Long Hollow

Raindrops are falling on my head…

November 25, 2013

…and I'm glad of it! We've needed the rain! Ponds are filling up and I'm already envisioning the fields of wildflowers we'll have in the spring.

The rain brought other gifts, too. I've been trying to capture a tiny reflection in a raindrop for a long, long, long time. This week I finally did it! Can you see it up there?

Here are a few more sweet!s from the past week…

Monday: a friend who will change her plans to go check on your mom for you; a growing collection of clients and potential clients; the full moon rising over the horizon; friends' prayers for your mom

Tuesday: your mom NOT having pneumonia; attending an event downtown with your son…and bumping into a friend there

Wednesday: publishing your first listing on MLS…and friends helping to get the word out about it; the Knights of Columbus Silver Rose visiting your church

Thursday: working in your church for a week so the secretary can take a vacation; good news on a parishioner's surgery; Giving Trees; church volunteers

Friday: the first fire in your wood-burning stove; spicy chili; having a double-oven when one decides to break; sharing popcorn and silly movies with your kids

Saturday: a morning walk with no mosquitoes buzzing in your face; not having to leave the Hollow on a cold, wet day; referrals from friends

Sunday: raindrops falling on the surface of a pond that was recently a dry field covered in snow-on-the-prairies flowers; meeting long-distance clients in person for the first time and welcoming them to Austin; making it to your writing group meeting for the first time in weeks

Monday: ordering your Christmas cards in time to mail them before Christmas for the first time in a few years; colleagues who are willing to share what they've learned; homemade chicken soup on a cold night; submitting paperwork so you can get paid; your husband figuring out what's wrong with your oven and fixing it, without having to buy a single part, so you're ready for Thanksgiving…

What were some of your sweet! moments from the past week? Please share! And have a blessed Thanksgiving week!!

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
Real Estate

November 23, 2013

After years of searching for that just-right career, I finally found it a few years ago: Texas REALTOR®!

It’s a flexible job where I can be my own boss, grow a business, help people with their real estate needs and their career goals, continue to be challenged and learn something new every day, and work alongside wonderful colleagues.

It’s also a great excuse to be social…to get out and meet new people, as well as stay in touch with friends and clients. All the things I love doing anyway!

When I think back on my lifelong fascination with houses (designing and exploring, buying, selling, and building) this career path really makes sense.

So… If you or someone you know has a real estate need, call or send me a note. I can help, no matter where you live. I have connections all over the world! Also feel free to call if you want to find out more about becoming a REALTOR® yourself.

Reach me at barbarashallue@kw.com and check out my website: www.barbarashallue-austin.com

I also have a blog about real estate, Your Austin Sweet Austin Home where I’ll showcase my listings, provide information about Austin neighborhoods and the surrounding communities, plus tips about buying selling, relocating, investing… you name it.

Let me know what you want to know!

Even if you don’t live in Austin, you can search for homes in your area (or any area via zip code) with your smart phone using my GPS-based mobile app.

My business depends on referrals from friends, family, and past clients, so I thank you in advance for letting me know who I can help.

Texas law requires all real estate license holders to give the following information about brokerage services to prospective buyers, tenants, sellers and landlords….

Information about Brokerage Services

Consumer Protection Notice
Random 5 Friday

November 22, 2013

1. Max can still run. Considering all the times over the past couple of years I thought the "early lameness" diagnosis was coming true, watching him disappear into the woods with Belle after a deer makes my heart soar!

2. After a year of posting an old piano on Craig's List, I finally sold it back in August. The woman asked if she could pick it up in a week or so because they were going on vacation.

I haven't heard a word since and she doesn't respond to my emails. So…can I sell it again? Anyone know the protocol on things like this?

3. Two years ago I started using minoxidil for my thinning hair. I blogged about it at the beginning, and then a year later with the results. I also published that post on Vibrant Nation, where it triggered conversations that are still going on today.

It makes me feel good knowing my post triggered that dialog, and possibly provided a solution, for other women who struggle with the same problem.

4. Yesterday it was in the 80's here. This morning we woke to drizzly 40's that steadily dropped all day.

Brrrr! How do you people up north live with this for months and months?

5. I spent a lot of time looking up this week…
1102 Cliffview Drive, Spicewood, Texas: A Slice of Pedernales Pretty

November 20, 2013

I stood near a rocky, cactus-covered cliff on Saturday, staring down at a bend in the Pedernales River that still sparkled with water, despite this drought that has lingered for so long here in central Texas.

What a sweet surprise and relief to see that water! When I listed this long, narrow acre-ish lot on Cliffview Drive in Spicewood, sight unseen, rumors of a dry Pedernales made me a little anxious about its marketability.

But even though much of the riverway is now covered in grass and dotted with grounded docks, the view from the cliff made up for the lack of jetskis zipping back and forth below me. We don't get views like that down in my Hollow.

I stood there longer than I intended to, soaking it all in and letting the breeze blowing up from the canyon wrap around me. It was easy to imagine sitting on a porch or a second-story deck of a home nestled on that rise above the canyon, watching the sun set on the hills stetching out to the west.

But here, let's go back to the front of the property and I'll give you a proper tour…

You'll drive in from FM 2322, a small highway that takes you to Pace Bend Park, the Briarcliff Marina, and Willie Nelson's Cut-N-Putt, otherwise known as the Pedernales Golf Club, in one direction, and Highway 71 in the other.

A short jaunt down Highway 71 will take you to the Hill Country Galleria, Hamilton Pool, and with a little more driving, either downtown Austin or downtown Llano.

Good barbecue no matter which way you go.

Follow me through this totally Texan gate. You can see the lot is already cleared for a driveway, but it's a little overgrown again. I hope you're wearing your walking shoes!

This stand of small trees provides privacy from Cliffview Drive.

Did I mention this was a long, deep lot? It's completely fenced, though.

You did wear your walking shoes, didn't you?

The view wasn't the only thing that caught my eye. I spotted this family of tiny cacti snuggling in the crevices of a large rock.

Besides the driveway, a building site has also been partially cleared, positioned just right for those awesome views.

It's a steep drop to the river from here.

Looking toward the north again.

Water!

Looking to the south.

The middle section reminds me a lot of my Hollow!

Time to head back to the car. Can you see it way down there? (Don't worry, there's plenty of cold water waiting for us!)

I know the right buyer is out there somewhere. Please help me connect them to this beautiful place! If you'd like more information on 1102 Cliffview Drive, Spicewood, Texas 78669, I'd love to share! Just ask!
Daughters-in-Law and other sweet!s

November 17, 2013

Yesterday I drove to the other side of Austin to wish my daughter-in-law a happy birthday in person for the first time, grateful that they finally live close enough that I can do that. It comes in handy for someone like me who always forgets to put birthday cards in the mail in time to arrive by the actual birthday.

I first met her when she was in high school, and have watched mostly from a distance as she grew into the beautiful, smart, fun 26-year-old woman she is today…

(photo by Bloom Photography)

They're settling into their new home and I love being able to see the progress. Tommy even installed one of those pull-down stairs to the attic in the garage, all by himself! And every time I go, Kirby has added new decorative touches.

It was pretty early in the morning – I was on my way to a new listing on that side of town – and they wouldn't let me take any new photos of them. But my grandpuppy Josie was willing to pose for my camera!

Pretty girl!

Here are a few other sweet!s from the past week…

Monday: open roads when you're running late; support and guidance in your new job; figuring out problems on your own; your son cooking dinner for you

Tuesday: signed contracts; exploring cute little flipped houses; riding in a car full of women realtors

Wednesday: clear skies on your drive to and from Houston; giving your mom a birthday hug and kiss, and joining your brother, sister, niece, and nephew in helping her celebrate

Thursday: lunch at Mandolo's with your daughter; traveling to Munich and Prague via your son's photos

Friday: finally buying a new printer/scanner/copier, thanks to your thoughtful writing group; taking a break from everything to read a few chapters of "Game of Thrones" for the first time in weeks

Saturday: your name and number on a For Sale sign in front of a listing; water in the Pedernales River, despite the major drought; soaking in views of the Texas Hill Country; helping raise money for the sons of a friend who died way too young; seeing the full moon slip above the horizon as the sun sets in fiery glory behind you; celebrating a friend's 60th birthday

Sunday: a walk with your puppies before Mass; selling something on Craig's List; driving around Austin on a beautiful day; setting up your new printer; catching up with a friend/neighbor/client over a glass of wine; moonlight on a caliche road

Whew! That was quite a week. I hope yours was full of sweet! moments! Share them here!

"There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate."

~Robert Brault
Lesson #82 (Thank you, and Happy Birthday, Mama!)

November 13, 2013
Today is my beautiful Mama's birthday. Soon I'll be on my way to Houston to celebrate another year of having her in my life.

I hope the coming year will be full of laughter and happiness for her. She's been through so many changes this past year, the toughest being having to say goodbye to the love of her life, my Daddy, and I hope she gets a little break.

It hasn't been an easy goodbye or transition to life without him. Some days are easier than others. Even though there were many times in my life when I thought their marriage was over, their love for each other pulled them through. It was a fierce love, stronger than any differences between them.

I see that strength in all my mom does. Over the past few weeks since we lost Daddy, I've witnessed more laughter than tears, and a steely determination to continue on, even if she doesn't quite see the point. She trusts that God has his reasons, and more importantly, that He will give her whatever strength she needs for the road ahead.

I believe that's called Faith, and it's Lesson #82 on this list I began compiling several years ago in honor of her 77th birthday. It's easy to add to it every year with a mother like mine, and I'm so grateful it continues to grow.

The mother's heart is the child's school-room.

~Henry Ward Beecher

(With some of her kids, grandkids…and Daddy…on Mother's Day)

Happy birthday, Mama, with much love and gratitude!

Things Mama has taught me…
1. it's never too late to learn something new
2. if you have a choice between laughter and tears, choose laughter.
3. don't let anyone mess with your babies!
4. only give advice when asked for it (I'm still working on that one)
5. pray every day
6. pray some more
7. reading a good book might not solve your problems, but it's a nice escape from them
8. bend but never break
9. some people are just takers
10. be nice whenever possible, but sometimes nice doesn't cut it
11. take care of family
12. we're all individuals – let your kids blossom into themselves, not "mini-me's"
13. be there
14. Johnny Weismuller is the best movie Tarzan
15. don't be in a rush to be older than you are – you're only going to be this age once in your life
16. if you like something, and you'll use it, and you can afford it, then buy it, or you'll regret it later
17. quality over quantity
18. never think "can't"
19. people will stand in line for a dead skunk if it's free
20. roll with the punches
21. have fun
22. laugh often
23. believe in yourself
24. don't let others change who you are
25. be honest
26. don't steal
27. forgive yourself
28. God loves me
29. don't judge
30. just do it!
31. inside matters more than outside
32. don't use God's name in vain
33. you can learn anything if you put your mind to it
34. you're never too old to dance
35. it's okay to ask for help
36. show appreciation and express gratitude
37. use my manners
38. consider the source
39. an office or position of authority should be respected, but the individual in that position has to earn your respect
40. sleep is good
41. take advantage of opportunities
42. keep your eyes open and your wits about you
43. people aren't always nice
44. things can't make you happy
45. use your imagination
46. just get started and the rest will be easy
47. don't be intimidated by anyone – we're all the same, all human, we all have strengths and weaknesses
48. you can love someone even if you don't like them
49. forgive but don't forget
50. learn from others' mistakes
51. there are times for being patient, and time for putting your foot down
52. speak up
53. stand up for what you believe in
54. admit your mistakes and expect others to do the same
55. persistance pays off
56. let your kids be kids
57. love unconditionally
58. take lots of pictures
59. kids grow up fast
60. your kids need a mother, not another friend
61. pets are family
62. help others
63. a sense of humor is essential for sanity and survival
64. if you look close enough, you can find something to love about everyone
65. coffee is good anytime
66. messes can be cleaned up
67. prayer works
68. God is strong all the time – let him carry you
69. if you say you're going to do something, do it
70. be nice to yourself in case no one else is
71. you have to show respect to get respect
72. girls are tough
73. don't put up with temper tantrums
74. listen to your body – doctors don't know everything
75. don't say everything you're thinking
76. asking questions is the best way to learn something
77. your babies are always your babies (and their babies are your babies, too!)
78. God is.
79. Just listen.
80. people are more important than things
81. there is a time to help others, and a time to let others help you
82. God has his reasons, and He will give you whatever strength you need for the road ahead…and never leave you to walk it alone.
Today is Veterans Day…

November 11, 2013

"Lord, if your people need me, I will not refuse the work. Your will be done."

~St. Martin of Tours

My big brother Buster was headed to Viet Nam, saying his goodbyes, when I stood beside him in this photograph and smiled. I had no idea what was ahead of him. This was probably taken before his first tour of duty and so he had only a vague idea himself what to expect.

When he volunteered for his second tour, however, he knew full well what he was stepping into…but he did it anyway.

My dad was in high school when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He joined the Navy soon after high school graduation because his country was at war and "it was the thing to do." In the next twenty-two months he traveled a long way from Texas aboard the U.S.S. Geneva…to places like the Philippines, the Marshall Islands, China, Burma, Japan.

Before he turned twenty, he had seen cities that had been destroyed by war and piles of dead bodies waiting to be buried.

A few years later, his little brother Bobby followed his lead and joined the Navy, and many years later, so did my brother Donnie and two nephews.

Pop, my wonderful father-in-law, missed out on World War II, but joined the Air Force in time for the Korean War. He worked base supply in Okinawa, supporting bombers flying missions to Korea…about 100 aircraft every day.

He re-enlisted, got married, and hopped around the globe…living in England, Germany, and over a year in Pakistan, separated from his family (the other heroes – Mom had 8 teenage and younger boys to deal with by herself!)…visiting a dozen other countries…eventually staying put for awhile in Maryland, working with NSA (and a second job at the bowling alley to make ends meet), until his retirement.

A lifetime of service and sacrifice for this country.

My husband Tom was raised in a military family. For him it was normal to move every few years to someplace completely different…by the time he was eight or nine years old, he had lived in three countries!

He grew up on a tight budget – hand-me-downs, powdered milk and only two cookies a day…period! And yet as soon as he could, he joined the service…the Coast Guard. Among other things, he helped rescue fisherman off the coast of Alaska.

Four of his brothers also joined the service (three career Air Force, just like their dad, and another Coast Guard) and the youngest joined the Army Reserves. Now the next generation is following in their footsteps: two Air Force and one Coast Guard…and even marrying other service members!

I think it's very fitting that Veterans Day shares November with Thanksgiving, a day when we slow down to remember and be grateful for things that we usually take for granted, because veterans, despite the sacrifices they make for all of us, probably don't even make it onto our Thanksgiving thank-you list.

That's how much most of us take them for granted – as well as the freedoms they protect for us. Even when our country isn't at war, they go where they are needed to unfamiliar places, away from extended family, often living on a minimum salary. To many, they are a symbol of war, not peace, and sadly become targets of derision, scorn, blame… and even violence, like the sad incident at Ft. Hood a few years ago.

They deserve to be thanked every day of the year. A friend of mine says that when he's in a restaurant and sees a man or woman in uniform, he secretly pays their bill. What a wonderful idea! I think more of us should go out of our way every day to show our appreciation, but I'm glad there is at least one special day where we shine a spotlight on them, remember their sacrifices and make clear our gratitude.

Thank you Daddy, Tom, Pop, Buster, Donnie, Uncle Bobby, Uncle Howard, Kenny, Steve, Joe, Robbie, John, Sheila, Michael, Tom, Lynn, Robbin, Evan…and all of the other Veterans, past and present, out there! Because of you, we're free to go about our daily lives, without a thought in the world to how much that freedom costs or how much you've given.

But let's hope we do remember the price, as well as those who, through their actions, say "Don't worry. I got this."

(If this sounds familiar, it's a re-post from last year and the year before and the year before, with just a few tweeks. With the passing of Daddy and his brother, Bobby, this past year, and Pop last year, this day feels especially poignant.)
Butterflies and other sweet!s

November 10, 2013

I'm still behind on emails and blog reading and writing my children's story, which means I still haven't figured out how to squeeze more time out of a day, but…

…from the back porch I can see the hollow changing colors; and hear the music of our little waterfall joined by a chorus of frogs.

…my little real estate train is moving a little faster and farther down the track.

…and tonight I get to go hear Harry Connick Jr. perform live, thanks to a generous friend.

Sweet! Sweet! Sweet!

Here are a few others from the past week…

Monday: joining other bloggers in calling for peace around the world; soft sound of rain falling on the leaves above you; systems finally falling into place; your car passing inspection; friends who keep your business in mind and give you real estate referrals; seasoned agents who generously share advice and tips for success; new listings

Tuesday: photography shoots; property tours with friends; sweet potato french fries; a call from your mom

Wednesday: your name drawn to win a $50 Visa card; appointments with client-friends; helping a young couple find just the right house to lease for them and their two big dogs

Thursday: cotton candy clouds at sunrise; bundling up for a morning walk; mist rising from your pond; colleagues who share their tips for success; the way Photoshop can erase wrinkles; moving closer to closing deals; taking part in a discernment; Terry Boer's Chicken and Rice Casserole (recipe to come soon!)

Friday: colorful sunrises; enthusiastic, supportive colleagues; lunch with your daughter; spicy soup on a cool day; a funny-movie-double-feature-evening with your kids

Saturday: mornings with no alarm clocks; moving forward on a transaction; dropping in on a friend; Mary Kay's homemade corn chowder; a UT Longhorn win, shared with friends

Sunday: Mass with your family; talking with your mom, even if it's just over the phone; butterflies; researching a haunted house for a customer; anticipation of hearing Harry Connick Jr. in person!

What sweet!s did you collect over the past week? Share them!

(And if you've figured out how to squeeze more seconds from a day, please share that, too!)

‎"Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is
beautiful; for beauty is God's handwriting – a wayside sacrament.

Welcome it in
every fair face, in every fair sky, in every fair flower, and thank God for it
as a cup of blessing."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thanksgiving Comes First

November 6, 2013

This is a repost. I hope one day I can stop reposting it…

Halloween is behind us. According to the calendar, the next holiday here in the states is Veteran's Day, followed by Thanksgiving, but have you noticed there are already Christmas commercials on the TV and jingle bells are taking over the stores?

For the fourth year in a row, I'm joining blogger "Suldog" Jim Sullivan in his outspoken stance on giving Thanksgiving its due time before we're all wrapped up in red and green and tied with a fancy bow.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven…

~Eccleciastes 3:1

I wrote this last year, and the year before, but it's still just as true: This whole campaign isn't just about Thanksgiving. It's about time and seasons and silence and space and simplifying.

It's about focusing on one thing at a time and giving it all you've got, everything it deserves. It's about truly experiencing a season, thinking about what it means and being in the moment, not rushing ahead.

If you feel you don't have enough time to prepare for Christmas if you wait until after Thanksgiving, perhaps you're making it too complicated. Trying to do too much. Focusing on the wrapping on the box instead of what's inside.

Time goes by too fast as it is and life has gotten more and more complicated.

I’ve learned that we can do anything, but we can’t do everything… at least not at the same time. Timing is everything.

~Dan Millman

Timing is everything. Let's take time to relish and focus. Let's slow down and simplify. Let's take things one at a time.

But, as one friend said, "The only way you will EVER change this is to hit them in the pocketbook." So please join your voice and your pocketbook with me to remind the retailers that…

Please hop over and read Suldog's post HERE and another beautiful essay about Thanksgiving written last year HERE. And if you're on Facebook, like the page HERE and then share it with your friends!

Okay, what the heck. While you're at it, click on the little "Share This" button at the bottom of my post to share it on Google+ or Facebook or Twitter or Pinterest or wherever you like to share.

Help spread the word so our voices get LOUD.

Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life… a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year – and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God.

~Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)
Dona Nobis Pacem

November 4, 2013

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other. "

~Mother Teresa

Today is the 10th Blog Blast for Peace Day, a worldwide plead for peace…a responsibility not put on governments alone, but on each one of us.

Dona Nobis Pacem…grant us peace.

We are the seeds of peace. May we all allow ourselves to grow, and by our example, spread the message. Peace walks hand-in-hand with love.

Here's an example of someone who has peace in his heart and knows he is called to share it…

Peace be with you…

…and may peace flow out of you to everyone around you, so that they may share it, too.

"Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me."

~Seymour Miller & Jill Jackson

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