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Date: Nov. 20, 2007
Tags: None
I usually like to talk about playing at Seven Springs and thoughts of mountain life in general, but today I'm thinking about work. Yes, I do work if that's what you want to call it. When your job is sharing the lifestyle you love, it's hard to consider it work. That being said, the down side of living in the Laurel Highlands is you have a tendency to become cloistered. You disengage from the rest of the world. I guess that's okay for most of your daily events, but when you're in a business, resort property resale's, that deals with people who don't live in the mountains full-time (or even part-time) you have to occasionally surface, check your bearings, and then reset you're your sights. You have to keep one foot in the real world (sort of).
This last week I attended the National Association of REALTORS® convention in Las Vegas. I did this knowing full well I might miss our second snow fall (which I did), the Steelers/Cleveland game, and nature's final display of her autumn hues for the year. This like all my trips away from the Laurel Mountains I leave with reluctance and with anticipation of returning.
I usually enjoy Las Vegas with its 24/7 menu of activities, but this trip was a work trip. In preparation of the trip I carefully selected classes I thought were related to resort living. I scheduled every session I found dealing with second homes, luxury homes, and resorts. In addition to these courses, I selected as many technology classes that would fit within the already bulging schedule. Technology is important to me given the fact that most of my clients usually live hundreds, even thousands of miles from Seven Springs. Therefore most of the real estate transactions are done in cyber space.
Well, those who know me know I have a tendency to overkill. My plate always appears larger than it really is. And after an exhaustive schedule selection process, this venture was no different. One schedule conflict after another appeared on my planner. Being very selective with my picking and choosing I finally had a workable 9 to 8, six day, daily schedule.
Now I'm in Las Vegas suffering the three hour time differential. I'm awake at 4am Vegas time and ready for bed at 9pm.
"Was this grueling, sleepless schedule worth it?" I asked.
Was it worth missing the changing leaves, the fresh fallen snow, and the Steelers' nail biting win?
Now that I'm home and able to reflect back over the week, I can answer with a resounding "YES".
The people I met from resorts, literally, from all over the world shared their expertise. We discussed the common as well as unique problems we each faced in the resort market. After each conversation I left filling I was better prepared to service my clients than I could before the conversation.
There were so many experiences and learning situations I could talk about, but there are two that I would like to gleefully share. The first was the affirmation I received from my colleagues. These were REALTORS® from resorts in Colorado (Vail, Aspen, Durango, Telluride), California (Palm Springs, San Diego), Mexico (Mexico City, Cancun), Belize, Florida (Miami, Key West), the Hamptons, Cost Rica, …. These people confirmed that my professional approach, my diligence, and my client empathy were the things that separated me from many of my competitors. They believed that my representation of Seven Springs was as good as any of theirs. "I was on top of the mountain".
Theresa from Palm Springs said, "Rich, you're right on the mark! Keep doing what you do".
The second highlight was receiving my Resort and Second -Home Property Specialist (RSPS) designation. This designation signifies a REALTORS® specialization in the areas of resort properties and second homes. There are approximately 1.3 million REALTORS® in the United States. Of these, there are approximately 500 with the RSPS designation. Of the 500 there are three designees in Southwest Pennsylvania and only ONE LIVING, PLAYING, and WORKING at SEVEN SPRINGS.
Was this trip worth the effort? Without a doubt!
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®
Enjoying the Life and Changing Seasons at Seven Springs
As many of my friends and relative venture south for the winter, I choose to remain in the Laurel Mountains. I once considered moving to Florida, but I realized the changing of the seasons was a part of my life. I particularly enjoy the approaching season where the sun is bright yet low in the sky. The air is crisp. And the Autumn hues almost take your breath away. The colors paint the mountain side as to reflect a scene from a Disney animation.
This also is the time of year to travel from town to town, festival to festival, and stopping for the autumn harvest from one of the many roadside farm stands. While traveling it is almost impossible to not take in some of the local history. A stop at the site of Flight 93's crash somehow makes the mountain more appreciable.
Yet as spectacular as the fall season is, I can hardly wait for the snow to fly. My passion is skiing. That's why I chose to live in the mountains, particularly at a resort. Here I can play and work full time. As a REALTOR® I have the opportunity to share this life style with all who have similar passions.
This truly is the good life!
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Date: Nov. 15, 2006
Tags: Seven, Springs, Pa, Snow, Skiing, Real, Estate, Laurel, Highlands, Resort
Nature’s Cirque du Soleil 
When I awake each morning my slowly opening eyes scan the nearby woods in hopes of seeing a wondering creature. Is there a deer? A turkey? Wow, how about a black bear?
None of those are wondering through today. Instead, in the thirty-five foot maple tree that stands outside my bedroom window has become my own Circus de Soule. Now picture this tree that has dropped its bright golden leaves to uncover a maze of branches. Vertical, diagonal, horizontal, every which way you can imagine these branches intertwine. And in the center of this web is a lone squirrel. Once having had a squirrel as a pet, I have a special fondness for all squirrels. But the antics of this particular squirrel seemed choreographed especially for me. It runs from branch to branch. Then with out any hesitation dives straight down, as many as ten feet at a time. Landing safely, it scurries back to the top only to perform a similar antic. Occasionally he’ll pause as if pondering the next feat. Sometimes during the pause he appears to stare in my direction making sure I’m watching. Is he really entertaining me? Can he sense or see in my eyes the wonder of his feats? How does he do that?
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Date: Nov. 14, 2006
Tags: Seven, Springs, Pa, Snow, Skiing, Real, Estate, Laurel, Highlands, Resort
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OCTOBER 25, 2006 Photos shared by Seven Springs Resort
While shuffling through the recently fallen leaves on one of the resorts pathways, “ I can smell winter coming”.
Well, I’m not really sure what that quote means. One of the “true locales” (a person born on the mountain, not transplanted here like most of us) made that statement the other day. He said it with the voice of authority leaving me to believe winter would soon be here.
I began to wonder what he smelled and was I capable of the same smells. So... How do I describe what I smell? I can smell the mix of wet leaves starting to morph into fertile humus. I smell smoke from the many nearby fireplaces. On occasion I smell a hint of cinnamon as I past the many homes. Are these the smells of coming winter?
I guess these smells along with the crisp air are indicator of the “smell of winter coming”. In any event those of us who ski are ready for the snow to fly. Probably the scenes like those at the top of this page are the true indicators of “winter coming”.
Last year we were skiing the Saturday after Thanksgiving. So, with the “smell of winter coming”, the crisp air, and a little luck we’ll repeat last years' early start.
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The  witches are gone and so is most of their "brew". Well, actually, we still have plenty of brew. And today is one of those days spent at the local "watering hole" where much of the brew will be consumed. Here you will also engage in loud Steeler talk and yet another "local season". This local season contributes to the many stories, some embellished, of bows, muskets, shotguns, rifles, turkeys, doe, buck,... This is when I sit and listen. I own a Canon, but it only shoots pictures.
And as I sit back and look around, I wonder what is in store for this my home, Seven Springs. The new owners have given up their slot license application. And their efforts appear to be devoted to sprucing the place up. The Center Lobby is getting a new coat of paint in time for the ski season.
What are the new plans for this resort?
Where is the resort going?
I wonder!
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 Are we going to have an early winter? An early ski season? Sure looked that way last weekend. We went from the autumn hues of red, gold, and various shades of brown to three inches of white (snow, that is).
But today, it looks like it was only a teaser for those of us chomping at the bit to ride the winter fluff. The rain has returned to ward off the ghouls haunting the resorts' many parties. That's part of the life style of living in the mountains. As the motto goes "be prepared". The weather changes quickly. So this time of year we must be prepared. Good winter tires, shovel in the trunk, layered clothing all make the transition more enjoyable.
As you can see, I do enjoy this life style. I realize it's not for everyone, but those of you who do, understand the addition. And, this is what I'd like to share on a regular basis. Join me in sharing the mountain experience. I know there are plenty of good stories. So, let's have some fun! Serious discussions are also welcome.
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