Lewisburg and Greenbrier County WV

At home in Montana - wintertime or not

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:59:39 -0500

Grant Sasek writes an enjoyable article about his home state of Montana. I feel the same way about my state. Check out Grant's blog as he is new to Active Rain and leave him a comment. Thanks,

Via Grant Sasek (Real Estate Pipeline):

I live in Montana. It is February. The pale light of the short days of winter, temperatures below freezing and snow crusted with frost define my part of the world. That won't change anytime soon.

I sit in the office, considering where to call. Enough buyers come into our service that almost anywhere in North America is an option. So I look for leads in Florida, southern California, maybe South Carolina and Arizona. I pull up websites of faraway agents featuring patios and pools, green grass and best of all, beaches and oceans.

For the next eight hours, I live vicariously through the websites of others.

I ask an agent outside San Diego how warm it is as we speak. Then I laugh and add "You win." I talk with an agent in Punta Gorda sitting in an open air restaurant. I speak with another Florida agent who promises to call back after an afternoon round of golf. Yet another trys to decide how best to feature a home's lush landscaping.

But I am in Montana and it is February. After enough, I put on my vest, then my coat, I slip on my gloves and hat and begin the careful walk home on icy sidewalks. I pass the blocks thinking about the choices we make - and the ones we don't.

Can a person really buy a small condo within walking distance of the beach for $60,000? Why don't we all live in Florida?

As soon as I ask the question, I know the answer. Once, I lived on a Caribbean island where bars and restaurants are on beaches, days are always warm and Christmas is celebrated in shorts. But there, Christmas presents were delivered by a postman rather than by a loved one. So, on an earlier February, I left the island and returned to Montana. And here I have been ever since.

For better or worse, Montana is home. Almost always has been, probably always will be. Even when I lived elsewhere, I knew where home was waiting.

Here, for me, memories are as long as the shadows, history becomes personal, relationships are old. I am here for the same reason many of us are where we find ourselves. It is about "being home."

It is a distinction real estate agents deal with daily - that difference between house and home.

We live in a mobile society, people moving across the country and around the world. Sometimes they seek a house, a place to stop, rest and find shelter until moving again.

Others want a home, a place children and trees have time to grow, a place where both can grow roots and become attached to the particular ground under them.

I continue my walk, pull the coat a bit tighter.

I think that if I ever buy a house, it will be within walking distance of a beach. But, when the time comes to buy a home, it will be here, in Montana, where light grows short and temperatures fall.

And despite my winter whine, that is just fine with me.

Grant Sasek works for Real Estate Pipeline, an Internet lead generation service.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at
(304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.

Lets connect ............

Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia - Donations for the Silver Lining Raffle for the 25th Anniversary

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:50:53 -0500

Habitat for Humanity will celebrate 25 years in West Virginia!

Habitat's first house will be the 25th Anniversary Celebration-The Silver Lining Home located in Huntington, WV. In order to raise money for the construction of this West Virginia milestone, Habitat for Humanity of West Virginia will be hosting an online raffle this spring.

To help support this cause, I volunteered to ask local merchants for donations. Following are collected donations for the raffle:

Photography by Gary P. Cooper, Cooper Gallery in Lewisburg, WV. Check out Gary and some of his photography.

Raffle Item:

Framed photograph of Gandy Creek, Randolph County WV, Retail Price $200.00

Lesia Campbell Interiors, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Items:

Two designer leopard pillows

Retail Price $80.00

Pittis Pottery by Diana Pittis, Daniels, WV

Raffle Item:

Stoneware Wine Cooler and/or vase

Retail Price, $42.00

MacKenzie Dow Fine Furniture, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item:

A Sherbet floral arrangement made entirely of paper - Retail Price, $110.00

The Pottery at the Greenbrier, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item 1:

Silver Pendant with precious stones. Retail Price, $192.00

The Pottery at the Greenbrier, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item 2:

Raku leaf from the Greenbrier grounds.

Retail Price, $108.00

Atlantis Leather, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item:

Brick color, cross body leather handbag. Retail Price $105.00

Virtu Studio Gallery at the Greenbrier, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item 1:

Glass vase by Alex Brand - Retail Price, $75.00

Virtu Studio Gallery at the Greenbrier, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item 2:

Two sterling bracelets by

Susan C. Thomas

Retail Price, $98.00

Gibson’s of the Greenbrier, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item:

Granite Serving Slab made in Colorado. Retail Price, $60.00

Jewelry Studio at Gibson’s of the Greenbrier, Art Colony on Alabama Row at the Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, WV

Raffle Item:

One 14Kt gold-fill, 17” choker with 14Kt gold-fill Aventurine pendant. Retail Price, $300.00

Studio 40 at the Greenbrier and Studio 40 in downtown Lewisburg WV

Green leather purse, Hardwear by Renee - Retail Price, $99.00

The above donations are just part of the raffle.

The Habitat for Humanity of WV also received other donations.... The GRAND PRIZE is a 2012 Toyota Corolla 4-Door LE Sedan or a $10,000 cash alternative. The car was donated by Advantage Toyota in Barboursville, WV

Other raffle items are:
New Orleans Adventure (for 2)
NASCAR Adventure (for 2)
Beach Family Adventure
Blackwater Falls State Park (for 4)
Glade Springs Resort (for 2)
Stonewall Resort Golf (for 4)
Mardi Gras Staycation (for 2)
New River Train Ride (for 4)
Marshall vs. WVU Waterfront Plaza

Gift Certificates/cards from Walgreen's, Sheetz, Fruth Pharmacy, and Lowe's

The Habitat For Humanity Rafffle kicks off on March 3 at the Huntington Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore and runs thru June 3. Tickets can be purchased online starting on March 3 through June 3. Raffle tickets will cost $25.00 each.

All proceeds will go toward building the silver lining home in Huntington, WV. Watch for the upcoming Habitat for Humanity of WV Silver Lining Raffle and help support this worthy cause.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Paying It Forward - Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity - Get Involved and Help Build It, Part 2

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:53:43 -0500

Paying It Forward - Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity - Get Involved and Help Build It, Part 2

In my previous post, Paying It Forward - A Family in Need of a Home and Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity Makes a Dream Come True! Part 1, women were asked to volunteer and businesses were asked for donations to help make this dream come true. To date, the Women Build fundraising thermometer in Greenbrier County is half way to their goal of $100,000.

The groundbreaking ceremony was in November, 2010. Below is a photo of two volunteers, Monica Foos and Leslie Weddle, who worked several days this past week despite the rain and wind installing and fitting the slab insulation in preparation for the pouring of the concrete slab for Wednesday, March 2. Lynch Construction will be pouring the concrete slab.

The Habitat for Humanity's Women Build kicks-off with a wall raising ceremony on Saturday, March 5th at 9:00 a.m. The build will continue over nine consecutive weeks and working Monday through Saturday each of those weeks. The build will culminate with the house dedication on Saturday, May 7th......just in time for Mother's Day for Laura Blevins and her four children.

"I would like to encourage you and anyone you know to come out for the wall raising ceremony which will last about an hour. It will immediately be followed by the actual construction and setting of the exterior and interior walls," says Michelle L. Connor, Executive Director for Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity.

The Women Build House site is located on Tuckahoe Road in White Sulphur Springs, WV. Habitat for Humanity is building this house that is planned, funded, and constructed under the leadership of local women. From framing the walls to installing the finish trim, this house will be solely constructed by women from all across the state of West Virginia.

Pay it forward and help build this dream house for the Blevins family...... I will be volunteering, and telling a friend. If you can not volunteer, please sponsor a square foot of this house for only $40.

For more information:

Call Women Build at (304) 647-3342

Email: womenbuild@almostheavenhabitat.org

Other posts on Habitat for Humanity's Women Build:

Paying It Forward - A Family in Need of a Home and Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity Makes a Dream Come True! Part 1

___________________________________________________________________________

Rebecca Gaujot, REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker | Stuart and Watts Real Estate |
Thinking of buying or selling a house, call me...Your WV Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV/Greenbrier County. Contact me by phone at (304) 529-2133, by Email or visit my website. Licensed in West Virginia and Virginia.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Paying It Forward - Volunteering for the Habitat for Humanity at the Greenbrier Classic

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:01:20 -0400

Paying It Forward - Volunteering for the Habitat for Humanity at the Greenbrier Classic

The West Virginia and Almost Heaven "Habitat for Humanity" are partnering their fund-raising efforts at this years Greenbrier Classic. Volunteers are needed to help work the concession stands during the Greenbrier Classic and the three concerts.

Last year I volunteered for the Greenbrier. This year I will be volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. The Habitat for Humanity concession will be located on the First Tee from July 28 - July 31, as well as the concessions for the three concerts .... Keith Urban, Tim Mcgraw, and the Black-Eyed Peas!

Join me and volunteer ..... you not only help raise money for low-income families in need, but you get into the events for FREE! Hurry, time and volunteer positions are running out for this very special event.

If you can't volunteer, but plan to attend the golf tournament, buy your ticket through the Greenbrier Classic Badges for Charity program and select your favorite charity (hint...Habitat for Humanity). The ticket sales ends June 30, so buy your tickets now! Last year, Badges for Charity contributed over $150,000 to 150 local organizations and The Greenbrier Classic raised a total of $3 million for charity.

Volunteer at one WV's finest events. You'll get to enjoy the tournament and more importantly, your time and support to Habitat will HELP BUILD IT in our State.

Contact Donna DeHart at 304-720-7636
donna@habitatwv.org or

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Paying It Forward - A Family in Need of a Home and Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity Makes a Dream Come True! Part 1

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 21:42:55 -0500

Paying It Forward - A Family in Need of a Home and Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity Makes a Dream Come True! Part 1

The Blevins Family, Laura and her four children, needed a home.... and with the help of Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity they will have their own home in 2011 and will never have to move again. The Blevins family have been in a homeless shelter since August.... Read their story!

Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Habitat for Humanity West Virginia to build the first all women built house in Greenbrier County. This Habitat for Humanity house is planned, funded, and built under the leadership of local women. From framing the outside walls to installing the finishing trim, this house will be solely constructed by women from all across the state of West Virginia. In November a Groundbreaking Ceremony at the site of the house in White Sulphur Springs kicked off the 2011 Women Build.

For this Women Build project, they need volunteers to join them to build a decent, affordable house in partnership with Laura Blevins and her family. Volunteers do not need construction skills as confidence and skills will be gained through training clinics and on-site building. If you want to help, please go to the Volunteer form and also check out the construction schedule.

Women Build 2011 provides a profound opportunity for businesses, churches and community organizations - a chance to give something back to the community, and, to strengthen relationships with employees and/or members while volunteering on the construction site. Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity is inviting local businesses, churches and community groups to sponsor the Women Build Project through cash or in-kind contributions.

Pay it forward and volunteer. This project is scheduled for completion on May 7th when Laura and her four children will finally have their own home.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Almost Heaven Habitat For Humanity Breaks Ground for the New Earth Day Build House and Celebrates Nissan’s Partnership

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:43:55 -0500

Almost Heaven Habitat For Humanity Breaks Ground for the new Earth Day Build House and Celebrates Nissan’s Partnership

On Friday, February 1, 2012, Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a new house in partnership with Colette Godfrey and her family.

Joining in the celebration were over 30 Habitat for Humanity volunteers and supporters from the community and around the state.

Colette Godfrey was born and raised in Greenbrier County and works at a convenience store as a cashier. She is the mother of three children: two grown children and an 8-year-old son, Deshaunte. A few years ago, they had to move out of their home due to circumstances beyond their control. She couldn’t afford to rent a new place, so they had to move in with her sister in a small 2-bedroom apartment in which Colette and Deshaunte share a bedroom.

“You hear, see and read about people being homeless, and during those times you never ever think you would be in that position. This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through and to see how it affected my son is even worse,” confessed Colette. “Now I have true hope for a brighter future for me and my family. It is wonderful to break ground on my new home!”

The event kicked off Almost Heaven Habitat’s Earth Day Build, with construction of the home scheduled to be completed in time for a dedication the week of April 23rd, in celebration of Earth Day. A major sponsor of the house is Nissan, who provided grant funding towards the construction of the new home, as well as the means for Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity to purchase a new vehicle from a dealership. Almost Heaven HFH selected Lewis Automotive, located in Beckley, WV, as their partner dealership, and Sarah Abrams of Lewis Automotive was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony.

In the ground breaking line up from left to right: Donna DeHart, Development Director of HFHWV;
Sarah Abrams, PR Manager at Lewis Automotive; Llodyd Haynes, Mayor of White Sulphur Spirings;
Colette Godfrey and her son Deshaunte future Habitat Homeowners; Katie Ickles, Executive Director Greenbrier County Chamber of Commerce; and Michelle L. Connor, CEO of Almost Heaven H4H.

“Nissan Foundation has a history of supporting Habitat for Humanity, as well as green and environmentally-friendly initiatives. Our Nissan dealership, Lewis Automotive, is no exception. “This will be our first Habitat for Humanity build, and we are very excited about the opportunity to frame the interior walls for this house in the coming weeks,” reported Sarah Abrams, who serves as Public Relations Manager in her family’s 4th-generation dealership.

This past fall, Nissan Americas announced a significant expansion of its longstanding partnership with Habitat for Humanity International with a $2.5 million donation. Nissan’s vision is to invite all its stakeholders to participate in the partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Point-of-sale materials in dealerships and communications to consumers will convey information about Habitat activities. Consumers who visit the Nissanusa.com website can click through to Habitat’s site to make a donation or find volunteer opportunities across the country.

Nissan is funding grants and providing Nissan vehicles to 10 Habitat affiliates that make commitments to sustainable construction practices; Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity is one of those 10 affiliates selected to receive a grant and a vehicle to support its operations.

“Nissan’s financial support enables us to help serve the Godfrey family, and we are extremely grateful to have a partner like Nissan that shares our commitment to building sustainable communities,” said Michelle Connor, CEO of the Almost Heaven Habitat affiliate that serves Greenbrier, Pendleton, and Pocahontas Counties.

Throughout this partnership Nissan and Habitat for Humanity will share a common goal: to build affordable, sustainable homes in partnership with families in need of decent housing.

Nissan-sponsored Habitat homes will be equipped with many “green living” features, including low-flowing plumbing fixtures, programmable thermostats, energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, high-performance windows and ENERGY STAR® appliances. These eco-friendly amenities align with Nissan’s Green Program, which supports efforts to reduce the Habitat for Humanity’s Earth Day House.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Lewisburg WV Market Report | January 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:36:24 -0500

Lewisburg WV Market Report | January 2012

Take Me Home Country Roads to the place I belong....West Virginia!

Check out West Virginia byways and take a day trip or stay a week and explore West Virginia's scenic byways. Breathtaking beauty awaits around every mountain curve.

January 2012 sales are up by one compared to 2011

Pending sales were down by 3 for 2012

Active Listing were down by 29 for 2012

New listings up by 2 in 2012

Average Days on the Market were higher in 2012 by 134 more days

Average list price for January 2012: $216,750

Average list price for January 2011: $176,400

Average sales price for January 2012: $201,375

Average sales price for January 2011: $164,000

Sales price to list price ratio for January 2012: 0.90%

Sales price to list price ratio for January 2011: 0.93%

There are presently 47 residential properties currently active in Lewisburg. The Lewisburg Real Estate market shows that the average sales price for residential homes is around $267,131 with the average days on the market being 178 days. The price range of the 47 active properties are from $65,000 to $950,000.

On last month’s market report, I mentioned that Lewisburg real estate market is a buyers' market as the absorption rate for Lewisburg Real Estate shows over eight months of inventory. At this writing, the Lewisburg market is still a buyer’s market.

It's the ideal time for buyers to get their dream home....are you tired of renting and seeing your money go out the window...act now and make that investment for your future! Call me and I’ll be glad to help you find that dream home.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Lewisburg WV Market Report | December 2011 | New Business Opening Soon

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:05:39 -0500

Lewisburg WV Market Report | December 2011

New Business Opening Soon

Lewisburg, West Virginia, is a great place to live, work, raise a family, retire, or start a business. Named"America's Coolest Small Town", Lewisburg is the largest municipality in Greenbrier County and is also the county seat. New businesses are opening in this small historical town where artists, retirees and shopkeepers live in Colonial and Federal buildings on neat, shady streets.

In mid February, a new restaurant called the Livery Tavern will be opening. For more information, check out my previous post on the Livery Tavern.

The Livery Tavern
Construction, September 2011

The Livery Tavern
Construction almost complete....opens Mid February

Lewisburg WV Market Report | December 2011

Single-family properties closed in December 2011: 5
Average sales price: $144,900
Average list price: $156,700
Sales price to list price ratio: 0.92%
Average days on the market: 190
Sales currently pending: 5

There are presently 42 residential properties currently active in Lewisburg. The Lewisburg Real Estate market shows that the average sales price for residential homes is around $264K with the average days on the market being 224 days. The price range of the 42 active properties are from $64,000 to $950,000.

Lewisburg is in a buyers' market as the absorption rate for Lewisburg Real Estate shows over 8 months of inventory. The Lewisburg Real Estate has been a buyer's market for the last four months (Sept-Dec) as noted in the chart below. From April to August the stats show it was a seller's market; and back to a buyer's market the first quarter of the year, January through March.

It's the ideal time for buyers to get off the fence and start looking for their Lewisburg home.

NOTE: The local market type is often characterized by the absorption rate as follows:

Buyer’s Market: More than 6 months of supply

Balanced/Transitional Market: 6 months of supply

Seller’s Market: Less than 6 months of supply

Search for Listings for Lewisburg WV, Greenbrier County

NOTE: GVBR MLS, Information is deemed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed.

Come visit our quaint historical town of Lewisburg, in the Greenbrier Valley, a wonderful place to live and work. Enjoy the great restaurants, tour the town, and shop in the quaint stores and get the feel for this home town. Lewisburg offers unique recreational and cultural attractions…so come visit check out the real estate, and take a historical tour of Lewisburg......you just might want to make Lewisburg your home.

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Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

If I can assist you in any way with your real estate needs in Lewisburg, WV Greenbrier County or the surrounding areas, please feel free to contact me by phone at
(304) 520-2133, email or visit my website.

Lets connect ............

Still Challenged with SEO - Here's Some Links to Help You!

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:21:53 -0500

Do you feel overburden with this SEO? Still have a lot to learn about SEO .... still slowly moving there....

Since the 2012 BIG Jumpstart Back to Basics Blog Challenge, there have been some great posts written on SEO. So, instead of trying to tell you how I have increased my business, or what I know about SEO (which BTW is not much).... I have included links to SEO posts that may help you increase your business:

Jerry Newman’s post, SEO - First Thing I Did to Increase my SEO, is a great place for newbies to start reading to increase SEO.

Rich Jacobson provides so much information in this post...a MUST READ - Advanced Blogging Strategies: 5 Ways to Enhance/Improve Your Blogging Success

Kristin Hamilton’s post on Good Search Engine Optimization (SEO)….Sign Up for Google+ discusses Google Plus, the newest social media site that is in competition with Facebook. You may want to consider joining to generate some Google juice back to your email or website.

Read what Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi says about “becoming the expert in your community”. If you are not the expert in your community... then read What Else Can You Do To Create SEO?

Do you like power? Sharon Parisi discusses how Keywords Plus SEO Equal Power

Debbie Gartner explains why fewer links on a page is better. She states the less links, the more juice per link. In Active Rain University, they suggested 2-5 links per post is ideal. (This is why attending AR university is a must to learn about SEO). Check out Debbie’s post,
A key SEO learning from Active Rain University.

Tom Arstingstall shares some good information on how to add alt tags to improve SEO. I never new about this, so this is one I will definitely do to improve my SEO especially when I think of all the photos I’ve posted and not added alt tags to them. Tom provides a quick list of some things that will benefit your SEO for images and your blog.

and last, but not least, is a link by Gary Coles providing the Top 12 SEO Mistakes.

If you read the above listed posts and take the ActiveRain University classes, you will no longer be slow like the , but fast as a with the knowledge you gain in SEO to increase your business.

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Fun in the Rain -- Wordles

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:33:25 -0500

Wordles ... is something new I learned about today. Gary Coles provides a basic and easy tutorial on this software tool... Check it out and watch for more of Gary's tutorials.

Via Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International):

I just had a featured post (What is the Last Thing You Taught Someone?) and I promised to write two more posts. Here is the first one. It is a basic tutorial on Wordles. Wordles are "word clouds" that are created from text or from the text on a web-page. The images can be modified with different colors, shapes and fonts. They are fun and can be used in your posts or printed materials. You can create your own Wordles at Wordle.net.

Here is a basic Wordle made from the ActiveRain home page:

In this image, I changed the colors using the drop down color button, I selected the custom pallet and used colors similar to the ones in ActiveRain:

I used the Layout button and changed the Layout:

This time I changed the font using the menu from the Font Button:

I used the color button to get a totally different look:

I went back to create a Wordle and inserted a block of copy (Latin America paradise4gringos.com Gary Coles real estate My specialty is referrals to Latin America If you have a referral for Latin America I would love to help find them a home for retirement or investment.). If you notice the two-word phrases are separated:

This time I keep the two-word phrases together by replacing the space between words with a tilde character "~" (Latin~America paradise4gringos.com Gary~Coles real estate My specialty is referrals to Latin~America If you have a referral for Latin~America I would love to help find them a home for retirement or investment.) Now those words and names stay together. This will work for longer phrases too.

The size of words is determined by how many times they show up in your text. You can add the words over and over several times to get them to be larger. I added the word "big" and typed it three times to get it to show as large as anything in the image:

This time I deleted the word "big" by right clicking on it and then clicking on the remove button:

To save an image the easiest way is to use your print screen feature (Shift and PrintScreen in Windows). Here is the screen shot:

Now I crop the screen shot and have my Wordle all ready to use or I can then add text, rotate and do other things to the image depending on my software for working with photos.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on Wordles. Have fun with them.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?



Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

   Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com



We LOVE Referrals



As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

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The First Annual Children's Gingerbread House Decorating Contest Sponsored by the Greenbrier Valley Board of Realtors

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 17:36:29 -0500

The First Annual Children's Gingerbread House Decorating Contest was sponsored by the Greenbrier Valley Board of Realtors on Sunday, November 21, 2011, This event was in conjunction with the Downtown Merchant's Holiday Open House. The contest was held at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre on 113 Washington Street, Lewisburg, WV. The theme for the contest was Holiday Traditions New and Old.

The contest included two age categories: Group 1 was up to age 7; and Group 2 was for ages 8 and up. There were three First Place Winners and each received $25.00 for their entry:

Carly Brand, Becky Mendel, and Andy Mendel

Jenna Ann Greene

Magnolia Sartor

Judges for the contest were Teri Alsobrook, Liz Wickline, and Bobbie Jackson.

The decorating guidelines for the contest were:

All components used in construction must be edible. For example, foil or plastic wrapped candies must be unwrapped. Edible materials are not limited to sweets. No artificial display materials such as Styrofoam, cardboard, etc. could be used in the construction of the house.

Houses to be made primarily of gingerbread. Entries were judged in four categories: Originality, Overall Appearance, Choice and use of material and Theme.

Entries were not limited to houses – any structure that is Real Estate related was allowed.

All Entries must have been constructed in 2010, and delivered in completed form.

The gingerbread houses entries remained on display for all to enjoy during the Holiday Open House.

Proceeds from the event goes to Kids Care. (Greenbrier Valley Board of Realtors support for children in need of school supplies)

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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Christmas Parade in Lewisburg, WV

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 21:17:57 -0500

The Lewisburg Christmas parade was held on Saturday, December 4th at 1:00 PM. The parade was coordinated by the Lewisburg Volunteer Fire Department. It started snowing that morning and it made the parade a more festive time for all. Even with the snow and cold weather many families were standing on the sidewalks with the children anxiously awaiting for Santa to show. Coldwell Banker Stuart and Watts participated in the parade. Below are some photos of the parade:

"Christmas Parade, LewisburgWV"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

Your Real Estate Connection for Lewisburg, WV and the Greenbrier County

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International Acclaimed Artist, Max Hayslette, Donates Original Painting to Rainelle Restoration Project

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 09:56:46 -0500

Internationally acclaimed artist Max Hayslette donates his original painting of the Meadow River Lumber Company to the Rainelle Restoration Project.

Max Hayslette’s original 18” x 24” framed oil painting of the Meadow River Lumber Company with a market value of $4,500, was formally presented by Marilyn Cooper, exclusive area representative for Max Hayslette at the Cooper Gallery in Lewisburg, West Viirginia, to the Rainelle Area Planning Commission’s Restoration Project. The event was held Thursday, December 9th at at the newly-renovated City National Bank building in Rainelle, WV.

The Meadow River Lumber Company painting is oil on canvass. Hayslette composed the images from photographs supplied by Andy Pendleton, Ed McCall and others. He says the painting is “semi-sepia like image with muted colors, not a true sepia but the painting has an aged, 1930's look.”

Since Hayslette could not be at this event, Marilyn Cooper read his letter to the Commission:

“I am happy to help with Rainelle's very worthy cause,” Hayslette said. “Rainelle has been doubly hit with the worst kind of set-backs...the closing of the Meadow River Company and the horrific loss of jobs, and then being by-passed by the building of Interstate 64.”

"Greenbrier means to me sitting with one toe in the Meadow River at Crawley and two hands on a bamboo fishing pole at dusk when the catfish are biting. These memories live long and Greenbrier runs deep in my blood. I'd write Huckleberry Finn, but I think someone else has already done that."

"My Dad worked for the Meadow River Lumber Company in Rainelle, WV, for at least two decades. My first bicycle came from the Company Store. I could write a song, but I think that's been done."

"I felt a surge of nostalgia when asked to do a painting of the old mill as I remember it from the 30's and 40's and I tackled the project with enthusiasm. I'd like to thank all the Greenbrier folks and alumni who provided the archival photographs and material from which I constructed the final painting."

"I'm not sure about others, non WV folk, but it seems to me that the emotion of place runs deeper with regards to Greenbrier than elsewhere. We retain that special feeling of belonging, even those of us who migrated decades ago for various reasons. Like Swallows of Capistrano with precision we return to Greenbrier to renew the spirit and nourish the soul."

Max Hayslette is a Rupert native who sold all fifty watercolors at his first one-man show when he was sixteen years old at Rainelle Furniture Company. Hayslette now lives and works about as far from Rainelle as possible, at Kingston, Washington, overlooking Puget Sound. And yet he visits relatives in western Greenbrier County at least twice a year, and every Sunday, he telephones his Aunt Wilda Shafer on Anjean Road.

In the photo to the right is Mr. Harris who worked at the Meadow River Lumber Company for 50 years. He is now 88 years old and still lives in one of the company houses. When he was viewing the painting he said, "it looks just like the lumber company."

Hayslette applied his imagination to memories of the Meadow River Lumber Company in executing this painting. “The combination of a long dance between memory and imagination is the root from which my images grow.”

Of the thousands of paintings over his long career, this is Hayslette’s second historical painting. The first was early in his career on commission from the Chicago Medical Society. It is not, however, his first dip into historical work. “I worked on the Williamsburg VA restoration project in the 1950's while working for a Chicago design firm. I visited Williamsburg last year and found much of my work in the Visitor Center still intact.”

(Andy Pendleton, left and Marilyn Cooper displaying original oil painting, oil print and poster).

Copies of the oil print on canvass, signed by the artist, will be sold for $395. Copies printed on acid free paper, signed by the artist, are $295. And 17” x 21” quality posters on paper are available for $35.00 each or $45.00 with an original artist’s signature. Send your check payable to Rainelle Restoration Project, c/o Andy Pendleton, PO Box 223, Rainelle WV 25962 or call Andy at 304-438-7662 or 304-667-9233.

NOTE:

Dale H. Tincher from Raleigh N.C., a 1964 Rainelle High School gradauate, purchased Max Hayslette's original Meadow River Lumber Company painting and has donated the painting to the Greenbrier County Historical Society, with the purchase price ($4,500) going to the Rainelle Planning Committee for Rainelle Restoration. Dale did not want to see this beautiful painting purchased and placed in someone's home, where those who love Rainelle would not be able to enjoy it.

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Lewisburg, WV nominated as one of the top 20 Coolest Small Towns in America

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 13:40:21 -0500

Lewisburg has been nominated as one of the Top 20 Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel. The magazine received 80 nominations and then selected 20 American towns that stand out as the coolest small towns. Ten towns will be selected as the Coolest Small Towns in America.....and Lewisburg wants to be in the top TEN!

Online voting has begun and we need your help to put Lewisburg in the Top 10! Please click on the link below to cast your vote.

Votes will be accepted until February 11, 2011

You can vote every five hours

Click HERE to Vote for Lewisburg

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Honnahlee, A Toy Store in Lewisburg, WV

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 18:37:29 -0500

Honnahlee, A Toy Store in Lewisburg, WV

Walking down main street in Lewisburg, West Virginia you can’t miss the Honnahlee toy store designed with children in mind. In the front window are a large green dragon and a giraffe sitting in a wagon near the entrance. One can not walk by without going inside to see what the store has to offer.

Honnahlee is not only the single specialty toy store in Lewisburg, but it is also only one of four in the entire state of West Virginia. This toy wonderland is a treat for children and adults alike, complete with a plethora of costumes, train sets and tiny kitchens ready to entertain tots while their parent’s explore. Honnahlee has the largest educational selection in West Virginia and has quality toys for all ages.

Roger and Courtney Smith lived in Richmond, Virginia before moving to Lewisburg. Roger is a native of Weston, WV and Courtney from New York. When asked what made them move to the area Roger said “we wanted to find the perfect small town where we could raise our daughter. They had traveled through Greenbrier County and stopped in Lewisburg and fell in love with the town and the warm and friendly people.

Both Roger and Courtney were teachers and when they moved to Lewisburg decided to open a toy store since there wasn’t one in the area. So in June, 1999, Honnahlee opened and has been very successful. You will not find computer games or electronic toys, instead you will find original Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, Jane Austen action figure, giant wooden floor puzzles, Calico Critters to kaleidoscopes and gyro wheels, Mr. Potato Head, dolls, stuffed animals, and so much more.

Honnahlee specializes in quality toys that are kid powered, and carries products that encourage children to use their imaginations. From wooden toys and collectables including Breyer horses to unique West Virginia themed books and today’s top games, Honnahlee truly is a toy paradise.

Roger and Courtney work to provide patrons with toys that endure the times and have proven to entertain children time and time again. Classic playthings include Thomas the Tank Engine toys, while the store also supports new lines such as Karito Kids dolls.

"Honnahlee"

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I remember the first time I visited Honnahlee.....it was December 2007. I was looking for books for my great niece and great nephew, ages 3 and 5. Roger helped me select two books and actually told me the story of each book. The service I received was amazing, and I left the store with two books I new the kids would love.

Whether you are looking for a special gift for the child in your life or just looking to recapture the spirit of your childhood, take a moment to visit Honnahlee in Historic Downtown Lewisburg.

Honnahlee

117 E Washington St. | Lewisburg, WV

Mon-Sat 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Sundays in December

304-645-6123

What else will you find at Honnahlee? A branch of the North Pole post office has opened at Honnahlee toy store. Children can drop off their letters to Santa at this local branch. The Honnahlee postmasters will make a donation to Penny Pitch, an organization which helps needy families in Greenbrier County during the holiday season.

Do you remember the song "Puff the Magic Dragon" lived by the sea in a land called Honnahlee....hence the name of the toy store.

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