts on places to go and things to do. One of those benefits of family. It’s summer. Celebrate.
Families offer that kind of support, too. That was illustrated later Saturday, in “pool party part two.” I heard stories (and saw pictures) of a daughter-in-law who utilized her hairdressing skill to highlight and cut a wig to match her mother-in-law’s hair during chemo hair trauma, who does pedicures “softly” to protect the tender skin that results from treatment. That’s love in action. We all need that kind of care at some point in our lives and we can all provide it to the people we love as well as those we simply encounter along life’s pathways. It can be as simple as an offer by a stranger to help lift a box or as life-changing as offering a kidney. Each kindness, each act of caring heals a tiny part of the world’s wounds. If you look closely, you’ll see these acts performed every day and you will be inspired to imitate them in your own life. I know I am.
Between celebrating summer with family and friends and doing a lot of business, I’m also sharing Richmond’s history through the photographs of my great-grandfather. This Thursday I’ll be giving a presentation at what I still call the Virginia Historical Society, now the Virginia Museum of History & Culture as part of their banner lectures. In addition to Richmond’s World War I images, I have postcards, photographs, and memorabilia from a unique piece of American history: Gold Star Mother Pilgrimages. Mothers and widows of men killed in battle went to France to see their loved one’s graves and one of those journeys is documented in the Stilson collection. Paris in 1932. Wanna come along?
https://www.virginiahistory.org/events/programs-and-activities/lectures-and-classes/richmond-france-images-and-stories-richmond-and?start=2018-07-12T12:00
If that’s not your cup of tea (or your glass of iced tea!), check out other summer activities. Take advantage of the break in heat to make some memories. There’s so much to do and if you can’t think of something, you can always ask me for suggestions. My mom or my brother Parks are experts on places to go and things to do. One of those benefits of family. It’s summer. Celebrate.
Kitty Snow
Newsletter for January 2018
New Year’s resolutions…did ya make any? Yes or no? Let’s take a look at some of the most common resolutions. “I’m going to get in shape/exercise more.” Perhaps you’re doing it wrong. On Snow Day #1, Anne found this yoga workout on Youtube that tells the story of Moana. Maybe you need some Disney in your routine.
Then there’s the ever-popular “This time I’ll stick to my diet. I’m going to eat healthy food. No junk foods, no sugar.” As Sutton demonstrates, there’s eating and then there is EATING. Perhaps the secret is to decorate yourself with food. It seemed to work for her a few months ago and it’s still her preferred eating style.
My favorite resolution is one that you make, not me. It’s the one when you are stuck inside on a cold day and you look around and say “This isn’t where I want to be.” When you consider your lifestyle and/or your family’s needs and think “This doesn’t fit anymore.” That’s when you make the resolution that changes everything. You call, text, or email me and I get to work finding you the home that does fit, that makes you happy to come home. Every January some of you make that resolution and this year is no different. The phone started ringing on New Year’s Day.
Even bitter cold or snow days don’t stop me. I’m writing contracts and listing houses despite holidays, ice, and bone-chilling weather and that’s good. Two listings featured on my website are in the Chester area. One, in Stoney Glen, is a transitional two story with a renovated kitchen, formal rooms, plus an amazing family room, lots of updates, and a great view of the woods. The gazebo in that private back yard will be great come the spring thaw!
Even bitter cold or snow days don’t stop me. I’m writing contracts and listing houses despite holidays, ice, and bone-chilling weather and that’s good. Two listings featured on my website are in the Chester area. One, in Stoney Glen, is a transitional two story with a renovated kitchen, formal rooms, plus an amazing family room, lots of updates, and a great view of the woods. The gazebo in that private back yard will be great come the spring thaw!
Another great option is situated on nearly ¾ acre. Maybe I’m influenced by the current cold weather but I look at this wide wrap-around porch and dream of warm spring days, a book, a glass of lemonade and a porch swing. Comfort is this house’s middle name and understandably so. Big, bright rooms, cathedral ceiling in the family room, three full baths, and an oversized garage to lust for are just a few of the reasons this house will have new owners soon.
If you’re more inclined to an urban home, I’m listing a house in the Forest Hill/Jahnke Road area tomorrow. Lots of options in my listings but, as they say on TV, “there’s more.” You’re not restricted to just my listings. I can represent you in the purchase of any property in the MLS system so make up your Wanna-Have list and let’s get started. I just know a change in address was one of your New Year’s Resolutions.
There is one resolution I would like all of us to make. We need a kinder, more considerate world. I wrote a MLK Day entry in my Richmond Views blog, companion to Richmond In Sight’s work. If you’re interested, you can read my MLK Day post by clicking on this link: https://hometeamrealtors.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/martin-luther-king-harry/
but I’d like to share a bit of that entry. My great-grandfather, Harry Stilson, was a Richmond streetcar driver and amateur photographer in the early 1900s but he was invited back to his hometown in Michigan to give a speech to the Ladies’ Literary Club. That hand-written speech survived and is as relevant now as it was a century ago. Harry wrote: “We are black, brown, red, yellow and white. We are Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, Jew, spiritualist, atheist, or whatnot. If they be of different types, at variance in color, religion or nationality, or all three, I am constrained to believe, being optimistic, it is so much better for the world. I believe that the true test is one of character or moral worth, and that the best education is the one that develops that character without regard to color of skin or condition of society.”
He continued: “I also think that the best way to remove that “pride of tint” is by honorable familiarity with the adverse color, religion or nationality. In no place can this honorable familiarity be better brought about than in our common schools and public churches. I would abolish all private schools…(so) that they should become more familiar with and less suspicious of those of different tint, and thus become better citizens of this great nation, having more respect for each other.”
Better citizens of this great nation. Having more respect for each other. I believe Harry’s dream is echoed in Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Even if we fail in any or all other New Year’s Resolutions, I pray that this one I offer will prevail and we can all thrive in a kinder, more respectful nation, which creates a better world for us all.
There is one resolution I would like all of us to make. We need a kinder, more considerate world. I wrote a MLK Day entry in my Richmond Views blog, companion to Richmond In Sight’s work. If you’re interested, you can read my MLK Day post by clicking on this link: https://hometeamrealtors.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/martin-luther-king-harry/
but I’d like to share a bit of that entry. My great-grandfather, Harry Stilson, was a Richmond streetcar driver and amateur photographer in the early 1900s but he was invited back to his hometown in Michigan to give a speech to the Ladies’ Literary Club. That hand-written speech survived and is as relevant now as it was a century ago. Harry wrote: “We are black, brown, red, yellow and white. We are Catholic, Protestant, Mormon, Jew, spiritualist, atheist, or whatnot. If they be of different types, at variance in color, religion or nationality, or all three, I am constrained to believe, being optimistic, it is so much better for the world. I believe that the true test is one of character or moral worth, and that the best education is the one that develops that character without regard to color of skin or condition of society.”
He continued: “I also think that the best way to remove that “pride of tint” is by honorable familiarity with the adverse color, religion or nationality. In no place can this honorable familiarity be better brought about than in our common schools and public churches. I would abolish all private schools…(so) that they should become more familiar with and less suspicious of those of different tint, and thus become better citizens of this great nation, having more respect for each other.”
Better citizens of this great nation. Having more respect for each other. I believe Harry’s dream is echoed in Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech. Even if we fail in any or all other New Year’s Resolutions, I pray that this one I offer will prevail and we can all thrive in a kinder, more respectful nation, which creates a better world for us all.
The photograph above is one of my favorites from Harry’s collection. It’s his son, my great-uncle, Don Stilson, and a friend, perhaps named Denny Robinson, circa 1909. Harry took several pictures of them playing in his Gilbert Street back yard with his pigeon coop behind them. His wife labeled the photo “Two Orphans.” I’d rather call it “Two Friends.”
