World's Best Photographer

I don't often use this blog to promote non-Real Estate material, but I've been meaning to tell you all about Emma Smallbone of BarebonePhoto, the World's Best Photographer. Okay, so I don't think there's a particular award for that, but she is actually well established (and way underpriced if you ask me) and will travel. She has won a number of awards for her ubercreative journalistic style and constantly receives praise. She's based in Canada (but we'll forgive her for that!) but travels to weddings all over the place.

If you, your children, a client or a friend is preparing to walk the plank (aka get married), you have to look at Emma's work. Not only is she incredible, she has a blog!!! I've learned about her doggie (happy 1st Sophie!)...her family and her clients... never before have I been so impressed with any single photographer (uh... sorry to our wedding photographer). Her silly nature is reflected in her work and she never takes herself too seriously! What a dream!!! When our children get married (or we finally have our Catholic wedding), Emma will be well worth the extra few dollars to get her down here to Texas.

Let me know when she becomes your family's wedding photographer- I'll watch her blog for the best pictures of you you'll ever see!

There's a New Genius in Town

Since Crayolas are not a sufficient blogging tool, Realtor Genius was born!

The kickoff article is a blast, check it out and jump in on the conversation!!

RealtorGenius.com is a MUST for your feedreader! Your reviews are welcome either there or here... feedback is good for growing the brain!

Not Everyone Has Bragging Rights

My husband and I traveled to Oklahoma City this weekend for my future sister-in-law's bridal shower. We drove all around the city to a few select areas that used to be nice- SoCo type places to live, and my husband was trying to explain to the children that this ghost town feel on the north side was disappointing and upsetting. He could point out where they used to hang out, where fancy homes used to be, and where upscale furniture boutiques were- but alas, they were no more. We felt called to redevelop areas of the city that used to be the "it places"- if only I had an extra few million sitting around (that's the 10 year plan). Perhaps just a few houses and buildings at a time...

My husband explained to the kids that the closing of GM, AOL jumping ship, and a future potential for Tinker AFB's closing was detrimental to Oklahoma, while in Austin it would barely be a blip the news. We have become so used to being in a thriving area that it is saddening to spend time in an area that isn't flourishing quite like ours. We have become spoiled by new tollways opening, constant commercial developments breaking ground, and it seems like a new home subdivision opens every week! We have become spoiled ROTTEN by being in a city that attracts Barney's NY, Louis Vuitton, Saks, Tiffany's and the like. We love our Starbuck's on every corner living happily across the street from the ecclectic local coffee bars- both thriving equally. It reminded us that we have several friends across the country in the Real Estate Industry that are surely struggling, and we tip our hats to them.

We are spoiled and we know it, but we take pause today to pray for those in our field who don't have the same annoying bragging rights that we do.