Cherimie Crane, www.Marine1Realty.com

You loved me even before you knew I was cute. You were the only one who would and could listen to me ramble, on for hours about absolutely nothing while somehow appearing interested.

Those beautiful little dresses that you made each Easter never quite looked the same once I found my tree climbing talent, but you made them anyway.

My tears poured at the reality that not everyone liked me, you assured me it was their loss. I was told I was weird, you made weird cool. When everyone laughed at the thought of me, the clumsy, awkward tomboy, trying out for cheerleader; you braided my hair while telling me there was nothing I couldn't do, Thanks Mom.

Mamaw Crane:

I watched you build your own home, with your hands. Never underestimate the effect that had on me at such an early age. I ran through the field to sit on your porch to tell you how unfair my parents could be, you listened and often agreed. Thanks Mamaw Crane. My stubborn independent streak was often blamed on you, you accepted with pride. Thank you for giving me the right to be me, at all times.

Mamaw Watts:

There is no one alive that can cure a broken heart with grits, other than you. Each time my little world was crushed, you rebuilt it with tender hands, remarkable recipes, and unconditional love only you could give. As a teenager, I was lost, confused, and many times out of place, except in your presence. Your strength of heart is forever a part of me, Thanks Mamaw Watts.

I am now a capable, strong, independent...still slightly awkward woman who knows how to care, how to love, and how to build a house. It is all because of you.

Happy Mother's Day.

What happens when quality construction, by a reputable builder, meets style and affordability?? Homes sell, and they sell quickly. Matter of fact they sell so quickly that open houses and community tours never seem to take place.

I couldn't be more excited about my joint efforts with NBM Builders. We met just months ago to devise a home that not only would meet the rising demand for affordable homes, but exceed expectations as well as the competition in the below 200K price range.

Buyers are constantly amazed by the interior detail and incentive package. At least twice a day someone asks me, "What is the catch?".

There is no catch.

For 195K,buyers receive a 1500 sqft home constructed of Hardi plank that boasts beautiful hard wood floors, ceramic tiled bathrooms, granite counter tops, IPOD docking station with speakers throughout including the 2.5 garage, and Renai tank-less water heaters!

Not to mention, $6,000 paid closing costs!

Gorgeous Live Oaks drape the entire community. As a Realtor I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished and thoroughly enjoy selling such a tremendous product.

For more information on Carolina Village Beaufort SC please call or email today.

So it has been just over a year since my very first post on Active Rain. As a professional, I carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of my business.

Prior to my membership in Active Rain, my efforts to market myself were not necessarily in vain, but seemed to be more of a sporadic approach rather than defining myself and my goals.

I haven't changed. I am still the fishing, clumsy, slightly quirky, but extremely dedicated Realtor. The only difference is, that now, everyone knows it. I can't completely say that Active Rain is solely responsible, but the numbers are clear.

My sales are just an obvious measure; however, there are many changes that have occurred somewhat under the real estate radar.

The following are definite changes:

1. Motivation- It doesn't take very long to realize I have intrinsic motivation coming out my ears yet, the feedback from other Realtors from all over the United States has certainly nurtured me in a way impossible to achieve alone. Waking each morning to comments from the best of the best gives me the confidence and the edge I need.

2. Visibility- In one year I have attained AND closed 4 transactions directly through Active Rain. It is safe to say, there may be more. Through my posts 2 seller clients, and 2 buyer clients have chosen me based on the premise that "they know me and how I work". How would that ever be achieved through magazine ads or brochures?

3. Education- As a former teacher, this one is particularly important. I learn something each and every time I log on to the rain. In contrast to continuing education classes, that I inevitably sleep through as if sitting under a tin roof in a rain storm, it is my choice to find the lesson that interests me and benefits my clients the most.

4. Camaraderie- Texas, North Carolina, New York, Maryland, Georgia, Virginia..you name the state, and I will give you the name of a friend, colleague and confidant. Enough said.

In this year of blogging, laughing, crying, sharing myself with the world I have opened a new business, landed two builder/developers, increased my client base two fold, and become more comfortable in being the clumsy, country, slightly quirky Realtor from Beaufort South Carolina

Coincidence? Nah, I call it results. Thanks Active Rain.

Deep breath. At the tender age of 9, I read a quote that has forever been implanted in my mind. I find that to be astonishing in and of itself especially in times when my mind seems to be the slipping slide of fodder.

'If only one woman would tell the truth of her life, the world would split wide open." Anonymous

Now why on earth would that make such an enormous impact on a 9 year old?

Well maybe it was because at the time I most likely felt guilty for something I had just done to my little sister; however, over the years it evolved into much more.

So now many years later, here I am.

In the following list you will find humor in truth, and truth tucked neatly in half-truths.

I am certain, male or female, most of you can relate, whether you will admit it or not.

How to Win Friends and Influence People in High Heels, Red Lipstick, and Uncomfortable Clothes:

1. Fully accept comfort as a myth, a thing of the past, something other people only talk about.

Grab the most impractical item in your closet, it will obviously look the best. IF it doesn't require that you suck in, wince in pain, sit awkwardly, or walk as if on a tight wire..grab something else.

2. Smile. Smile bigger, harder, until those veins in your forehead or throat throb with glee. If you manage to pull this one off with out being committed, people will think you are definitely up to something that will make you look better than them. Priceless. Instant new friends.

3. Say the following words/phrases at least 356 times a day:

• wow
• you are the best
• I'm sorry
• thank you so so much (must add additional so's)
• no YOU look BETTER especially to another woman!!! Never agree that you look HOT!! NEVER!

4. Never, EVER, EVER, let them know that you woke up dreading the process of taming your bedhead, covering puffy *martini* eyes, regretting that second cheese burger, fighting with your significant other about .....(fill in the blank), wondering when your arms starting waving back, and worrying that today will be the day that someone will notice that you really DON'T have it all figured out!

5. Ladies, or extremely secure gentlemen, wear lip stick, preferably red.

This wee bit of advice has made the difference in many of my "close call" days. Not to sure why exactly, maybe I appear fierce, or possibly people mistake me for the joker...who knows.

Who cares? It works.

Enjoy your Monday! If you need a greater explaination of the above, or just want to sit among the secretly confused...stop by Marine 1 Realty, I will be the girl in the red lipstick!

There...that sums up my week. With the grand opening of Marine 1 Realty, closing the unclosable, becoming acquainted with a clients large bulldog, and finally...a nice purple and black shiner.

No..I am not attaching a picture.

It has been my downfall **no pun intended**, that my brain often moves much faster and with greater focus that my short little legs. It is true in every aspect of my life. It is one of those things that I battle constantly. It is my intention to slow down, yet somehow it doesn't quite work out that way.

The grand opening (and I will be posting pictures soon) was a tremendous success. The support from my clients and fellow Realtors was extremely encouraging.

The very same day of my grand opening, I closed a deal that seemed to be on the "eventual closing plan". It was a whirlwind.

Matter of fact, I am presently realizing that it would take five separate posts to accurately portray the day. Thankfully I have to show property therefore one rambling post will have to suffice.

Ok..so I closed the unclosable, the grand opening was a success, now on to the bulldog.

Marines like dogs. They like big dogs. Big dogs like to chase little dogs. I have a little dog. I was visiting a client with my little guy in tow. One thing led to another and well....I look like I faced Tyson in three rounds.

So...thank you all for supporting me with the opening of Marine 1 Realty. I truly appreciate all your comments.