"Danger, Will Robinson!"  For those of us who grew up in the 60's, the classic Sci-Fi TV series, Lost In Space, was an adventurous one.  The familiar catch phrase "Danger, Will Robinson!" was a warning from the Robot to young Will Robinson that there was impending doom ahead.  It's a phrase that entered my mind this morning for a reason. There are several one-way streets in Grants Pass Oregon.  Visitors and newcomers often miss the obvious signs and end up driving the opposite way on a one-way street.  Usually, it doesn't take them long to figure out the error of their ways.  Most Oregonians are pleasant folks and rarely honk their horns or yell at other motorists for dumbnut moves.  They typically sit and wait patiently until the confused driver figures out they're going in the wrong d... 05/25/2011

Do The Thing You Fear Most... and the death of fear is certain ~ Mark Twain  Fear... I am the menace that lurks in the paths of life, never visible to the eye but sharply felt in the heart.  I am the father of despair, the brother of procrastination, the enemy of progress, the tool of tyranny.  Born of ignorance and nursed on misguided thought, I have darkened more hopes, stifled more ambitions, shattered more ideals and prevented more accomplishments than history could record. Like the chameleon, I assume many disguises.  I masquerade as caution.  I am sometimes known as doubt or worry.  Whatever I am called, I am still fear, the obstacle of achievement.  I seek to destroy inspiration, passion, innovation and creativity.  I will stop at nothing to squelch your dreams.    I know no mast... 05/23/2011

Speechless Sunday - I Hate My Job...  Do you ever feel like you're walking a tightrope over a sea of piranha?  Are your clients wearing you down?  Do you have a gazillion things on your plate and you just can't seem to finish anything?  Are you working more hours for less pay?  Do you find yourself muttering words like 'I Hate My Job'... Oh no, may it never be! Here's a solution... take a short trip to your local pharmacy and purchase a rectal thermometer made by Johnson & Johnson.  Make sure you only buy the Johnson & Johnson brand. When you get home, lock your doors, draw the shades and disconnect the phone so you won't be disturbed.  Change into something comfortable and sit in your favorite chair.  Open the package and remove the thermometer.  Carefully place it on a table so it doe... 05/22/2011

Being a Grandma... Brings a Smile to My Face!  How could it not... just take a look at this little cutie!  All I need to do is look at her sweet little face and it warms my heart.  Ellie, which is short for Elizabeth (and named after my Mother) is such a blessing.  Already bilingual, and smarter than a 3rd-grader, she calls me 'GG' for short, which I adore.  Being a grand-parent is like getting a do-over for free.  LOVE IT ;)   Being a Grandma... Brings a Smile to My Face! 05/20/2011

Three Little Chickies in Washington DC.  I just had to post this cute little pic of my adorable chicky friends from Rogue Valley WCR.  We had a great time catching up at Oregon Night Out at Sette Osteria in Dupont Circle.  Sette Osteria is a happening place... with a warm and inviting color palette inside, a fabulous street side patio outside, delectable cuisine and very cute attentive waiters.  We're all smiles for a reason ;) It's incredibly inspiring to surround oneself with beautiful minds who encourage you to do great things.  These gals do that for me.  I love their smiles and their energy.  We hatched enough creative and inspiring ideas to last us the remaining 7 months of this year.  Can't wait to share, share, share what we learned with our RE community.   Three Little Chickies... 05/19/2011

'Failure is Only the Opportunity to Begin Again... More Intelligently.'  I love this quote by Henry Ford.  How many times have you failed... only to pick up the pieces and begin again?  For some of us... it's daily. I'm a risk-taker by nature... and a bit of a thrill seeker too.  The whole 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' thing was written just for me.  I'm not sure why... but I thrive in the midst of change and uncertainty.  I love variety, challenges and different points of view.  It's what makes life so interesting and engaging. I have failed at many things and I recognize my weaknesses.  The good news is... I'm okay with failure.  I set the bar high, not in comparison with others, but competing only with myself.  My standards increase in incremental doses and I measure my achievem... 05/18/2011

Melinda Peterson's Adventures in Washington DC - Day 5.  This morning's meeting with Jerry Matthews, at the Open City Cafe in DC, was one of the most enlightening, uplifting and encouraging meetings of the week.  First, because I love cafes... and second, because Jerry has vision... and I love vision.  I'm totally fascinated with individuals who possess vision and are able to articulate it to a group of complete strangers, persuading them to buy in on the first go round.  It takes charisma, intelligence and engaging talking points to reel people in.  Jerry possesses them all.  I've met only a handful of individuals like Jerry in my lifetime.  They're a rare breed.   People like Jerry are infectious.  When they speak, people listen as if they were speaking the Gospel.  You find yourself ... 05/13/2011

Melinda Peterson's Adventures in Washington DC - Day 3.  Political meetings were on the agenda today... starting with briefings at 7am and ending with meetings at the Capitol with our local Senators.  The talking points were clearly defined and several 'spokesmen' were chosen for presenting each topic (Mortgage Interest Deduction, QRM, Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Reform, Short Sale Legislation, etc.).  Someone in the crowd volunteered my name to be a spokesperson, but I quickly motioned that 'My Lips Are Sealed' today.  Uncommon for this girl, as I'm usually never shy about speaking and rarely do I lack something to say. I chose to be a silent observer in the room.  No axes to grind, no statements to make, no jockeying for position, just plain silence.  Listening skills heighten when you'r... 05/11/2011

Proud Mama on Mother's Day! Here are my two babies... not babies anymore.  My son, Drew, is finishing his last year in College in Southern California.  My daughter, Rachael, is married and also lives in Southern California with her husband and my grandbaby.  This mama couldn't be prouder of these two kids/adults.  They bring a smile to my face everyday.  Proud Mama on Mother's Day! 05/08/2011

Amazing May - Kickin Up Our Heels in Grants Pass Oregon!  It's called Amazing May in Grants Pass Oregon, a month long celebration of food, fun and movin' to the beat of a different drum (Oregonians know how to party!). The month of May is laced with weeks of activities, culminating into one giant party over Memorial Day weekend, where the entire town of Grants Pass kicks up its heels for party time.  Located on the banks of Oregon's legendary Rogue River, Grants Pass is among the greatest places in the American West for whitewater thrills, forest trails, fly fishing, friendly faces, and a dynamic local arts and entertainment scene. Today's Festivities in Grants Pass Oregon: Outdoor Growers Market - 9am-1pm Saturday Artisan and Crafters Market - 9am-1pm All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast ... 05/07/2011

I Hear Ya... Can Go A Long Way!  Sometimes, the easiest and most effective way to disarm someone who's chewing your ear is to simply identify with them.  Urban Dictionary defines 'I Hear Ya'  this way... 'An expression indicating understanding or empathy.' For the most part it works, and here's why... People want to know you're listening.  They want you to hear their issues.  They want you to be engaged in their cause.  They want some form of affirmation.  The best way to demonstrate all of the above is to simply hit the 'play back' button and it goes something like this... "This is what I hear you saying..."  It's a simple strategy and a powerful one.  Once the person feels you're listening, their defenses let down.  You now have them beyond 'hello.'  You can proceed with the tough stu... 05/06/2011

Oh My... The Planets Have Aligned!  I woke up this morning with a smile on my face ;)  When I arrived at the office, I was greeted with a beautiful flower arrangement delivered by an appreciative client.  Then I received a call from a colleague telling me, out of the blue, how grateful she is to know me and that she thinks the world of me.  Then I received a second call from a dear friend who offered to bring me some of her homemade chicken pecan salad for lunch (Yumm!).  Whew... what's going on here? It's a rarity to receive so much adulation in one day... so I'm clearly in awe.  Not sure if the planets have aligned or if it's just my lucky day, but I'm incredibly blessed to be on the receiving end of such niceties.  If this is any indication how the rest of my day and week will go, I'... 05/04/2011

I Want To Be Engaged!  I've spent many hours in recent days behind closed-door meetings, lasting endless hours and reaching no conclusion.  Frustrating to say the least.  I've analyzed my antsy attention deficit and I've made an interesting personal observation and discovery... I want to be engaged! (not in the marital sense :)  I'm acutely aware of sensory perception and I crave it in many environments.  I like to be stimulated by color (sight), I like to be captivated by stories (sound), I like to be enticed by fresh aromas (smell), I like to salivate for something yummy (taste) and I like a personable presentation (touch).  When all of these elements are combined in one room, you've got my attention baby! That said, I'm wondering how often we lose the attention of fellow colleagues a... 05/03/2011

I've Been Flamingoed in Grants Pass Oregon!  A lovely flock of pink flamingos showed up at my real estate office this morning in Grants Pass Oregon.  What a nice surprise!   Our little pink friends flew in courtesy of the Grants Pass High School Orchestra.  In an effort to raise funds to help with travel expenses and equipment purchases for the kids, these little pink ladies continually fly around town and firmly plant themselves prominently in the front yard of local businesses... gaining notoriety and a few donations too! Real Estate Cafe is happy to support our local youth... and being an office made up of primarily women, we just so happen to be suckers for pink too! If you're in the neighborhood, stop by for a cup of coffee and take a look at our pink ladies!  Who knows, you might ... 05/02/2011

Special Events, Outdoor Gardens, Party Locations, Venues - Grants Pass, Oregon The Josephine County Historical Society is announcing their new venue in the beautiful garden and Gazebo of the Historic Schmidt House. This lovely setting is now available for your next special event or party, whether it be a wedding, shower, anniversary party or family reunion.  The newly completed Gazebo and Schmidt House garden will help set the stage for your special event! The historic Schmidt House is located at 508 S.W. Fifth Street in Grants Pass. Please call the Josephine County Historical Society at 541 479-7827 for all the details before planning your next Special Event or Party! 04/28/2011

Good Morning Sunshine!  I've been missing you... but I'm glad you've decided to pay me a visit.  You've been a little distant lately... what's up with that?!  I won't hold it against ya.  My welcome mat is still on the porch awaiting your grand arrival.  Forgive me if I don't leave the light on for you... I'm hoping your most excellent rays will guide you to my door.   I'm very excited to see you.  In celebration of your visit, I"ll be whipping up a batch of something special just for you.  You can count on it being warm, sweet and yummy!  You know there's always something good brewing at the Cafe.  See you soon! Good Morning Sunshine!  I've Been Missing You... 04/28/2011

President Ulysses Grant - Grants Pass, Oregon Since Grants Pass was named to honor Ulysses Grant, I thought a bit of historic trivia would be of interest. Throughout my adolescence, they thought that his name was Ulysses Simpson Grant. Actually, Hiram Ulysses Grant was born in Georgetown, Ohio on April 27, 1822. When the Congressman who appointed him to West Point was filling out the paperwork couldn't remember Grant's middle name, he just put Grants mother's maiden name on the form, since it was custom of that era to connect families in that manner. Once inside the Point, Grant did not make an effort to correct the error, as one does not make waves in the United States Military Academy when appointed as a cadet, besides with the initials H.U.G. he would have been teased unmercifully th... 04/27/2011

Are you running from mediocrity?  If not, you should be. No more are the days of easy sales combined with ordinary service.  Expectations are on the rise and our performance should be as well.  ‘Getting by' is simply not a sufficient state of mind or being... it's ordinary and less than.  Times like these demand the extraordinary.  If your current state of mind is wearing you down, perhaps it's time for a pep talk.  Albert Einstein said the definition of insanity... is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  Profound. Are you running from mediocrity?  If not, you should be.  Here are a few simple steps to reach extraordinary results, both personally and professionally.  The First Step ~ Owning It.  Accept personal responsibility for your current state ... 04/25/2011

Turnout Gear Suspenders - Grants Pass, Oregon Turnout Gear Suspenders  that are built by men  who "walk the walk!"     Better S-Penders are premium turnout gear  made right here in Southern Oregon, USA.                     Better S-Penders are made by loggers and firefighters who have used the product in the field! When the company became available for purchase, they bought it. Better S-Penders are field-tested by loggers and structural firefighters. "When you are engaged in a life-threatening wildfire, you can't afford anything but the best, and Better S-Penders are the only ones I would bet my life on!" "I'll bet Paul Bunyon would walk here from Minnesota to own a pair of Better S-Penders." Regardless if you're a logger, firefighter, commercial fisherman, heavy equipment operator, or ... 04/23/2011

As They Ride Off Into Their Delusional Sunset... I'm patting myself on the back.  For what, you might ask?  For standing up for myself and saying NO.  Saying NO to what?  Saying NO to a bad business decision.   Have you ever worked with a seller who was completely delusional about their asking price?  Or perhaps a buyer who wanted you to drive them around for three days looking at 50 properties when they haven't bothered to get pre-approved.  You were so excited to get the call, that you never asked yourself the important question... Is this a good business decision?  Absolutely NOT! How do you define good business decisions?  Here's a barometer I use frequently... Will my actions cause a withdrawal or deposit to my emotional, spiritual and physical bank account?  Any time I erase (with... 04/16/2011