Thursday, October 24, 2024
Remembering Simpler Times
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Last year, I wanted to drill holes in pumpkins. This year, I meant to try that thing where a big pumpkin looks as though he is eating a tiny pie pumpkin. I love that. Then I thought it'd be cool to have 5-7 giant bumpy pumpkins. I never got around to any of it. Too many decisions.
Don't Need to Tell Me Twice
One thing I didn't do this year: Carve these buggers early in October and then watch them quickly rot on my front steps, slowly devoured by squirrels. That's gorey!
When I lived in a 2nd floor apartment on Piedmont Park i carved an adorable smiley friend (see photo). He cheered me up for about 48 hours, sitting on my kitchen table. Then came the flies.
On This Day (October 24) in History
- It's the day James Brown recorded his first live album, Live at the Apollo (1962).
- Today was also Black Thursday, aka The Wall Street Crash of 1929.
- On this day in 1940, The Fair Labor Standards act made it necessary for employers to pay workers overtime when working more than 40 hours. However, Henry Ford had popularized the 40-hour work week as early as 1926.
II enjoy "on this day in history" information for the balance and perspective it gives me. What's going to be in the history books for 2024? For me, the entry will merely say "dinner at Chipotle." What about you?
Coffee & Connection with Alli Long
It's hard to interview Alli Long because everyone who walks by our table wants to stop to say hello.
"I'm being interviewed," she tells them, but that doesn't help. It's easy to see that Alli is like the lead counselor at Camp Caffeine.
No doubt you've seen her too. That happy yet expeditious person who greets you when you go to The Corner Cup. She's good at her job. Before she even knew my name, she made me feel like an old friend whose few dollars in the till was especially important.
Alli has been working at The Corner Cup since just before the pandemic. I asked if the word barista is relevant these days, which led to a brainstorming session to discover a better title:
- Hydration Peddler... nah
- Caffeine Cowboy... meh
- Liquid Pusher... nope
Inspiration Hits
Suddenly, it came to me: Connection Architect. I think it fits and fingers crossed Alli approves. In reality, she's the manager but it hasn't gone to her head.
A Happy COVID Story
Interestingly, the Tucker location of The Corner Cup opened nearly simultaneously with the lockdown. Unlike other businesses that didn't fare well, The Corner Cup flourished in large part because of COVID. It's the outdoor seating and roominess that helped folks feel safe coming in for connection.
When Alli isn't working, she "back deck sittin'" at her house near Main Street, Stone Mountain, where she moved about three years ago with her husband and mother. She also spends free time loving on her dogs Orla and Hobbes, and her cats, Miss Fontana and Da Brat.
Remember: You don't need to wait for another pandemic or abject loneliness before you swing into The Corner Cup for a hot drink and a warm hello from Alli.
First Impressions
Sellers should know that curb appeal, which includes so many exterior elements, can trigger an emotional connection in a potential buyer. It can captivatet them with an immediate visual story about the life you've led in this house.
When I sold my last home, we had a to-do list a mile long and most of the items had to do with the outside. Pressure washing, painting railings, cleaning windows, planting flowers, mulching. We didn't have the funds to hire it all out, so as we worked hard doing it ourselves, we used the mantra "make them fall in love."
It wasn't that our home was in disrepair, but we didn't want to leave anything to chance.
We knew that our hard work showed. It reflected the happy life we'd enjoyed there. I believe it drew in more buyers and is why we had an offer quickly.
If you are thinking of selling in the next 6-9 months, give yourself a head start. I'm happy to do a free consultation so you can prioritize your to-do list now.
Appealing Tips
_ Cleaning costs nothing but your time and energy.
_ Face it: those scraggly azaleas need to go. Dig them up and put down pine straw for a "blank slate." Or plant flowers -- but don't forget to water them while your home is listed.
Remove tangled wind chimes and sun faded gnome. Replace that broken picket.
_ A fresh coat of paint on your door and porch railings is highly recommended.
_ You might spring for new door hardware or a mailbox if you need to.
_ Don't take offense at the things your agent tells you to do. They know best!
The Haunted Trail in Henderson Park East
- Friday 10/25 from 4-7
- Perfect for all ages
- 4000 Henderson Park Road
Cedar Park Trunk or Treat
This Stone Mountain neighborhood is having a Halloween event this Saturday from 3-6.
- Raffle, costume contest, and candy for kiddos
- https://cedarparkclub.org for more info.
If you have an event you want added, please let me know.
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