Early mornings are my favorite times to visit ActiveRain and post whatever has been brewing in my head overnight. It’s lovely to live in a south facing property in the mountains of Western North Carolina, the sun comes up over my left shoulder when I’m at the computer. That’s what happened yesterday when I was typing the post about LinkedIn’s sleep survey. I glanced over my shoulder and thought…perfect, there’s my Speechless Sunday post out on the deck. Everyone would like jeweled mechanic’s cloth, right?
Even though I did capture the photos, I missed posting them in favor of getting some sparkle of a different sort back into the kitchen! Our deck has ½” squared mechanic’s cloth to keep the dogs from plunging 25 feet into the backyard. Yesterday when I saw the sun shine through the droplets of dew on the mechanic’s cloth, I grabbed the camera and started shooting. The closer I got the more interesting it looked. It seems that several beads of dew settled onto a strand of Silverbear’s fur and the colors in the drops turned out to have a decided violet cast to them.
Here’s the tardy entry for Speechless Sunday…only with a little speech to it. Jeweled Mechanic’s cloth sounds like it would be a great upgrade for a deck, doesn’t it?
Sorry to wake you but it’s time to get up.
It was a short night for sleeping last night and instead of posting a brand new topic I remembered something that Mike Cooper recently published. He suggested revisiting early blog posts to see if there were any to reblog or subjects to approach from a different angle. Yikes…how humbling was this visit down Memory Lane? Let me take a moment to say “NEWBIES…TAKE ALL THE COURSES ON WRITING POSTS THAT ACTIVERAIN UNIVERSITY HAS TO OFFER! ! !”. Most of my first posts shall remain “Members Only” forever.
So, back in March 2011, LinkedIn did a survey to see how much sleep their members got on average and what kind of energy level did they have? Their members of course are involved in all kinds of professions. I posed this question to just ActiveRain members along with a drive in movie sized image of Mama Cass (our coonhound) sleeping soundly. About four AR members generously responded, it must have been “Take Pity on Newbies” week or something. I thought I’d like to give the topic a good chance and take another run at this same topic.
Last night I got 4 ½ hours of sleep and have a pretty good level of energy this morning. I decided fairly late last night to bake some whole wheat oatmeal bread and wanted to be sure I got it out of the bread machine so it wouldn’t sit in there getting soggy. I really should learn how to use the timer! Normally though, I get 6 hours of sleep and if there weren’t canines involved I’d probably get 7 hours. Usually I’m asleep by midnight or so and up by 6 am.
When we have an unusual contract in the works,
something stressful like the past couple of deals then there is usually less sleep but the energy level is still good. My sleep is generally sound and rarely do dreams wake me.
How about you? Do you have a predictable sleep pattern? What is your "normal" amount of sleep and if you don’t get that amount can you still function well or do you feel like you are moving through mush? I’m really curious to see if there is a difference among our real estate professionals based on whether we are owners, agents, lenders, inspectors, property managers, etc.
I hope you slept well last night, but it’s time to get up now and play in the Rain.
This truly has been a welcome Silent Saturday with the exception of the sound of raindrops falling throughout most of the day. It felt really good to be in the house all nice and dry while appreciating the fog and the rain here in the mountains of Western North Carolina.
Here is the rest of the story I began the other day with the Prince of Privilege and his liberation from the sad situation he and his sisters were living in. He had lost his human to a horrific auto and truck accident and was living with his human’s mother who did want to provide a good safe home to him but she herself was in the middle of awful circumstances.
The day we met Frosty, Sabrina and Zoe was cold and damp…a Sunday…sometime in late October…maybe early November six years ago. At that time they had been living outside in all weather for about a year in 6x10 chain link fenced enclosures after having had an exquisitely pampered life indoors with their human.
Their small faces were unhappy and resigned. We packed them into the car and they smelled so badly that we called a groomer friend of ours who was closed for the day and asked if we could come use her facilities to clean these rescues up. This woman has a heart bigger than her 5’2” frame where dogs are concerned and she told us to come right over. Once there, she determined the only way to give the dogs relief was to give them each puppy cuts. The mats were pulling their skin and the twigs and filth were too deeply entwined in the fur. Brenda shaved them, I bathed them and Leslie kept them calm while drying them.
Now, we could see their faces clearly and clearly they were frightened of the new circumstances. Happily, not for long. It only took a couple of days with consistent good food, warm and dry bedding and playful interaction for their faces to relax and happiness to take over.
A few years later the lady who had been keeping them after her daughter died saw them while we were walking them down the road. Her husband who had been so ill had passed away and she was on her way to the cemetery to visit their graves. She stopped to see the dogs and was so happy to see how well cared for and well adjusted they were. She told us she was very happy with her decision to have us take them and she would be talking with her daughter to reassure her that her precious pets were in good hands. As far as Frosty, Sabrina and Zoe were concerned…they were glad to see the lady and went up to her wiggling and wagging but they knew their home was with us.
There’s nothing like a happy ending, is there?
This morning I wanted to revisit Monica’s Gift, but with a Study in Fog for the Friday’s Fotos group.
Today will be sunny in the mountains unlike last week when we had several foggy mornings. One of the most absolutely best things about living in the mountains of Western North Carolina is that the view never ever looks the same. For those of you who saw the posting of Monica’s gift the other day against the lush green and sunny background, here is the same piece against the same background shrouded in fog.
We haven’t seen Monica in probably ten years or talked with her by email in probably two. How does that happen? How can you lose regular contact with someone you really enjoy? It happens with lots of people all the time.
I emailed a link to Wednesday’s blog to the email address I have for her and this morning I was delighted to see a response. Her writing style is just like her speaking style and for a minute I remembered the young woman who applied for a job in our camping and backpacking store…a very long time ago. Her appearance was totally unlike any other applicant. There were the painted nails with the gorgeous sun tattoo on her leg. She was natural and painted at the same time ! Witty, confident, in love with the outdoors AND with computers, a great smile…and shorter than Leslie. We had to have her be a part of Venture Out and we never regretted that decision. When she finished with Western Carolina University and had to leave the area, we all cried. Now I can’t wait to talk to her and hear her voice again.
In her email, Monica said she had also been thinking about us and remembered our little celestial piece. She’d gotten it in Asheville, which is loaded with very cool and funky shops.
Working in real estate we all try very hard to keep up with clients, past and present. Just as important though…reach out and find someone you treasured in your life but haven’t talked to in a while. It could just end up being one of the best things you’ve ever done for yourself.
Just curious…which of these “Monica’s Gift” Studies in Fog do you like the best?
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Full service real estate agency with special emphasis on buyer and seller advocacy plus real estate negotiations. Combining friendliness and professionalism in an inviting atmosphere!
I love working in real estate! Its a privilege to advocate for our clients, whether they are buyers or sellers. There is never a boring day. Every single day teaches me something new about this profession and about human nature.
My background has always been in sales & customer service. After moving to NC from FL, I co-owned a camping/backpacking store called Venture Out for 13 years in Waynesville, Dillsboro and Sylva, NC. Then, I co-owned a furnishings/home decor & accessories store in Dillsboro called Lighten Up! Both owners managed the staff, marketing, sales, purchasing, displays & stocking...it was exhausting but fulfilling.
When small retail took a hit and became less lucrative. I answered a classified ad to work as an admin for a real estate company. After months of watching agents perform & collect commissions...I knew I could do it. I went to real estate school & continued to work in a part time capacity until I got my license. I was licensed in 2004 & the rest is history.
Switching companies was scary at first, but our clients have been so supportive. Realtors need to have enough confidence in themselves to move until they find the right fit. With that in mind, a partner & I opened our own company. Its called MoonDancer Realty and the environment is a good balance of business & friendliness. I am now Broker in Charge & looking forward to the future!
We've siezed opportunities to go beyond the typical Continuing Ed classes and both partners have earned their ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) & GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) certifications. Not only do I want my clients confident in my workmanship, This industry constantly shifts. I need to feel the same way about myself and my understanding about this industry. Educational opportunities and day to day experience help me ach
ieve that.
Real Estate Can Be the Cornerstone to Anyone's Wealth!
We specialize in Buyer Representation and Counseling. We work WITH the buyer to make the whole process as seamless as possible. We maintain the best list of service providers in the area - there is never a question of our clients not being able to engage the best home inspectors, attorneys, surveyors, etc. We make sure that our buyers are well educated and comfortable with their purchase.
We also specialize in Seller Representation and Counseling. We provide accurate market statistics when assisting sellers in the pricing of their property. Our sellers are given top-notch attention, no matter what the market value of their property is.
To stay at the top of our game, we take advantage of real estate educational opportunities whenever they are available. Both MoonDancer Realty agents are Accredited Buyer's Representatives and Graduates of Realtor Institute.
As a first time home buyer, I was both very eager and very anxious to find the perfect home for myself. After getting some pointers from my family, I went out with several different real estate agents to find a great buyer's agent. However, it was with Mona and Leslie that I found my match! They had integrity that many of the agents I'd been out with before lacked, as well as being knowledgeable about what to look for (or not) in a home. Where they really shined, though, was with dealing with the people who were selling my dream house. Mona and Leslie are very precise people, and they didn't let any paperwork slip by them for my contract. The seller's realtor, however, was a less than outstanding agent. Mona and Leslie fought to make sure that the seller's agent upheld every part of the contract and dealt with some very confusing and inappropriate phone calls on my behalf but they didn't let that stop them! They made sure everything was taken care of with the contract. I believe that any other agent would have given up the battle for this house. Mona and Leslie made it happen! In the end, I wound up with the house of my dreams thanks to their efforts on my behalf!
Heather Sink
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Hello Mona
Well I wanted to let you and Leslie know that we have had an amazing few months working with you. It is so rare that you are able to connect with someone these days. The amount of work that the two of you did, previewing homes, and driving us around on Saturday's, Sunday's and whenever we asked.
Also, the closing went very smooth. I think I mentioned that my father worked in real estate for about 10 years, but more part time. He advised me to look out for many of the same pitfalls that you advised, which helped build our trust in you and Leslie. We hope to have more friends move to the region so we can refer them to you as well. It is such a wonderful spot, and we hope to share it, but not with too many people.
We should have a full house of furniture by Monday or Tuesday, and are so thankful for all the hard work you both put in to find us this wonderful home.
Thanks again and can't wait to see you soon
dave nelson
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We moved to NC in May from OH, and our realtors were Mona Gersky and Leslie Rojohn You have excellent representatives for your agency. Mona spent so much time with us and between her and Leslie , they out shined themselves as realtors. We sold a home in OH and we felt we had a good realtor there, but she didn't hold a candle to how informed and helpful these two were. The hours given us and never the slightest sign of impatience was shown. All the final steps in the sale we're taken care of in a VERY complete and professional manner with only our best interest at stake. We had lived in our home that we sold since 1973, so of course nothing was the same involving the buying of a home, plus doing it out of state was twice as challenging. They covered so many things that we hadn't even thought of. They are very much at the top of the game. We will always go to Mona and Leslie for any of our future housing needs. Keep up the good work. Ron and Mary Gornek Bryson City NC
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"After thoughtful consideration, and with the expert advise of Mona and
Leslie, we decided to put our house on the market. Mona and Leslie offered
not only a highly professional approach as our selected real estate agents,
they were very personable and helped make a stressful experience, truly
rewarding. Mona and Leslie took the lead to sell our house quickly and
with a decent profit."
Martin DeWitt and Sharon Sanders
Candler, NC
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I have sold one house and bought another with Mona and Leslie. They were great to work with. I never felt that my interests were being compromised or that my concerns were unheard. However, it should be pointed out that SiSi is really the brains of the outfit. Tony Hickey Sylva,NC
Dear readers...please note that SiSi is our darling dog Sienna who accompanies us to the office.
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Mona & Leslie, We just wanted to Thank You for all your hard work on helping us purchase the Woodfin lot. We think that you two did a terrific job and handled everything perfectly. We were having a tough time in finding some property when we called on you and you acted fast on trying to find us some property to suit our needs. In the future we will call on you again if we are looking for some more property and we will also suggest using you to our friends and family. Thanks again, Donna & Ron Sylva, NC
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Mona and Leslie took a lot of time really getting to know me and my family, what we liked and wanted, and spent whatever time was necessary viewing properties with us to really get a feel for what made us excited - We were first-time home buyers, and did not always know exactly what we were looking for, and Mona and Leslie were very thorough in working through options and ideas with us. They really took the time to know us as people and as a family -
Thanks,
Calllee & Hunt Boulware
Sylva, NC
"Mona and Leslie at Moondancer Realty are a treasure and true joy to work with."
2005 was a life changing period for both me and my future bride. In 2006 our moms were infected with the match-making bug and decided to get their recently-single kids together. Having grown up together, Andi and I hit it off right away and were soon engaged. We married in 2008 and made a transitional home in Cullowhee, NC. Our plan was to wait on purchasing a home in the mountains until my previous home in Durham sold, who could have predicted what the market did?! In the meantime we asked Mona and Leslie about listings in the area just to get a feel what was out there, but we explained that we were in no way in a position to purchase a home at this time, we only wanted some information.
On New Year's Eve 2011, Andi and I made a resolution that we were going to take advantage of the buyers-market by purchasing our dream home. We contacted Mona and Leslie at Moondancer Realty and adventure was afoot. Mona and Leslie worked tirelessly for us. We discussed what we were looking for in a home, they took this information and produced an exhaustive list of properties they felt met our criteria. We looked through many, many listings. We refined our lists, then set out over a period of several consecutive weekends looking at countless homes. During this process and our weekend excursions we became good friends. Together... we found our dream home in the most beautiful area imaginable with all of our criteria met or exceeded. We closed on our new home two weeks ago; Mona and Leslie were with us every step of the way. This was the most pleasant home buying experience my wife and I have ever had. We highly recommend Moondancer Realty.
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> There are many great things to be said of Mona and Leslie, anyone who knows or works with them can attest to that. One of the key factors in our decision to retain them as our realtors was their true respect of us as their clients. When we stated that we were not in a position to buy and that we would let them know when we were, they respected that. They didn't constantly hound us with calls or emails or texts. We would get the occasional "Hey we're having an open house if you're interested" or "Just checking in to say hi". Their respect of our time and our wishes was what truly won us over in choosing them as our realtors.
Mark and Andi McNair
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