Category: General

Wise Words From Anthony Hopkins

“I know that I have less to live than I have lived.
I feel like a child who was given a box of chocolates. He enjoys eating it, and when he sees that there is not much left, he starts to eat them with a special taste.
I have no time for endless lectures on public laws – nothing will change. And there is no desire to argue with fools who do not act according to their age. And there’s no time to battle the gray. I don’t attend meetings where egos are inflated and I can’t stand manipulators.
I am disturbed by envious people who try to vilify the most capable to grab their positions, talents and achievements.
I have too little time to discuss headlines – my soul is in a hurry.
Too few candies left in the box.
I’m interested in human people. People who laugh at their mistakes are those who are successful, who understand their calling and don’t hide from responsibility. Who defends human dignity and wants to be on the side of truth, justice, righteousness. This is what living is for.
I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch the hearts of others. Who, through the blows of fate, was able to rise and maintain the softness of the soul.
Yes, I hustle, I hustle to live with the intensity that only maturity can give. I’ll eat all the candy I have left – they’ll taste better than the ones I already ate.
My goal is to reach the end in harmony with myself, my loved ones and my conscience.
I thought I had two lives, but it turned out to be only one, and it needs to be lived with dignity.”
Brilliant Anthony Hopkins

Let’s compare February 2024 to 2023

I’ve heard a few people say they are waiting for the prices of homes to go down. There is nothing to indicate that will happen, quite the contrary, they are up 14.8% from a year ago. All the more reason to land where you want to be now and enjoy your life. I’m always available for a cup of coffee to chat about your housing goals. Call me at 616.292.3712

What is the last thing you learned?

Dailyprompt 1870

The last thing I learned is that no matter your age, your attitude is what will define you. If you live with the attitude that you are old, you will act and be old. If you live with an attitude that there is so much life left and so much to experience, then, God willing, you will do so. Iris Apfel and Betty White exemplified that mindset for me and I’m all in.

Could this be your next home?

 Step into a world of sophistication with this exceptional 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath condo in the coveted Inglenook neighborhood. Detached living (no shared walls) and quality finishes, from solid wood doors, hardwood floors, and Anderson windows, provide a home that not only captures the eye but also stands the test of time. Functional elegance defines the main floor, which offers a great room with a welcoming fireplace and a thoughtfully designed kitchen. The main floor also features an office/den, an owner’s bedroom with a private bath, and laundry. The lower level, bathed in daylight, is an inviting space for guests, offering two bedrooms, a full bath, and gathering room. Two-car attached garage. Located on Forest Hills Trails, a 50-mile walking/bike path. listing courtesy of Cheryl Grant RE/MAX of Grand Rapids

Inglenook Condominiums

Another Birthday Celebration

My daughter just turned 45, WAIT, WHAT?!? Didn’t I just turn 45?!? Alicia is my first born and blazed into the world 9 weeks early, weighing all of 3 lbs. 2 oz. I believe this is when my resolve about life started. After 3 miscarriages Dr’s said babies were not to be for me because of an abnormality with my body. I kept a journal and marked every day of that pregnancy with a star, another day, another day, and with a lot of bedrest I was determined to keep her safe until she was at a minimum of 32 weeks when I knew she had a fighting chance, when I knew that every day after that was a blessing ……. Fast forward to 2023 and nothing like the cold dose of reality to slap you in the face. She is 45!! Birthdays can remind us that time is moving along and maybe it is time to adjust our sails. Time to look at that bucket list or start a bucket list if you don’t have one. Time to take that risk and do something fun and/or challenging that you have been putting off. It could be time to take a good look at your home and decide if, with a few modifications, you can stay in place as you age or do you need to move? I had to throw that one in there because that is what I do, help my fellow seniors with lifestyle decisions. Life keeps moving along and change is inevitable. It is your attitude that makes all the difference. Pick someone older than you that you admire. My pick was always Betty White. What a lovely, funny, kind woman. I am sure she had days that weren’t so great, but she always kept moving, always seemed to have her mindset on the positive. Did you ever notice how people cringe when they say how old they are? Why? If you are in your 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s OWN it and give thanks to the good Lord above that you are alive, have lived longer than some of your family members, friends, and classmates, and get that head on straight, we Seniors still have a lot to do.

So, what exactly did my daughters birthday make me realize? That I need to act on my impulses when something pops into my mind. It is time to stop saying I will do it later, I will go there next year, I will visit or call my friend tomorrow. The question is not how old you are, it is how old do you appear, how old do you act? At 70, I am still working, I’m President of my 750 homeowners association where I live (quite frankly I never saw that one coming), I help with my great granddaughter 2 days a week, I meet friends for lunch, do my own yardwork, keep my house up to date, spend time at what I call my North Office near Mackinac Island, and yes, I do sell homes there too. I love to go to the Caribbean in the Winter, and I’m in 2 book clubs. This is me, but probably isn’t you. Some of you may do more than me, some less. You have your own set of things that make you, you. Do them! I know there will probably come a time when my sails will need to be adjusted, and when that happens, I intend to do it gratefully and gracefully. Happy Birthday Alicia, and thanks for the attitude adjustment!