Pam Oster - REALTOR

....and even if the sun refused to shine
even if romance ran out of rhyme
you would still have my heart until the end of time

You may know the song. Martina sings it. This is just a few lines taken out of the lyrics.

It is almost February 14 and "love is in the air". For someone who has lost love, the love and joy remains in our heart. The warm gentle light is within. Within it's warm glow, we remember and are comforted. I know many who have experienced loss in '08. Loss comes to us in many forms. I think of them and feel with them.

Happy Valentines Day

The Heart Remembers

...Forever and Ever

I honor my parents on Valentines Day in the celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Jan. 24,2009-what an inspiration to their children and grandchild!

True love is willing to share the rain while waiting for the sun to shine.

Pam Oster, REALTOR serving Stark County, Ohio

DeHOFF REALTORS, NORTH CANTON Office

Need a matchmaker? I am the HOME MATCHMAKER. Allow me to assist your search for the perfect home to "fall in love" with. Visit www.officialstarkcountyhomes.com and get started on the journey. Perhaps you are experiencing a lifestyle change. I am here to guide your real estate needs. Give me a call. 330.936.3480

Love where you live!!

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing,
built in 1420, has no straight
lines - a Feng Shui characteristic

I am a REALTOR in Canton, Ohio not Canton, China- so I need some help. I would love to learn more about FENG SHUI. I have read about it many times, and often participated in discussions about it. As a REALTOR who works with New Construction, I have had clients who built with Feng Shui in mind. My recent open house allowed me to discuss it with someone who knows much more than me. It has renewed my interest in learning much more. The potential open house buyer was Asian and "the where" was important to him. It would allow a home purchase consideration or deem it unsuitable- and forgotten. That is pretty powerful! Apparently the art of placement is crucial. The front door had to face and open in a certain direction. This lovely Jackson Township home had it all wrong.

A few weeks later, I looked through some old notebooks. I had made notes on the topic of Feng Shui; likely from a Sunday afternoon at Border's Books. My daughter and I spend countless hours there when she was school age. I am sure my notes are the "for dummies" version, as I was overwhelmed with the fascinating information. I still am. This may be a wise new way to explore 2009 and beyond;both as a homeowner and a real estate professional.

Here is what I learned previously:

The basic tools of feng shui (at a very elementary level, I am sure), is : COLOR, SOUND, LIGHTING, ART, GROWING, WATER FEATURES, WIND-SENSITIVE OBJECTS, MIRRORS & CRYSTALS. A few additional comments I wrote are that COLOR adds emotional, physiological and cultural content. LIGHTING, including Fireplaces and garden lighting, brings more life energy into the environment. MIRRORS and CRYSTALS circulate energy.

My notes made further mention of color. For Red, I wrote the meaning was attraction,warmth and strength. Perhaps that is why so many of our favorite Asian restaurants have red in the decor. Green reflects health and potential.

At it's most fundamental, most of us have read that in order to achieve harmony, five elements are important. They are- water, wood, fire, earth and metal. They can determine the balance and equilibrium within your home. I have so many notes on those elements individually. Yin and Yang are other terms we have often heard. I encourage you to learn more by doing your own research.

Make it your best year! I would love to have you share with me what you know about this topic.

-Pam Oster, DeHOFF REALTORserving Canton,Ohio and surrounding Stark County,Ohio 2/11/09

Where do you want to live? View ALL available homes in Stark County and beyond:

www.officialstarkcountyhomes.com

REMEMBER THESE ADDRESSES?

If your a Baby Boomer like myself, you likely remember these famous TV addresses...or do you?

Have some fun and see if you can name the show that matches these fictional addresses:

1) 4222 Clinton Way, Los Angeles

2) 001 Cemetary Lane, USA

3) 173 Essex Drive, Denver, Co.

4) 518 Cresentview Dr., Beverly Hills

5) 698 Candlewood Lane, Cabot Cove, ME.

6) 1313 Mockingbird Lane, Mockingbird Heights,USA

7) 1164 Morning Glory Circle, Westport, CT.

The Answers: 1)Brady Bunch 2)Addams Family 3)Dynasty-Blake's home 4)The Beverly Hillbillies -The Clampett's home 5)Murder She Wrote-Jessica Fletcher's home 6)The Munster's 7) Bewitched-The Stephen's home

When you are looking to PURCHASE your next Stark County, Ohio address, or LOOKING TO SELL your real estate-start your search for real estate information here: www.officialstarkcountyhomes.com

CALL PAM OSTER, DeHOFF REALTOR 330.936.3490

I LOVE DOGS! I love my darling Cats too!!

All that know me well, know my passion for animals. In my office at DeHOFF REALTORS, the joke has been that I drive around in between real estate appointments and look for stray dogs. Some even have taken the joke a step further and say folks had better keep their dogs in the home, as I am out stealing them. Of course it is all in jest. In the humor, the sad fact is that I often return to my office with a "found this dog" story. On occasion it may happen twice within a couple week period. The fact is that you do not have to look to hard to see a stray dog running loose. I always have a dog lease and collar in my vehicles. I know many besides myself just can't allow a dog to remain on the run and risk it's safety. I have had others stop their cars to offer assistance in getting the dog secure. That is human nature at it's best!

I received an email this morning from a fellow dog lover. I could not resist sharing the thoughts it offered about a dog's loyalty and intelligence. It had a picture of a massive sized dog named Brutus. Brutus is a military K9- part Boxer and part British Bull Mastiff. The story says that he was a loyal and well trained dog. Brutus won the Congressional Medal of Honor last year from his tour in Iraq. Apparently the dog was trained with sign language. The story speaks of an extremely dangerous situation for his handler and other soldiers-a hostage situation- that could have been the soldier's demise. Brutus was clever but the details graphic, so I will spare them. The soldiers were saved and Brutus is well! The final comment was that when all is well and calm, he thinks he is a lap dog(at 200 lbs.) and even likes cats.

The bond between humans and dogs is amazing, in my opinion. Most of us know and experience that absolute joy every day! These thoughts below (in bold print), were also part of the email and so well spoken. Because I work with an animal rescue group, I am continually hopeful that all humans will come to know and understand the following. Sadly, not all do. I have been apart of those unfortunate situations. I have even picked up some of those dogs that did not get the love and understanding they deserved. I have witnessed stories from those who will easily give up a family pet that they introduced to their children because the commitment to giving that dog a "forever home" was not honored. Perhaps that taught that crying child that we are all disposable when things get difficult. Perhaps it teaches that child that a quick fix is easier than searching for solutions through understanding. I continue to be part of the solution is my own small way. I have also learned so much from my daughter Lindsay. She has given as much... and more... of that compassion to animal rescue than I have. She has volunteered with Second Chance for Animals since she was 10. She is now a College freshman studying animal science. She intends to work with wildlife research and preservation. I am proud to say that my parents, sister and I lived an example for Lindsay that inspired her to chose a life path of change. I wish that for all children-for all parents.

Remember that pets can't do a lot of things for themselves and that they depend on you to make their life a quality life!

A PET'S TEN COMMANDMENTS.........

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them.

Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience without God's critters.

Now please pass this on to other pet owners. We are surrounded by hope, love, and joyfulness; it is here on earth and has 4 legs!

posted by Pam Oster, DeHOFF REALTOR ...and animal lover! 2/11/09

Looking for a family pet? Please ADOPT RESCUE at www.petfinder.com

Looking for a Home w/bigger yard, even a fenced yard for your Fido? Shop at www.pamosterhomes.com

As I sit at my computer, flipping between real estate work and the CNN site, I have many other thoughts in my cluttered brain. I am not alone in having the economy foremost on my mind. Those of us in the Housing Industry wait impatiently as we check our favorite news media to get updates on the current stimulus status. The industry I am proudly apart of, has much on the line. All Americans do, of course. For my fellow Realtors and I-we are homeowners and real estate business owners. We live the American Dream and we help others live the American Dream of Home ownership. We strongly believe that what we have lobbied for is needed, as nothing else seems to make sense, given the current problem with the U.S. economy.

So in my easily distracted brain fog, I goggled Stimulus. This is one of the items that came up. Wikipedia's site link says: Stimulus may refer to: Stimulus (physiology), something external that influences an activity; Stimulus (psychology), a concept in behaviorism; Input to a system in other fields; Economic stimuli, incentives and fiscal policy

Another link from Wikipedia says: In physiology, a stimulus (plural stimuli) is a detectable change in the internal or external environment. When a stimulus is applied to a sensory receptor, it elicits or influences a reflex via stimulus transduction. A stimulus is often the first component of a homeostatic control system.

Easily distracted, after checking CNN's web site once again and no new updates- I moved over to Oprah's web site. Make fun of her if you will, but the most influential folks are drawn to her media power and spiritual influence, and she has some of the best guests at times. When it is a topic I find of interest, I often really enjoy her show. While Tom Cruise made me so happy years ago, I can't say I enjoy watching him jump on Oprah's couch and my youthful theory of years ago still stands-"Tom just sit there and look pretty". I think he lost me on that couch, perhaps. Even if you do not watch Oprah, the spoof of Tom jumping for joy over Katie Holmes has been replayed many times. I think perhaps Tom has become a carachture of himself. But he is not the first man to disappoint me. Thank heaven, I still have my humor in tack on this tense business day in American history.

In January 2009, I watched an Oprah show that I was extremely drawn into, and the guests were unbelievable. I was inspired as the timing was perfect. It was the start of the New Year and "Change". So, then as today, I think about our new President , America's opportunity for moving forward, my only child starting her new life as a Kent freshman and where am I in all this both personally and professionally. I went to Oprah to get inspired. I needed some personal stimulus! The richest woman in America can be all bad...or wrong. I can't say that I can tell you much about what her current home page speaks of today or what today's 4:00 show will be about... but I did quickly see information (a recap) from a gentleman who was on that inspiring show last month. I believe the topic was about taking control of your Happiness. Happiness was most definitely the topic at hand within her Best Life Series for '09. The guest was Rabbi Shmuley. The show had several spiritual and religious leaders on it, however it was more about spirituality than religion.

I read on and remember that show....

One of the Rabbi's quotes was: "Happiness can never be a goal in life-it is the natural byproduct of a life full of purpose and meaning." The Rabbi went on to say...Stop focusing on your happiness. Focus instead on whether your life is full, rewarding and meaningful. Other key points include:

Surround yourself with a structure of selflessness. Find joy in a life of service, he says. "Giving your love to people and focusing on others will naturally bring happiness into your life" ..."Foster creativity, promote teamwork and mentor others-rewards and promotions will come along in due time."

Bring spirituality into your daily life. Try meditating, attending church or praying. Spirituality doesn't always have to do with religion, he says.

Spend more time "being" than "doing." "A great way to do this is spending time with your kids playing and goofing around and just enjoying spending time together."

Laugh at yourself a little."Try not to be critical of yourself, and celebrate your everyday successes," Rabbi Shmuley says.

You know I just had to know what Wikipedia says, so in a flash here it was: Happiness is a state of mind or feeling such as contentment, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy. [1] A variety of philosophical, religious, psychological and biological approaches have been taken to defining happiness and identifying its sources. Philosophers and religious thinkers have often defined happiness in terms of living a good life, or flourishing, rather than simply as an emotion. Happiness in this older sense was used to translate the Greek Eudaimonia, and is still used in virtue ethics.

I will now take time to meditate on this all- a break in my day. Perhaps it is only me that sees a connect-the- dots pattern between the two terms of stimulus and happiness as we move forward into 2009. How are they different and also alike, in meaning?? "Change" is in the air- I feel it!

We all need to take a step back.... see where we have been and were we are going.... and what is important to us, what we want for our families, and how we can be a positive force in our workplace and our community.

Pam Oster, DeHOFF REALTOR

Have your best day!! 2/10/09