Maria Morton

At the end of 2008, two of my very favorite realtor friends asked me to join them in forming a team and moving to another broker. It was a good business decision for all of us and though the first couple of weeks have been hectic and unnerving, we are all pleased with our new location. For your enjoyment, I shot a few photos of my new surroundings at Prudential Real Estate on the Country Club Plaza. (MO)

This is most everyone's favorite tower on the Plaza.

Even the chimney stacks look good on the Plaza. You may notice a European element to the architecture. This is because JC Nichols, the man who brought the shopping district from imagination to reality, had been so enamored with the Spanish architecture he had enjoyed during his European tour. JC also incorporated fountains, courtyards, and sculptures into his plan. Built in the 1920's, this remains one of Kansas City's most desirable areas in which to live, work and play.

American Century is located in those two more modern looking towers to the east of the Plaza. Notice the apartments on the left side of the photo. JC Nichols' son, Miller, was responsible for adding many residential structures to the original shopping area. Both father and son contributed many of the artworks found along the sidewalks and courtyards.

This is the entrance to my new office!

Isn't the lobby just perfect for practising Tai Chi?

Looking out a window in a northeasterly direction you can see a tree and some gorgeous tile work.

To the northwest is Brio, one of a million fabulous restaurants now within walking distance from my office. Yes, I love to eat!

Being around such beauty is invigorating!

What a glorious end to another fine day in the Heartland! I am truly blessed to be working in such a picturesque setting in an office filled with wonderful people.

All photos taken by Maria Morton 1/13/2009 Kansas City, MO. Please do not copy without permission. Ditto the words.

Moon Over Miami Kansas City

Photo taken 2008 by Maria Morton just south of downtown Kansas City towards 71 ramp. All rights reserved.

Over the holiday a conversation about taxi cab companies arose amongst our group at Charlie Hoopers. Four out of six of us had positive stories to share regarding the same local cab company. I'd like to share one of the stories with you.

After a somewhat hectic day, Erin arrived home to discover her purse was not with her. She telephoned all of the places she had stopped that day but no one had seen her purse. This was not just any purse, this was a day timer organizer with all of her contacts, calendar, credit cards, ID, basically everything she needed to live and do business. Replacing all of the contents would be impossible.

The next day she received a call from her bank. Not an 800 number, or corporate headquarters either; the branch that she did business with. They called to say that someone from Atlas Cab had called about her purse. Wow. Then the cab driver brought the purse to the bank. Complete with all of the money, credit cards, ID's, contacts, etc. Someone at Atlas Cab went to a lot of trouble to find the bank's number, place the call, verify the location and identity and then have the purse delivered.

Kudos to Atlas Cab of Kansas City! And a special "hello" to Jill and Alvin from your "Let's drive around and look at the Christmas lights!" customers.

West of Ward Parkway. KCMO

Santa's knocking at the door!

Santa fell in the bushes.

Simple yet elegant.

The red bows cheer me up when it's gray outside.

Joy to the World.

Santa on his day off.

Don't these plants look like they've dressed for Christmas?

White Tie

Casual with flair

Two of my favorite bears

Kansas City has the Christmas spirit! Everywhere I go, there are lights, decorations, and cheery people. Carolers who have been practicing for months are ready to serenade us. Those who enjoy cooking and libations are in seventh heaven with all of the treats and tastes laid out. Shoppers are taking advantage of all of the sales - and we have loads of sales this year, as I'm sure you've noticed.