The Bower Blog

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?

I am fortunate enough to have met 4 great grandparents.  My baba and deeda fled the Ukraine/Austria when they were in their early teens and settled in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.  My great-grandmother tended a one acre garden up until the time she was 90.  Good stock, those Eastern Europeans!  My great-grandmother on my dad's side, lived in a teeny little town outside of Shelburne called Hornings Mills.  Blink and you may miss it.  She had a grand old Victorian with a huge meadow in the backyard.  The home was heated by a wood stove and we would have hot stones placed at the bottom of the bed to keep us warm in the winter.  Quilts were made by hand from old suits or thread-bare pyjamas and blankets.  I still have two of them.  I remember when I was about four, standing in the backyard of my granny's home and saying "one day, I'm going to have a place like this".  I loved everything about the home-the folk art, the antiques and the ambience.

Fast forward to today....so I'm a real estate agent with a love of homes, particularly older ones.  I have a deep appreciation of art and singing-all these gifts I received from great-grandparents, grandparents and my parents. I studied clothing design when I was in my early 20's.  In my teens, I did some back up singing with bands (sorry dad, yes I did go to bars when I was 17-may you rest in peace!) While I was studying, I got part time work at a real estate office where I met my son's dad. We established a flourishing real estate business and still do some work together to this day. 

My point in all of this is, when we are young it is usually hard to determine which direction we may go.  My thinking is always follow your passion.  A number of years ago there was an article in one of the newspapers suggesting that whatever part of the newspaper you grabbed first, was where your passion lies.  I've always grabbed Arts and Entertainment, Travel, Life Section.  And yes, they are what makes this heart sing!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

WHY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IS SO IMPORTANT

In our world of social media, (Blackberrys, I-Phones, Tweets, Facebook to name a few) we loose something very precious; our "human" face to face interaction with friends and family.  It brought me great sadness to realize that I have not seen one of my sisters in over 6 months and some very dear, close friends in about a year.  Granted, our lives are extremely busy however we have lost that feeling of community by substituting interactions with people via networks.  Even the telephone, in my estimation, is not a good replacement for face time over a coffee or a glass of wine. 

This past year has brought me back to my creative roots; mosaic artwork and music.  We had our Rock and Roll choir (www.Newchoir.ca) concert this past Saturday.  Even though it is only my second season, I have seen past productions done by Newchoir and in my estimation, it was the best ever. I had two parts last season and consequently had 40 family/friend members in the audience rooting for me.  It was magical.  Not the same this year as I wasn't front and centre, but the production was awesome regardless. Kudos for the tireless efforts of the choir board of directors, music directors and the production team.  When you join an organization like a choir, it becomes a microcosm of a larger society.  There are politics, nepotism, petty grievances, disappointments and wild joy but by joining in, a community is created.  I still don't feel totally included, but by getting more involved year by year, that will come.

Speaking of community involvement, for the past 30 years, my son's public school (William Burgess Public School) has hosted a Spring Carnival, supporting educational activities that enrich the students' learning experience.  In our world of cut-backs, schools often experience ciriculum changes whereby some things just can't be done.  Strong parent council involvement helps the kids enjoy things they might not be able to because of funding.  When my son was little, we went to apple orchards, The Royal Ontario Museum, etc. all on Spring Carnival proceeds. 

William Burgess' SPRING CARNIVAL is being held on May 26, 2012 (100 Torrens Avenue, East York).  I am sponsoring the TEACHER SMASH and GONE FISHING.  I can only surmise what Teacher Smash means but I thought it sounded fun.  This little Carnival is a lot of fun plus if I recall correctly, there are great baked goods.  Join in the festivities!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

NEWCHOIR-ROAD TRIP

On May 12 at 8 p.m. we have our Rock and Roll Choir Show.  This year promises to be the best ever; great songs.....Runnin' Back to Saskatoon, Long Way Home, Life is a Highway, Magic Carpet Ride, Big Yellow Taxi...you get the theme.

Tickets are still $20.00; if you'd like one, let me know...they are selling out fast!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

How is Success Quantified?

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

www.CherylBower.com

NEWCHOIR-A Premiere Rock Choir

I was never happier than to have been accepted to be part of the Newchoir Rock Choir!  We started our rehearsals in early September and the concert is December 10, 2011.  I'm lucky enough to have been chosen for two ensemble solo parts, "Son of a Preacher Man", a sexy, gospel type rendition with, gulp, choreography (which I freely admit, I am horrible with) and a duel between men and women of "Stuck in the Middle With you" (girls) and "500 Miles (guys).  It's a romping good time!  When I first saw Newchoir, it was this past May.  I cried at some of the songs, simply because I knew from my friend Brenda that rehearsals were weekly and all 140 or so people are amateurs who just love to sing.  I had to join! 

Anyone wishing tickets can either call me or go to the website:  www.Newchoir.ca and order directly.  Tickets are $20.00 and they sell out quickly.

My entire family is going!  Can't wait!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

This, That and The Other......

Just a few notes about Real Estate, Community, etc.

Well, our Fall Market has taken wings...certain areas are on fire, in some instances receiving offers for beyond belief prices (Example: a 3 bedroom semi-detached home in my area, Bayview/Eglinton, not too fancy, but tidy, listed at 699K, sold for a whopping $820K) Makes one think, what is going on?  Well, it appears to still be the classic case of supply and demand.  There have been shockingly few properties on the market.  Currently I am looking for a 2 bedroom, centrally located condo for around the 350K mark-a year ago, this was do-able, right now, it seems the pricing has escalated to around 370-380K.  On another note, looking for a decent semi-detached or detached, not unlike my own home, for around 750K.  Even if the properties are listed for 599-650K, they appear to escalate even beyond the 750K mark!  Frustrating for me and my buyers.

On another note, we are facing another (SIGH) election.  I am not a political gal, so please Facebook friends, do not write me and convert me, or state your case or even discuss politics with me.  My truth is as follows: I mostly do not understand the issues, the reterick appears to be the same old, same old and franky, I am bored.  My thinking is: stop wasting money on these elections, whether they be Federal, Municipal or Provincial and just go to work.  There is a lot of talk, but honestly, and again, in my opinion, no one ever seems to do anything differently than the last guy.  MOVE ON.

On a "happy hobby" note, my first choir practice with www.Newchoir.ca was held on September 6; I'm loving it.  This season, we are doing Newchoir goes to the Movies....great tunes from Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, Once, Shrek...the list goes on.  The last few weeks were try-outs for solos.  I am honoured to have been chosen to sing "Son of a Preacher Man" and be part of an ensemble to sing "Stuck in the Middle With You".  It will be a blast!  Tickets will be on sale soon; they are $20.00 and the show is on December 10, 2011 at the Ryerson Theatre.  Tickets sell out quickly so if you'd like to go, let me know......

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

 

Europe Bound

My mom turned 77 this year.  She's a spry one, however one of her dreams was to see Europe, as she says "before she dies".  So, that's what we're doing.  We are booked on a flight to Barcelona, Spain tomorrow evening around 10:30, arriving in Europe around 12:30 p.m.  Then, we are embarking on a 2 week cruise to various ports of which I will describe. 

I must say that since I am a mosaic artist and belong to oodles of organizations pertaining to this art, Barcelona will certainly sing to me.  There is Parc Guell and Sagrada Famillia, both works of art by Antonio Gaudi.  Parc Guell is full of mosaic lizards and seats that are classic Gaudi.  The cathedral is spectacular.  Then there is the food!  Ahhh, tapas, seafood, great wine and the road called Ramblas, a colourful pedestrian thoroughfare which sells everything from fruit and vegetables to parrots and fish.  We are there 3 days before our ship leaves.

Next, we are off to Monte Carlo.  We arrive in the afternoon; I'm sure this is to facilitate those people that love to gamble.  Apparently the Casinos are magnificent!

The following day we arrive in Livorno; this is a port town and we take buses either to Pisa/Lucca or my favourite, Florence.  Since I have been to Florence numerous times, I know my way around a bit.  The best thing you can do when there and Rome, our next stop, is to get tickets to the hop on, hop off buses.  These bring you to all the major sites and you can stay as long as you wish at certain places.

Rome follows and then off to the Straits of Messina.  This is a port in Sicily; apparently the town nearby is fantastic and I look forward to that too.

We are at sea the 5th day, then arrive and port hop to 3 different Greek Islands, Corfu being the last one.  One of my clients gave me a primer to all the Greek Islands.  She suggested grabbing a cab and having the cabbie tour you around the places.  The economy is Greece is quite poor and they are grateful for the business.  We have enjoyed this way of exploration before and hope to do it often. 

Off to Croatia on the 9th day; apparently this is stunning and the "thing" to do is hop on a cab to the cable cars.  They take you up the mountain with the most amazing views. 

Finally, we arrive in Venice.  I have been (briefly) to Venice before, but we are able to luxuriate in 3 fulls days here before we come home.  I have booked tours of glass factories, mosaic factories and we intend to go to Murano as well.  I love the idea of hopping on water taxis to get everywhere.

Anyway, will write about this upon my return.  Arrivederci!  Au Revoir! Ciao!  See ya!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

 

We Are All Connected (Part 3)

I think often about community organizations and why they are both popular and thrive in our large city. I believe intrinsically that we need to connect with other individuals; no man/woman is an island. It can be downright lonely when you are doing something on your own. SO when you think of community events and organizations, such as Weight Watchers, Alcoholics Annonymous, Star Trek meetings (don't laugh; we were on a cruise and there was a slew of people on board that were Trekkies-they had meetings, parties, dressed the part, etc.-interesting bunch), motorocycle groups, yoga classes....you name it, there is a group for it. Why do they succeed? We need to be PART OF something when we are striving for a common goal or interest. For example, how many times have you struggled with weight loss? Have you read books? Have you watched Dr. Oz? Have you tried to monitor your food intake on your own? Have you failed? I can say I have; more so now that I have entered into my 50's and weight loss is difficult for hormonal reasons. So, about a month ago I started researching the best weight loss programs, various ways to quickly and slowly loose weight and exercise options. I have had trainers for over 5 years helping me out with muscle toning but it's of no apparent good if you still eat "unconsciously". I investigated gastric band options; not for me-too invasive and really, with good healthy diet, I should be able to take it off. I finally decided Weight Watchers would be for me. There is a community support there any day of the week; I like being part of that and hearing about people's struggles, food suggestions and just having a sense of belonging. I have lost weight as a result! Another thing I joined was an on-line Mosaic Art site. This was by invitation only. We are going to Europe in August and I have met some wonderful European mosaic artists who have offered to show us around in various ports. FANTASTIC! I am part of a community! Cheryl Bower www.CherylBower.com

We Are All Connected

I watched with great interest an Oprah show on April 20. The headline said, "From multi-millionaire to mobile home". The show was way more than that. It outlined the journey of Tom Shadyac, a millionaire director of movies such as Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura and more. He described purchasing a 17,000 square foot home when he had "made it" and the absolute feeling of emptiness he had after the purchase. Some of us may say, "poor guy" being able to afford such a thing in the first place but essentially his quest for "authentic happiness" has taken him in an interesting direction. He has written and directed a documentary called "I AM" which describes the inter-connectedness and co-operation we all have with one another. After a serious bicycle accident, he began to explore what really makes people happy and content with their life. He traded in his 17,000 sf home for a 1,000 sf mobile home. He contributes (greatly) to charities that are near and dear to him. Personally, I cannot wait until it comes to Canada. I've always ascertained that people who have a cause outside of themselves, create their own happiness. Sometimes it is art; sometimes charity work, sometimes it is the quest for money and possessions. There really is no judgement on this; it's just a journey we create for ourselves. I can remember my own quest for my passions began with a conscious thought at aged 4. My great-grandmother had a home in a town called Hornings Mills, just north-east of Shelbourne, Ontario. It was a grand old Victorian with a huge backyard filled with wild flowers. It was filled with quilts that I have and still hold dear to this day. The property was heated with a woodstove and in the winter, there would be hot stones or pans with hot stones placed at the bottom of the bed for warmth. Perhaps you can see where I'm going here. I've always loved older homes. To date, I've never owned a Victorian, but the minute I go into one, I'm transported back in time. I love gardening; so this yard filled with wild flowers enchanted me. I love art and these quilts I have, although used for utility and economy, hold a special place in my heart. Some are getting threadbare from useage and washing, but I will never throw them out. My conscious thought at the time was, "one day I'm going to have a place like this!" Who would have known I would be a Real Estate agent that looks and sells great homes all the time? My job combines passion, art (staging, afterall is an art!) and a love of helping people. I really was born for this. No matter how bad personal things can get in ones' life, I believe if you have a core passion, you will never be deeply unhappy. That's my belief, anyway. How about you?Cheryl Bower www.CherylBower.com

Lost in Lucca

In 2007, a group of us gals decided to book the trip of a lifetime and go to Italy...Tuscany to be exact.  It was a milestone birthday year for myself and Laura. We planned various times, some for three weeks, some for two (me) and some for just one.  All in all, there were eleven of us booked for the trip.  We were "allowed" to bring partners if we chose; Laura, myself and Claudia did.  Everyone else flew solo.  I can say looking back it was a magical trip; we didn't hang out 24-7 with the group-in fact, we toddled off on our own quite frequently, seeing the group occassionally.  The best time I had was getting lost in Italy. 

I had intended to visit Lucca on a particularly drizzly and dreary day.  We had purchased colourful rainbow umbrellas in Pisa the day before and it was necessary to use them.  We drove to Lucca and for some reason (to this day) I can't figure out, we ended up on the wrong side of the walls and came into the "town" of Lucca from the back end.  Lucca is surrounded by thick walls which I can surmise were errected to protect the town.  Italy is full of walls; this particular one is so thick you can ride a bike on it.  Bicycle rentals is one of the tourist attractions for these villages. 

Anyway, we discovered a tiny place to purchase an expresso.  Both of us had to use the facilities and we found the weirdest thing; a stand up toilet.  Apparently these are very common in Asia, however it is something I have never seen before.  You stand on these treads and squat.  It was an adventure, I have to say.  We toddled down the cobblestone road from there and I noticed a man in an ancient shop working on his art.  There were mosaics and clay...beautiful work really.  Whenever I want to fantasize about another life, I go to that shop in my minds' eye.  Together, this old fellow and I are working together, doing mosaics.

On another day, we were on our way to San Giamano (sp).  We vered off the beaten track and ended up at a deserted castle.  The view was breathtaking, overlooking cyprus trees, olive groves and vineyards.  Everything you see in pictures about Tuscany, we could see from this castle.  We took pictures of the castle and the broken down windows and shutters.  I have them framed in my living room. 

This year, I am booking another trip of a lifetime.  We are flying to Barcelona, Spain and then cruising to Monaco, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Messina, 3 Greek Islands I cannot pronounce, Dubrovnik, Croatia and then finally landing in Venice.  I am going with my mom and her girfriend.  My mom has never been to Europe and I cannot wait for her to see what I love about those countries.  She is already buying clothes and we're not scheduled there until August!  Obviously, she can't wait either!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com