Several weeks ago I wrote "My Broker Wants a Divorce" – and asked for your suggestions. Thanks colleagues for your truly valuable comments! Since then the papers have been signed, sealed and delivered – by hand.  Stand Up/ Stand out is my new business adventure….. offering marketing/branding and consultation for businesses; motivational speaking; workshops and mentoring for REALTORS®. Salesmanship Now and How to be Memorable are just two of the topics.  Simply stated, divorce is a terrible thing – regardless of the circumstances. We can choose to allow ourselves to be a victim or raise some dust and grow strong/grow fast. If the urge is to kick b_ _ _, kick our own fanny and move on!  Your encouragement has been heartfelt and sincere – helping me find another way to be effective as a... 11/05/2013

  We’ve all heard the old saying “how time flies when you’re having fun” -  these phrases were used most likely by our parents and grandparents. To my amazement, it is seventy years since the Glenn Miller Orchestra made “Don’t Sit Under the apple Tree” one of the most famous songs of the second World War.                                                                                                The connotation and yearning were evident – “till I come marching home”. Even today there are many members of the Armed forces posted away from their partners and family members. On February 14th we are reminded to remember your valentine; an commercialized occasion that’s a boon for florists, restauranteurs, tourist operators and associated industries.  Imagine how exciting it would be to st... 02/04/2013

“Naturally, with a little help”… Over the Christmas break I had an opportunity to watch, again, the movie titled Funny Farm which was released in the late 1990’s. If the storyline has too many cobwebs now, you’ll likely remember the scene where the Sellers had penned up a deer – which was to be released at the perfect moment on a Buyers’ appointment.  Cueing the deer – so that it bounded across the snowy field in graceful leaps was a perfect touch. And funnily, though I’ve never actually set up any scenario, a couple of times in my career a perfect coincidence added to buyers’ appeal.  Every REALTOR® knows the importance of curb appeal to show a listing at its best. Neatly mown lawns, gardens and trailing window boxes, etc.. Every season of the year can lend itself naturally to setting ... 01/28/2013

  At this time of annual festivities, office parties, client gifting and a seemingly endless list of things-to-do;  let’s pause and reflect for just a moment. Surely we can take a short time for ourselves!  Last evening I watched on T-V the historic movie “A Christmas Carol”. This version starred George C. Scott as Ebenezer, and honestly, it surpassed all other performances in this role I’ve ever viewed. The timeliness of course is not lost on anyone – and even when we think we’re kindly and thoughtful of others – a nudge now and then puts things in perspective. The modern world, and all who toil therein, is indeed comprised of more spectacular developments over the past fifty years than imaginable. Men and women who now may be aging grandparents have seen more in their lifetime than an... 12/18/2012

As we enter 2012, we are seeing alot more homes being sold by the bank. Homes that have been repossessed by the lender because the owners failed to pay the mortgage are foreclosures, or power of sales. Thousands of homes end up in foreclosure every year. Many people lose their homes due to job loss, credit problems or unexpected expenses.   It is wise to be cautious when considering a foreclosure. It is important to have the house thoroughly inspected and to be sure that any liens, undisclosed mortgages or court judgments are cleared or at least disclosed.   When you are ready to make an investment into a foreclosure property, I can put my expert knowledge to work for you. Muskoka has seen an increase in Power of Sale homes over the last few years. These Muskoka real estate listings are... 01/05/2012

  Last week I received an e-mail from an enterprising real estate publication which is garnering a good online following.  Part of the contents was a list of several “things to consider” when assessing and possibly re-vamping one’s business practices;  timed perfectly for grey November. One of the subjects that caught my attention is one often-discussed among colleagues.. .. Those customers who won’t commit, or clients who never progress from the first stages to actually making a decision.  In the Province where I practice, the legislation states that an agency relationship be established in writing as soon as possible. For some REALTORS® it is immediately upon meeting – if only for that first day out on the road…Other salespeople give a one day “free trial” to personally decide whether... 12/06/2011

Road Trips - Bala Cranberry Festival A sure sign that Christmas is just around the corner is the Annual Bala Cranberry Festival. With the Thanksgiving weekend upon us and Halloween fast approaching the Bala Cranberry festival offers a glimpse of Christmas and an opportunity to do a little early shopping. Bala Cranberry Festival information In Bala preparations are well underway for the 2011 Cranberry Festival that takes place October 14th, 15th from 9am to 5pm and on the 16th from 9am to 4pm. Entertainment Maple Street Stage Cran ANNE Look a like winner George Westerholm and This! Kenn Lewis Trio Madison Kozak Olde Tyme Gospel Band The  Eclectic Cmpany The Essentials The Jollyballers The Swells For schedules and further information check the Bala Cranberry Festival website Other feature... 10/09/2011

Summer's Come and Almost Gone The 2011 Fall Equinox is not until September 23, 5:05 A.M. EDT but for many this weekend is the unofficial end of summer. While some are doing last minute back to school preparations others are spending this weekend closing up their summer retreats while still others are wishing for a sunny day so they can enjoy this last long weekend of summer.   It seems it was not all that long ago that the spring thaw was taking place     and we were looking forward to summer     Soon the the mist rising off the waters will shroud the multi coloured leaves of fall     You can almost smell the burning leaves     Have A Great Day To Learn More About Life and Living In Uxbridge A community where neighbours work together and get involved in their community. Follow UxbridgeR... 09/04/2011

Gravenhurst, Ontario - Chain Saw Carving days SEPTEMBER CARVING DAYS Muskoka Warf Gravenhurst If you have ever driven north up Hwy 11 just south of Gravenhurst you've likely seen the wide assortment of wood figures from bears and wolves to mushrooms and human faces on the right hand side of the road the works of several artists around Ontario. Well on Saturday you can watch as 12 artists transform hunks of wood into a variety of subjects using a chainsaw This Muskoka Carving Event was the brainchild of a local carver John Kerr of Back Yard Stuff John has assembled 12 talented chainsaw carvers from around Ontario for this two day event at the Muskoka Warf in Gravenhurst. While  today's Carving is almost finished for the day you can still take in th show tomorrow Saturday September 3rd f... 09/02/2011

Summer Time And The Festivals Are Numerous Summer is definitely in full swing and so are the festivals fairs and boat shows across South Central Ontario. Living in Uxbridge, Ontario you are within 1 to1 1/ 2 hours of some of the Provinces best summertime events. There is not a weekend all summer long that there isn't something going on for your personal enjoyment. Here is another popular summertime festival in The Muskokas. The Baysville Walkabout Festival in Baysville, Ontario located at the south end of Lake of Bays Saturday July 23, 2011  9am - 4 pm Now in it's 23 year and wih over 120 arts and crafts vendors this festival is always a hit. here you will find displays of arts, crafts, antiques, woodworking, baking, and so much more just waiting for some one to fall in love with purcha... 07/17/2011

  I recently received an email from a frustrated home seller.  He found my ‘Ask-An-Expert’ section on my Muskoka Real Estatewebsite when searching for advice on selling his Muskoka home.   He told me that he has his beautiful home listed with another Agent, and is wondering why it is taking so long to sell. He has had numerous viewings and open houses, and made a few price adjustments, but after nearly 2 yrs on the market, still no offer.   Here is his email to me, with supporting pictures. Please take a look at this and give your opinion...   “Dear Sasha,   I have been trying to sell my home for the past 2 years now! To say I am frustrated with the whole situation is an understatement. My Agent gave me some pointers and suggestions just before we listed, and I did what was asked of me.... 07/10/2011

Gravenhurst Ontario - "Music on the Barge"  - Free Concerts "Music on the Barge"  continues a tradition of Sunday night concerts dating back to 1959 at it's picturesque waterfront setting in Gull Lake Rotary Park Gravenhurst - 7:30pm Sunday, July 10th Featuring - Shania Twin - Donna Huber The ultimate tribute to Shania Twain - Donna Huber is by far the best Shania Twain Tribute out there! After seeing a poster of Donna, Shania Twain commented, "I thought that was me" "Directions to the park Take hyw 11 north to interchange 169 Bethune Drive, Gravenhurst. Follow Bethune Drive to the Park Admission is Free with a collection being taken up during the performance. Rain Venue is the Gravenhurst Opera House at 295 Muskoka Rd. South in Gravenhurst Concerts start at 7:30 p.m. at Gull Lake Rotar... 07/07/2011

Gravenhurst Ontario - Canada Day Weekend - Concerts Canada Day Celebrations July 1st Fun for the whole family at Gull Lake Park with live bands beginning at noon Bracebridge Ontario Fireworks Bracebridge Bay claimed to be the best fireworks north of Barrie Presentedby theRotary Club of Bracebridge    Gravenhurst is the Place to be July 3rd  7:30pm The Lincolnaires will be playing at The Barge at Gull Lake Rotary Park, If you lived in Oshawa Ontario in the late 50's or early sixties and hung out at the Avalon there is a good chance you know who the Lincolnaires are. If you didn't then take a short trip to Gravenhurst this Sunday for the free concert in the park where they will bring back the memories to all rock and roll fans who still love the music of the late 50's and early 60's  Dire... 06/29/2011

Day Trips and Staycations - Muskoka, Ontario Huntsville and area - Canada Day Celebrations   Canada Day Celebrations - July 1st, 2011 Are you headed up to the Huntsville area of Muskoka this weekend? Here are just a few of the Canada Day Events you may want to visit.  Huntsville River Mill Park Canada Day Cake - 10amM.P.P. Parry Sound Muskoka Norm Miller, Mayor Claude Doughty will cut the Canada Day cake. Flags, tattoos & pins available. Enjoy music from Muskoka Concert Band 9:30-11am Girl 8 Festival - 7pmA concert featuring local female led performing artists - M.C. Grant Nickalls Admission by Donation Supporting The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation ... Muskoka Heritage Place Strawberry Social - 10am - 4pm Museum Admission Free - entertainment, demonstrations, Canada flags and pinsInclude... 06/29/2011

National Geographic Traveler Magazine's list of the 10 Best Trips of Summer 2011 is in!!! Ten - Istria, Croatia Nine - Roatan, Honduras Eight - Azores, Portugal Seven - Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden Six - Cardiff, Wales Five - Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska Four - Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Three - San Juan Islands, Washington, U.S. Two - Patagonia, Argentina One - Muskoka (cottage country), Ontario, Canada The Muskokas offer "an unplugged pace that's a world away from Canada's largest city". Keith Bellows, editor-in-chief for the National Geographic Traveler added that the Muskoka Region won top spot because of its "special depth - this resonance - that is immutable", he continued "(The National Geographic Traveler) look(s) for something that just feels like it's been there for a ... 06/27/2011

Day Trips and Staycations - Huntsville, Ontario - Model Railway Expo Dad - Share your childhood love of model trains with your youngsters this fathers day weekend  The Huntsville Train Station Society Presents The1st Huntsville Model Railway ExpositionCanada Summit Centre.June 18, 10 - 5June 19, 10 - 4 20,00 sq feet of Family Fun Take a trip down memory lane with your children as you relive that childhood dream toy .....the model railway. Check out how other hobbyists have incorporated these vintage pieces into their collections and working model train layouts. Learn how todays model railroading clubs, hobby shops and train shows can help you get back into the world's greatest hobby! While you are there pay a visit to Muskoka Heritage Place Train & Steam Museum and take a ride on the Vi... 06/16/2011

Silhouettes Fall Colours and Fireworks Fall Colours The prettiest trees of the weekend Misty River .......... Make It A Great Week ..........  To learn more about country Livingor what housing options Uxbridgeand the surrounding area has to offer;be it condominium or detached homes,in town or rural communities,country homes, estates or farmsjust give me a call or Text Me            10/04/2010

Huntsville, Ontario - Who Is The Man In The Picture? The Reveal In My Post Who Is The Man In The Picture? with this week end being the 25 Annual Uxbridge Studio Tour I thought it might be fitting to see if any one could tell me who this man is and where this likeness can be found. Ontario has a rich artistic historyof which this man is a part. You will find his paintings in art galleries museums,and private collections. His work has been displayed in the National Gallery Of Canada. His paintings have fetched over a million dollars at auction. Tom Thomson August 5, 1877 - July 8, 1917 He Spent A lot of time in Algonquin Park in central and north central Ontario . He painted for about 1/6 of his life and only 3 Years full time. Most of his work was never signed and he produced less than 5... 09/18/2010

What A Screech You could hear him from a good distance away. While nocturnal by nature he was about to take flight in broad daylight. He had stayed cooped up in this tiny little hidy hole long enough. It was time to go , to move on to bigger and better things. You first met this little guy in a post Empty Nest Syndrome as this little owlet was just getting ready to leave the nest. This tree had been home for his siblings for several years as his parents had nested in this tree for some time. This tall maple tree along with many others in the area were becoming a threat to human habitation in the area. The centre of the trees were decaying and a good wind would snap them like toothpicks so they had to come down. The decision was made and the trees started to fall. We arrived at our summe... 09/12/2010

Road Trips - Muskoka, Ontario - The Baysville Riverfront Classic and Antique Boat Show.  This is a great opportunity to visit this picturesque little town at the foot of the Lake of Bays and enjoy some classic and anique boats and cars. If that is not enough to get you out perhaps the sound of the most amazing steel drum orchestra I've ever heard "Northern Lights" will be their playing for your enjoyment. There will be barbecued food, wildlife displays, also this year a women's car club "Pink Slips" are expected to be in attendance Admission is by donation You will have to visit Saturday Aug 15th, 2010 - 12:00 to 4:00 pm  to see the boats and cars or hear the band but just to wet your whistle .....   For you car buffs this 1930 L29 Cord Phaeton was there last year  All in all it sound l... 08/13/2010