Susanna Lilly, Realtor

FLAMINGOS & CHRISTMAS

It was great spending Christmas unexpectedly in Orlando with my family and friends! It was a different experience for Christmas, but we truly enjoyed ourselves. The hospitality our friends shared was awesome!

Saving our gifts to open upon our return home to Virginia was wonderful. It extended Christmas for us! This is causing us to leave our home "decked out" with lights & such a little longer this year and appreciate all the work that went into getting everything ready for Christmas. I love it! I didn't have to feel the slight let-down on December 26 this year.

Just a few more days to "be still" before getting down to business for 2009!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I just helped out with the local Radford "Meals on Wheels" organization. The experience is a pretty awesome thing. It really doesn't take very long at all. I usually partner up with someone in my office. Today, it was Diane, who is so faithful to the organization. After picking up and organizing the meals in order of homes, one person drives while the other takes the meals inside the home to the recipient.

The reaction and smiles you get from these folks is pretty special. They are all so very thankful and appreciative. They enjoy seeing and talking to someone even for only a few minutes. This makes me smile and feel really good.

I am thankful that occasionally I can give back a little something. I am the one blessed in this! New Years Resolution: Give more often - what you receive is more than you give.

An American Creed

I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man

It is my right to be uncommon-if I can.

I seek opportunity-not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.

I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, "This I have done."

By Dean Alfange

Awesome writing about being accountable and doing the best you can, and rising up to the challenges of life. The Real American Dream!

Thanks for the recommendation, Dave Ramsey!

The Blacksburg and New River Valley areas are ever growing and changing! With new roads, shopping,

and land transition our area is desirable and up-and-coming. With the horrific tragedy of 4/16 at VT

our community pulled together and offered an insight into our true spirit. This event has only brought us

together and strenthened Blacksburg's attractiveness as being one of the country's "BEST PLACES TO LIVE"

according to Farmers Insurance Study and EARTHtimes.org.

Sincerely,

SUSANNA LILLY (540)320-9444 www.SusannaLilly.com

Coldwell Banker, Townside Blacksburg, VA SusannaLilly@cbtownside.com