It all started for me over two years ago when Randy Prothero (fellow agent in my office) invited me to join ActiveRain. I hesitated for four months and finally joined in on March 10. 2007. I kept reading until I finally wrote a post on March 20, 2007 Ethics, "Rookies" and etc. and it was about being the ever professional attitude online.
And it's no wonder on June 18, 2007 I started the group Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul It proved beneficial for all the members who wanted to keep their spirit alive, get inspiration and positive feedback; a place to go when the soul got weary. This group remains successful with 1937 members and 9278 posts of only quality writing. It remains the ONLY group I have founded and with the help of Kathy McGraw and Brian Block it has proved to be a quality content and myriad of positive, inspirational as well as quality Localism posts.
The following posts are a few of my footprints over the last two years:
- Looking Back on 2007: Giving Back to the Community is where I gave credit and appreciation to new and old members for contributing to this community. I also stated, "If it is one thing I have respected are the people who did not change in spirit and in soul along their pathway to blogging freedom and remained themselves. The ones who have written from the heart and let their whole persona shine through."
- "The Long and Winding Road" of Blogging is one of my own favorites and I think I told it best with this: 1) Write with conviction and passion because everyone will read you if you do. 2) Write with wit, humor and emotion because everyone will read you if you do. 3) Write with the intent of
giving back to the community because everyone will read you and give back to you and the community too. 4) Write with integrity, honesty and respect because everyone deserves it and so do you. 5) Write a comment or two relating to the post you just read (it shows sincerity) and everyone will continue to come back and read you too. What's the sense of writing a post if there is no one to give feedback, comment, give support etc. 6) Write from your own thoughts and creativity because no one will read you if you don't. - A while back Rich Jacobson -Community Builder of ActiveRain asked us to write our "Testimonials in the Rain" - What's YOUR Story? A lot of my time here can be measured in this ActiveRain Community Building assignment ActiveRain Community Building: My "Testimonial in the Rain" and this is a paragraph from that post: ActiveRain introduced me to a REAL Estate Network to Blog for Business, to blog for conversation with my peers and to read informational and localized posts for all others areas and neighborhoods. ActiveRain is an all- in -one place to work, relax, read and socialize with members in the Real Estate Industry. No matter how I word it, ActiveRain has been the learning experience of a lifetime for me and there IS still more to come.
- Hawaii Relocation Clients DO Read MY ActiveRain Blog A recap of 2008 and how my blogging on ActiveRain and the information that I've learned here helped me to turn my business around and allowed me to turn leads into closed transactions.
- What's the Scoop on VA Home Loans in Hawaii? Writing about what we know of our industry is a big thing....and this post is the latest scoop on what you should expect from your Realtor® and Loan
Officer. Just because they have signs on the side of the road it does not qualify them to know the VA loan and transaction process for purchasing real estate. Other related articles for KNOWING your Realtor® and Loan Officer and making sure they know their stuff >>Hawaii Military Relocations & Hawaii VA Loan Process: Choosing the RIGHT Realtor® & Loan Officer. - Localism Writing & The Relevance to Real Estate We write about local businesses, people in our community, tourist attractions and points of interest with interesting and original content. We post beautiful , clear and related pictures to each post and create a great post that is attractive to the eye. Mililani Town Information & Housing Statistics- Honolulu County Hawaii Military Relocations is another form of writing about my local housing market and of course mixing it with information and just a smidgen of statistics as if the consumer is walking right alongside me through my writing.
- The Mystery & Beauty of The Waikiki Aquarium is just one of a couple hundred Localism posts I've done in the past two years. Giving the public and members information about my local area is one additional attraction. Everyone loves to hear about every aspect of our local markets. It's not only houses or condos or real estate industry advice...it's giving a piece of community for them to ponder on as well!
- Respect Your Fellow ActiveRain Member - Follow the ActiveRain Guidelines and this is where we learn that there are guidelines and rules to just about everything in life. Our jobs, our relationships and even on our professional network here on ActiveRain. We respect others on or offline and rules just make for a better association, complex, industry and even on this network.
It is without a doubt that I utilized ActiveRain to the highest level and knew there was potential in this network to get the education and information and try different tips to gain ground in Web 2.0. It enabled me to blog for business and well as make so many friends (WAY TOO MANY TO MENTION!) with my peers. I've written about everything and anything about myself, my family, my dog and my business. I've given a little bit of me within each word I write. In the end......it's.....
Blogging for business and bonding with peers....
Last but not least.....I sincerely thank the founders, staff and members who have guided and supported me throughout....to get to where I am today. Without that quality of relationships....what is THIS professional worth?
With time, effort, consistency, determination and a willingness to learn...ActiveRain will help you with your business as well as interacting with others in a positive manner online.
This is what I give to you for my past two years; and the rewards that lie within and within this network.
We come we go...it's what we do in between that matters.
** Mahalo for everyone's support throughout the last two years! **
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
I'm a day early...but tomorrow is busy busy busy day.......
With deepest appreciation to everyone who supported me throughout the last two years!
WooHoo to All of YOU!
Wow...2 years on AR! Cool, but not as cool as the beautiful photos you posted!
Wow...thanks Michael...i forgot to mention my photos! :) Never enough room in one post for a topic as this :)
Sally, your posts have taught me about Hawaii; not just from a real estate perspective, but they have also helped me to gain a better understanding of the spirit of the community in which you live. You're provided a great example of how to blog about a local community effectively.
Congratulations, Sally! What a wonderful post to celebrate such a momentous occasion.
The benefits of AR are many, and the relationships that we forge here in the Rain ... well, they are golden.
Thanks so much Lola... we REALLY need to talk again...once during our 'crisis' wasn't enough lol!
Carol: Thanks...that was surely a long road...and I suppose it doesn't stop either lol!
Hi Celeste:
Keep up the good work and inspire us all!
:)
Sally - yesterday I attended a friend's funeral - or to be more accurate, his "Celebration of Life". The point there was the same one you made in your conclusion: It's the dash that makes the difference. What did you do between when you were born and when you died.
Active Rain is great - without AR, I would not have met you or Randy.
Congrats on the 2 year anniversary of your group. I joined in as well. Positive attitudes are fantastic, especially when the nightly news is anything but. Awesome surfing picture. A very brave soul indeed.
thanks National.
Sharon: Exactly....it really makes the difference in my life...and it's all in the in between that matters. We celebrated my Aunt Sally's 'life' last May. I had not been to a service since I was in high school. The life celebrating is what makes the difference.
Doug: It's the second anniversary of me on ActiveRain...the group came after...but thanks anyway.
Sally - It's amazing how many of your posts "I HAVE" bookmarked. I'm a loyal reader. You are a mentor here on Active Rain. Thank you for all of your sharing, your encouragement, and your positive attitude.
I'm sure I read and left comments on most if not all of them.
Thanks Christine! I really appreciate that! I'm glad my writing helped some and if anything...it surely has helped many of my clients get a feel for our area...and a piece of me...before they even picked up the phone!
Sally,
Congratulations! Wow that is quite a milestone! Love your pictures! I enjoy reading your posts and pick so much up from you on how you should blog about your community!
Hi Neal...you were one of the first and continued supporters....I hope I've been the same to you as well. You have been a friend, a peer and one of the members I look up to continuously. I'm so gladyou have a new pup ...he looks cute. :)
Thanks Dorie! I'm glad you find some info here.....believe me...my first ones were pretty dull :) :)
Sally, time sure flies when you're having fun, no? That's an incredible collection of fine posts. Congratulations on being a great asset to AR. Splash on!
Aloha Sally,
You know there isn't anyone who can write localism and the needs of the military relocation market like you do.
Plus for me it was great meeting up with you and the others in HI last year. Keep up the great work, you've always been so willing to share with others, especially the newbies.
Sally, congratulations on 2 great years! Thanks for the mention. As you know, I'd love to be helping even more with the group. Things have been very busy (in a good way). Almost too busy to blog lately...
Sally, thanks for being here! You and Randy have been the Rock of Gibralter here on AR, and I know I will always gain something positive when I read your posts. Aloha nui loa!
Sally, congratulations. I do enjoy your post and the pictures. I have already learned alot from reading your writing in the short time I have been on AR.
Sally- You have been on here 1month and 10 days longer than me.....but somewhere in my first couple months I found you, and have loved your Posts ever since. It really was your photos, and those Turtles that kept me coming back :) Thanks for everything you have given us in these 2 years, and I still love your photos :)
Kudos to you, to Kathy and to Brian! I read with interest, just knowing that when I got to the bottom of your post, I would see a little yellow star. :( Let's see if I can "seed" the clouds...
Mike in Tucson
Sally, Congratulations on the long life here in the rain. Like Mike said, you need to get a star...
Your building consultant for life in Nashville, TN ~ Michael
You are one of my favorites Sally. You do so much to enhance this community. I wish you continued success and keep bringing me to paradise every once in a while. I will get there for real someday but for now I have the pictures.
Sally, over the past months I have genuinely enjoyed your posts. I see some here that I have not seen and look forward to reading them all. Thank you for all the effort and heart you put into your writing.
Sally, You have done so much for Activerain, the members on here and your own community with the information you share! No matter what you write about, people are drawn to your posts for your inspiration and wisdom. I will someday visit your beautiful State of Hawaii and finally meet you in person.
Hey Maggie: I'm splashing and splashing and treading too :) Thanks much!
Thanks Lynda: I do try and set a good example...and on top of that...like you said...getting to meet others too!
Brian: Good for you! You're more than welcome...you do what you can...when you have the time though and that's what counts.
Mahalo Mike! Will be keeping an eye out for your upcoming inspirational posts too!
Michael: Thanks much...I begged Bob lol!
Thanks Paddy....we all contribute and give to this community...it's the people....yup...the people.
You have come a long way from when I had a hard time convincing you to join Active Rain.
Ron: Thanks much...I wrote a post that you inspired ya know....
Kathy: How could I forget? At first you didn't know my 'whatever' was joking....that was funny. The turtle story of yours was no picnic though. ouch!
Mike from Tuscon: Again...I begged Bob....for one...these types of posts are inspirational to the new member to realize it doesn't all come in a couple of weeks. It takes so much work....yes, work :)
Thanks Ann....it becomes second nature to check AR in the morning....I wrote this yesterday because I would not have time this morning. Thanks for your nice compliment....
Carole: And that's all she wrote lol! It's all about that isn't it? Will see you soon???? Thanks Carole ...you've been very supportive as well. :)
Randy: No kidding! It's been just ongoing learning here...love it! Thanks Randy....:)
Sally you have been one of the positive additions to the Rain during my time here. You have contributed in many ways, and I always look forward to reading your blogs and will continue to look forward to them for hopefully at least another two year.
HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY!!!!
George: AR will be around for awhile....I haven't left yet ...neither have you...so I guess we'll hang out some more :)
Thanks George!
Sally- I am SO glad that you were the first person I read and found on Active Rain before I joined. Thank you for all you do for this awesome community:) Congrats on your journey of 2 years, many more to come.
Congrats on your time well invested in the rain. Great post that helps me see the direction you are taking and will help me when posting in the future!
Sally. Don't sell yourself short. You're a good writer. You write well and with interest and spirit.
We are privileged you are here.
congrats on your amazing accomplishment. I have a lot of catching up to do :)
Sally, Thanks so much for starting Positive Attitudes for the Weary Soul. It's one of my favorites and I love being a part of it. Congratulations on two great years.
Sally,
My pistachio friend, I just stop by to thank Randy!
Bill
Sally congrats to you! I've always enjoyed reading your blogs!
Unfortunately I got a little bit of "quit" in my for a while there, and abandoned Active Rain for a ridiculous amount of time, for reasons that don't even make any sense to me!
I'm working on my first 50,000 points and I'm also in my 2nd year on Active Rain. Sad, huh? I never should have stopped, but there's always tomorrow! Congrats again!
Hi Sally, you deserve it. You were our first commenter on our post 7 months ago and you're still our favorite. Love that bird of paradise picture. Everytime we see that it reminds us of you! Thanks for all you continue to do for members of this network and thanks again for showing us the way and why content was king. You have certainly been one of the most consistent bloggers next to Fran "The Title Man" Gaspari and for that you may get a Golden Castellum at the end of the year. Will be tough to choose between you and Fran so you may both win :) Either way, keep doing what you're doing. We love reading your topics and revell at your writing abilities. You have great command of the english language and are a great motivator for new members.
CONGRATULATIONS SALLY!!
Sally - Many congrats on such a successful career you've had here on Active Rain so far. We've all benefited because of you. Keep it up!
Sally--And it seems like only yesterday when we started this crazy adventure. :)
Congratulations! great profile too.
WooHoo!! WooHoo. Did that sound right? I remember when you were just a wee little rain drop. You've come along way baby. Keep it up. BTW< Bertha says howdy.
hi Sally, as I said the other day, I see you and Kathy as sisters, I also see you and Gary (Woltal) as siblings in the way you bring us constant inspiration and so much soul to the Rain, Thx!
Thank you for your informative an inspirational posts. We all enjoy them and look forward to many more to come.
Sally, you have come a long ways on AR in just two years. You have truly provided a wealth of information, and you are one of the hundreds of reasons I am glad I joined AR.
Sally, I honor your dedication and professionalism on Active Rain. With you I think of a superstar here and a great ambassador for all you do with your work in Hawaii. Congratulations to you for all your hard work. The place has come a long way since you started. Like Marti said above too, you inspire me always.
Sally- Congratulations on your landmark. We're glad to have you here on AR! :)
Proud of you. I started a year and a half ago, but I did nothing until this past July after an agent motivated me to catch him......and he was pushing 100,000 points. Don't compete with me or you will lose. Well it has taken me 9 months, but I will pass him on April 1st based on his blogging pace......as long as he does not read this. It has vastly improved me as a better reader and writer. (I really stunk before)
I am a Active Rain Newbie but as soon as i wrote my first post i was hooked
Woo Hoo Congratulations! You and some of the other special people here in the Rain have provided for me a place to call home with my friends. I am so proud to call you "my most special friend" and know that we shall be so for the rest of our lives. Every time I get a lttle ancy about things, I just remember this most special gift and it makes everything else un-important.
Sally, that is a lot of great quality writing! I am always relaxed when I see your nice peaceful photos!
Congratulations Sally on your two years in the rain! I can only begin to imagine how many lives you have touched with your wonderful stories and beautiful photography! I have only been in the Rain since October and your hearty welcome was so inviting and warm and made me feel right at home! And I am sure everyone will agree that you are truly one of the most sparkling raindrops in the Rain!
Loved reading all the comments, and Thank you to Mike for bringing his yellow star :)
we love you Sally!- I am still waiting for Kathy to get the plane tickets so we can run see you. cheryl (when are you going to join my other favorite group)willis
Congrats on two years and the feature, hope to see many more of both for you.
That was a very impressive post. Congratulations!
Sally, Congratulations on your two years. I enjoy reading your posts. and you have earned the title MRS. Sunshine, I already call Gary Woltal - Mr. Sunshine. Keep up the good work for you are an excellent writer.
Sally, I have enjoyed reading your blogs and congratulate you on your successful journey. Wishing you more great things to come along the way.
Hey girl, Congratulations and thanks for helping me learn the ropes along the way. I know you have been an inspiration to others too, so please, keep uo the good work!
It has been a pleasure reading your posts since I started, can't wait to cntinue following your inspiration in the "Rain"
Congrats!
Sally,
AR is such a great success because its members, for the most part, adhere to network rules and interact in the best interest of it. The value it gives all of us not only in personal growth but also in the number of leads is tremendous.
Sally,
You have definitely been one of the AR members I have enjoyed reading and learning from. AR has been a tremendous benefit to myself on many levels these past few months. Take care and continued happy blogging to you!
Congratulations Sally - I've got two years in as well....lol but you have double my points! Not fair! (yes fair, I don't blog and comment nearly as faithfully as you do.) This is a terrific place to learn, grow, and share.
Congratulations Sally! I love reading your posts and enjoy looking at the beautiful pictures you share. Active Rain is blessed to have you.
Before you, "Woo Hoo" was all Homer Simpsons. You've brought it respectability!
Hi Sally -- Congratulations. You are a class act. Your writing is insightful and engaging. And...last but not least....your photos are the best I have seen on this platform, truly the best. Even this post. What a photo of that person up over the waves, and the other ones. You could be a professional photographer if you ever tire of real estate :-)
Sally - Congrats on celebrating two years here in the Rain! Great job summing things up.
Sally,
Great posts and photos! You provide the needed inspiration for some us newbies!
Congratulations on 2 wonderful years Sally!
Here's a toast to 2 more! Cheers!
-Keith
WOW, Two years, huh?! Sally, you have been a constant for me here in the Rain--I don't always comment but, I do read your posts and then see you 'around' on others' posts--you're always positive and SO willing to teach and are so generous to everyone here in this forum. Thank YOU for two great years and I do hope you'll stay!
Sally...
Congratulations on your two year anniversary ... both you and ActiveRain have come a long way in that time!
Congrats for making it two years. I think AR helps you even more than most with a unique nich of Hawaii relocations. I hope to find my niche here in Denver.
Hi Sally - Mahalo to you too:)
Katerina: Many more to come is right!
Kristina: Now...that...is what I was hoping...that many can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Lenn: Now ...coming from you...I humbly accept your kind compliment :) Thanks Lenn! :)
Manolis: Take time...hard work....let it all break loose :)
Carrie/Kathy: I really appreciate that ...Photos enhance a post....don't they?
Marian: I love that group. Thanks and see you around!
Bill: Pistachio? Hmmm.... Randy surely is the start of this for me :)
Julie: Wonderful to see you back! Keep on blogging....this IS one of the greatest platforms ....for all reasons :)
Hey Castle! Oh, goodness....I am honored to have been the first...you have proven that you surely support the community and are a blogger with heart. Thanks for the compliments...and no race here....it's not the amount...it's the quality :) :)
Kim: Goodness.....that was real nice...thanks!
Teri: No kidding! Aren't you at that mark too?
Post: Thanks.
BB: Oh..it's all good :) I love that! I was a wee little rain drop....and bloomed into Rainmaker...that's choice :) Is Bertha hanging out? I better go check...long day.
Hey marti: What would be a milestone like this without you here!!!! Thanks...soul ... rainmates :)
Simon: You're very welcome!
Troy: Oh, goodness..thank you!
Gary: It sure has....I started with around 19k members. Lookie at us now!
Ilyce: Thanks much!
Walter: More to come...believe me.
Hi My Wonderful Friend! You are as special to me as I am to you...you know that :) I long for the day we finally meet William....so I can hug you for real. :)
Kristi: I love that people enjoy the photos....they are the essence of me and my love for our islands.
Kathy: You KNOW that the secret fairies in AR bring me my little stars :)
Cheryl: You both just better start swimming already. :)
JL: It's a wonderful two years....and there will definitely be more...as long as they will have me. :)
Brian: Thanks.
Sharon: Thank you much....I appreciate all of you!
Barb: And the same to you...on your journey too!
Russell: Hey guy! :) Oh....you can bet on that :)
Bridget: You'll be finding your way too!
Esko: Right on the mark Esko!
Jason: And the same to you too! We all contribute a piece of us...and believe me...I've enjoyed your writing as well.
Karen: Ah...the meaning of fair lol...thanks...and it is.
Tina: Thanks...and they are ...aren't they? LOL
Chris: That was out on the North Shore and it was not a really sunny day...but the picture came out beautifully....with a little enhancing with shadows. :)
Jason: Thanks kind sir...I've learned to sum up my time here well...:)
Maribeth: Wonderful...dive in....you'll be amazed!
Keith: Cheers...and I'll be here as long as they remain here.
Debe: Yup...two years.....and there is not other place that I've been as loyal to but....ActiveRain.
Richard: No kidding! I was just conversing (email) with Bob last night and boy...it seems like yesterday when....
Mike: Actually, we all find our niche. Believe me...
Suzanne: woohoo!
Wonderful post and congratulations on this milestone. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right. thanks for all the direction and reminders that your post evoked
Congratulations on hitting the two year mark and you are still blogging. :)
Sally,
Congratulations on your two years. It is truly dedication that keeps you going. I look forward to reading more from your group.
Scott
Sally your right it does take commitment. Every time I want to throw in the towel with AR, I read a great post or learn something new. It is so addicting that once your in it you can't stay away.
Sally, Thank you for your experience.
I just recently joined the AR community.
My own sense of how to be effective was confirmed by your thoughts. I've been disappointed by some of the comments I've gotten in these first few days. Some of the comments do not reflect the nature of the blog entry. Rather, it is something to the effect of here I am, use my services.
I have not yet experienced the full range of value of the AR experience. That will come with time, I'm sure.
My ONLY regret about Active Rain is that I didn't join sooner. :)
Congratulations on your success Sally!
Way to stay the course Sally ! ...two years of that type of consistency is a fabulous testimony to your dedication !
I know I have a slew of your posts in my Bookmarks to refer to, so I like many am grateful for what you bring to the table !
Cheers ! And here's to the next 2 !!!
Sheldon o)
Sis - There's little doubt you are one of the greatest contributors here. Your writings are filled with passion and inspiration and the pics from Hawaii are mesmerizing. I'm proud of you. Lil Bro loves ya:)
Your beautifully written and well illustrated posts are a great model for those of us who are new to ActiveRain. Thanks for the advice and congratulations on two years.
Congratulations Celeste! I always enjoy your writings, the flow, the organization, the graphics, all quite first rate. You have many reasons to be proud, and give me many reasons to be inspired. Thanks for helping to set the bar!
Thanks Gina...good luck in the rain!
Teresa: No kidding....two ....years. :)
Thanks Scott
Dee Dee...I think it's only the ones who have addictive natures lol!
Andrew: Yeah...some think it's a free for all for advertising....delete them :) There are guidelines...and that's one of them...NOT to do.
Mark: I'm glad I finally did ...after four months of Randy nagging talking me into it.
Sheldon: I'm so flattered! WooHoo! Thanks Sheldon!
Lil Bro.....what can I say....you are just that...and you know I always wish I could've had a little brother like you... this is the closest I can come to it. I can say I'm proud of who you are and all you've done here as well. :) Wishing you both a long and happy life.
Kate: I appreciate that....they say we have to love what we do to really be happy...my writing shows the love I have for my local area...the sunrises, my family (including my dog), real estate, the people here and so on....this is what I write and my writing reflects....me. :)
Stevie: Thanks much...I do try to to give back to our community.
Sally,
Wow--what a wonderful review of two years in the rain. Thanks for sharing. I followed you here because you commented Bob Sanders post I wrote recently. I am glad I did. Also, I joined PAWS because of you and love it. Thanks. Mary
Congratulations, nice post and gorgeous pictures!!
Aloha Sally—You kill me - LOL! Congratulations for being in the RAIN for two years, over 400K and the success of the PAWS group. You have a lot to be proud of and will continue to be. I'm going to read your earlier blogs to see what two years of blogging experience can do for one. Take care and see ya around the RAIN!
This is very well written, as our all of your posts! Your headline says it all I think. If you do each of those things your time here in the rain will be successful, productive and find you some new friends along the way!
Congratulations Sally - you have contributed so much.... we just cannot picture Active Rain without your name!
Sally - Two years and many more to come. Thanks for being there in HI for the military folks!
Sally -- congratulations on 2 years in the rain. I would have guessed much longer based on the quantity and quality of your posts. I really enjoy them, learn a lot, - and love the photos and glimpses of Hawaii.
Way to go Sally. I've been on here for years but just started actively blogging in January...I hope to still be on here January 2011 like you have been able to do. :)