This is my first blog post and I must admit that I feel a little bit like someone who has been thrown out onto the stage and doesn't know their lines. But I hope that if I tell a good story, perhaps you will come back and visit my blog time and time again.
So let me start by saying that a few years ago I moved into the Grand Rapids Neighborhoods. In fact, I live right by the Wealthy Theatre. Some family members, who shall remain nameless, think that I live in the hood. But what they don't know is that I walk out my door and I know my neighbors. They also don't know that I walk out my door sometimes and I meet new people. This is something I didn't have or experience in my last home and it makes my life interesting. it's like a have a river of life right out my front door every day. And here's the best part of it, I love the Grand Rapids Neighborhoods!
Prior to a river of life flowing by my door, I lived out by the little village located in Alaska, Michigan. Only I had a real river flowing by my door everyday-the Thornapple River. You see, like so many people I know, I had, for the last 10 years or so, I kept buying or building a bigger and bigger home. Life was great.
My last refuge was a beautiful contemporary lodge-style home which I built with my partner. It was a santuary, a retreat. It was away from the hustle and bustle, nestled into the woods, overlooking the Thornapple, on a street where our motto was: Live Free or Die. Who could ask for anything more?
Then, my Mom had a stroke and in an instant my life changed. Soon, most of my time was spent driving back and forth into town to take my Mom to doctors appointments, physical rehab, cardiac rehab, etc. There were surgeries. More rehab. More and more care required. Before I knew it, I felt disconnected from my life and from my home. So, I changed...
My partner and I split. We sold the big home on the river. I took up residency in the neighborhoods and to my delight and surprise, I discovered my life again.
Now, I live 2 minutes from my Mom's house. I am 2 minutes from my downtown RE/MAX SunQuest office. I am 2 minutes from so many activities that I love: Yoga from the Heart, Wealthy Theatre, EGR Library, Grand Rapids Dogpark, Fulton Street Farmer's Market, Marie Catribs, Schnitz Deli, Reed's Lake, and on and on and on.
So, in the next few weeks, I am going to introduce a Series called Grand Rapids Neighborhood Places...A Great Place to Be Somebody.
The Series will feature some neighborhood art, and will feature the work of some local artists. My hope is that this Grand Rapids Neighborhood Places Series will spark some delightful conversations about your favorite neighborhood places. I hope it will inspire you to share your stories of why those places are so special with you. I hope that I will get to know you better and that you will come to consider moving to the neighborhoods if you don't live here already.
Here's a little excerpt.
Grand Rapids Neighborhood Places – A Great Place to Be Somebody!
So what, exactly, makes a place a favorite "neighborhood place", you may wonder?
Well, usually it's a place that holds special memories for us. Maybe the place tugs at our heartstrings because of a shared beverage, or a meal, or an ice cream cone. Or, it has become a cool, interesting place to just hang out. Or the place has been there so long it offers a comforting visual reference in a constantly changing landscape. Or, maybe the place has unique architectural features that speak to our sense of beauty and art. And then there is history - oh, if only these walls could talk!
Favorite neighborhood places can contribute to our sense of security, our stability as a community, and our growth as a cool city. These special places let visitors know what our values are, and perhaps most importantly, give us a deep sense of place on this vast planet.
We believe, however, there is something more fundamentally human at the heart of what makes a favorite neighborhood place. Simply stated, everybody wants to be "somebody”. From the moment we are born, we are coddled, coaxed, and called to answer the question— “who do we want to be when we grow up?” We are raised to BE “somebodies”!
So, if we are anonymous, as we are in a big box store, or the mall, or a franchise. And try as they might to make us feel different—we are merely a number. A nameless face, whose information is captured at the checkout counter. Even when we return time and again, we’re still just a number—a nobody.
But when we walk into a place like The Kopper Top located in the Stockbridge Neighborhood, and sit under the unique canopy of lights commemorating whatever holiday is imminent...to be continued.
Copyright 2008 Amy Miller and Neighborhood Places All Rights Reserved
Theatre Masks courtesy of Janice Yuvallos Flickr.com
Trees and Moon photo courtesy of Ctd 2005's Photostream Flick.com
Grand Rapids, Michigan, urban neighborhood real estate specialist! Eastown,Wilcox Park, East Grand Rapids etc. My passion is neighborhoods! Here's secrets, articles & art about life in Grand Rapids.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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Hi Amy let me be the first to roll out the RED CARPET for you at AR. Great start, see around the blog cooler!
Amy,Welcome to this wonderful community of professionals here at Active Rain. You will find this a great learning experience.
Wow, what a first post! I'll look forward to the series. You've also inspired me to try some similar posts for my favorite places and neighborhoods. Thanks.
Your blog looks great! If I didn't know any better you could be one of the regulars. Good Luck in the world of AR!
Amy, This is the best first blog I have read. You sure you haven't done this before? Anyway welcome to Active Rain and congratulations on your first blog.
Hi Klarque:
Thank you for rolling out the red carpet. I've never experienced that Academy Award winning feeling until now. Thanks for making it special.
Hi Amy, You wouldn't know after reading your post that it's your first. Someone moving into that neighborhood will see your post as value. Keep it up and best of luck to you.
Hi Katie:
I love to be the source of inspiration. Lola Audu inspired me to do this series and I appreciate it too. She was also right here coaching me on my first blog. I couldn't have done it without her. Stay tuned...
Thanks Collette! I appreciate feedback good or bad. I am blessed to be working with Lola Audu. She is providing me with inspiration and coaching on my first blog posts. Let me know if you have any suggestions. I appreciate your input.
Hi Jimmy:
No, I had never done this before. But I love to write. I had already written the Neighborhood Places article. However, Lola Audu has been inspiring me in the background and coaching me on blogging ever step of the way. I appreciate your input positive or negative. Thanks for the comments...
Jeff: Thanks for welcoming me to the blog. I love the Grand Rapids neighborhoods. I appreciate your insights and comments. They are most helpful. Film at 11...
Amy, This was a wonderful and engaging post. Can't wait to read other entries in this series. What a wonderful way to make our city of Grand Rapids, Michigan come alive with an intimate portrayal of our neighborhoods. Great job. It's been wonderful to see you step "onto the stage." :)
So you really want to know how your first post is? It is wonderful. It seems that you've been doing this for awhile. Keep up the good work. Now I have to step up my game. Thanks
Hi Amy and welcome to AR. There are thousands of tips, tools, and tricks of the trade here. Be sure to check them out. Best of luck and see you around.
Lola, thanks so much for your kind words and all of your encouragement and help. I simply couldn't have done it without you. You have great insight and wisdom. I enjoy my time with you. I am really looking forward to more coaching and great conversations. Thanks again for everything. You are an inspiration.
Thanks Sonya. I really appreciate your comments. I'm sure your game is already finely tuned. But it's always great to find inspiration that spurs us on to something greater... I look forward to reading your blog too.
Hey Vincent: Do you have any specific blogs, or links that I should be reading to seek out tips, tools, and tricks of the trade. I appreciate any insights and guidance you can provide since I am a newby...
Amy, Welcome to the Rain and your series title A Great Place To Be Somebody Is terrific.
Hi Amy welcome. I have been here for a month now and have already learned so much.
Lovely, engaging post! You have done a wonderful job and seem to be taking to blogging like a duck to water....or a great blogger in the ActiveRain! : )
It is a wonderful first post! Not so hard when you write your own lines. I am looking forward to more.
Amy you blend in quite well obviously. Welcome! You'll do well here and I look forward to hearing more.
Good morning Amy,
Welcome to Rain and congratulations on a wonderful first post.
You made the right decision when you joined Rain. There are so many willing, sharing professionals here that will help, teach and comfort you. Just read, comment and learn.
Enjoy the experience.
Hal
Welcome to AR Amy, Your first post is excellent. I went to college at Grand Valley and spent a lot of time in Grand Rapids. i remember driving through the town one night and i saw a "castle"! I think it was a real estate or insurance office at the time, but it had a turret and looked real cool. It is a beautiful area there.
Love Grand Rapids...Welcome to ActiveRain!
Sean
Excellent job on your first AR post! I must say I read every word. I have never been to Michigan, and growing up a BUCKEYE....never even thought I would consider a visit to Michigan. You have made it sound just beautiful and I look forward to reading future posts from you. Great job and welcome!!!!
Welcome. Great first post!
Amy, welcome to Activerain !! You will love it. One suggestion is to joint the Activerain Newbies group. Lots of tips and advice there on questions you might have.
I don't know what else to say except WOW!!!! Thru some of my own life experiences this past year I can totally relate to what you said. Thanks for sharing and Welcome to AR.
Amy, this is a great first post. You obviously know what you are doing, so keep up the good work!
Welcome to the community! So glad to have you here!
Hi neighbor eighbor, I am aslo from the GR area. It is good meet a new face on AR from home. Great first post. You did it like the pros!!! I love the way you write and look forward to more posts from you. By the way, never been to Marie Catribs, looks and sounds amazing! I love good healthy organic, chem free, foods.
Welcome to AR! I remember my first blog and I was amazed how people respond to you hear. I look forward to seeing more of your blogs. I have a younger brother who lives in your area! So hopefully I can send some business your way!
Good Luck!
Congrats and Welcome Amy, you're off to a flying start!
Welcome to AR and fantastic first post . . . you will love it here!
Amy welcome to Active Rain. It is wonderful here and the people are very helpful. Congratulations on your first post.
Welcome to active rain. I hope that you have a great time here and discover the thousands of great tips and tricks from fellow professionals
Great first blog. What a wsy to start out. Nice colors and pictures.
Amy - Oh, my goodness what a great first post! I was going to suggest that you join the Newbies group, but you're way ahead of the curve. I look forward to getting to know you here in the Rain! Congratulations on your feature!
Amy, Wow, I'm impressed, great job and welcome to The Rain. Alaska is a neat little burb, use to enjoy going to Sam's there.
Hi Amy, Great first post! Welcome to the community. By the way, I think you have a great idea, I plan to do the same in my area...just need to finish taking some photos.
I was born and raised in Michigan (Detroit area), but my family and I would go to Grand Rapids from time to time to see my cousin conduct and to visit my great uncle's store Klingman's. Grand Rapids holds a lot of memories for me. I'm with you...it's a neat place to live!
Congratulations on joining Active Rain. Looking forward to your series. Keep on blogging.
What a great start to Blogging Amy! Nicely done, I look forward to future contributions.
Welcome to Active Rain...I'd say you have the gift of blog. I enjoyed reading it very much.
Welcome to Active Rain! That was a fabulous first post. I've seen a bunch of new people with wonderful first posts. I am so jealous! Congratulations. I look forward to reading more.
This is a great first post Amy. You are going to do well here.
You just made my mouth water for a YesterDog!
My best friend from college married my best freind from high school and they moved to Grand Rapids after he finished Dental School. What a great place! They now live in EGR a block from Wealthy Elem. (I love the fact my "nephews" run around in Wealthy t-shirts, it really cracks me up.
I have had so many great times in EGR and the people are awesome, can't wait to visit again soon.
Hi Amy: Welcome to AR and fabulous first post! I can't agree with you more - Grand Rapids is SO happening. It never fails to amaze me of all the goings on the area and especially downtown.
For a first post you sound like a pro! I love the Wealthy area! I used to be there often when "the Intersection" was there I would go to see concerts frequently. Billy's is nice too, and have heard the Wealthy Theater has acts there frequently as well. And who could forget Yesterdog!? Not me I assure you!
Hi Amy! I'll be happy to take some credit in the writing of "What exactly makes a Neighborhood Place..." as I remember your inspired first draft being emailed to me and then your generous allowance of my editing and additional words about big box stores, etc. I have the final, original piece over on my myspace page and I included on your myspace page when I set it up for you. Enjoy!
http://www.myspace.com/mejaneink