Linda Bourgault

During the Thanksgiving holiday of 2002, my husband, Bruce, and I cruised the warm waters in the Western Caribbean on the Golden Princess. One of our adventures took place in the beautiful ocean waters of Cozumel at Chankanaab Park where we swam and played with dolphins. This was one of the most fun and special experiences we shared with our new friends in our group plus three amazing, incredible bottle-nose dolphins.

Before we left on our cruise we knew we wanted to swim with dolphins (and maybe kiss one too), but we didn't know which program was best as there are several options from which to choose. After researching our options we decided upon the Royal Dolphin Swim. This particular activity is recommend for nearly everyone. Trainers are with you every second for maximum safety and enjoyment.

When we arrived at Chankanaab Park we were met by the dolphin trainers. We watched a short video, received safety instructions and donned our PFDs (personal flotation devices). As we strolled out on the pier we passed several relatively small water enclosures where we saw families enjoying themselves with the dolphins. Squeals of delight, wonder and laughter floated through the air. Then we arrived at our destination at the end of the pier... the enclosure (floating nets beneath the water) was the size of two football fields and the water was not as calm as one might like! The trainers had us line up on a submerged gang-way where we were introduced to the dolphins. Then it was time to jump in the water... with some trepidation we plunged in and the next hour passed in a flurry of smiles, exhilaration, and laughter as we swam in an ever expanding circle with the dolphins zooming past us, towing us with their dorsal fins and pushing us up on their backs as though we were water skiing without a tether or a boat.

I'm sure you are wondering by now... what does swimming with dolphins have to do with real estate? So, here's the the tie in to the hook:

• We are aware of the downturn in the financial and housing markets.
• We know doing business as usual isn't working for most of us.
• We ask ourselves what can we do to turn this around in order to survive, if not strive, during this challenging time?
• We realize we must change the way we do business... we must consider doing things we've never considered doing before.
• To make the change requires accepting the challenge.
  
• To accept the challenge means taking risks.
• One of the major risks is learning about and doing short sales.

Short sales can be tough and time consuming, but until you try it you will never experience the thrill of helping a family avoid financial ruin. Short sales give your clients a legitimate way to make good on their contractual agreement with their lender, protect their hard earned credit status and provide them an opportunity to purchase a home in the future and regain their pride in home ownership. When you do this successfully, you have made a client for a life time and the gratitude you see in their eyes is remarkable!

So, jump in, take the plunge and as Nike says, "Just do it!" The rewards are incredible—you will have helped someone in need; you'll feel good about yourself; your earnings will increase; and your network with other Realtors and clients will grow exponentially.

Have you kissed a dolphin today? I think you should—you'll be glad you did!

Copyright 2009 Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix. All rights reserved.

Copyright 2009 Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix. All rights reserved.

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my Friends,
Subscribers and Associates at Activerain.

Thank you for all of your support and encouragement.
I truly appreciate "Our Compatibility."
Hope you enjoy the tasty treats !

On Valentine’s Day, we think about
The people who are dear,
How much they add to life’s delight
Whenever they are near. You’ve always been a total joy
Such pleasant company,
I very much appreciate
Our compatibility!


Copyright 2009 Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix. All rights reserved.

In a note to the reader at the beginning of this collection, Amy Tan admits that, "The Opposite of Fate is, in effect, really a series of "musings," each one linked to the other by her own "fascination with fate, both blind and blessed, and its many alternatives." These alternatives, she goes on to say, "can be summed up in one word—hope."

This is very much a book about life's twists and turns, its tragedies and small joys and the sometimes silly or even desperate actions we take to avert a particular course of events. Regardless of the unique direction of each story, the notion of fate is a central tenet, and will inevitably lead readers to look at their own lives and the role fate plays therein.

It's been awhile since I've read this book, but recent occurrences in my life brought me back to the tenets of fate Tan shares with us in her "musings." The Opposite of Fate is a book I am keeping on my shelf permanently. Readers will enjoy Amy Tan's book as it presents a refreshing meditation on the choices, charms, freedoms, and the luck that affects us all.

Copyright 2009 Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix. All rights reserved.

"We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them." —Buddha

Copyright 2009 Linda Bourgault/lulugraphix. All rights reserved.