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Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to You All
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
MAGNOLIA FOREST LOTS FOR SALE
Build a home on your 1 - 2 acre lot just minutes from Tallahassee, Florida. Buy now and be ready to move in By August 31, 2011.
Home Prices from $175,000 - $300,000
Home Prices from $175,000 - $300,000
Monday, January 3, 2011
Views from Tallahassee's Capitol
Views from the Tallahassee Florida Capitol - 22nd Floor!
If you are planning a visit to Tallahassee, Florida for the 45th Inauguration of Florida Governor and Lt. Governor, take a few moments to visit the Capitol and go to the 22nd floor for beautiful views of Tallahassee.
Looking for information where Inauguration events are and
where to park when visiting downtown Tallahassee? Click Here. Printable parking map and event schedule.
If you are planning a visit to Tallahassee, Florida for the 45th Inauguration of Florida Governor and Lt. Governor, take a few moments to visit the Capitol and go to the 22nd floor for beautiful views of Tallahassee.
Looking for information where Inauguration events are and
where to park when visiting downtown Tallahassee? Click Here. Printable parking map and event schedule.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tallahasee Dives and Jives...Unique Music Spots
Come to the Lake..with Jimbo Smith and friends!
Come on Out Where the Music is Familiar and your Friends are Gathered!round!
Visit me on Facebook for some local news such as this article a week or so ago.
Everybody knows I love music.. and to dance.. and boy Tallahassee has some of the best off the beaten path venues! Take your shoes off.. sit by the fire and warm up.. take a Sunday drive… you may never know what you will find. Looking for the coldest beer in town? Want to sit by the lake and watch the most gorgeous sunset ever? Try K & K Fish Camp off Highway 12 at the Lake Iamonia Boat Landing. Mary and Don King cook up some great burgers and hot dogs.. and keep the coldest beer in town.. I mean FROSTY cold. Nothing could be better than sitting on the picnic table listening to locals, Jimbo Smith and Friends whip up some familiar tunes that make you want to kick your shoes off and dance every Sunday afternoon! K & K fish Camp is however.. a fish camp.. get your bait, launch your boat, grab some supplies and head out to Lake Iamonia, the largest lake in Tallahassee! Bring your camera.. you might see a gator or two.. up close and personal!
Another place I have loved for over 15 years is the Bradfordville Blues Club off Bannerman Road! Oh my gosh.. the history.. the great blues artists I have seen there! Many are a once in a lifetime experiences! I had my 35th and my 45th Birthday parties there, the latter with three generations of family present! What a FUN time, dancing and listening to “The Sauce Boss” stir up some blues and gumbo!
I’m sure I’ll think of a few other great entertainment spots.. but for now.. your turn! Meanwhile..let’s head to the lake!
More stories like this can be found at TallahasseeFLCommunity! check us out!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Social Media Connecting Tallahassee Locally and Globally
As many of you know, I am a native of Tallahassee. At 47, it is funny that I find myself looking back, connecting to the past,.. my short past and relating to my parents, my grandparents more and more. My kids laugh at me, as I did to my relatives as they spoke of the "old Tallahassee."
When I joined Facebook, MySpace, etc. I got the raised eyebrows from the kids, from the folks, even friends and co-workers..but now, they come to me for the "how to" on connecting, on utilizing social media in business and for fun. I'm no expert, but the network of friends and businesses has opened a whole new world for me. Amonth or so ago I attended my first "Tweet-Up" (for all you who are fellow Twitters,(I'm FloridaSunSales), I can only tell you connect with your locals.. how FUN!). I've always been a people person, but networking with people, learning, has opened doors not just for business but for personal growth. At the Tweet-up I met 9 of the most interesting people in town, and I know there are many more! Tallahassee is a melting pot of personalities, of experience and education of resources and inspiration. If you are alive.. if you want the breath of fresh air that inspires, connect. Wanna hear about a good book, a hobby, a current event of interest, a travel experience, aspirations of a film student..art at Railroad Square? Connect. I am amazed with the energy, creativity of those I met. I most definitely walked away with more than when I arrived. I can't wait for the next Tweet-up! My job is to Talk about Tallahassee.. the old and the new!
I have my parents home listed for sale out Centerville Road, built in '66 before Killearn Estates, before Bradfordville, and efore integration of public schools as well. (Now that is a hard one to think about!) I find myself telling customers about the "ditch" that runs along the property line. The "ditch" is actually the old Centerville road bed that was used in the 1800's! Real estate showings end up being a short history lesson about the area, i.e. old Pisgah Methodist Church, Bradley's country Store, Horseshoe and Centerville Plantations, etc. In any case, there is much to share about our small Southern city of seven hills. Showing property, passing the time in the car often becomes history lessons of Tallahassee.
So, tune in, you will find me on the web, in the car.. but always with something to talk about!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Your Financial Plan for 2009 - Does It Include Building Wealth
Welcome to 2009 from Debbie Kirkland!
Believe it or not, it is still possible to build wealth with real estate! As we enter the fist quarter of 2009 there is already evidence that lenders are loaning money, that the short sale processes that took a year and half are now moving faster, and more efficiently. (HINT: so ask about these properties!)There are also unbelievable interest rates that continue to drop and are at a 20+ year low at present! Pending sales for Tallahassee are up, relocations in the area are up as well. We have the advantage here of State government, 3 major universities, and a youthful population who are raising families in a highly desirable city.
I have owned alot of real estate in my day, but never had the opportunity to have a mortgage below 5.5%. It is simply unbelievable! My first home purchased in 1980 was financed for 30 years at 9.5% folks (that was seller financed by my father in law when interest rates were 13.15%! I was a newly-wed, in school, my husband was self employed and we kept that rate until we sold that home 5 years later fter my 1st child was born and then we financed another at 11%! Whoo hoo... BIG savings! Eventually we moved again in 1990 and our rate dropped to 9.58!So I suppose I don't understand the media's complacency about pointing the savings and the "good News" out about the real estate market! For those of you who are skeptics look it up click here: *historical interest rates*.
Part of my plan as a young married person was to begin with home ownership. That was the only way I knew up to move up to the next step as my family grew, and I stepped to the next level of a larger home. It was something that did not take that much thought! It made perfect financial sense. My parents did what they thought was right by educating me on finances, but about all that consisted of was how to balance a checkbook! Oh to be young with a fresh mind or to have a REALTOR take the time to explain a few things to me!
Owning a home, or adding income producing properties to your financial stock-pile is still the most sure way of solid financial growth. In a time where jobs are uncertain, there will be more people renting, more transient families as people hesitate to settle down in a home until they have that job security once again. Meanwhile, owning a home that can be leased for more than a payment, is instant positive cash flow. That is income that can be then placed into other investment properties, invested into a "pool" of investors (i.e. your family or a group of friends with similar goals and business practices), or used to pay down debts or help you get through the rising costs of living.
Never has there been a more common sense approach to purchasing real estate. Using a REALTOR, analyzing properties not just for condition, but for potential income streams, tax shelters, long term wealth portfolios will prove to be in your best interest. If you are purchasing your first investment property, consult a REALTOR today.
In Tallahassee, there are a multitude of investment properties for sale. I have in my inventory single family homes, duplex units, townhomes, even apartment buildings and commercial building that are producing positive cash income. I work with lenders who have vision, who consider not only a consumers ability to purchase, but the "potential" of solid investment properties. Are you riding the credit score fence? If so, a property purchased with positive cash flow may be advantageous to restoring that for you as payments are made via your monthly income rental streams.
If you want to begin an investment group, let me help you organize this and show you properties that will work for the needs of your group. I will offer you a FREE CONSULTATION
Contact me today if you are interested in building wealth via real estate,.. it's not just about reality TV anymore folks.. it is being done across the nation, and NOW is the time to move forward with your financial plans for 2009!
Believe it or not, it is still possible to build wealth with real estate! As we enter the fist quarter of 2009 there is already evidence that lenders are loaning money, that the short sale processes that took a year and half are now moving faster, and more efficiently. (HINT: so ask about these properties!)There are also unbelievable interest rates that continue to drop and are at a 20+ year low at present! Pending sales for Tallahassee are up, relocations in the area are up as well. We have the advantage here of State government, 3 major universities, and a youthful population who are raising families in a highly desirable city.
I have owned alot of real estate in my day, but never had the opportunity to have a mortgage below 5.5%. It is simply unbelievable! My first home purchased in 1980 was financed for 30 years at 9.5% folks (that was seller financed by my father in law when interest rates were 13.15%! I was a newly-wed, in school, my husband was self employed and we kept that rate until we sold that home 5 years later fter my 1st child was born and then we financed another at 11%! Whoo hoo... BIG savings! Eventually we moved again in 1990 and our rate dropped to 9.58!So I suppose I don't understand the media's complacency about pointing the savings and the "good News" out about the real estate market! For those of you who are skeptics look it up click here: *historical interest rates*.
Part of my plan as a young married person was to begin with home ownership. That was the only way I knew up to move up to the next step as my family grew, and I stepped to the next level of a larger home. It was something that did not take that much thought! It made perfect financial sense. My parents did what they thought was right by educating me on finances, but about all that consisted of was how to balance a checkbook! Oh to be young with a fresh mind or to have a REALTOR take the time to explain a few things to me!
Owning a home, or adding income producing properties to your financial stock-pile is still the most sure way of solid financial growth. In a time where jobs are uncertain, there will be more people renting, more transient families as people hesitate to settle down in a home until they have that job security once again. Meanwhile, owning a home that can be leased for more than a payment, is instant positive cash flow. That is income that can be then placed into other investment properties, invested into a "pool" of investors (i.e. your family or a group of friends with similar goals and business practices), or used to pay down debts or help you get through the rising costs of living.
Never has there been a more common sense approach to purchasing real estate. Using a REALTOR, analyzing properties not just for condition, but for potential income streams, tax shelters, long term wealth portfolios will prove to be in your best interest. If you are purchasing your first investment property, consult a REALTOR today.
In Tallahassee, there are a multitude of investment properties for sale. I have in my inventory single family homes, duplex units, townhomes, even apartment buildings and commercial building that are producing positive cash income. I work with lenders who have vision, who consider not only a consumers ability to purchase, but the "potential" of solid investment properties. Are you riding the credit score fence? If so, a property purchased with positive cash flow may be advantageous to restoring that for you as payments are made via your monthly income rental streams.
If you want to begin an investment group, let me help you organize this and show you properties that will work for the needs of your group. I will offer you a FREE CONSULTATION
Contact me today if you are interested in building wealth via real estate,.. it's not just about reality TV anymore folks.. it is being done across the nation, and NOW is the time to move forward with your financial plans for 2009!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Organ Donorship,.. a touching story,.. the gift of life
When Nancy Burke was 28, she underwent what most would have never dreamed of, a heart transplant. Hers is a beautiful story, and her family and friends have been blessed by having Nancy remain an inspiration in their lives.Links included on where you can register for organ donorship and give the gift of life.
read more | digg story
read more | digg story
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thankful for the Gift of Life, and Organ Donorship
What have we done with the last 19 years of our lives? What would we do if we knew we might only have 4 - 5 years left in our lives?
Those are tough questions, but I have a beautiful story to share of a family who has given much to me the last 19 years.
When I was 28, 19 years ago, my best friend since elementary school had something happen to her that changed my life. Yes, not just her life, but mine as well.
This story began 19 years ago.My friend Nancy's baby was just months old. Not long after this, Nancy caught what we thought was the flu, but shenever got any better. Within months what we thought was flu, then strep throat,then perhaps a mitral valve problem with her heart, we learned that she had cardio myopathy. Cardio myopathy is a disease of the heart muscle which causes enlargement of the heart and decreases it's function and ability to pump blood. My friend's heart was pumping at less than 4-6% by the time she reached the hospital the last time.
When Nancy was admitted to the hospital, the diagnosis was confirmed and the news was that she would need a heart transplant to survive. What, we asked? Wait, she's 28! Doesn't this happen to old people? We were shocked and in disbelief that a seemingly healthy 28 year old would need to go through something like this. She had been a dancer, a cheerleader.. was active, all the normal activities that high school and college kids are involved in, etc.
By the time Nancy reached the hospital for what she thought was a strep infection that had affected a mitral valve, her condition worsened by the day. She was unable to walk, even 20 feet without nearly passing out. Going up the stairs of her home was near impossible. Caring for her child was critically and increasingly difficult. The shock was setting in still as word spread of just how seriously sick she was and the diagnosis arrived of cardiomyopathy. The hospital was abuzz and the community rallied to support Nancy her husband Kelly and her infant daughter Sarah.
The treatment, the terms of her survival proved even more shocking. A heart transplant would be her only chance. At this time in our lives.. I suppose we had all been pretty sheltered. the number of heart transplants performed here in Tallahassee was very small, perhaps a dozen or less. Some had survived, others suffered daily with the consequences of the after treatment, etc. It was mind boggling to think that this could be happening.
Nancy's husband Kelly, a Tallahassee Police officer at the time, was by her side. Nancy's mom took care of little Sarah, and the prayer vigils began. Within a day, Nancy had suffered several deaths.. her heart ceasing to beat, and was revived each time. She was literally at death's door. Then, the miracle came, a call came from Kelly. A heart was on it's way to Tallahassee. All we knew is that is was being flown by jet to Tallahassee from Louisiana. I was there within minutes. I waited along with my mom, my best friend Lorie and a few others and paced the floor hoping that this was going to work. All we knew is that Nancy was prepped and waiting in the surgical room just yards from the waiting room. Prepped meaning, her old heart was out, and she was on artificial life support. This was her first chance, her only chance. 2 hours turned into days it seemed. We stood in the hall, nervously as we heard the blades of the helicopter which had met the jet at the airport. We saw the medical staff carrying the famous igloo cooler containing the gift of life. It was surreal, it was like a movie before all the reality TV craze, before the medical shows that now allow you to even watch surgeries, etc. It was beyond imagination.
45 minutes later, almost to the second, Nancy's surgeon came into the waiting room and announced that "The heart is in, it is a success, it looks beautiful and we are closing now." The room filled with tears, hugging, and amazement. 45 minutes. There was nothing more we could do really, but we lingered there for hours, just holding each other, just in awe and amazement.
The months that followed were difficult to say the least.. the years that followed even as each time Nancy got a cold or had to go in for biopsies.. it was pensive to say the least. Nancy revealed to all of us not long after her experience about what she remembered during the moments before her transplant. She remembers seeing the face of the Lord and his words to her,.."Nancy it's not time, it's just not time." I was astounded, as this is what you hear of in movies or read in books. You can believe what you wish, but as for me, I believe that is was not her time. For 19 years, Nancy's life has been a walking testimony of the gift of life, of the responsibility of life and lessons of faith that our Father has taught us all. Nancy and Kelly continue to minister to hundreds,.. to thousands through their lives, their experiences. There has been a purpose to her life, bigger than life itself.
Last night, 50 or so friends from that time, 19 years ago, and those we were close to from high school, and our little Nothside Baptist Church, gathered to celebrate the anniversary of Nancy's transplant. A cake, announcing 19 years young,..with 19 hearts along it's borders, good food, and fellowship between people who shared such an important bond. We presented Nancy with a frame endorsed with heartfelt sentiments from all that attended, however, more special than any of this,.. Nancy's donor's family was with us.
This was the first time most all of us have ever met these people. These precious folks who made a decision to donate the organs of their 16 year old daughter to give life to others. Without their sacrifice, we would not have our Nancy. The tears flowed, the gratitude embraced them. A father, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother and grandfather, beaming with pride as Nancy has become their daughter now as well.That relationship began on Nov. 20th, 19 years ago.. but they did not meet for 2 years after that time. Nancy had written several letters, but the transplant program had regulations about when it was appropriate to give these letters to the donor family.When they finally received their letters, the circle was complete, their prayers answered. A living memorial to their daughter was found.
Nancy and Kelly had another child, a son Ryan after this event. Ryan is now 12, adn Sarah is now 20. Another miracle, another leap of faith, another gift. A case history of probably one in 7 or 8 I think in the world. Impossible as it seems, the only explanation is that God is in control, God has a plan for these people, and we are lucky enough to have all been touched by it.
This incident changed my life.. Nancy is my miracle. I speak of her often, I remember often the loss of one family, and the gift that another immediate and extended family received. I became an organ donor days after that event. I hope that you share this with your families.. perhaps talk to your children, make your wishes known, and more importantly have your driver's license noted accordingly.
Here's Nancy's Family, Her donor Family and her immediate family. How precious these people are to me and to their friends and extended family!
Please check you Records, consider becoming an organ donor.. it is the ultimate gift.
In Florida see: Organ Donor
For other States go to: Organ Donor.
Those are tough questions, but I have a beautiful story to share of a family who has given much to me the last 19 years.
When I was 28, 19 years ago, my best friend since elementary school had something happen to her that changed my life. Yes, not just her life, but mine as well.
This story began 19 years ago.My friend Nancy's baby was just months old. Not long after this, Nancy caught what we thought was the flu, but shenever got any better. Within months what we thought was flu, then strep throat,then perhaps a mitral valve problem with her heart, we learned that she had cardio myopathy. Cardio myopathy is a disease of the heart muscle which causes enlargement of the heart and decreases it's function and ability to pump blood. My friend's heart was pumping at less than 4-6% by the time she reached the hospital the last time.
When Nancy was admitted to the hospital, the diagnosis was confirmed and the news was that she would need a heart transplant to survive. What, we asked? Wait, she's 28! Doesn't this happen to old people? We were shocked and in disbelief that a seemingly healthy 28 year old would need to go through something like this. She had been a dancer, a cheerleader.. was active, all the normal activities that high school and college kids are involved in, etc.
By the time Nancy reached the hospital for what she thought was a strep infection that had affected a mitral valve, her condition worsened by the day. She was unable to walk, even 20 feet without nearly passing out. Going up the stairs of her home was near impossible. Caring for her child was critically and increasingly difficult. The shock was setting in still as word spread of just how seriously sick she was and the diagnosis arrived of cardiomyopathy. The hospital was abuzz and the community rallied to support Nancy her husband Kelly and her infant daughter Sarah.
The treatment, the terms of her survival proved even more shocking. A heart transplant would be her only chance. At this time in our lives.. I suppose we had all been pretty sheltered. the number of heart transplants performed here in Tallahassee was very small, perhaps a dozen or less. Some had survived, others suffered daily with the consequences of the after treatment, etc. It was mind boggling to think that this could be happening.
Nancy's husband Kelly, a Tallahassee Police officer at the time, was by her side. Nancy's mom took care of little Sarah, and the prayer vigils began. Within a day, Nancy had suffered several deaths.. her heart ceasing to beat, and was revived each time. She was literally at death's door. Then, the miracle came, a call came from Kelly. A heart was on it's way to Tallahassee. All we knew is that is was being flown by jet to Tallahassee from Louisiana. I was there within minutes. I waited along with my mom, my best friend Lorie and a few others and paced the floor hoping that this was going to work. All we knew is that Nancy was prepped and waiting in the surgical room just yards from the waiting room. Prepped meaning, her old heart was out, and she was on artificial life support. This was her first chance, her only chance. 2 hours turned into days it seemed. We stood in the hall, nervously as we heard the blades of the helicopter which had met the jet at the airport. We saw the medical staff carrying the famous igloo cooler containing the gift of life. It was surreal, it was like a movie before all the reality TV craze, before the medical shows that now allow you to even watch surgeries, etc. It was beyond imagination.
45 minutes later, almost to the second, Nancy's surgeon came into the waiting room and announced that "The heart is in, it is a success, it looks beautiful and we are closing now." The room filled with tears, hugging, and amazement. 45 minutes. There was nothing more we could do really, but we lingered there for hours, just holding each other, just in awe and amazement.
The months that followed were difficult to say the least.. the years that followed even as each time Nancy got a cold or had to go in for biopsies.. it was pensive to say the least. Nancy revealed to all of us not long after her experience about what she remembered during the moments before her transplant. She remembers seeing the face of the Lord and his words to her,.."Nancy it's not time, it's just not time." I was astounded, as this is what you hear of in movies or read in books. You can believe what you wish, but as for me, I believe that is was not her time. For 19 years, Nancy's life has been a walking testimony of the gift of life, of the responsibility of life and lessons of faith that our Father has taught us all. Nancy and Kelly continue to minister to hundreds,.. to thousands through their lives, their experiences. There has been a purpose to her life, bigger than life itself.
Last night, 50 or so friends from that time, 19 years ago, and those we were close to from high school, and our little Nothside Baptist Church, gathered to celebrate the anniversary of Nancy's transplant. A cake, announcing 19 years young,..with 19 hearts along it's borders, good food, and fellowship between people who shared such an important bond. We presented Nancy with a frame endorsed with heartfelt sentiments from all that attended, however, more special than any of this,.. Nancy's donor's family was with us.
This was the first time most all of us have ever met these people. These precious folks who made a decision to donate the organs of their 16 year old daughter to give life to others. Without their sacrifice, we would not have our Nancy. The tears flowed, the gratitude embraced them. A father, a mother, an aunt, a grandmother and grandfather, beaming with pride as Nancy has become their daughter now as well.That relationship began on Nov. 20th, 19 years ago.. but they did not meet for 2 years after that time. Nancy had written several letters, but the transplant program had regulations about when it was appropriate to give these letters to the donor family.When they finally received their letters, the circle was complete, their prayers answered. A living memorial to their daughter was found.
Nancy and Kelly had another child, a son Ryan after this event. Ryan is now 12, adn Sarah is now 20. Another miracle, another leap of faith, another gift. A case history of probably one in 7 or 8 I think in the world. Impossible as it seems, the only explanation is that God is in control, God has a plan for these people, and we are lucky enough to have all been touched by it.
This incident changed my life.. Nancy is my miracle. I speak of her often, I remember often the loss of one family, and the gift that another immediate and extended family received. I became an organ donor days after that event. I hope that you share this with your families.. perhaps talk to your children, make your wishes known, and more importantly have your driver's license noted accordingly.
Here's Nancy's Family, Her donor Family and her immediate family. How precious these people are to me and to their friends and extended family!
Please check you Records, consider becoming an organ donor.. it is the ultimate gift.
In Florida see: Organ Donor
For other States go to: Organ Donor.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Florida's Beautiful Forgotten Coast
What a great way to spend a weekend! I love the beach in the summer, but the fall is "golden." These are just a few shots of Indian Pass on the Gulf Coast and a few stolen moments!
I spent the weekend with family and remember why I love the coast so much. Sunrises and Sunsets, solitude and memorable times will draw you to this little paradise too!
There are homes for sale, lots,..for amazing prices!
Located just southwest of Apalachiola and north east of Port. St. Joe, and buffered by Cape San Blas, Indian Pass is nestled among state parks and presrves. It is a place of solitude that is found just a few miles from cities where you can access basic needs and supplies. You really must visit to experience!
Interested in trading your home for a beach home? Come stay a while and experience the Gulf Coast. I will connect you with a Realtor to show you why this is such a special place!
Email me today to find out how!
I spent the weekend with family and remember why I love the coast so much. Sunrises and Sunsets, solitude and memorable times will draw you to this little paradise too!
There are homes for sale, lots,..for amazing prices!
Located just southwest of Apalachiola and north east of Port. St. Joe, and buffered by Cape San Blas, Indian Pass is nestled among state parks and presrves. It is a place of solitude that is found just a few miles from cities where you can access basic needs and supplies. You really must visit to experience!
Interested in trading your home for a beach home? Come stay a while and experience the Gulf Coast. I will connect you with a Realtor to show you why this is such a special place!
Email me today to find out how!
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