South Lyon and the charm of one of it's neighboring attractions!

As many places as I go to show and sell houses, it's always such a joy to do so in South Lyon.  I love the city of South Lyon. Especially the heart of the downtown.  But what I consider to be "South Lyon" is more than just the 3.5 sq. miles that officially define the "city." We are surrounded by many many miles of townships and municipalities that all share something in common... The South Lyon Community School System! All of South Lyon, Lyon Twp and New Hudson and parts of Green Oak, Salem and Northfield Twp are within the South Lyon Community School District. So, when I talk about being the "South Lyon Area" Realtor... I'm talking about the city itself as well as all of the surrounding communities which may be similar to South Lyon by way of their "charm" but each offering it's own unique character and flare!

One of those areas of "character" would be Salem Twp. Although the Village of Salem itself has much history and charm to speak of, I thought it was appropriate to tell you about a particular place in Salem Township that has been getting quite a bit of attention lately... but for unfortunate reasons.

That place is the Three Cedars Farm, located in Salem Twp on the corner of 6 mile and Angle Rd. Maybe you've been there?  It's owned and operated by Gary and Sherry Whittaker who live on the property in the breathtaking old farmhouse they lovingly restored. And you cannot miss the huge red barn which has housed many a square dance, wedding, charity function and countless other events for families, groups, city entities and charitable organizations.

During the fall there are hay rides and corn mazes, bonfires as well as a pumpkin patch and a cider mill offering fresh cider and donuts. The Christmas Season is one that brings people from all over to see the thousands of lights, spectacular holiday decor, the larger than life Nativity scene and a chance for the little ones to visit Santa and Mrs. Clause. Whether you enjoy sleigh rides or hay rides, the Three Cedars Farm has something for all ages, including a charming general store offering handmade crafts, home decor and delightful penny candy and other treats!

If you've had the pleasure of experiencing this little country getaway as myself and my family has, you know what a treasure it has become to the area. If you have not yet had the chance, and what I have told you so far has made you want to come and see for yourself.... I'm sorry but that is not possible this Christmas season. Why? Well.... apparently after 9 years of operating under it's original "Agricultural" classification, some of the powers that be decided they needed to change the rules for this family run business.

Without getting into the "politics" of it all and whether or not it's right for such a business to ever have operated under such guidelines, I find it a shame that this situation should come up just before the holiday season that so many people were looking forward to sharing within the fences of this delightful establishment. While I fear it is too late for this Christmas season, I hope that the motives of the township officials are pure and they will be forthcoming and quick when working with the Whittaker's on resolving this issue. Not only does the Three Cedars Farm offer fun for the public ... it also gives of itself and it's profits to organizations who help those in need. And the longer the operation stays closed, the more the organizations that count on the Whittaker's generous donations generated by Three Cedars will suffer.

While the city of South Lyon and the surrounding areas will all have plenty to offer this holiday season... and I DO hope you will find the time to come join us... I also hope that by this time next year, you will be able to enjoy and share in all that is offered by the Whittaker's and what they've built with their hands, heart and soul at the Three Cedars Farm!
For more information about Three Cedars visit this link:
http://threecedarsfarm.org/index.asp

If you are thinking of buying or selling in South Lyon or any of the surrounding areas... call me...

 Lee Ann Capp-Tolinski...

Your South Lyon Area Expert!

248-504-6615 or email me at cappski@msn.com.

Got Fear?? Get Over It!!

So, I had this "fear" ... Not that it's completely gone.. and we don't even need to put a name on it just now... But I made a huge step towards squashing it today. There are so many parts to my job that I love to do and I would do them all day long if I could... especially when it involves being face to face with people.. and/or watching someone's reaction when we find that perfect house; Or helping first-time buyers get into the home that they plan to start their family in... Or helping a seller transition from the home they've watched their children grow up in to something more fitting for a "new lifestyle" ... And yes, even the occasional dinner awarded after taking the time to personally help a client move in or out of a home! Been there and done all of the above and more... and have loved most every minute of it!

Then there's the other stuff. The prospecting, the cold calling and even the warm calling. Not my favorite.. not by a long shot! What's the big deal? For alot of people maybe it's not... For me... ugh. The thought of picking up the phone to call some unsuspecting soul in order to see if I might be of some service to them sends shivers up and down my spine... For the love of god... why should I call them if they haven't expressed a need??

As my business coach says... "That is your "drunk monkey" talkin' on your shoulder!" I know what you're thinking... Just like me when I first heard that... What the heck is a drunk monkey?? lol.  Well, after I got used to the term, I came to realize that we all have one. Whether it's been at a job, or perhaps a social or family situation... we have all experienced a "drunk monkey" talking to us! This is the little guy (voice) that talks to us and tries to convince us why we shouldn't attempt to do some of the things we know we have to do in order to succeed! Know what I'm talking about now? Well, for me, when it comes to picking up that phone, it's not the heaviness of the phone that stops me... It's that darn drunk monkey! And my drunk monkey has a very very large "fear of rejection." Fear that someone might feel my message is not worth hearing... or that I am "bothering" the person on the other end of the line... etc.

So... today, I ignored the monkey. I picked up the phone and made calls... and calls... and calls. And yes, it's possible that not everyone was thrilled to death to hear from me... but.. there is another side! During my dialing "binge" I discovered something.. Or maybe because it had been such a long time, I was just "reminded" of something....There were people who actually were happy I called... Some because they simply love to keep "updated" on what's happening in Real Estate and others just because they hadn't heard from me in so long they were just happy to say hello! Hmmm. Imagine that!! Granted... today did not result in an immediate listing or an immediate sale... but I did make some new connections as well as some re-connections that will be of immeasureable value for reasons both personally and professionally.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is... "Got fear?" You need to get over it. How? Well, another thing that my coach said really hit home.. You will force yourself to get over the "fear" when the "pain" of staying stuck in the same spot out-weighs that which you are afraid of! Wow right?!?! The only weight I needed to get off my shoulder was that of my darn drunk monkey! lol. I'm not gonna pretend that he won't quietly creep up there again, but I have a feeling that next time, he will be much much easier to push off!
So... what's your drunk monkey saying to you?? I would love to hear from you! In the meantime... here's a few quotes that others have uttered that may help...

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
Frank Herbert

If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.
Marcus Aurelius

And last but not least... for my "warrior women" out there...

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt