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

DO YOUR HOMEWORK when choosing a MOVER

For some consumers, the most daunting aspect of the whole buying/selling process is the move itself.  Moving is not only labour-intensive, but it can also unleash a list of emotions at a difficult time.  If the catalyst for the move is a family death, divorce or other major lifestyle change, a bad moving experience can rub salt in the wound, aggravating an already challenging situation. 

As realtors we are constantly placed in the position of recommending contractors, painters, movers, cleaners, window cleaners, photographers, etc. I'm fortunate that I have worked with professionals for over 15 years; they are part of my "team" and to date, no complaints.  I must say however, I shy away from recommending movers even though I am in the business of moving people.  The reason for this is moving companies are only as good as their last move.  It seems unfair in a way that a company can have a stellar reputation and then make one boo-boo and that reputation goes from a "10" to a "0" on someone's recommended list.  Before we hand out a list of any contractors, we have to remember that every name we provide is an extension of our own reputation.  If a client is dissatisfied with my recommendation, it reflects on me.  Unfortunately this has led me to pass over recommending movers.  So what do you do?

Many resources are available to determine whether a mover is reputable.  The Canadian Association of Movers (CAM-www.mover.net, 1-866-860-0065), the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org/canada/ and any of the major national van lines are all good sources.  Also check out the Consumer Beware page through the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Servies (www.consumerbeware.mgs.gov.on.ca) for movers to avoid.

Many people don't realize that their main concern should be having a good moving experience, not getting the cheapest price.  Be sure you understand that the lowest quoted price not not actually guarantee the lowest cost, or a good-quality job or insurance on your move.  Consider the value of your possession as well as the potential cost of loss, damage, tardiness or claims.  All those factors should be weighed to determine the moves' total price tag and doing some homework before selecting a mover is well worth the time.

I have found some good luck with contractors through www.Homestars.com/Toronto as well.  There are testimonials written about contractors of all kinds by consumers such as you and me.  There is a rating system so look for movers that show clients have had high regard for their company. 

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

B-I-N-G-O!

On April 19, I invite you to join me at the above event.  According to my mom, $30.00 is a bargoon for a BINGO ticket with lots of great prizes!  I have tickets; please join me on this fun-filled evening!  Includes desert and fabulous silent auction items. 

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

Trendy Dog names and how dogs make you friends

I've noticed as of late that the latest trend for dog names are "Bella" and "Indy".  It used to be "Max" or "Buddy" or years ago, "Fido" or "Spot".  I guess dog names are like kids names; they go in cycles of popularity. 

I have met dear friends while walking our dogs or chatting on the front lawn.  I hold these friends dearly in my heart for a variety of reasons; we live in the same neighbourhood, we share a lot of the same values plus, and it seems corny, but we celebrate our pets birthdays simply because it was what brought us together in the first place. There are doggy bags, doggy treats and martini coctails for the dog parents. 

I have met clients as a result of my 3 times a day ritual of dog walking.  This was never intended but since we are so consistant in our walks, we meet people along the way.  Some of the friends/clients remained "name unknown" for months simply because we were more familiar with the dog name over the people name!

Anyway, as spring approaches, we shall be out walking even more and meeting new friends along the way....ahhhh, SPRING!

42 Thurston Road-Simply Elegant

This incredibly designed home is situated in the much coveted area of Davisville Village.  Strategically located between Bayview and Mount Pleasant, plus in the Maurice Cody School district, this beauty has all the bells and whistles.

Open concept Living, Kitchen and Family Room flows out to the fantastic landscaped zen tiered garden, thoughtfully  designed with over 20 native species, underground water system and mood lighting. 

The back addition extends to the basement which features an added bedroom and recreation room.  This home boasts 3 washrooms, 3+1 bedrooms and is the ideal family home or great for the busy executive.

Attractively price at: $849,900.00 

We'll be on the market Tuesday March 20, 2012.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

www.42Thurston.com

 

Galen Weston Jr.-He Shoots, He Scores!

Anyone that is close to me knows that my partner has had some pretty major health problems since the fall of 2011; consequently, we have been to numerous doctors appointments.  One of his doctors happens to be next door to the new Loblaws at the old Maple Leaf Gardens.  I'm in love! 

The displays are beautiful, the food fantastic and even the staff still needs a hand-held map to find out where everything is; there is sooo much selection!  Galen Weston (yes, I have a crush) has done it again!  He is my uber-hero when it comes to marketing-I take lessons from him when promoting client's properties.  Presentation and Promotion = Profit....my mantra when it comes to helping clients sell their homes.  Weston is no different; from the vignettes of eateries in the place (I counted 4, but there could be more) to the retention of centre ice in the middle of the store, everything has been carefully executed to provide the best presentation possible.  So today, he was even there!  I went up to him and asked if he was "the Loblaws Guy?"  He said yes and I gushed that I just loved the store.  We were buying a few things at a particular counter and he even sugggested that our choice was excellent.  He also noticed our cart was full and thanked us for shopping there.  SIGH.  Galen?  I've heard you are shy; if you ever want me to stand in and promote your stores, I'm your gal!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

Happy New Year and all that stuff!

Why does a date signify change?  Not sure, but every year, people make resolutions whether they be weight, drinking, schooling, housing....you name it and it is likely our economy will benefit from it in January!

My sister Michele laughs at me every year because for 28 years, she has heard..."will I ever sell another home?"  I literally go through this and start planning in December how I can continue my job. Realtors have to constantly re-invent themselves, sometimes a couple times of year.  Our society, and in particular, technology, moves so quickly that we have to keep on top of things.  As realtors, we are madated to renew our licensing every two years by credit courses.  I used to be so on top of this but as I got busier with my job and with outside interests, I have often left these courses to the last minute.  Consequently, the next month has me taking numerous credit courses.  Actually, for the most part, the courses are really informative and interesting...not sure why I procrastinate, but so be it.

The other thing that I do is have a yearly "discussion" with various essential (in my world) services.  By essential I mean cell phones and internet providers.  The discussion is about....money and why they cannot sharpen their pencil when it comes to my billing.  I was up for contract renewal with both FIDO and Rogers in December.  When I got home from family holidays, I had animated discussions with both providers about my billing.  These companies will refer you to something called "retention".  In other words, if they perceive you are going to Bell or Wind (Bell is their big nemesis) they will pull out all the stops to retain you.  My FIDO bill is now 40$ less per month than last year and Rogers is about the same as well.  Why they can't do this for long term customers in the first place is beyond me, but it gives me something to whine about in December. 

Anyway, I hope your New Year brings you much health, prosperity and joy.  Keep on truckin'.

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