Li's Blog: December 2008

December 30, 2008.

This Information Age, which has created that binary world that computers own, with its reactive environment, its "off/on/off/on" rhythm, has done two things to humans.

It has erased time, and has created this "immediacy" of all information, thus giving us no time to ponder over an event or an item. We simply react, in a nano second, to the initial stimulus. In that instantaneousness of reaction, there is no time to check veracity.

This seems to mean that all information is evenly weighted; both truth and fiction are accepted as "so", and without question.

Without thoughtful analysis of what presents itself to us, we aren't really getting information at all. Instead, we're just drowning in data. Our editing function doesn't have time to kick in, in such a highly reactive environment. No time to check up on anything, as the next item is already unrolling.

A corollary of this instant society, where time has been erased, and the "off/on/off/on" instant action/reaction/action/reaction scenario is in full play, is that no one can possibly pay attention to all that data all at the same moment. Shouting and repetition, along with streaming bands of synopsis print, below and above the shouting heads on cable t.v., have become the norm of reportage, just to catch a shred of our overloaded senses. Attention deficit disorder seems a natural outcome to the pressures of immediacy of response. Noise catches our wavering ability to assimilate data.

So, here we are, at a time when everything that worked in the 20th Century is collapsing, and we are at the mercy of constant repetitive shouting, of a deluge of data (is that a synonym for unsupported sound bites?), where we are drowning in the scenarios of fear...no time to do anything except react..."off/on/off/on"...now there's a cycle to consider!

If we choose to remain in this fear ridden act/react mode, then how will we generate that creative spark that ignites positive change and lights the pathway forward? Instead of blindly following a pattern suited to machines, let's allow thought to intrude. That means some serious "time out".

There is a door in every wall, but it takes patience and inspiration to feel it out, and creative thought to open it to the next adventure. If we're all caught up in that reactive cycle, we'll be stuck there.

At the close of a year filled with global turmoil, in all aspects of the social order, let's allow ourselves the gift of time. Let's allow our creative selves to come up for air, and to think our way into the "real" 21st Century. It is supposed to be the Information Age, right?

Change is everywhere, of course, and no industry/job description is immune from this. The shift appears to be societal, and affects the entire world, and every aspect of life.

In the real estate industry, there have been significant changes over time. Initially, the real estate companies were in control of the process of real estate sales, and this was termed the company centric model. In such a format, the realtors probably were all on a 50/50 "split", with the company paying many of their expenses, for that "half" of every commission "split".

Then, in the mid-70s, Dave Liniger and his wife began the Re/Max company, and, over time, this format changed the industry completely. It then became an agent centric model, and agents would be on a 60/40 "split", with their companies, often getting to a 90/10 "split" by year's end, based on their commission sales benchmarks. Each year returned them to the base 60/40. The Re/Max idea was that an upfront fee would be paid to the office, monthly, plus all expenses to be borne by the realtor, and then the commission would be the realtors (usually, though, it was a blend of an upfront fee and anywhere from 5 to 10% off the commission, going to the company as well).

The agent centric model ended with the Internet, although it wasn't immediately visible to most companies/realtors. Change takes time to work itself out!

Now, it's a consumer centric model that is fully in play, and the customer is in control of the processes of a sale, and not the agent or the company. Buyers can discover a great deal, on their own, through internet searches, and so the role of the agent/company has dramatically changed. The mls system, which is a strong feature in North America, is also having to change its methodology, based on the demands of the computer saavy consumer.

It may be, then, that one will see "big box" companies and boutique real estate ventures side by side, and the virtual world of real estate will take precedence over older models. As Heraclitus noted, long ago, in Ancient Greece, one never steps in the same water twice, when wading in a river. Change is the only constant, thus.

In real estate marketing, it's essential to be in the moment, and the moment is now in favour of the consumer.

More big changes coming up, to mirror this profound difference in the industry.

Looking to be self-sufficient? Here's a beautiful rural/pastoral gem, 10+ acres, in the heart of the Fulford Valley, awaiting your development ideas! With approximately one-third in forest and two-thirds in pasture (keep sheep or horses, here, or do a hay crop and enjoy farm taxes benefit), with good all day sun exposure, and just a short stroll to the Burgoyne Bay park reserve and to lovely beaches at Burgoyne Bay (keep a boat on a mooring buoy), this terrific rural acreage awaits you! Develop your dream now, or keep this as a superb holding property investment. Enjoy!

Truly the "best buy" oceanfront opportunity on Salt Spring Island! Architect designed home/custom built, in mid-1980s, and lovingly & dramatically updated in 2002. In "as new" condition -- immaculately maintained, and ready to just move into and enjoy! Open plan living/dining, with music room/library off, plus cosy den for t.v./reading. Custom kitchen (the cook will love this!). Lovely master / sitting, with ensuite. Separate guest/inlaw "suite", with private entrance. Guest bed/bath, and terrific home office. Lots of storage, spacious oceanside decking to expand those summer living pleasures, and easy access to oceanside deck (warm ocean swimming, here!). The plus? Foreshore licence in place; build your dock and keep your boat at home (Duck Bay offers year round moorage potential). A stylish West Coast Contemporary home, with double garage, storage/workshop, deer fenced, and easy care landscaping, and all day sun exposure (s/sw/w). In an area of fine homes, this beauty awaits you!

Wow! The past few days have definitely NOT been the typical rainy, cloudy, foggy, grey Pacific Northwest Coast weather pattern! Usually, the winter in this area could be described as a lengthy late Fall or a protracted early Spring (depending on one's point of view. A bit like that glass half full or half empty thing!). This early winter season has seen the kind of weather pattern usually "enjoyed" by those Prairie and Eastern provinces, but we're not prepared for it -- no snow plows, no salt trucks, and most drivers (if they can get out of their driveways and out of their country roads, onto one of the "main roads") do not have winter tires. It is beautiful, and because it's so rare, lot's of residents are snapping lots of snow photos! If the extreme cold keeps up, we'll be skating on those lakes and ponds! It is going to be one of those very rare west coast events...a White Christmas! Enjoy!

Looking for the very best oceanview on Salt Spring Island? Here it is! A soaring, wide-angle panorama of ocean, islands, mountains! Excellent all day sun exposure (property enjoys s/sw/w facing direction), and magnificent sunsets! Private and quiet area of fine homes, and close to lake, to beach accesses (warm ocean swimming in this area of the Island), and to golf, marinas, shopping, yet in its own serene world. Walking/hiking trails on your doorstep, too. Very appealing European flair custom home, in "as new" condition (built in 2002), awaits your pleasure. Master / study, with ensuite, in its own "wing", with view balcony off. Guest, full bath, on main level, along with open plan living/dining, feature fireplace, library/gallery, and cook's kitchen (pantry/laundry off). Many unique finishes, and fabulous views from all rooms. Lots of decking to expand summer living pleasures, and the plus of a detached studio (artist? home occupation?). Enjoy!

December 12, 2008.

Change is bubbling all around us, and I'm sure many of us would like to tack into some calm waters for a bit, and just let the turmoil subside.

I'm sometimes reminded of those George Eliot and Charles Dickens novels, which described the shift from the Agrarian world into the Industrial age. The descriptions of those caught in that moment of shift captured pain and suffering and loss, as well as the building of a new societal structure, which brought gain to some. It's sort of like putting on those sandpaper mitts, found in hardware stores...if you're in the middle of that rubbing through, it's painful!

Change does bring opportunity, of course, but one has to be observant to find that pathway through...initially, it's about confusion, turbulence, and definitely fear.

If 9/11 brought us sharply into the true beginning of the 21st Century, then the collapse of the financial markets/banks, the housing sector, and the stock markets, globally, iand all at the same time, s the "no going back to the past" definitive moment.

Fear, though, breeds inaction in its early stages. So many changes, so many underpinnings ripped out from under us, as a society, and with no clear map for the future in play. We all seem to be at that "treading water" stage, unable to strike out for the shore of the new.

We are, though, creative beings. We have invented things that revolutionized lifestyles. There is always a door in the wall...it doesn't have a conveniently visible handle, though, nor does it have a conveniently placed key to unlock it. One has to feel around for the tell-tale crack, that shows where to push, to emerge through the obstruction and into the new possibilities.

During the moments of calm in this holiday season, with the light and the warmth that this special season brings, let us all put on our creative socks, and think about positive actions that might actually be the "door opener" in that wall, and might very well be the first steps on the new roadmap the world requires.

Any individual can create...it's not always a group exercise, although the group may benefit.

Remember, too, while staring at the sky, enjoying the star parade on a crisp winter evening, the Google challenge. To celebrate their tenth anniverary, they will gift the winner of their contest with ten million dollars. The contest? They are looking for the winning idea that will help the world.

Now there's a challenge with a 21st Century flavour!

And your idea is ??????

December 11, 2008.

It's counting down to the Christmas moment!

If you missed the Fulford Hall and the Beaver Point Hall Christmas crafts shows, then check out Wintercraft, at Mahon Hall. So many talented artists on this Island!

Wander through Pegasus Gallery, and Jill Louise Campbell's Gallery, for further ideas.

Steffich Fine Art and J. Mitchell Gallery are also open and waiting for your pleasure.

Frankly Scarlet offers up some unusual jewellery items!

A seasonal menu awaits your pleasure, too, at RockSalt Cafe (they are doing New Year's Eve, as well).

Calvin's is also offering its special seasonal menu right now, and this includes a traditional Canadian turkey dinner, among other treats.

Christmas Day Dinner is offered at the Harbour House Hotel, too!

Always wanted to try sculpting? Renowned local sculptor, Allan Crane, along with Graham Smith, is offering a beginner sculpting course (Jan. 23 - 25). Mark your calendars, and give them a call at 250-537-1344, to register/get more details.

Moby's offers Dave Roland's blues, with music to start at 8 p.m. tonight.

Enjoy the ArtSpring exhibit, from Dec. 15 to 21st (works of Peter Brown, a painter and sculptor, new to the Island).

Scrooge Meets the Duke plays at ArtSpring, at 7:30, on Dec. 19th. You'll enjoy the traditional story, mixed in with the Nutcracker and Duke Ellington's sound. Very Salt Spring, this eclectic mix!

Christmas by Candlelight, featuring the Salt Spring Singers, led by Deb Toole, will be performed in three concerts, Dec. 12 & 13 (call ArtSpring for more details, 250-537-2102).

Sea Scouts Christmas Trees are selling daily, at Windsor Plywood.

The 22nd annual Salt Spring bird count takes place this year on Dec. 27th. Call 250-537-9469 for more information. Take part!

Don't forget Santa's arrival, by carol ship, at 7 p.m., at the Coast Guard dock, on the 13th.    Wave if you see me!

Lots to see and to do...enjoy this lovely time of year.

Looking for perfection, on tranquil Pender Island? Here's an absolute beauty, awaiting your pleasure! Superlative architect designed home (Blue Sky Architecture), built to exacting standards in the early 1990s, and meticulously upgraded in 2007, this gem offers soaring spaces to match the incredible views beyond. Enjoy a wide angle panoramic viewscape of ocean, islands, and mountains (see the Olympics majesty from here) on this bluff waterfront 10 acres, and savour the all day sun exposure (s/sw/w -- spectacular sunsets, forever!). Main home, with dramatic living, oceanside dining, cook's dream kitchen, master "wing", plus adjacent guest cottage (self sufficient, here -- your guests will love it!), plus state of the art garage/workshop (keep those classic cars at home) and an artist's dream studio (enfolded within the forest preserve). You will want to stay forever! And yes, the whales do dance in the sea below!