In the newbie world of real estate blogging many agonize over a single post. Whether it should be all text with no pictures, or have links or jokes or misspellings or videos or no bold text, it really doesn't matter. I am a firm believer in just putting your toe in the water, and then slowly getting yourself fully wet.
People have asked me where I get my inspiration from? To me at least, that is an easy question to answer. I get my inspiration from YOU.
ROOTS OF INSPIRATION COME FROM CONNECTIONS.
Connections can be a feeling from nature, a feeling from sunlight, but most of my inspiration comes as a feeling from PEOPLE. People can hurt you deeply or on the other hand make your spirit soar. Like you can fly to the moon without a spaceship.
You have to be willing to make connections with people and that involves risk. Nothing in life that is worth achieving does not involve risk. There were those junior high school square dance days. The boys were lined up on one side of the gym and the girls on the other. The boys had to walk over and pick out a partner but sometimes the girls didn't want you and then you had to move on to another one. How humiliating could that scene be? You approach someone to be your friend but they reject you and you retreat backwards and shrivel up. But you know in risking, nothing is guaranteed. You keep trying.
People's hardships, people's joys, people's honesty, people's daily ordinary lives with their ups and downs, serve as great inspiration. We all are meandering our way along on this small orb, trying to be happy and make our way through it somehow.
Small things are great things. Little smiles grow into big smiles. Small hearts who reach out tentatively with gestures of love blossom and explode with huge amounts of love. Life will surprise you. For me it ALWAYS surprises me. Not only that, it amazes me.
What inspires me the most I would say is what is "underneath." Never underestimate anything. Like a metaphorical iceberg there is so much beneath the surface of every person that when you peel back the onion it is just sheer amazing. Who would have thought that a quiet person for example had such great character? Who would have thought someone you didn't even know very well had so much love? Who would've thought someone that didn't dress or look like you or run around in the same social circles as you had such inner strength?
Be open to whatever your connections present to you in your life. Have courage with people, have playfulness with them, be curious, and trust if a connection is meant to be it will stick around for you. Trust to follow where your connections lead you.
I used to "not" believe this, but now I am convinced "it is true." There are no coincidences in life! Be open to all the wonder that life allows to cross your path. And be inspired by it. It will lead you to the next door. Be willing to open it and soak in the sunshine. It was meant for you.
And along the way, another piece of advice of from little old me, "Don't forget to have fun."
I'm glad I came across your post. Insightful and meaningful. And the "Inspiration" graphic gave me a welcome laugh. Not sure my engineering buddies will appreciate it, though, but at least a few of them have a sense of humor!
It's funny how everything around you changes as you change from within. 'Smile and the whole world smiles at you...'
Who else but a friend?? To show you a better way...To tell you a better way...To encourage you... Who else would do that for you.....Thanks for being my friend Gary Woltal!
Great post Gary and very inspiring to newbies agonizing over what to do with their posts.
I'd like to add, write about what gets you excited and inspired regardless of whether it's business-related or not.
Lisa
I can just see you their on your recliner......:-) probably the only time all day(night) you have to reach within and paint your inspirational words......those lessons certainly aren't just for newbies....reading through the comments people make must make you smile inside and out...
Gary - what an inspirational post and so true. thanks so much for sharing it with us.
Howard: Always leave 'em laughing.
Michael: A very astute point. Inside is where it all happens.
Cathy: And thank you for being my friend and commenting. I enjoy learning from you.
Lisa: Passion is where it is at, business or otherwise, so true.
Liz: Oh great one with superior memory. No recliner on this one, just insomnia. When in doubt just write. I like your thought about the smiling inside. That is the good feeling we all want. I like the day / night blogger concept. Is that like 24 hour Jack In The Box restaurants? Who needs sleep? It's vastly overrated : ) I still have many miles to go, as they say...
Mary: These kind of thoughts come to me in the middle of the night, and there I go typing away again. Glad you are out there reading, cause I sure appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Gary, I realized today that my spirit carries a sandbucket to your BLOGbeach ;-) So many castles, sun, shade, waves, the best crowd ever, even a cooler... but you're gonna have to increase the level of sunscreensaver, real soon as it's getting awfully bright...
There are no coincidences in life! you say... hmmm... my incredible "coincidence" this week is the woman from another state who "appeared" to rent my house. I'd only advertised for a week. I sent her all the pics and made the agreement very simple for her to understand. She's moving to be closer to family & grandchildren. Yesterday, I got an email offer on a piece of land I'd been working on with a local gentleman. He included the news that he'd just figured out that his mother was going to be my new tenant! (And he was very grateful for my making the process so easy for her).
Thanks for being HERE... such a BEACH!
Thanks Gary, this was very good. I think people (speaking from a newbie to blogging perspective), get inspired, but aren't always sure how to get the inspiration on screen. You for instance, have a way with words that make your posts speak to people. I think that is the struggle...getting your point across w/o sounding like a fruitcake!!
Gary, have a super weekend!!
All the best,
Yvette
GARY - You are one of the most prolific bloggers on AR, and your inspiration is something that I look forward to. People that are having trouble coming up with ideas should be reading your blog to get inspired.
Gary...
I have two primary methods of blog inspiration. The first is commenting. I am often writing a comment when a post occurs to me. The second is photos. I look through all of my photos and try to derive a thought or notion related to the photo,
great Post, thanks!
Gary,
Great post as usual. I am just starting in the world of blogging and I am glad to hear, according to you post, that I have been somewhat on the right track. My experiences and feelings were all I had to go on. What happened that week, the "Ah Ha" moments, etc. Thank you for the confirmation and suggestion of ways to broaden the arena. I look forward to reading more.
Mara: Glad your brought your cooler! ; ) That is such an incredible visual. I should "borrow" your idea and write a blog on that. That coincidence thing about people or events "appearing" I have concluded is one eerie phenomenon. Glad it worked out with your renting of your house. Amazing story.
Yvette: I am a fruitcake, so don't worry about putting it on the screen. Write it up in Word first, like brainstorming THEN edit it some. I think the writer's cramp, other than an idea, is people try to edit in their head first, rather than writing. You have a good weekend too.
Adam: Maybe I can help "pump them up!" : )
Richard: I hadn't thought of the inspiration in writing comments but that one is good. I work the photo backwards to the text too. Sometimes I have a photo and sometimes I have an image in my head and the text surrounds it. Works for me on some days.
Derenda: Send more "ah ha" moments. I think we all love them when you find them.
Hi Gary,
I think most of us are too busy to take the time to be "inspired". We rush through each day doing our job, taking care of our responsibilites and spend little time reflecting on the beauty of nature and the people around us.
Cynthia: Good point. How did we all get so busy? I think the trick is to find pockets of time to slow down. Life was meant to be enjoyed, not rushed through. Beauty and nature and people are all there for us everyday. Why should we ignore them? Reflection is good for the soul.
Gary,
We must have had the same nuns in grade school!!! LOL Thanks, Fran
Gary, "rooted" here in AR (Active Roots, lol), is a wondrous way of watching how things can grow. It's organic and playful and resonates with the proven wisdom that, sharing ideas & knowledge only multiplies ideas and understanding. If you got an inspired idea from my comment, I'm very complimented, and again, grateful to the ONE source for the infitinte supply, so generously bestowed upon us. I bet Susan Mangigian could illustrate your beachBLOG. I couldn't believe what she came up with for your balloons blog--- ever so clever! Let's just have THE BEST BEACH PARTY EVER on your Blog--- for the rest of the summer :-) That will be the coolest --as I won't have to look good in a bathing suit! (I'll fill the cooler and send some penguins...) Have a wonderful day!
Fran: Nuns? Why am I have nightmares about my knuckles and rulers come into mind? : )
Mara: I'm making you my Beach Blog coordinator for the summer ; ) Sometimes with the hijacked blogs I think we should open up chat rooms on AR. Hey AR gods, how about that idea? They really are hysterical. Yes, with virtual beaches we all don't have to look so buff in the bathing suits as we can wear our virtual ones. I'll cut and paste a "ripped abs" body around my head : ) You are too funny Mara!!
Gary, I agree with you as far as blogging. Just do it. You don't need to be fancy. If you did, I would have ben long gone alreadt.
Gary, I love this post. Your analogy of putting your toe in the water and then slowly letting yourself get wet made me smile. I am the kind of person who can't inch into the water. At home, I just jump in the deep end feet first while holding my nose. On the beach, I run into the water and dive under the first wave that's big enough to cover me (also holding my nose which embarrasses my family to no end). I tend to be that way in life. Run ahead... you know the expression about fools rushing in!
And people really aren't' always what they seem. My son has had the unfortunate experience of having an incision that just won't heal in a very private place. We go to see the surgeon regularly. I really didn't like this guy. Very taciturn and somber. Never has any good news for us. In the beginning of this relationship, I actually asked him if he could smile a little when he spoke to us. He said "I can smile all you want, it's not going to change what I have to say". Over time, 7 months now, I've had the opportunity to get him to smile a little and I have actually grown to like this quiet man. He seems to have a deep well of sympathy for my son and it turns out, he is a very kind man... maybe not a real big people person, but certainly not the disinterested surgeon I had him pegged for in the beginning.
William: I don't have time to critique my own stuff. Plus you all guys seem to be an expert at that already ;)
Susan: I have got to write a book with you. We will make millions with my words and your illustrations : )
In jumping in the pools or the water feet first and holding your nose, just make sure the water is deep enough for you. That surgeon story is interesting. Some people are all business and they can be quite competent or expert in their profession. The problem is they "don't know how" to lighten up. They are too single minded focused. You want to scream at them, "Get a life!!" Unfortunately their work IS their life. I can see you're working on him though to crack a smile. You discovered a little kindness under those layers and with your son's sensitive area suturing it's nice to know he does have a heart under there somewhere.
P.S. The ice skates and the caption above the head made the penguin top notch.
How encouraging, it's tough sometimes but perservering is key. Great advice for bloggers, sometimes I think about what I should blog about too much!
Gary, I was just going to suggest that you put all of your blogs into a book of musings. They are so thoughtful, thought provoking and so many of them are so funny.
Gary, I am just getting to "know" you here on AR and I am liking what I read.. Thanks for giving us all permission to just get our feet wet and try it out.. I have several other blogs but AR is really different.. You don't have to wait years to grow an audience.. We have a built in garden of great folks ready to read, comment and encourage - with you being one of the master gardeners.. God bless,
Hi Gary...Connecting is simply opening yourself up to life whether it is nature or to other people. You do it all of the time. You are a role model for many.
Kathleen
Patricia: Don't think too much just write.
Pam: A book of musings. Cool idea. I'll have to credit you in the forward of the book :)
Cheryl: Thanks for your words. We garden with each other and learn much along the way.
Kathleen: I very much you saying opening up. That is a key to connecting.
Loved your post... It is amazing the surprises you get from life and people and it is very wise to pay attention and open to everyone crosses your path. You may discover pearls underneath of most unexpected places.
Arina: I love that life surprises me ALL the time. That's how I found YOU. ANOTHER SURPRISE. Be open is the key and see where that path takes you. Finding those pearls (like YOU) is a glorious discovery!! You never know where or when you will find them.
OMG!!! I just found the cooler, compliments of Susan Mangigian! WOW!!! The cutest! The coolest! THANK YOU!!! There's a mile in my sMILE, from ear to ear... from shoreline to shoreline... from PC to PC, from heart to heart... penguin pals for the summer! (lovelovelove the pink feet and excellent choice of beverages :-) AAhhhhhhhhhhh.... real fun and refreshment amidst the workday and summer heat... (btw Gary, your 6-pak looks great! :-) AR is now COOLER than ever!! Well, surf's up! So what are we waiting for? CHEERS!
Mara: What can I say? Your wonderful imaginative thoughts inspire others to great, creative heights. See, people inspiring other people. It really does work!! You're a beautiful writer Mara. We all hope to keep hearing from you. See you at the beach party you started. You've got a cooler now :)
Awwww.... thank you, Gary. You've said it before... it's OTHERS who inspire me, and they gather abundantly in the RAIN here. I guess Susan had to leave the party early for a couple weeks. Boo hoo! I'll probably have a bad sunburn by the time she returns. What should we do next? Beach volleyball? Build a sandcastle? I love that penguin... Did you know that there a tons of penguins in South Africa that live at the beach? They don't need the artic... I was dumbfounded when I first saw that... it was at Boulder's Beach in Simon's Town... today we'll play at blogBeach in Gary's Town :-)
Gary, I miss one day in the rain and missed the whole party? Geez, not fair--next time warn me :) Has anyoone checked on Mara lately--after the cooler came out?
hahaha! Carole, so glad you've arrived! If we're still here near sunset, how about we grill come chiburgers? :-) Wishing you waves of inspiration for wonderful day at the beach!
Mara: Wow, another illustrator in our midst. You all are way cool, and very talented. And Mara, you are my penguin expert. Didn't know that about South Africa. So much knowledge and fun to share. Yes, we'll have to get a little AR beach volleyball game going.
Carole: As you see, Mara took a little while getting here, but she found the beach and is ready to party too. You guys are great :) See how inspiration works? It feeds off each other.
Why do you think we suffer from insomnia? I have to say I hate going to sleep at night.....its like having to 'let go ' of the day and officially call it over..............My favorite time is from twilight till I can't keep my eyes open any longer......
Liz: The brain keeps staying active, therefore you don't want to go to sleep. Actually probably you and I are not doing what you're supposed to do which is disengage from any mental stimulation 60 to 90 minutes before going to bed. Too much stimulation, you don't want to go to sleep. I am naturally a night person anyway. Five or Six a.m. is a tough time for me to get moving. Your settings sound like you are nocturnal too.
In honor of Mara Hawks, REALTOR extraordinaire from Auburn, AL, and a terrific writer, who got this Beach Blog theme going here, a beach ball that she tossed my way tonight. Here it is for posterity sake Mara. And oh, a colorful one you tossed over as well.
Gary, If it makes the newbies feel better I still agonize over what to blog!
Carol: You are such a "natural" writer I can't see you agonizing at all. It flows so easily on the paper (screen). Your laughter, which I can "feel" in many of your posts, always inspires me.
Hey you guys!! I stole a few minutes to play volley ball on the beach! Hey Mara, pass me a pepsi from that cooler! Hi Gary!! FFV day 3.... nuff said. I've been biking, walking, playing cards, laughing.... miss you guys. Have fun in rain without me. See you next time!!
Gary I feel like I am intruding on your party...but hey you have so many great guests I think I'll just sit a spell. Mara is one of my favorite people, and I sure didn't know about penguins in South Africa...now that is a tidbit to share around the cooler :)
Anyway, nice party, nice message, and very fun post this Monday Morning....thanks
Susan: Hey stranger. Glad you are back here at our beach bash for a brief visit. We miss you but you are into other fun stuff right now. Mara and I will hoist a cool one in your honor until you return. Stop by any time you need a break from the FFV. I love how you count the days like FFV day 3. I think you are more of a spa and sitting by the pool with a cool one and your cat kind of relaxation gal. ; )
Kathy: Hey there. You are welcome to the beach party any time you need a break. All are invited. I didn't know that about the South African penguins either.
Great post Gary! This is something great to start of my week! Best of luck to you!
Jeffrey: I've noted of late I write posts one way and then what I attract into my life takes these comments down a detour. But these are all very BEAUTIFUL people who found me and I wouldn't trade them for the world. They ALWAYS inspire me. And I mean every day. And the laughing. I can never stop laughing with them. But don't tell them how wonderful they are. I'm trying to keep them humble. It's not easy with these types. They have big egos. If they knew how much I really love them, boy, would they take advantage and run over me then.
hey y'all... I just thought I'd walk along this blog page, missing AR inspiration & fun... I've got some huge demands for these next 2 weeks before I head for Inman Connect--- including moving my household... thank goodness I believe in miracles! And all of you... ;-) I love that Susan made a surprise stop here, and Kathy found us--- finally! Penguin people unite! Cheers to all of you ... may a stream of stARs bring you peace tonight...
(Anyone up for frisbee on the 4th?!)
Mara: I'm game with the Frisbee. Penguins stick together. Here's one of my patented diving catches for you. Hope your upcoming 4th is a good one for you!
Gary - if you can catch a frisbee like that, then I'm on your team :) :) And it looks like after the game we'll be star gazing.....thanks to Mara. I like looking at the stars....nice ending to any day.
Wow Gary -- Interersting blog post. Have a Great Day!!! Thanks Neal
Kathy: You guys would definitely be fun at the beach. Our blog beach is a start. I do have good wingspan with my arms to play terrific volleyball or Frisbee Kathy.
Neal: The comments are where the action begins sometimes in these blogs Neal. Thanks for popping by.
WOW Gary, what a great pic! (Now for some of us, that looks like two great catches in one LOL! Carole, this is your WARNING to join us for frisbee on the 4th :-) BTW, here's your pepsi... and Susan, we've been collecting shells for you, so am leaving them here in case you pop by over the holiday weekend. Liz, if you're still up from last night, your sandman must get his supply from this beachBlog. We should also mention for Kathy's sake, that we are by lifeguard station #Forfun, so no one gets lost :-) Cheers!
Mara: You keep leaving goodies by the beach. See you at the lifeguard station. Too funny.
Hey gang... day 6 of my ffv. Having a lovely time. The beach has been absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the Pepsi Mara, the kids drank the last cold one yesterday and didn't replenish the fridge... gotta love them. The boys are all at the water park today so I am here at the library checking email. Mara, what is Inman Connect?
See you soon! xxoo
Mara: Don't worry about Susan. She's a big girl. If she runs out of Pepsi's she always has her "alternative" beverage of choice : )
Susan: Glad you're having fun (at the library?) on your FFV, and the boys are locked up at the Water Park. At least you know where they are. The Inman Connect Mara mentioned is a Real Estate News, Education, and Blogger Conference held this summer out in San Francisco. Lucky dog Mara has tickets. She didn't invite me to go with her either so don't feel bad. I think she's just going for the visit to the Embarcadero and Fisherman's Wharf. Have fun in the sun and remember we are thinking of you : ) I'm off now to replenish Mara's cooler...
I found Maras shells, well now they're Susan's over here by the Lifeguard Station #F....don't worry I checked everyone in, just in case we might need a lifeguard :) thanks Mara.....and I will have one of those Pepsi's after Gary replenishes the cooler :)
Ok Gary I am on your team :)
Eee Gads, the library is closed tomorrow so I will be out of the rain here and in the rain in Ocean City if the weather forecast is right. Have fun and have a safe holiday. I'll check in on Saturday.
Kathy: Glad you're taking care of all of us at the Blog Beach. We need someone who can organize this group of rag-a-muffins. We'll get that game of Frisbee going when I get back with the drinks.
Susan: You are so funny. You first get Active Rain deprived, now the closed library is getting you Internet access deprived. What's one to do on vacation? You'll do fine. You have your family there and us in your hearts till we connect up again. Hope your weather holds out for you for the fireworks time. Keep us posted on the FFV. We'll keep a spot on the blanket for you here at the Blog Beach!!
Rain....Susan is in the rain? Well, just in case we get a dribble or two....I found us some shelter.
Pepsi & Penguins... I'm inspired! HOW IN THE WORLD do you do that Gary? That pic of the "chiller" is really too perfect. TOO COOL! With a surfboard?! That is fun. And a little shade-by-the-shore... thanks to Kathy, a favorite shutterbug. I see the cooler is covered, too. Perfect!! HAPPY 4th!
Mara- Happy 4th to you...it's almost dinner time, can you smell all those hotdogs cooking ? 2 weeks and you'll be here, are you coming down......to Encinitas?
Kathy, thanks for the shelter in case Susan encounters some rain on her Fourth. You are way too kind.
Mara: We're setting the table for you. Kathy's wanting to see if you'll visit her when you head to California here soon. Maybe Susan will stop by the beach and let us know how her FFV is going.
Oh Kathy, I got the drinks replenished and we're good to go with the dogs on the grill.
Oh Gary.....not only do you play Volleyball and Frisbee but those are some darn good hot dogs you've got cooking. My mouth is watering already....hey those guys up on the jetty are fishing...wanna go for a walk after we eat ?
Kathy: Sounds like a plan ; )
Gary, I'm glad to have found and read your inspiring post on this wonderful day for the celebration of freedom. Happy 4th of July! Mike
YUM! YUM! Best lookin' hot dogs everrr! Thanks, Gary. You're the best. After the sun sets and the fireworks begin, can you pull s'mores out of your hat???? (I'm so amazed at your collection of pics!) Mara to Kathy... Hermosa Beach to Whitewater... how long of a walk is that??? This has really been fun. (I'm on to the Penguin "beverage" now... CHEERS!
Smores.....I'll just take the marshmello please .....so glad you're the cook Gary, seems I am just playing and eating LOL :) To Mara.....walk my foot....if you're here for a few days I will drive up there and we can do lunch or something.....one beach or another...sounds good to me :)
That will be really cool, Kathy! We'll make a plan. I think Hermose might not be as far from Whitewater as HB. :-)
Gary, thanks for keeping us all so well fed & hydrated. I didn't think your posts could improve at all, but they really are much better with mustard! I'll relish this beachblog party for quite some time... You're the best!
Mike: Glad you stopped by. I draw my inspiration from a lot of people here. Hope you had a good 4th. Pass on the good feelings : )
Kathy and Mara: While you two are finishing your dogs and planning your Golden State get together I went out and got dessert for us. Even got one for Susan when she drops by again. Blogs are better with dessert too!! ; )
Gary you're a doll for sure :) This was a wonderful Beach Party....and the smores look great....well the fireworks are starting so I guess I'm going to pack up for the day.....thanks and you guys drive safe after having that "alternative" beverage...... LOL :)
I don't believe in coincidences either, I have crossed paths with some amazing people.
now THAT smore like it Gary! Bon appetit with sand at our feet... stARs and stripes forever!
Cindy: That not believing in coincidences I have come to accept especially with the people that I come across in my life. I think I have been integral in helping others when I have crossed their paths but more so I stand in awe sometimes with people who showed up at the right time and were there for me with a laugh, a word, a helping hand, a hug JUST when I needed it. I don't question it at all any more. I am just amazed by it.
Kathy: I'll be the designated driver with this crew as they down their alternative beverages and get them home safe and then I'll have mine. Hope you had a good Fourth!
Mara: You are such the stellar poet in our midst. Glad you liked the Smore's.
Geez, I can't access the internet for 24 hours and you people have smores!!! Thanks a lot! Day 8 of the ffv!! Still going fine. The fireworks were fun and it didn't rain until they were over. It's been a fun vacation so far. Miss you guys.
Susan: Miss you too wonder friend. I'm glad you are having a good time on vacation and the fireworks came through for you before the rain. We'll save the Smore's for you!!
Hey Mara and Kathy: I called ahead and after the beach fun, I've reserved some outside tables at a Bistro up the road. What's your pleasure Espresso, Cafe Latte, Coffee?
Oh Susan, they have tea for you. Cream and sugar? The weather should be nice after the rain shower we had. I'll get the caramel crumb cake unless you want something else past the Smore's. Why do I feel like I'm feeding an Army here? Oh yes, Realtors. Always out for the food : )
Latte, thank you! Irish Cream with that would do nicely.... thanks, Gary, for the beach DAZE... for bringing friends together with Roots Of Inspiration (Boy! Did we take that one for a big, long ride!) Again, thanks a latte, lalalalala....
Mara: You are welcome for your Latte and starting this whole Beach Blog craze. What formulates in your mind and in others and lands on this page has completely amazed AND "inspired" me. See, I told you guys inspire me!!! ;)
Gary, I like tea, Lipton's preferably. A little tiny bit of sugar and lots of skim milk. Coffee cake sounds great. I treated myself to a big fat powdered sugared white cream donut this morning. My second during the vacation. Day 9 of the FFV!! Jack went home for the second week and I'm here with my two sons, and two other teens. Thanks for the tea. xxoo
Hi Mara!!
Susan: You are living it up on vacation with the cream filled donuts. It doesn't get any better than that!! You and I must be on the same wavelength (AGAIN) as I had a chocolate covered glazed donut myself this morning. Enjoy your time with your boys and the other teens and stay in touch. xxoo
Susan: Tea's ready. I'll get your milk and sugar. Cheers : )
Gary- Sorry I missed the Bistro...I went to Mt. Soledad to see the Veterans Memorial. It has a 360 degree view, and I could see all the beaches in San Diego from there :) Hey, I'm overweight enough....the hike was good for me after all that food :)
Kathy: The Bistro is still open, haven't seen Susan for awhile, she's at the real beach. Mara is heading your way after renting out her house, and moving across town. You had a great writeup on that Mt. Soledad in LaJolla with great photos. Thanks for popping back over at the beach.