Death of Jody Powell
15 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
With the news of the death of Jody Powell, Press Secretary to President Carter, comes a flood of memories of my days in Vienna, GA. In the early seventies when the only Gray Matter I had was the brain, I went to Vienna, GA to serve the Baptist Church there. I say Baptist Church because that is the way we referenced the church. With seminary behind me, a wife and 2 children with me, we made the move with little understanding about small town life or those things that would challenge us.
I soon learned that politics, locally and nationally were at the core of life in this small town. Carter was soon elected to the Presidency. We got aquainted with national life by surprise. The media looked for ways to reveal the secrets of the south because of the rise of the Southern President Jimmy Carter. I soon got a aquainted with Mr. Grady Williamson who was the retired banker living in the nursing home in Byromville, GA. I was amused that each time I visited with him he was wearing a tie, a continuation of the expectations as a small town banker. Mr. Grady was the grandfather of Jody Powell. I soon became fast friends with June Powell, Jody’s mom, because she was grateful for my visits to her father. I participated in his funeral service soon after I got to Vienna, but not before I got aquainted with him. Jody’s father Joe got sick with cancer, and at his death I participated in his service as well. With so much grief so soon, and my interest in the process of grief, June and I shared in a couple of grief conferences. June, a retired teacher and matriarch of her family, lives now in Americus. Recently she lost her closest sibling, Claire Williamson. It’s breath taking that June lives with so much grief, doing the unnatural by burying your child.
The flood of memories come because of a different Gray that matters. The gray hair that adorns my head reveals that I’ve had my share of life experience, and Gray Matters. I’ve just put a birthday card in the mail for a 95 year old friend.
I warmly remember the days of campaigning and election of Jimmy Carter. My wife and I with our children were walking around Americus, GA the night that Carter accepted the nomination as President. We saw Jody and Nan Powell that we had seen through some tough times, briefly. Nan was friendly and nice to us, and wanted us to see Jody, who was very busy with the national press. She got Jody’s attention, and called him over. She turned to him, and asked, “you do remember the Robinson’s don’t you?” The Robinson’s were the former pastoral family in Vienna. I’ve often reflected on that occasion to remind myself of my importance to other people. And it has been an anchor to the importance of those nearest and dearest to me, my family. Perhaps they will remember my name, if not my name as least my presence.
Recently a church member died that requested no service. My wife upon hearing that said, “that’s it.” She’s gone and that’s it. All of us need a way to process the important presence of another person in our life. So, this is my way of sharing the grief of the Powell Family that I’ve known and loved through the years.
Do You Really Want to Buy or Sell a House: think about it!
22 Sep 2009 Leave a Comment
Do You Really Want to Move?
These are challenging days for those of you who want to move up or down. How can I do that in this market of falling prices and a challenge to financing?
I have two suggestions for you to consider. 1. Owner Financing. This is a great way to get what you want and help someone else to get what they want. Many of you could sell your present house, if you are willing to finance all or a part of the sell. All of this is done under the supervision of legal and financial advisors. Call me if think its something to talk about. The number is 678-517-7283. 2. Have you ever traded a car? It can be done with houses as well. I’m living now in a house that I traded a rental property on 14 years back. This is not the common way that we do houses, but these are uncommon days! This too should be done with financial and legal advice. So, if this seems a viable way for you to get what you want and what someone else wants, give me a call at 678-517-7283.
I’ve just thought of another way for you to get your house sold. I conduct a Bid to Buy. It is more than an Open House. I can do Bid to Buys only on those houses with a listing agreement. We take offers the day of the Bid to Buy with a decision made at the end of the day if you are willing to sell for what is offered. You know very soon if you sell and the buyer knows very soon if they are a new home owner. Just thinking, give me a call 678-517-7283.
By the way I’ve got 2 properties that I own that you can buy using the ideas that I’ve suggested. I will consider trading and owner financing. One is a 2 bedroom in East Point listed for $110, and another is commercial property on 5.4 acres with an adjoining lot with 3 bedroom house with lot. It’s listed $116,000 less than taxed by the county. Is it actually worth $451,000, well, the county says it is and collects taxes based on that amount. Sounds like a good deal for an investor to me
Found a New Home
01 Aug 2009 Leave a Comment
I’ve moved to a new Real Estate Company. I left a good group of people to work with another good group of people. You’ll find super people working as Realtors. All of us do similar things, in our unique way. In these days when all of us are challenged by the ever changing real estate market, you need someone suited to you to work through your real estate moves. I’ve found that I can’t work with everyone, nor can everyone work with me. Sometimes we just don’t match up. I’ve found there are enough of us with different personalities and skill sets that you can find someone you work with very well. There are good folks that do this work. Good natured, hearted and well trained. Since this is my new home, I’m proud of it, and now would be a good time for me to introduce to my Broker, Merry Holley who will take you on tour of our office.
My Real Estate Specialty
23 Jun 2009 Leave a Comment
I’ve found my focus. I earned the SRES, Senior Real Estate Specialty, a couple of years ago. It’s one of many designations that Realtors can earn. I spent some time learning what needs that Seniors have regarding real estate. That was good training, but my best training comes through the institution from which we learn the most. Its the designation that I named TSOHK. It’s The School of Hard Knocks. All of us, if we live long enough, earn this degree. I have been awarded this degree as result of my 64 years of life. I’ve failed some courses and passed others.
I believe that this designation has prepared me to work with Seniors who are downsizing, moving near children, or to Assisted Living etc. I’m one of you who is still working. I understand your needs, and am equipped to assist you at this special time in your life. Give me a call at 678-517-7283. My web address is www.jwwallis.com You can also email me at jwallis2@bellsouth.net
You can also reach me at our company website. I’m a Georgia Prudential Agent, Fayetteville, GA 30215 My company website is www.jwwallis.prudentialgeorgia.com This is a great site to get information as well as a place to search for property. Take a look. Give me a call to discuss your needs.
Baby Boomers: Technology is Here to Stay, Embrace It!
26 Jan 2009 Leave a Comment
How big is the internet and technology? Every television, radio, or print media drives all their customers to a web address. Every media wants us to interact with them in some way, by pursing our interests, or by answering a question or a survey. Application is the greatest motivator for using the Computer, and other technologies.
Let me give you an example. I observed my children in foreign countries learn the money system as well as the language when they went to a shopping center. When they were given a reason to learn what was strange to them, they were on the fast track learning. While they were shopping I sat somewhere reading a book because I resisted learning.
Today, I’m turning the teenagers to teach me things about technology that is foreign to me. I soon learned that I knew more of the theory and applications than my teachers. However, they got of the fast track learning because it was a way to keep in touch with their friends, to do a school project, or to get the most recent video. I’m struck by the speed these kids can Text each other or get to an interesting website to them. The application of the Interent should be enough to motivate my generation to flock to the Web.
Here are some reasons for you to learn computers and Internet application. 1. You can keep in touch with family and friends through email. Now, without cost at eyejot.com you can add video. Perhaps the grandchildren don’t want to see you on video, but oh how you enjoy seeing them. 2. Want to learn without going to school. You can find answers to the most obscure questions on the Internet. I’ve failed only a couple of times in finding an answer to my questions including things like cutting angles for crown moulding, or repairing a dryer. 3. There are social networks for our age. You can fill lonely hours communicating with Internet friends. 4. You can do most of your business transactions on the Internet.
The list for embracing the Internet is endless.
When I was a teenager I was a reporter for the Government on crops planted by the farmers. I was surprised then how many people couldn’t read or right. Many of those signing official documents could barely make an X, some could only “touch” the pen as I made the mark for them.
Today, not learning a functional usage of Computers is like those people in that day who couldn’t read or right. Now, many of the had reasons, mostly no opportuntiy. We’ve said through the years, if you can read you can learn most anything.
I assume you are reading this. I challenge you to learn functional use of the Computer and the Internet. I met a 90 year od recently who was shopping for her first computer. How would you like to shop at home often cheaper than fighting your way through traffic and people? You can do it on the Internet.
For now, visit my website at www.jwwallis.com
It just came to me. Those I’m addressing will never see this unless those of you who know the power and pleasure through the Internet tell them.
Sully Sullenberger Breaks Silence Speaking 27 Seconds
25 Jan 2009 Leave a Comment
Sully Sullenberger broke his silence today at his home town welcome home ceremony. His home town wanted to do it up big with a parade. But the Sullenberger family said, “that’s too much for us.” But they were welcome home with all the digniteries and political officials gathering to pay tribute to the pilot who only a week ago broke to a safe landing his plane with 150 people aboard.
You would think a person with that kind of skill and judgement would have blood as cold as the icy waters of the Hudson where he landed his plane. But all reports indicate that he is a warm and humble bright person. You think that he would just as awed by his hour of fame as all the digniteries coming to his light, but no. When given an opportunity to speak Captain Sullenberger said: I speak for the plane crew saying, we simplyere doing what we are trained to do.” When each speaker made glowing remarks about his heroism or judgment, he simply responded with a thank you.
It’s quiet unusual to have such humility in face of so much admiration. But I guess that’s what makes him so unusual. Friday he celebrated his 57th birthday. I say, “Gray Matters.”
Gray Matter is more than hair
20 Jan 2009 Leave a Comment
- gray matter
- Function:
- noun
- Date:
- 1840
1 : neural tissue especially of the brain and spinal cord that contains nerve-cell bodies as well as nerve fibers and has a brownish-gray color 2 : brains , intellect
Well, it looks like we might have to wait up to a year before we’ll hear from Sully Sullenberger, the pilot that safely landed the plen in the Hudson. The above definite is another reason to applaude senior adults. The more I read about his mental strength it is evident that the collequial expression for “brains” describes Captain Sullenburger. He was described by his wife as “a pilot’s pilot and that he loved the art of flying.”
Once gray hair was seen as an indication of wisdom and strength, something to be honored. Even the Presidents of the United States gray twice as fast as the average American. It seems that stress increases the aging process. I like to think that the graying of our hair is an indication of experience.
There’s an old saying: “When a man with money meets a man with experience, the man with experience gets some money and the man with money gets some experience.” I worked on a Habitat project when a follow worker who is an experienced carpenter worked to President Jimmy Carter. I was amazed that this experienced carpenter went head to head with the former president regarding how projects were to be done. Mr. Carter suggested doing it one way, but the experienced carpenter stood his ground against the former President. As I observed their conversations I was made aware how experienced wins out even in face of a former President. I’ll take by chances with experience any time before youth untested.
Baby Boomers and others who have Gray hair or once had gray hair, we have something to say and do in this world, so since our body isn’t what it once was, let’s use the “gray matter” in our head because “gray matters.”
How Big is the Internet for Marketing
19 Jan 2009 Leave a Comment
Pres. elect Obama is being touted as the first American Internet President in addition to being the First African American President. I heard the author of the following article interviewed http://www.theroot.com/views/first-internet-president According to this writer 13 million email addresses were captured through the Internet, not to mention that a large portion of the money for his campaign came via the contact through the Internet.
Wake up Baby Boomers and others. The shift in the generations is to tap the importance and value of Internet. It’s exciting how in touch with the world we are through the Internet. I’m truly amazed that I can work from home more effectively than from an office. The world is truly at my finger tips.
I can keep in touch with family and friends by print and pictures, both still and moving from my laptop wherever I am. My banking and shopping can be done through my laptop. Even my real estate practice can largely be conducted via Internet.
Most people I’ve learned come to the Internet to search for property before they contact a Real Estate Professional. I submit dozens of pictures to as many real estate sites as possible for that reason. So, The Internet grows larger each day in imp0rtance for my life including those of us where “Gray Matters.”
Take a look at how this Baby Boomer uses the WWW to market Real Estate. Answer this question for me, particularly those of you who are Baby Boomers, what limits your use of the Internet? Would short tutorials on how to use certain aspects of the Internet interest you? If short tutorials made especially for Seniors interest you, what kind of subjects would you like to be included? If you have responses send them to me at jwallis2@Bellsouth.net. Also take a look at my website: www.jwwallis.com
Notice the Heading Change
17 Jan 2009 Leave a Comment
For some time I’ve thought a different name is more suitable for this blog than I’ve used for some time. I’m still a Real American, but I part of the 78 Million known as “Baby Boomers”. I’m on the rim of the age requirement, but I’m one of you.
A friend recently expressed some of my fears and feelings. His hair is brighter gray than mine. As we spoke about our ageing body and some of the issues of growing older he made a comment that I’ve not forgotten. He said, “I’m really frustrated that I’m being ignored. Since that comment I’ve been in situations that made me feel what he expressed.
My work has carried me to hospitals and nursing homes for almost half a century. In my youth I would quickly move from room to room paying my respect to those housed there. There have been many times that it has appeared to me to be warehousing of the aging. When I was a boy, I recall the introduction of nursing homes to our culture. My grandparents saw the nursing as the place that children put their parents because they didn’t want to be bothered by them. Once they got to the nursing home and settled in, even though they resisted, they wouldn’t leave it. Nursing homes have been a life saver to many.
What I see are so many Graying Americans who have much to offer.
Today when I saw the pictures of “Sully” the pilot who pulled off the miracle in the Hudson, I was reminded that “Gray Matters” because he is gray haired. Once gray hair was respected and honored. Perhaps that thought will return.
It’s Been a While
11 Sep 2008 Leave a Comment
Writing posts, articles etc. comes easier to some than others. I take the task of writing by spells. Spells was a common word coming up. It meant that you were not consistant. Some days you did things and other days you had no interest in whatever you took spells of doing and not doing. There were many things that you couldn’t just decide not to do it, you didn’t have the luxury of “having a spell.”
For example when we got up to prepare for school, we milked the cow before breakfast. There were many days that I didn’t want to milk the cow, I couldn’t just take a spell saying, I’m not going to milk the cow. It had to be done without regard to the weather, how I felt, or how many tasks I had ahead of me that day. I simply had no choice about milking the cow.
In a day when people decide to do or not to do many things, even going to work, it was not a luxury for me just to take a spell of not doing my chores such as milking the cow, among many other tasks. Today, people take a spell to do or not to do very often.
So, I guess I’ve departed from my upbringing by not writing my blog. I just took a spell of not writing. I apologize. But right now, I’m taking a spell of writing. Hopefully my spell for writing will last a long time. It’s good to be back.
