Rose Robinson

On a recent trip, I happened to read an article on the airplane, that described something called "EMOTIONAL DESIGN". In a world of buzz words, this one sounds meaningless. What is emotional design and what does it have to do with real estate?

( Majestic Fireplace Products)

Many architects and home designers have embraced this "emotional architecture" theory when planning their clients' home. They take into consideration the internal feelings built by clients' past experiences that make them react in a particular way to their surroundings.

(www.kitchensbykrengel.com)

The notion is simple. During formative years, most of us accumulate memories - both good and bad - which when evoked later through outside stimuli, reminds us of those early experiences. Capitalizing on this notion, architects and designers are putting this to use in their homes designs. For more information on this go to www.Truehome.net. The purpose of this website is to help people create homes that reflect their emotional well-being. Check it out!

Here in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire we enjoy some pretty incredible scenery...just today I was having a burger with a friend at the "Burger Queen" as my little friend calls it, and happened to look outside and saw Mt. Washington in all its splendor! WOW! What a view!

That started me thinking about this gorgeous area that I am very lucky to call home. So here is a peek into my little piece of heaven on earth!

We enjoy "small town flavor" yet have lots of big-city amenities. Here is a sample of some of our local events:

- Storyland - a children's theme park where fantasy lives! Every child deserves to go there at least once.

(courtesy of Story Land)

- The annual "Fur Ball" which is a black tie affair to raise funds for our furry friends. This is a fairly new event which has taken off like wildfire...the animals love it!

- Santa's Holiday Express aka as the Polar Express to the North Pole which runs from now until the end of December...these tickets are valuable; they randomly choose the applicant and contact the proud buyer (one phone call is all you get, if you're not home, on to the next buyer for the coveted tickets)! THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters TM & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg.

- Ice skating at the "Nestlenook Farm" which has a decidedly Victorian flair and has been transfigured onto thousands of photos and prints. Or maybe a horse-drawn carriage ride in this magical winter wonderland!

- Cookies are next on the list. The 12th annual Country Inns of the White Mountains Holiday Cookie Tour! Inns tempt their visitors with specialty cookies and their (secret) recipes for these delightful concoctions.

(these are Peanut Butter Blossoms courtesy of Riverbend Inn)

- Last but not least is Eastern Slopes Mt. Washington Observatory Overnight - This incredible trip combines the challenge of climbing the Northeast's highest peak, Mount Washington, with the rare opportunity to spend the night on the summit. When the rest of the day-climbers are heading back down, you'll have the privilege of stepping into the heated observatory building for a delightful evening. Dinner can be followed by a visit with the observatory staff to see how they monitor the "Worst Weather in the World." On the second day you will watch the sunrise from the summit, have breakfast and then climb back down the mountain. An amazing adventure!

What did I forget? Oh yeah...the skiing!

(this picture courtesy of the Attitash Mtn. website)

Did we have a great time! Last night, the White Mountain Board of Realtors had the best installation banquet!!!!! The food was super, the timing of everything was flawless, and the speeches inspiring and FUN! Even though we are a small board (only 130 members) I am so blessed to be part of such a superb group.

If you want to see some neat pictures of this event, click here for the slideshow!

I found this article in Realtor.com today and thought it was worthwile sharing with you folks! It does NOT make me feel warm and fuzzy...

Government Takes $250 Billion Stake in Banks

The U.S. Treasury announced plans today to purchase up to $250 billion in preferred stock from the nation's top banks. The move is part of a plan that President Bush says will help prevent recession and preserve the free market.

"Government owning a stake in any private U.S. company is objectionable to most Americans - me included," Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said in a statement. "Yet the alternative of leaving businesses and consumers without access to financing is totally unacceptable. When financing isn't available, consumers and businesses shrink their spending, which leads to businesses cutting jobs and even closing up shop."

Nine major financial institutions have already agreed to the voluntary plan. Combined, these institutions will receive $125 billion in capital from the government. The banks are:

• Goldman Sachs Group Inc.
• Morgan Stanley
• J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.
• Bank of America Corp.
• Citigroup Inc.
• Wells Fargo & Co.
• Bank of New York Mellon
• State Street Corp.

As part of the voluntary program, the government will buy stock "on attractive terms that protect the taxpayer," according to a joint statement by the Treasury, Federal Reserve, and FDIC.

The shares will be non-voting, unless the matter directly affects the government's rights as a shareholder. Banks that agree to be part of the program will accept restrictions on executive compensation while the government is holding the stock.

Paulson said taxpayers should expect a "reasonable return" from the stock and said the government will also receive warrants to buy additional stock from institutions participating in the program.

"The actions today are aimed at restoring confidence in our institutions and markets and repairing their capacity to meet the credit needs of American households and businesses," Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said in a statement.

Source: U.S. Treasury, Wall Street Journal

I welcome it happening even if I didn't seem to cause it.

Some of you may know this; I am a prosperity teacher---it's what I've done in my "spare time" for the last 25 years. What does that mean exactly? It's a simple philosophy: An acceptance that there is only ONE SOURCE and that source is God (Higher Power, etc.). All of our "stuff" comes from our Maker. If you doubt what I am saying, just look around...look at nature. Nature is infinitely abundant (millions of seeds, leaves, blades of grass etc...) There has never been a time that there has been a lack of anything on this planet!

However, you have to open yourself to receive. You have to do your part and invoke this great abundance. How do you do that? Here is the catch - Whatever you are lacking, you have to GIVE IT.

If you are lacking money, give more money. If you don't have love in your life, you have to love more...by the giving part you are opening the floodgates for more receiving. Giving and receiving are the same coin--both sides! One can't exist without the other.

Another way to hasten your abundance and prosperity is through the tool of affirmation. An affirmation is a declarative set of statements that assumes that good is already present, and is manifesting itself in your life. Here is an example:

"God has a plan for my life. I do not have to know everything in advance. I only need to keep moving ahead one step at a time, knowing that the way is made clear.

My Higher Power is working through me to accomplish whatever is for my highest good. I relax in this knowing.

I keep my eyes open for opportunities to serve. I keep my ears open for guidance. I stop fretting and start letting God be in charge. I listen, obey, and enjoy!"

(Note: The picture above is at Pequawket Pond in Conway, New Hampshire...beautiful little sandy beach with millions of grains of sand----abundance!)