Best Diet for Success :
Eat a Frog a Day!
Since the beginning of the year, and even before the New Year, I was overwhelmed by emails touting advice and webinar offerings which I needed to join in order grow my business in 2010. It seems like there are real estate experts sprouting up everyday willing to help my business grow and find success this year. Only $39 per month and I can join their motivational/training program and learn how to blog, tweet, join social networking, get the SEO to have my website ranking higher to get the best leads.
Overwhelmed and down in the dumps; I put off making a decision about what was the best road to success. I did NOTHING and NOTHING happened. Then came that “AH HA” moment : EAT THE FROG!
I confess, I am a procrastinator, I have been since I was a child. I remember my dad saying to me
“WHEN YOU HAVE TO EAT A FROG, DON’T LOOK AT IT TOO LONG. IF YOU HAVE TO EAT TWO, EAT THE BIG ONE FIRST” I’ve said this to myself over the years when I found myself putting off until tomorrow the tasks I didn’t want to do. You see, I still didn’t understand the important part of my dad’s message. I didn’t realize the harm I was doing myself by procrastinating. I said the words, I have to eat the frog, when I could not put off any longer the dreaded task, but I didn’t know the true damage I was doing.
Then a friend sent me a motivational movie by a company called “Simple Truths”, which was entitled
“EAT THE FROG” . It was sent to me as a joke because this friend had heard me say many times , “I have to eat the frog” when I had put off as long as I could, and I HAD to finally attack the dreaded task.
This friend did a great service to me, because in watching this video, I truly understood what my dad was telling me so long ago. This is the MOST IMPORTANT advice which I want to pass along.
Momentum and Success comes by identifying your “frog” everyday. Eat it first! Then you will feel energized and ready to take on any and all obstacles in your business. If you put your “frog” last, you will feel weighed down by the dread and all your energy will be sapped. You will be doing all the minute chores to avoid eating your frog, causing you to waste your day.
AND, I found out it works! I write a “to- do” list every day. I circle the biggest frog in red, and prioritize from there. Whether it is calling a disgruntled client, making a business plan, whatever it is that seems like a hard or unpleasant task…I do it first then I have more energy to get that whole list done. I feel energized and confident. I’ve gained momentum and my attitude of confidence spills over to my customers and clients. I look forward to the next day, even to eating the next frog. In fact, I’m finding that the taste of frog tastes like success. I’m sure you will too. Bon Appétit!
Best Diet for Success in 2010
Featured on a Local Blog
Local photographer, Sarah Valentine, featured one of my listings on her blog, sValentine Photos.
Photo by Sarah Valentine
See the full post here:
http://sarahvalentinephotography.blogspot.com/2010/01/carol-mathews-harry-norman-realtors.html
December Events in the Highlands Area
DECEMBER
Gingerbread Man Decorating
Every Day Through Christmas
The Toy Store in Highlands
10 am – 5 pm
828-526-9415
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1
“Wreath Fluffing”- Give Your Boring Wreath Highlands Flair!
Oakleaf Flower and Garden
10:30 am – 2 pm, Free
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2
Holiday Make-Up Techniques
The Spa at Old Edwards
2 pm – 4 pm, Free 828-526-2542
Winter Botany Walk
Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust
Free to HCLT Members, $25 Donation for New Friends.
Reservations Required.
Call 526-1111 or email Julie.hitrust@earthlink.net
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3
Demonstration-The Ancient Art of Spinning
The Bascom Atrium
2 pm – 4 pm, Free
No Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828.526.4949 x100
Holiday Sweets Culinary Demonstration
Old Edwards Inn 3 pm – 5 pm, Free
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4
Knit a Christmas Stocking
The Bascom, Studio B
10 am – 4 pm
$125 members, $135 non-members
Pre-Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828.526.4949 x100
Christmas Cookies – A Tradition to Cherish
Morningside B&B
10:30 am – 2:30 pm
$30 Per Person 828-787-1463
Grand Holiday Wine Tasting
Paoletti’s on Main Street
12:30 pm – 2 pm
$20 Per Person, Refundable with Wine Purchase
828-526-4906
Festive Christmas Table Setting
Acorn’s Boutique
1 pm – 3:30 pm, Free
828-787-2551
Daraja Children’s Choir
Community Bible Church
6:30 pm
“The Christmas Letters”
Barbara Bates Smith
Performing Arts Center
7:30 pm, $15 828-526-9047
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
Knit a Christmas Stocking
The Bascom, Studio B
10 am – 4 pm
$125 Members, $135 Non-Members Includes $35 Supply Fee
(Pre-Registration Required)
Kathy Collany, 828.526.4949 x100
Winter Wonderland at “The Galleries”
“The Galleries” 154 South 2nd Street
10 am – 5 pm, Free
828-526-2673
Olde Mountain Christmas Parade
11 am Main Street
828-526-5841
Santa at Visitor’s Center
Following the Parade
828-526-5841
Grand Holiday Wine Tasting
Paoletti’s on Main Street
12:30 pm – 2 pm
$20 per person, Refundable with Wine Purchase
Demonstration – Split Oak Basket Weaving
The Bascom, Atrium
1 pm – 4 pm
Free , No Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828-526-4949 x100
Holiday Botanical Painting Demo by Fayne
The Bascom Atrium
1 pm – 4 pm, Free
No Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828-526-4949 x100
Christmas Showhouse
Shuttle from Civic Center
Highlands Historical Society
1 pm – 5 pm
828-787-1050
Christmas Cookies – A Tradition to Cherish
Morningside B&B
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
$30 Per Person
828-787-1463
Christmas Carol Sing
First Presbyterian Church
2 pm
828-526-3175
Holiday Cards-with Fayne Ansley
The Bascom Studio A
2 pm – 4 pm
$20 Members, $25 Non-Members
Pre-Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828-526-4949 x100
‘Tis the Season – Holiday Alternative Gift Giving Fair
Highlands United Methodist Church
After Parade Until 2 pm
Winter Wonderland at Wolfgang’s
Immediately Following the Parade
828-526-3807
Saturday Walk-In Wine Tasting
Old Edwards Lobby
2:30 pm – 4 pm, Free
Art Gallery Gift Stroll
5 pm – 7 pm, Free
828-526-2673
“The Dappled Grays”
Performing Arts Center
7:30 pm, $15
828-526-9047
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Christmas Showhouse
Shuttle from Civic Center
Highlands Historical Society
1 pm – 5 pm
828-787-1050
“Christmas Hang-Ups”
A Christian Musical for Children
First Baptist Church
6:30 pm
828-526-4153
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8
Make a Highlands Kissing Ball for Your Doorway
Oakleaf Flower and Garden
10:30 am – 12 pm Free
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9
Create a Holiday Centerpiece
The Bascom Studio B
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
$20 Members, $25 Non-Members
Pre-Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828-526-4949 x100
Holiday Stress Relief with Massage Therapy
The Spa at Old Edwards
2 pm – 4 pm Free
828-526-2542
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10
Turkey Basics Culinary Demonstration
Old Edwards Inn
3 pm – 5 pm, Free
Annual Holiday Reading
By the Highlands Cashiers Players
Performing Arts Center
7:30 pm
828-526-8084
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11
Grand Holiday Wine Tasting
Paoletti’s on Main Street
12:30 pm – 2 pm
$20, Refundable with Wine Purchase
828-526-4906
Creative Napkin Folding Classes
Acorn’s Boutique
1 pm – 3:30 pm, Free
828-787-2551
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
Gingerbread House/Structure Display and Contest: Popular Vote
The Bascom, Atrium
10 am, Free
No Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828-526-4949 x100
Ceramic Ornament Making
The Bascom, Barn Studio
10 am – 12 pm
$20 Members, $25 Non-Members
Pre-Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828-526-4949 x100
Santa at Visitor’s Center
10 am – 4 pm
828-526-5841
Winter Wonderland at “The Galleries”
“The Galleries” 154 South 2nd Street
10 am – 5 pm, Free
828-526-2673
Grand Holiday Wine Tasting
Paoletti’s on Main Street
12:30 pm – 2 pm
$20 Refundable with Wine Purchase
828-526-4906
Highlands Holiday Cookbook Tour of Local Inns
Visitor’s Center
1 pm – 6 pm
828-526-2112
Botanical Watercolor: American Holly
The Bascom
2 pm – 4 pm
Pre-Registration is Required
$20 Members, $25 Non-Members
Kathy Collany, 828-526-4949 x100
Saturday Walk-In Wine Tasting
Old Edwards Lobby
2:30 pm – 4 pm, Free
Community Christian Chorale
Community Bible Church
4 pm
828-526-4685
Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Christmas Concert
Performing Arts Center
5 pm
828-526-9060
Art Gallery Gift Stroll
5 pm – 7 pm, Free
828-526-2673
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
Community Christian Chorale
Community Bible Church
7 pm
828-526-4685
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Herbal Christmas Ideas
Oakleaf Flower and Garden
10:30 am – 12 pm, Free
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
Holiday Floral Arrangement Demonstration
The Bascom, Atrium
Free, No Registration Required
Kathy Collany, 828.526.4949 x100
Relax with a Free Holiday De-Stress Yoga Class
The Spa at Old Edwards
2 pm – 3 pm
828-526-9887
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17
Holiday Fun with Literacy
The Literacy Council of Highlands
Peggy Crosby Center
3 pm – 4:30 pm, Free
828-526-9938 ext. 240 or 261
By Tuesday, Dec. 15
Gingerbread House Decorating
Old Edwards Inn
3 pm – 5 pm, Free
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18
Scarf Tying Class
Acorn’s Boutique
12 pm – 4 pm (every 30 minutes)
828-787-2551
Grand Holiday Wine Tasting
Paoletti’s on Main Street
12:30 pm – 2 pm
$20, Refundable with Wine Purchase
828-526-4906
Festive Film Friday
Performing Arts Center
3 pm, Family Matinee, Free
Refreshments Available for Purchase
7 pm, Evening Movie, Free
Wine and H’ors D’oeuvres for Purchase
828-526-9047
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
Santa at Visitor’s Center
10 am – 4 pm
828-526-5841
Winter Wonderland at “The Galleries”
“The Galleries” 154 South 2nd Street
10 am – 5 pm, Free
828-526-2673
Grand Holiday Wine Tasting
Paoletti’s on Main Street
12:30 pm – 2 pm
$20, Refundable with Wine Purchase
828-526-4906
Saturday Walk-In Wine Tasting
Old Edwards Lobby
2:30 pm – 4 pm, Free
“Discover The Magic of Music”
“Braidstream” Music Workshop: The Significance of Music in our Times
Performing Arts Center
Older Children and Adults
3 pm – 4 pm, $5
828-526-9047
Art Gallery Gift Stroll
5 pm – 7 pm
828-526-2673
La Noche Navidena
A Christmas Holiday Dinner & Santa Visit Civic Center
6 pm – 9 pm
Free to Internationals.
Pick up tickets at the International Friendship Center in the Peggy Crosby Center beginning November 1
828-526-9938 ext. 290
“Braidstream” Christmas Concert
Performing Arts Center
7:30 pm, $20
828-526-9047
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22
Last-Minute Decorating Ideas
Oakleaf Flower and Garden
10:30 am – 12 pm, Free
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23
Last-Minute Gift Ideas
The Spa at Old Edwards
8 am – 8 pm, Free
828-526-9887
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
Annual Christmas Dinner
Fresser’s
benefiting H.A.N.D.S.
11:00 -4:00 reservations needed
$35 Adults $25 Children
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26
Festive Film Saturday
Performing Arts Center
1 pm, Family Matinee, Free
Refreshments Available for Purchase
7 pm, Evening Movie, Free
Wine and H’ors D’oeuvres for Purchase
828-526-9047
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
Highlands New Year’s Eve Ball
8 pm- Until
Details TBD
PromCmte@gmail.com
New Year’s Eve with Rai Ragland Jazz Band from Atlanta
Hummingbird Lounge at Old Edwards 8 pm
828-787-2625
This is only a partial list of events. Please go to the Highlands Chamber of Commerce at www.highlandschamber.org for more information.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!
Mountain Islands
Hello from Highlands,
Mountain Islands
On my way to work at 8:30am one a very foggy morning last week, the fog lifted to this magnificent view at Whiteside Mountain Overlook. I had to stop and take this photo; I call it Mountain Islands…
Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with joy, good food and cherished friends and family. (Dare I say football too? GO SAINTS!)
I’m looking forward to a joyous holiday season this year, beginning with the famous Highlands Christmas Parade on Dec. 5th. This year there is so much to do and see; I’ve only created a partial list.
Feel free to call me if you have specific questions or events you would like to attend. Reservations are required at many venues, make plans early.
My next blog post will be the Highlands Holiday Plans from the Laurel Magazine and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce. Please give me a call if you plan to come up for the festivities – I would love to see you! AND of course, I’m always available to help you regarding real estate on the beautiful Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.
Fondly,
Carol
Carol Mathews, Broker
828.342.1625
Trick or Treat on Main Street – Highlands, NC
Costumed children, adults, and pets enjoyed Trick or Treat on Main Street, Highlands. Through rain and cold, all had lots of smiles and candy.
Elk Watching at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The reintroduction of elk into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has grown from an initial 25 animals in 2001 to currently 110. Adult male bulls can weigh up to 700 pounds, while a female cow averages around 500 pounds. Adult Elk measure from 7 to 10 feet long, and a bull elk can sport antlers as wide as 5 feet end-to-end.
The best area to observe elk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in Cataloochie, which is in the southeastern section of the park on the North Carolina side. The best times of the day to view elk in their natural habitat are early morning and just prior to sunset. You may also find that elk may also be active just before or after a rain storm or on cloudy days in the summer.
For the elks’ safety (and your own!) follow park guidelines, including viewing the elk from a good distance.
What’s Happening in Highlands Oct 20 through Oct 30
The Dining Room: A drama by A.R. Gurney, Directed by Kathryn Cochran & Kirk Howard
October 15-18, 22-25 – Tickets $20
If dining room walls could talk, this is what they might say as HCP revives one of its most popular early plays in celebration of our 15th anniversary season. The intertwining scenes of this delightful play take place in a dining room where families of different time periods deal with situations, some funny, some touching, some rueful. Characters range from little boys to stern grandfathers, giggling teenage girls to old-fashioned aunts, Irish housemaids to social climbing mothers. These vignettes ultimately coalesce into as unforgettable theatrical experience of exceptional insight and compassionate humor.
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Mountain Air Wellness Center: Take Charge of Your Heath Lecture Series
October 27, 6pm – Cashier’s Office
3 Ways To Combat/Prevent the Flu
(828) 743-9070
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Halloween Haunted House: Presented by Highlands Prominent Club
October 30-31, 6-9pm – $5 per person
Location: Mountain Hardscapes, Highway 64. Proceeds go to local charites.
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Spooky Raku – A Halloween Pottery Firing: Presented by The Bascom
October 31, Sundown (5:30 pm) – Free
At sundown, red dots will be glowing in the night sky, creating a spooky mood and an unforgettable All Hallows Eve. You are invited to come by the studio barn at The Bascom in costume for this fun way to celebrate Halloween in Highlands prior to Highlands Trick or Treat on Main Street.
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Trick or Treat on Main Street
October 31, 6-8:30 pm – Free
Fun for the whole family, as costumed spooks and goblins visit the merchants on Main Street for goodies. Begin on the corner of 5th and Main for hot dogs and Drinks provided by Highlands Mountaintop Rotary and the Highlands Chamber of Commerce.
Trick or Treat on Main Street
Rotary Serves Hot Dogs & Drinks
Highlands-Cashiers Real Estate Stats Aug 31 to Sept 30, 2009
CLOSED SALES: in Highlands, Cashiers, Flats, and Hamburg Townships
From: August 30 through September 30,2009
Residential: 29 total
High Sales Price: $3,575,000 Median Sales Price: $486,000 Lo Sales Price: $165,000
Vacant Land: 10
High Sales Price: $650,000 Median Sales Price: $86,000 Lo Sales Price: $27,500
Condos/Townhomes: 4
High Sales Price $ 386,000 Median Sales Price: $160,000 Lo Sales Price: $67,000
Commercial: 1
Sales Price: $290,000
PENDING SALES
Residential: 36
Hi Listing Price: $2,750,000 Median Listing Price: $612,000 Lo Listing Price: $129,000
Vacant Land: 17
Hi Listing Price: $2,750,000 Median Listing Price; $235,000 Lo Listing Price: $12,000
Condo/Townhomes: 7
Hi Listing Price: $799,900 Median Listing Price: $595,000 Lo Listing Price: $89,000
Commercial: 2
Hi Listing Price: $1,150,000 Lo Listing Price: $315,000
Cashiers Happenings, August 09
This Week in Highlands
Wolfgangs Restaurant & Wine Bistro
The “Cellar Rats”
Monday, August 31
Wine Dinner
Time: 6:00 p.m.
$89.00 plus tax and gratuity
Markham Vineyards and Oakville Ranch
Vineyards Brian Del Bondio, President of
Markam Paula Kornell, General Manager
of Oakville Ranch
828-526-3807www.wolfgangs.net
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Highlands Playhouse
Now thru August 16
“Pump Boys and Dinettes”
Showtimes: 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 2:00 p.m.
828-526-2695
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Mountain Music
Friday, August 7
Location: Highlands School
Time: 6:45 pm Dancing
7:30 pm Concerts
Cost: Free
Appalachian Bluegrass and Country
Cloggin’ Kids and Mountain Sound
Of Cashiers
These events are sponsored by
Just for You Relay
for Life team.
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Children’s Activity
Friday, August 7
Location: Community Bible Church
Time: 6:00 p.m.
A high-energy show for children.
The event includes puppets, prizes and
food. Designed for pre-kindergarten through
fifth grade.
Also… The Big Dig
Community Bible Church
Saturday, August 8
Time: 9:30-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 suggested donation, includes lunch.
An apologetics simulcast conference.
This conference will answer many teens’
questions before the school year starts.
There will be about a 2 hour break after the
conference and then a worship rally.
828-526-4685
www.cbchighlands.com
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Nature Center
“Know Your Frogs”
Friday, August 7
Time: 8:30-9:30 p.m.
Cost: $2.00 per person advanced
registration is required.
For ages 7 to adult. Learn about
the biology of frogs and how to
identify regional species visually
and by their calls. Bring a flashlight.
828-526-2623
www.wcu.edu/hbs/Naturecenter.htm ************************************
Manes and Tails Benefit for
Carpe Diem Farms and
Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society
Saturday, August 8
Time: 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50 per person
Great drinks, food, music, dancing,
silent auction, horse and dog parades,
games, prizes,and more.
For more information call Peter Raoul
828-526-5700
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Summit One Gallery
“The Silent Wind”
with “Staffs” by Fran Gatins
Now thru September 2
The exhibit is free and open to
the public.
Located in “The Galleries”
828-526-2673
www.summitonegallery.com
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Nantahala Hiking Club
Saturday, August 8
6-mile hike on the Chattooga River Trail
from Whiteside Cove Road
to the IronBridge.
Meet at the Cashiers Wachovia Bank.
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Leaders: Mike and Sue Kettles
828-743-1079
Visitors are welcome, but not pets.
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Shakespeare in the Park
Highlands Playhouse
“Much Ado about Nothing”
Sunday, August 9
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: Kelsey-Hutchinson Park
Bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic.
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Audubon Picnic
Sunday, August 9
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person
Location: Village Green in Cashiers
The Highlands Audubon Society
will hold its annual picnic.
For more informationplease call:
828-743-3256 **********************************
Weekly Concerts
The Highlands-Cashiers Chamber
Music Festival
Time: 6:00 p.m. on Fridays
5:00 p.m. on Sundays
Location: Martin-Lipscomb Performing
Arts Center through August 9.
For more information please call
828-526-9060
www.h-cmusicfestival.org
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What Does it Mean to be Alive?
Monday, August 10
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Episcopal Church of the
Incarnation
Cost: Free
Also….
“Human Religious Development
From Animism to Monotheism”
Tuesday, August 11
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Episcopal Church of the
Incarnation
Cost: Free
828-526-5037
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Golf Tournament
Monday, August 10
The Highlands Playhouse
Location: Old Edwards Club
Cost: $150 for golfers
which includes green fees, cart,
cocktails, dinner, auction and prizes.
All funds will benefit the Playhouse.
For information call, 828-526-2695.
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Mountain Air Wellness Center
pH Balance and Eating Well
Tuesday, August 11
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Hudson Library, Highlands
828-526-3709
www.mountainairwellness.com