By definition, we are more than the sum of our "parts". Let me explain. I have always thought of myself as firstly, a mom, secondly a wife, and thirdly a real estate agent. I guess my thinking has been that my most important job through-out my life has been to take care of my child and family. I strongly believe that if you have that base, coupled with a rich social and outside interest life, you will naturally succeed in your business. I have a friend and fellow blogger, Duncan who has retained his music life (he sang and banjoed with Stompin' Tom for years) and married it with his social and real estate life, and is very successful indeed.
In reflecting on the past year, I remember making a conscious decision that I would enrich my life with two things that make my heart ker-thump. The first is mosaic art; even though I have been practicing this medium for many years and taught it in various schools in the community, I have never done it for myself and consequently never learned to work with the elements of mosaic that represent classic applications. I have been on a learning curve and working with tile and natural elements and the experience has enriched me to no end. I belong to a community of contemporary mosaic artists around the world and have met other (obsessed) mosaic friends on these websites. Some I will see in my travels in the U.S., Canada and Europe. I grab a coffee in the morning, and visit the websites and see what other artists are doing. There are forums for things to see while travelling and practical "classes" on-line for techniques and challenges, plus postings of other artists work. I LOVE IT.
The second decision this year was to bring music back into my life. I have dabbled in singing with bands and at charity events through-out my adult life however when I saw my friend Brenda in NEWCHOIR (a rock and roll choir of about 140 people who just love to sing!) this past May, I knew I had to join. I put myself on the wait list right away and was on pins and needles whether I would be accepted or not in September-there was a big wait list for sopranos and altos. I was accepted and "gleefully" (pardon the pun) auditioned for solo parts. The choir has presented challenges for me of which I am again, on a learning curve. I do not read music nor have I ever been part of an ensemble, so it can be tricky. I have never felt as much joy as I did last night at our concert. I had two ensemble/solo parts and we played to a sold out crowd! It was a blast and I've joined again for Season 14.
As a side-shoot of the above, a few weeks ago, a group of us at RE/MAX put together 10 people, with the help of Dave Breckels and Farley Flex (of Canadian Idol fame) and submitted a DVD for Canada Sings, a charity "sing off" that pits one company against another, the winner receiving 10K toward a charity of their choice. We had a blast! Just waiting to hear if we are accepted for the show.......
I believe that people who have outside interests will always be successful in what they do; it keeps them alive, interesting and challenged!
Cheryl Bower
