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

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!

I HAVE THIS GREAT GUY.....

One of the wonderful things about my job as of late is the opportunity to work with the sons/daughters/friends of my friends.  Does that make sense?  My son, Skyler is 28 and hopefully soon he will be in the housing market.  My friends and school mates all have kids or neices/nephews who are around the same age and are entering the real estate market.  My experience with the young people is that they are eager to learn about the ins and outs of real estate but do defer to my experience and advice.  So far, it has been a really rewarding experience and I feel young again working with these "kids".  The only issue we are encountering (and it's not just the condo sector but city-wide) is the age old problem of supply and demand.  It is not easy to advise a client, any client, that there are 2-10 offers on the same condo/home they are bidding on.  Little supply means more buyers vying for the same product.  As we are all painfully aware, this escalates the prices.  Good for the seller; painful for the buyer. 

Anyway, getting back to my Title:  I have this great kid who is looking around the new Loblaws (Carlton/Jarvis/Church down to Front Street):  criteria, preferrably under 340K, 2 bedroom, parking NOT necessary, gym-type facilities NOT necessary, 2 bath.  Anyone that has this coming up, give me a call.  Maitland Place is a great opportunity...Homewood.....Jarvis....Gerrard...whatever....HELP!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.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

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

Royal Rental Rip-Offs Exposed

In August and only coincidentally, both my son and my girlfriend's daughter were looking for apartments in the city (not together, sigh....still waiting for a grandbaby, but I digress)

Anyway, our city has been experiencing a severe shortage of good rentable spaces, of various prices.  On homes, there are rental bidding wars simply because they appeal to so many uses.  Homes can be shared or used as a single family.  The possibilities are endless. Lately I have been seeing rentals going for way over the asking price.  When my son Skyler and Emily were looking at respective apartments, being young adults, they looked in other places rather than the Toronto Star or on line at www.viewit.ca and www.torontorentals.com They submitted what they wanted on Facebook; scoped Craigslist, etc.  Both of these young people had their parents also pounding the pavement helping them out.

So, what happened?  In sharing our plight about our kids search for a rental, we discovered that both of them had encountered "dream" sounding apartments.  In my son's case, imagine, 1,200 square feet of open concept living, 2 car parking, gleaming hardwood floors, 5 appliances and 2 good sized bedrooms, all for $1,200.00.  They even gave a location that was ideal, close to the subway for him to go to work.

In Emily's case, the apartment owner just wanted a lovely person to rent their space as they lived in the U.K.  It was roughly around 800 square feet, close to downtown where she was going to school and the rent was really attractive.  A deposit was required prior to seeing the property (????)

My son and I drove by the address that was given for his "dream" apartment; it was supposedly above a store on Donlands Avenue.  When we arrived, we discovered that there wasn't even a 2nd storey on this place and the dream place was a sham.

The travesty of this story is that in both Emily's and Skyler's case, they had relatively savvy parents who know a scam when they hear one; but what of the young people or seniors who don't have someone looking out for them and they provide a deposit that is never seen again and don't have a place to live in?  These scams have been around forever; in my younger days, a guy or gal would actually have a rental apartment that was priced too good to be true.  There would be a line up of people providing deposits (mostly cash) and then you'd find out a day later they had taken off with all the deposits and the apartment was never theirs to rent in the first place.

I know I can't save the world from horrible people, but it's important that things like this are exposed so it won't happen to other people, especially those we love.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com