The "BUZZ" w/ Stinger

 "REAL LEARNING"  I have loved reading since the 6th grade.  Thank you Mr Bergquist for simply standing in front of your classroom each day and doing something magical, you read aloud to us.  You opened Tolkien's, "The Hobbit or There and Back Again" and each day Bilbo's journey captivated us.  That adventure created in me a lifetime love of books and learning.  Books introduced me to fascinating people and took me to exciting places.  A few years back I subscription to "Audible" which enhanced my love of books even more.  Now whether I am driving, walking or simply listening from my favorite chair, books fill my day.  Thank you Mr Bergquist, teachers matter and I will always appreciate the lifetime gift of literacy that you gave to me and countless other children.

 ' "REAL LEARNING"  I am enamored by hummingbirds.  They are one of God's most amazing creatures.  Mankind in all of our technological advances can not fly like a hummingbird.  I'm a hummingbird nerd. I spent an hour one day just reviewing hummingbird feeders in order to find the best one.  I then spent another hour trying to place it in the best location for viewing in relation to my favorite chair.  I even have binoculares within arms reach so I can watch them more closely.  "Anna" hummingbirds (if they have a stable food source) will often weather over in the more mild temperature of Cowlitz County.  With our recent  snow and freezing I worried that my hummingbirds would starve.  Hummingbirds must eat every 10 min and will consume 1/2 its body weight each day.  So I was constantly bringing in my feeder, thawing it out and replacing it.  Each time I would bring it back I would be dive bombed.  Not sure if it was a h...

 "REAL RELATIONSHIPS"  The snow keeps falling and it is so beautiful.  It brings a blanket of quiet and adults looks to snuggle in with a soft blanket and a warm drink.  But the children, for them it is a call to action as their Mother's bundle them in layers of clothes as they strike out into the cold white wonderland.  Snowmen are constructed, snowballs are thrown, snow angel are created and memories are made. It's a Pacific Northwest snowfall.  In the Midwest the temperature drops below freezing and it stays there for months and the snow falls and then simply blows from this snow drift to that snow drift.  Cowlitz County's snow is temporal and a short gift.  Snow today, slush tomorrow, rain to follow. Our snow is in the here and now.  So get the kids out there and let the fun begin because tomorrow it may well be gone. Photo Credit. Melissa Breien

 "REAL FAITH"  Yesterday in a Merry Christmas text a dear friend of mine expressed to me, kind and empowering words.  He took the time to be thoughtful and honest. His words were not complements (though they were positive) but rather, they were observations of my character traits, my giftings.  I love my friend, he has never lacked the courage to speak his mind.  What affected me the most about his words was that he didn't describe the obvious but rather dug deeper to share those second layer giftings.  These gifts were not my power giftings (the ones used daily) but rather the ones that hide just beneath the surface.  Like an important spice that you can't quite pick out in the soup but it's there and without it the soup would be lacking. What a wonderful gift he gave to me this Christmas.  It's good model for us all.  Everyone has God given giftings, take the time to tell someone, it will encourage them and empower them.    ...

 'REAL RELATIONSHIPS"  I have heard said that people live longer if they have routines,  it gives them a reason and a hope.  Holiday traditions are similar because by including a new and consistent activity you add a layer of expectation and fun to any already established Holiday.  Christmas is a wonderful time to add a tradition.  For children it becomes something as important as the day itself.  We have a few in our family, the day after Christmas our family and friends drive up the mountain in search of snow and sledding.  We have a fire and lots of fun food.  So much laughter and joy for the younger children and the adults feel young again just watching. One of our Thanksgiving traditions, everyone brings inexpensive wrapped gifts and we play BINGO.  It's never too late to start a tradition and in the years to come it will be those unique family traditions that will be the treasured memories of years gone by.  

  "REAL LEARNING"  So many great Christmas movies to choose from.  I intended to select National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation as my number one Christmas movie of all time but at the last minute I switched it with Frank Capra's, It's a Wonderful Life.  My reason, the difference between laughter and life lessons.  As much as I love to laugh,  It's a Wonderful Life  has a deep and lasting message that is important and timely. It is a movie about second chances and the opportunity to see one's true worth.  Most of us don't understand the difference that we make in our world, George Bailey didn't, Scrooge didn't understand either.  Both characters, needed to be reminded they had the capacity for good and the ability to change their world for the better.  You also matter and your contribution to your world makes a difference to people you touch.  Bee Blessed and Bless others.  Merry Christmas.

"REAL LEARNING"  National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is our yearly reminder that families are never one dimensional and the best and worst of our lives are shared with family.  Christmas gatherings is what makes life real.  Every family has a Cousin Eddie, perhaps they don't arrive in their RV and park in the driveway but they arrive and they always make things interesting.  I love the enthusiasm that Clark Griswold has for his Christmas lights and then the disappointment that follows.  Who of us has not experienced the twisted mess of lights in the box that need hours of untangling.  Hanging off the highest rung on the ladder (praying to live).  Hours of work and the excitement is building as you flip the switch and "some" not all of lights work (damn, I should have tested them first)  Of course that one strand of lights that did work and just as suddenly, didn't work and (oh yes) it happens to be on the highest eve of the house.  Yes Clar...

 Every year I send my TIVO on a grand search to find and record my all time favorite version of Dickens classic story, A Christmas Carol.  Last count there are 24 current movie versions.  Some of the greatest actors of all time have attempted to portray the "Bah Humbug" cold hearted Scrooge: Jim Carrey, George C Scott, Kermit the Frog, Mr Magoo,  Henry Winkler, Tim Curry, Christopher Plummer,  Patrick Stewart,  Albert Finney, etc. etc.   But for my taste, the truest and best is the 1951 version with Alastair Sims as the "Old Screw" himself.  Sims is Scrooge, from his crooked teeth to his cold hearted demeanor. His portrayal will never be bested.  He is Scrooge.  I not only watch this movie each Christmas but I also read Dickens, A Christmas Carol.  It is a short read and each word is perfectly placed by a master writer.  Other then the Bible no other book written has better described redemption.  Scrooge truly came ou...

 "REAL LEARNING "  A young boy is beginning to doubt the existence of Santa and in the middle of a night on a snowy Christmas Eve is presented with the opportunity to board a magical train called the Polar Express.  This trip will take him to the North Pole and to Santa himself.   The Polar Express is Director Robert Zemeckis live action, capture animation Christmas musical that is both fantasy and adventure. The detail to attention and reality is staggering and truly mesmerizing. Walt Disney's animated 1942 film Bambi was groundbreaking and it captivated all that watched it.  One can only imagine Walt's own wonderment if he were able to see how far his beloved animation has come under the skilled hands of Robert Zemeckis and a production budget of 165 million.  If you love Tom Hanks (who doesn't) he plays 6 parts in the movie and narrates as well.   Equally gorgeous is Alan Silvestri musical score "Believe" the music soars and is a large par...

"REAL LEARNING "  Will Ferrell's best acting role of his career.  What makes Elf so good? The Cast is amazing:  Will Ferrell  "Buddy the Elf", an eccentric human who was raised by Santa's elves. James Caan  Walter Hobbs, a children's book publisher and Buddy's biological father. Mary Steenburgen  Emily Hobbs, Walter's wife, Michael's mother and Buddy's stepmother. Bob Newhart  Papa Elf, Buddy's adoptive father and the narrator. Ed Asner  as  Santa Claus , who finds Buddy in his sack and gives him to Papa Elf to raise. Peter Dinklage  Miles Finch, best-selling children's author attacks Buddy for (mistakenly) calling him an elf. Andy Richter  Morris, a co-worker of Walter Hobbs. Peter Billingsley  Ming Ming the head elf in Santa's workshop. Camo for Ralphie of A Christmas Story  Will Ferrell made Buddy so innocent and authentic.  The reason I watch Elf is because Buddy does not change but the people impacted b...

 "REAL ESTATE"  People ask what the hardest part of being a REALTOR.  I alway say there are two things:        1. Getting Started -  It's difficult because no knows or can remember that you have changed your profession.  I can't tell you how many people in my sphere of influence that bought and sold homes with other REALTORS and when I asked them if they considered using me, they would say, "I'm so sorry I forgot you were a REALTOR.  Yes it takes time to rebrand yourself as a "Go to real estate agent".        2.  It's a difficult first year, financially .  So many things are against you (such as); there are currently 666 licensed real estate agents in Cowlitz County.  There are lots of costs associated with branding yourself and paying for desk fees.  A normal real estate transaction takes 30-45 day before it closes which means you have no paycheck for 30-45 days.  Studies show that only...

"REAL LEARNING"    I love to promote our Cowlitz County local Restaurants.  This morning I am at Stuffy's.  At Stuffy's if you can eat ALL of the "Large Stuff Breakfast" @ $31, then it's free. That is seven lbs of "STUFF" brought out on a pizza pan.  I have never bellied up to the bar and given it a try and at this stage of my life it's the last thing that I want/need to do.  But there is nothing like the energy in the room when a young, flat stomached,  16 year old, with a hollow leg and Mom's credit card, announces loud and proud, "Bring me the "Large Stuff ".  The whole restaurant leans in and like a dual at the OK Corral every eye is now on the young gun, fork in hand. 

  "REAL FAITH"  I love the children's classic  A Charlie Brown Christmas. My reason: Charlie Brown (like many of us) is searching for the true meaning of Christmas. In his frustration he yells out the question, "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about" After a moment of silence his friend Linus says, "Sure Charlie Brown, I know what Christmas is about." Linus then walks to the middle of the school stage and says "Lights please" and then from memory recites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eff0cqYefYY Luke 2:8-14 "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David ...

 "REAL FAITH"  In the early 1960's a generation of young people that were disenchanted with their government  turned on and tuned out.  The Hippy generation was born and free sex and drugs became a lifestyle that tried to fill a void.  But over time the flower children did not find the answers they had hoped for and left Haight Ashbury migrating to a warmer Southern CA.  Here in small church, Calvary Chapel, Costa Mesa CA,  a mighty move of God was about catch fire.  The Jesus Movement was touching the hearts and lives of the Hippies and by the thousands they were giving their lives to Jesus and finding the fulfillment that they had long been looking for.  But one problem was their music, the Hippy movement was defined by Woodstock and artists like, Dylan, The Door, Janis Joplin,  The Rolling Stones, etc.  This music did not fit the church and its hymnal styled worship.  So a new grassroots up-tempo type of Christian music bega...

 "REAL RELATIONSHIPS"    My Son came to me yesterday and said "Dad will you help me get the Christmas lights out of the garage?  I want to put up the lights for Mom, she loves to see them at Christmas time".  So I got out the ladder and we located the boxes and brought them down.  Then Rylan said, "Dad thanks for your help, I'll take it from here".  I asked, "Don't you want help?"  "No, I want to do this for Mom as my Christmas gift to her,  I know she will smile when she sees them.  So I walked away and watched through the window as over the next 2 hours he unpacked, untangled and set up the Christmas lights for his dear Mother.  I love this young man and his tender heart.  His Mother loved the lights and smiled brightly but even more she loves her Son that gave the gift of time and caring.  Her heart was full.  Well done Rylan, I have a feeling your gift will be the one that is remembered.

"REAL LEARNING"   How many years did I buy shoes that were self inflicted items of torture.  They looked beautiful and they matched the day's current fad and style. I would cram my foot in, lace them up and limp through the day, telling myself "tomorrow will be better."   BAH HUMBUG!  The pain and the horror continued for days and sometimes weeks.  BUT NOT ANYMORE, those days are now gone.  I introduce you to my new enforcer and the terror of every tight shoe that irritated a bunion, hammer toe or ingrown toenail.  Ladies and Gentlemen meet my friend Mr Shoe Stretcher.   

 "REAL ESTATE"  I am a product of my life's journey.  I have been a Pastor,  Dept Director for a local business,  City of Longview S/W & Recycling Director, small business owner,  elected city official (Longview School Board).  etc. etc. etc.  I have had successes and failures along the way.  Life's experiences carry value because they are the foundation in which one builds upon.  It's what I used to build my Real Estate business.   I have found the perfect job for me as a Realtor.  It challenges me, it encourages me, it provides for me and each day I look forward to talking to people like you, people I care about.  I also love the opportunity of meeting new people that are right around the next corner.  In Real Estate I have found my happy place. Real Estate Website

 "REAL FAITH"   I am a person of faith.  I live my life each day by opening up my heart, mind and soul to Jesus.  I believe He cares for me and for you.  Life is a journey and goodness comes in knowing Him. God has a purpose and a plan for our lives.  If you have questions, please ask me, I am always open to share my experiences.  Blessings

"REAL LEARNING"    Know what drives you.  I'm am curious person and that leads to a desire to learn and to understand new things.  Being a learner goes hand in hand with my Core value #1.  I am a relational person because I'm interested in the lives of people.  People have interesting stories and rich lives, full of content, mixed with success, tragedy and perseverance.  I'm a reader.  Reading places me in a world of words and creates places, people and things of interest.  Biographies and true to life are always my favorites.  Learning never has a full tank, it never gets satisfied, it never sleeps or takes a vacation.  Learning is my lifetime journey.

REAL RELATIONSHIPS  12-4-2021 The wind beneath my sails has alway been relationships.  I get energy, laughter and purpose from people.  There is no other driving force as great (for me) as relationships.  Joy comes in the form of my family, my current friends, soon to be friends and my personal relationship with Jesus (more on this is a future BLOG).  Relationships are why I LOVE real estate.  I don't gather clients, I make friends and I stay in contact with them.  So know this, if you select me as your REALTOR and you are looking for a Transactional Agent (one and done) I'm not your guy.  I am a Relational Agent and I will work hard to be both a friend and a resource for years to come.  Core Value #1

"REAL LEARNING"  12-03-2021 I have wanted to do a BLOG for a long time now, it's a great way to articulate my thoughts.  My goal is to share my heart and perhaps some insight into who I am.  Why does that matter?  To most it won't, but to those that are thinking of using me as your  Real Estate Agent the "knowing more" might be helpful.  As a point of reference each entry will be defined and categorized by one of my Four Reals (i.e. my core values)        Real Relationship,    Real Learning,   Real Faith,   Real Estate       So it begins.......