I Found My Christmas Spirit This Year in the Most Unusual Place

Each year, the time presses us into a frenzy, the demands of balancing work and all the things that need to be done to shop for others, to get Christmas cards out and to prepare for gathering of family and friends.  This year was especially rushed, and I don’t know why really. It’s not like I have had no warning, like I didn’t have 11 months to prepare for Christmas.  Procrastination fills every moment and there are always excuses for me not to shop. Shopping to me is a curse that rears it’s head at the most inopportune times. This year was no different. Giving is a wonderful thing, which I enjoy, but it’s the task of the purchase and the thought of what to give that gets me all sidetracked. Perhaps if I would think about it ahead of time, it would not be so overwhelming.

This year, during one of my moments of procrastination, I pulled into Whataburger on Thomasville Road, a familiar and beloved place in Tallahassee, not realizing this time something worth pause was about to happen. I stopped for two reasons really, first, I was starved, secondly, I wanted to get my girls, who since they were old enough to eat real food, developed a passion for Whataburger. My dad, the hamburger connoisseur swears that a Whataburger is the best hamburger in town, and believe me, he’d rather eat there than anywhere else on earth. As I ordered and paid for gift certificates, I was helped by the sweetest, most courteous counter clerk ever. I noticed her striking face the last few times I ate at Whatagurger. She has a humble spirit and a shy smile. When I made my purchase, it came over me, the Christmas spirit, the true spirit of giving. I found myself wanting to do something spur of the moment, something slightly meaningful for just her. I wondered about this hard working young woman, probably  my daughter’s age, and if she would have a memorable Christmas. I found myself digging through my wallet filled with receipts form the week’s purchases and I found it, the last $20 bill I had at the time. I asked for her hand, and I placed it in her hand and closed it tightly and said, “I know it’s not much, but I will be back. I want you to spend this on you,..just you. Please do that for me, Merry Christmas.”  It was as if the room went dark and a light came over her. She replied shyly, “thank you, this is the first Christmas present I have gotten.” I have a feeling it may be one of the few that she may be getting.  It made me smile, and I vowed right then and there,..to go back to check on her, to get to know her, to make sure that the next $20 I slip her will be for something again, just for her.

I hope you and your families have a terrific Christmas. I hope that we all renew our spirits, looking around thankfully for all that we have and reaching out to those who are deserving and in need and that we give, not just at Christmas, but every day. Merry Christmas Everyone! Pay It Forward!

365 Things To Do In Tallahassee, FL

Bradley’s Family Country Christmas at Bradley’s Country Store

There is magic that happens when little ones see Santa Claus. In the country there is even more magic when Santa visits Bradley’s County Store this year. If you have young ones filled with wonder think about taking them to the Bradley’s Country Store for some down home country Christmas fun.

You all know I grew up near the Store, and with the owners, and I always love going back. It certainly brings back great memories of when I was a kid sitting on that porch drinking a bottled Coca-Cola! On Sunday, December 17, 2011, from 2:30 – 4:30 kids can enjoy a visit with Santa, roasting marshmallows, petting the goats, face-painting and pony rides and to top it all off, hear Sachel, the Bradley’s singing dog!

The weather is perfect this weekend and the sun will be shining so bring the family, grab a hot dog or sausage dog, pizza and more great food while the kids run, play and enjoy the afternoon at the store. They are sure not to forget their fun here – and we all need some fun. It’s a perfect time to stock up on your smoked sausage and hand milled grits for Christmas morning too. Say Hi to my mom Patsy, who will be running a register inside the store!

Map to Bradley’s Country Store:

View Bradley’s Country Store in Tallahassee, FL in a larger map

The Nutcracker

Tallahassee Ballet Presents “The Nutcracker”

Since my girls were young, we have made a date during the holidays to make “The Nutcracker” a part of our Christmas holiday. Both of my girls were dancers since age 4 and 5, and this is our celebration of those years and the “bigger” picture of the ballet at it’s finest! Tonight we will go again, take in the Tallahassee Ballet Orchestra accompanying the 2011 Cast in another great performance.

My oldest daughter is 26, and this is the 26th anniversary of the Nutcracker. This year’s production features Ivan Popov who danced the role of Prince in last spring’s “Cinderella.” Mr. Popov, a native of Russia, trained at the Moscow State Ballet Academy, and the Vaganova Ballet Academy. He’ll perform with his real-life fiancé, Mercedes Schindler. Both dancers are currently with Columbia Classical Ballet.

So, tonight we will visit the ballet, get wrapped up in Christmas and all things imaginative and wonderful. If you have never been to any of the Tallahassee Ballet’s productions check them out here: http://tallahasseeballet.org/ . Make the ballet a tradition!

Do your children like to dance? Here’s a List of Dance Studios in Tallahassee, Florida

Tallahassee Dance Academy -*Where my girls danced!

In Step Studio – Multi cultural Dance Studio, Tallahassee, Florida

Dance Electric

Sharon Davis School of Dance

Tallahassee Little Theater

The Dance Studio

Performing Arts Studio of Tallahassee

Hannah Bergstrom’s School of Dance

Killearn Perfoming Arts – Step Dancers

Southern Academy of Ballet

As a Realtor in Tallahassee, it is always fun for me to share with new customers and residents special features of our community. Do you need to know more about Tallahassee, FL? Are you considering a job transfer or relocation to Tallahassee, FL? I will be happy to share our relocation package with you and prepare you for your Tallahassee visit.

Every now and then, fate brings you gifts. This past week, I spent time getting to know my cousin, who I have not seen in over 35 years. Those were years of our youth, our growth, our history; years that formed who we are today. While it was great to rediscover family history, share stories, visit with her husband and lovely daughter Marissa, the real gift, the highlight of our visit, was a 7 year old, her grandson Kristopher.

Many of you know I have two amazing daughters. Raising my girls was the best part of my life. Their little minds constantly amazed me, their thoughts and questions challenged me, and their perceptions made me examine things closer, and differently.  I was lucky, I didn’t have to help them much with homework,.. they didn’t really need my help, they were so smart. What they did need was enough interest to keep them engaged, challenged and open to sharing. I was lucky, I had a family to help me with raising my girls. Meeting Kris brought all the fun and excitement of those days back again!

When I met Kris, there was an immediate bond, from the first hug, and the first conversations. I saw what I had seen in my children, all over again. Before me was one of the brightest, creative little intellectuals I have ever met. You all know that I am always amazed with talented, creative people and constantly seek to learn what I do not know, but who would have thought I’d learn so much from a 7 year old!  The family stayed with me, so we had lots of time to fill. It’s been a while since I have had little ones, and being  pack-rat I am, I had saved those board games, the ones typical for a 7 year old, like Candyland, Sorry, Battleship. However, I knew immediately, these would not do for this 7 year old. His language, and reasoning skills were far beyond those games, so we pulled out Pente, Othello, and eventually Chess. Yes Chess! ( which he learned immediately!) Kris swiftly beat me at several games, you know.. I was going to take it easy on him at first. that lasted just one game. After that, all bets were off, and at that point it was every man or woman for themselves!

I was lucky being able to spend the better part of a day with Kris in downtown Tallahassee at Kleman Plaza. We visited the Florida Museum of History, talked about and stood with the Seminole Indians and a giant Mammoth. We explored a riverboat deck and a citrus packing plant, we listened to the radio broadcast of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s address following Pearl Harbor. We completed a scavenger hunt took a photo beside  a movie poster of Alec Baldwin,..who he resembles, only pint sized. From there, we explored the Mary Brogan Science Museum learning how sound travels, about weight distribution and gravity. We walked through and art show and saw a jacket made of staples, millions of them.. and we both wondered why that was art. We watched two 3-D movies at the IMax theater about the filming of an African safari, and lastly Puss N Boots – the highlight of the day. Tallahassee, Florida has a lot to offer kids from museums, science, recreation to nature.

More than the games, there was the conversation and the amazing depth of compassion for others, and his inherent understanding of the literal and the figurative, of reality and of creativity. Kris probably doesn’t realize at his age the potential he possesses, but I do. I wonder do his teachers know, do others notice or take the time to explore and uncover the layers of his personality and knowledge to get to his core. The possibilities for Kris are wide open. Will our world be big enough for him, will our society value his offerings? Those are the questions I have and was left with as he traveled home.  I can only hope so. He is our future, and the future is bright! I can’t wait for Kris to return to Tallahassee and our next big adventure!  Debbie and Kris’s Big Adventure

Florida State Football draws the crowds, every single game, but 2011 is an exceptional year! Where do you go on FSU Game days before and after the game?

Our family has a long tradition at Florida State dating back to the early years when my grandmother attended FSWC, Florida State Women’s College! So, the true fourth generation of Florida State Seminole blood runs deep! For years we have tailgated, watched games from both inside the stadium, in our homes and at our favorite Tallahassee area restaurants, bars and the homes of friends and family.

The FSU tradition of gathering before and after games continues and downtown and mid-town Tallahassee shops, restaurants and bars are ready for the 2011 crowds and visitors!  The “Fall Frenzy” in Tallahassee hasbegun and lasts from September to November – Don’t Miss your chance to visit local Tallahassee businesses!

If you want to know what to do and where to go in Tallahassee, FL during football games, Visit Tallahassee has a great site featuring some great pre-game and post-game hot spots in Tallahassee, FL. Dining, entertainment, and gathering with friends is a FSU – College town tradition Visit some of these wonderful downtown and college-town locations.  Foursquare me as your friend.. I am sure I will be at one of these great spots with friends before or after FSU football and FSU baseball games! GO NOLES!

Here’s a welcome video from Gene Deckerhoff, voice of the FSU Seminoles!

More on the “Fall Frenzy” September – November 2011

Want to Search Tallahassee Homes For Sale while you are in town? Custom Tour.. or Virtual Tour, you decide!

It started a year ago, when I began looking for a way to showcase a beautiful contemporary home in Tallahassee, FL. It was a custom designed home with distinct industrial architecture. It was the perfect backdrop for beautiful art, and that’s where the idea was born. I decided to hold a non-traditional open house, feature two local artists, Bev Shots, with Lester Hutt and Tire Swing Designs with Lucas VanSickle. It was a successful event resulting in over 50 people who came through the home and who were able to meet and greet the artists while previewing the listing.

This year, we will repeat the event only on a larger scale. Seven featured homes for sale in Myers Park, Tallahassee, FL will be open for tours and works from over 20 artists will be on display, many represented by the artists themselves.  Works by Missionary Mary Proctor, Lucas Vansickle, Sandy Proctor, and more will be showcased. Complete Schedule of homes and list of Artists – PRINTABLE FLYER.

Saturday March 5, 11am - 4pm

I have a new listing located at 832 Governor’s Drive which is a home lovingly maintained and whose gardens were lovingly planned by a Master Gardner/owner on tour in the historic Myers Park are and on the tour. There are a Seven  homes for sale in this neighborhood, all of which are unique and have beautiful architectural design features reminiscent of early craftsman and millwrights. See all Myers Park Homes for Sale.

It’s springtime in Tallahassee, what a great time to revisit the open house and art show concept.  Myers park is on the fringe of the Tallahassee Art district. The location of this neighborhood is perfect for those who want urban tranquility. Myers park is Minutes from the Capitol, from shopping, groceries, restaurants, entertainment venues. Major renovations are taking place in the area beginning at Cascades Park which historically drew hundreds of visitors and residents to the Tallahassee capitol area.  This  enhancement and restoration of  the corridor along W. Gaines Street from downtown to just beyond the art district almost to FSU’s Doak Campbell Stadium is underway. The Gaines Street Revitalization Plan is sure to help bring life to downtown Tallahassee.

You might want to begin your weekend on Friday, March 4th  at 10 am by attending the Grand Opening of the Lafayette Street Pedestrian tunnel. A much needed access point for pedestrians and cyclists navigating Lafayette Street.

Later Friday night begins this year’s inaugural Art Showcase Trolley running on First Fridays. Two trolleys provide hop-on-hop-off services at the following locations:

Tallahassee, Florida is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors from across the State and region for the inauguration of Governor-Elect Rick Scott and Lt. Governor-Elect Jennifer Carroll on Tuesday, January 4th, 2011.

Here are a few highlights of the Schedule of Events surrounding the Inauguration with links to the locations of the events:

MONDAY:

Ø  Salute to Women in Leadership Breakfast, 8:30am – 10am Florida State university Alumni Hall Grand Ballroom

Ø  A Tribute to the First Lady  12:00 – 1:30pm, Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science

Ø  A Military Appreciation 2pm – 4pm, Leon County Civic Center – OPEN TO PUBLIC

Ø  Forging a Path to Prosperity Reception 5pm – 6:30pm – Goodwood Museum and Gardens

Ø  Celebrating Florida Future Youth Concert 6pm – 7:30pm, Leon county Civic Center (OPEN TO PUBIC)

TUESDAY

Ø  Prayer Breakfast 8am – 10am, Florida A & M university, Al Lawson, Jr. Multipurpose Center

Ø  Swearing In Ceremony 11 am – 12:30pm, Old Capitol, 400 S. Monroe St. (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

Ø  Inaugural Parade 2:15 – 4:15pm, Along Monroe Street (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

Ø  Governor’s Mansion Open House 4:30 – 6:30pm, Governor’s Mansion (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

Ø  Inaugural Ball, Celebrating Florida’s 45^th Governor, 7pm Leon County Civic Center

Will-Call tickets available at the Leon County Civic Center – Pensacola Street  Entrance on  January 1^st (noon -5PM)  – 4^th (8am – 6pm). Bring one form of identification!

Where to Park??  In red below are parking areas, In blue, locations of the events above!

View Events and Parking for the Florida Governor’s 45th Inauguration of Rick Scott/Jennifer Carroll in a larger map

Parking is a challenge in the downtown area and preparations should be made to arrive early to the events surrounding the Inauguration. Here is where you can park for the event:

Printable Parking Map of Downtown Tallahassee

Enjoy as Tallahassee, FL  welcomes Rick Scott and Jennifer Carroll to Tallahassee, Florida. Finger’s are crossed for a diligent four years of recovery and healing in our state!

If you are considering relocation to Tallahassee, Florida, Click to register for area information and a FREE relocation package

If you want to browse Tallahassee Homes for Sale or Rent, Click to Set up your customized no-hassle Tallahassee area MLS Home search.

October 30^th

10:00 am – Sunday at 2:00am

Location: Midtown, Tallahassee

This Saturday, the merchants of Midtown Tallahassee are celebrating Halloween and inviting you to join the celebration. There’s something for the whole family!

Schedule of Events:

Assembly on N Monroe St & Surrounding Businesses:
Trick or Treat all day!

From 2-5PM, this area will have a bounce house, music, & treats in the parking lot of Krewe De Gras
Krewe De Gras – From 2-5PM, there will be drinks and funnel cakes (for only $3), & treats for the kids. The Halloween party and costume contest will run from 9PM-2AM with special guest band Catfish Alliance.
The Crepevine – From 3-7PM, kids get free spooky dessert crepes, and all other crepes are buy 2, get a free dessert crepe.
The Grey Fox – From 2-6PM, visit the petting zoo, enjoy cider, & treats. From 6-8PM, adults can enjoy bear, near bear, & snacks.
Sakura – Roll your own sushi all day long.
J. Michael Hair Design – Come by for candy and discount cards from 10AM-2PM.
Your Ultimate Massage – Come by for candy and $10 off any scheduled service from 11AM-5PM.
House of Style – Check out the spooky front porch, candy, & coupons from 10:30AM-7PM.
Manor @ Midtown:
The Filling Station – Come by for special treats from 2-4PM. The Halloween party will run from 10PM-2AM with the Donovan Chappman Band & DJ Nate Bragg.
Sweat Therapy – Kids will go fishing for toys & treats at the “Go Fishing” booth from 2-4PM.
1123 @ Midtown:
Be apart of the “Fright Foto” at 1123 Midtown from 11AM-4PM. Choose one of the two spooky Halloween vignettes and have your picture taken, courtesy of professional photographer Courtney Gwaltney. From 11AM-2PM, enter your picture into our Facebook contest and the winner will receive $100 to any of the 1123 Midtown businesses listed below.

Stop by for Trick or Treating & more!
Lucy & Leo’s Cupcakery – Decorate cupcakes from 3-5PM.
Textures – Check out the Halloween craft table from 3-5PM.
Kanvas – Come by for candy and coupons from 10AM-5PM.
Summers Realty – Pick up helium balloons for the kids
Little 5 Points @ Midtown:
Come celebrate the grand opening of Rinse & Repeat!
Orleans @ Midtown:
Stop by the businesses of Orleans @ Midtown from 10:30AM-7PM for treats, a popcorn machine, coupons, and candy. There will be haunted Halloween crafts from 11:30AM-2PM.

Also, enjoy wine into the evening with The Wine Loft, Cole Couture, Cabellos, and Vocelles.

*Sponsored by the shops of Midtown Tallahassee and brought to you by What’s Next Marketing – Social Media Management & Digital Marketing*

Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweeping down the plains,………

Yes! You know it and now you can see it for yourselves! Just 20+ miles east of Tallahassee on Highway 90 is Monticello, Florida, home to the historic Monticello Opera House.

OKLAHOMA by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Presented by M&M Productions

You’ll have a rip roarin’ good time as you watch Curly and Laurey fall in love. Tap your toes and sing along to familiar songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and “People Will Say We’re in Love”. Hoot and holler and bring down the house as the cast sings the title song “Oklahoma”. Yeow!
October 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
Friday & Saturday (Except the 30th)

Doors open 6:30 PM, Dinner 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM

Dinner/Show $35; Members $30; Students $25; Show Only $15; Members $12; Students $10 
Sunday Matinee:

Doors open 12:30 PM, Lunch 1:00 PM, Show 2:00 PM

Matinee/Lunch $22; Members $18; Students $15. Matinee Only $12; Members $10; Students $8 

Saturday October 30

Doors open 5:30 PM, Dinner 6:00 PM, Show 7:00 PM (in advance of the Monster Mash)

 
Oklahoma/Monster Mash package; add $15 per couple to dinner/show or show only.

Search Homes for Sale in Beautiful Monticello, Florida via Debbie Kirkland, Realtor’s website and MLS Search Engine.

It’s that great time of year.. you can see it, can you hear it?  One of my favorite events each year is the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Greek Food Festival! 

October 22nd AND 23rd

10AM – 10PM

Holy Mother of God Church. 1645 Phillips Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308 . 850-878-0747

This event is open to the public, and suited for families and people of all ages. Tents provide shelter, music and dancers in full Greek attire entertain on several stages and surrounding the tents are the grills where you will find Gyros, Pastitsio, Souvlaki,Spanikopita, Tiropita and wonderful Greek Salads. Inside the temple, you will find some of the most amazing pastries and can have them packaged to take home as well!

Rich in Greek heritage, the ladies and men that prepare the food for this event have been working on these Greek pastries and grills for years! Part of the enjoyment is touching base with some of the Greek families and friends I have known all my life.  I took pictures last year at the event of some of the lovely folk dancers and colorful costumes! 

Don’t miss this lively, fun festival!

Printable Event FLYER