I have the distinct pleasure of knowing a master story-teller. Ruth Vander Zee believes that everyone has a story to tell. Ruth knows stories. She's an accomplished and distinguished author. Her books are poignant and have been critically acclaimed. In my eyes, what makes Ruth even more special is that she sees potential in everyone. We all have stories to tell, she claims.
A few weeks back, it was bittersweet sitting in Ruth's living room as she hosted the last Women's Breakfast for the ladies of our church. Her breakfasts have been a highlight of worshiping there and we were all saddened when Ruth informed us that she needed to step down from hosting these gatherings on a regular basis.
Once a month Ruth would prepare a scrumptious spread and the women would show up at her door. We talked and ate and then sat down to hear our featured speaker. Ruth always had a featured speaker. The featured speakers were always common Janes. There were no superstars there. They were regular, everyday women. But they were opening up and telling their stories.
She even asked me to speak once. I wondered what I could share that would be of benefit. I needn't have worried. After I spoke I had women open up to me about things going on in their lives because I had opened up and shared my experience.
For those of you out there in Active Rain who wonder about getting featured, I'd like to say this: "Don't." Don't worry about the whys and hows of getting a featured post. Just tell us your stories. They are your stories. No one else is living them so no one else can tell them.
Speak loud. Speak true. Speak often.
Tell us your stories. We're waiting to hear them.
Maggie Dokic, SFR is a licensed real estate broker in the state of Florida selling residential real estate in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Gables by the Sea, High Pines, the Redland and other select areas of SW Miami-Dade County.
Maggie has earned her SFR certification to be able to better serve the needs of her customers in today's non-traditional real estate market. SFR is a Short Sale, Foreclosure Resource Specialist. Designees have been trained to understand the highly specialized options available to Sellers facing short sales & foreclosures and Buyers looking to buy them.
For more information on our local real estate market, or to see or sell a home in Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Coral Gables or the Redland, visit my Miami Real Estate blog or contact me at Maggie (at) TheBlogThatAteMiami (dot) com.
The opinions expressed herein, are those of the author, and not necessarily of Keller Williams Realty.
None of this information is to be deemed legal or financial advice. Please contact your attorney or accountant for same.
Maggie,
Very nice story! You honored Ruth well!
Thanks for sharing!
Lucky :)
Maggie,
My Father's Day was awesome!
We drove back from Chicago today after spending a fantastic day yesterday celebrating Active Rain's 1st birthday. You'll have to check out the posts that I and others wrote.
Are you going to the one in Orlando?
Lucky :)
Dear, sweet Maggie - You honor us with your wit and wisdom. You have learned well from your friend Ruth the art of giving, friendship and story telling. May I make a suggestion? It would be a shame for your group to disband. It sounds like Ruth was doing way too much. I was once a member of a book club that rotated to different houses. You could assign food to different people and put still others in charge of finding your speakers. Don't let this end. Ruth needs to rest, but probably doesn't want it to be over.
Hugs!
Maggie: Does this mean we have to actually write stories with some content and voice? Does this mean we’re not to
worry about being “Featured?” AND we’re not to worry about points? But…but…the mind boggles!
JayFeatured, Schmeatured. (Sp?) Sweet Maggie, you have the right idea!! How nice to check in with you this morning and hear about ladies' breakfast with Ruth, imagining the great food and conversation! It makes me sorry I missed your talk.
Regular, everyday women ARE superstars!!
Lucky - I'm glad to hear your day was a good one. I read Lola's post about the gathering. I'll have to check yours out. I actually do enjoy those types of posts very much.
Marlene - you are so intuitive =) The ladies were not going to let the group fall apart so others have stepped up and Ruth will be hosting 1 or 2 a year. She is very involved with the church (her husband is our wonderful pastor) but since her first book was published several years ago she has been busier and busier. It's all good. This will give others the opportunity to open their hearts and home and keep the love flowing.
Jay - now both you and I know that you and the other Codgers have definitely found your voices. We also both know that your posts have real honest-to-goodness valuable content. So why are you giving me a hard time you old coot?? There, I said it. But am I brave enough to click submit? I was always taught to respect my elders....
Maggie:
My best story is short..... THREE more days till we move!
Maggie: But you wrote "coot" with respect! LOLOLOL
Jay
Maggie,
Great advice to all of us bloggers! I know that I enjoy writing about certain things when I do it is a lot more fun.
Jack
Broker Bryant - to tell you the truth, I haven't been able to pick up on the SEO stuff. There are too many rules as you say. I try to keep it simple. I write conversationally and do it often.
Thesa - hmm... you have the same effect on me! I can always count on you for a great comment. Thank you.
Danny - you are so good at the family heritage stuff and your posts keep reminding me that I need to do the same. Once the storyteller is gone, if you haven't given them a chance to tell their stories, the stories die with them and that would be a real shame. Thanks for the reminder!
Jay - I did, I did! Cock-a-doodle-dooooooooo!
Jack - writing about what you love certainly makes for easier work! I have a harder time with Localism, it seems like too much work for me but I know that's where the money is. I prefer just talking to my peers =)
Midori - Thank you! I can't wait to meet you. Please write me and let me know the dates you'll be in town. I want to try and keep my schedule light if at all possible!