Category Archives: Special Events, Days, and Holidays

Nashville New Homes: Attention Realtors: “Thou shalt have free food and fun”

Let’s face it, the economic times of the past several years has taught us (forced us is more like it) to realize that we can get by on less.  Less business, less money, and sadly…less fun. 

But for those that will pull their head out of the sand, there is still a lot of fun to be had… and a lot of it involves complimentary food and spirits too!  There is absolutely no excuse for being bored or hungry in the Real Estate business.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

This Tuesday, May 17th, all Realtors, Home Builders, and Trade Vendors are invited to a poolside mixer at the Governors Club.  The event is from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and will feature complimentary beer, wine, and appetizers.  (A cash bar will be on hand for those that cannot compromise their distinguished tastes.)  Here is a link to all you need to know about this exciting evening event:

http://www.hbamt.net/smc-mixer-0511.htm

Many thanks to Christina Cunningham and The Governors Club for hosting this fun evening!

Membership in The Sales & Marketing Council of the HBAMT is not limited to Home Builders and their on-site agents.  It is open to all Realtors whose firms are members of the association.  The SMC’s monthly meetings are great networking events where you will learn more about exciting topics, as well as enjoy complimentary breakfast.  Want to know more?  Drop by the Governor’s Club on Tuesday, contact any SMC member, or give me a call at 615.593.6340.

Summer is right around the corner and you can also be assured Ole South will host many events worthy of attending.  Our first “Yes Days of Summer Celebration” for 2011 will be held at our Preserve at Old Hickory neighborhood on Saturday, June 4th.  

Enjoy food, refreshments, games, waterslide, and prizes while you see first hand the exciting new homes that Ole South has to offer!  There will even be a community-wide yard sale.  Mark your calendars and watch the Ole South Facebook page for more updates and events.   www.facebook.com/olesouthproperties.

In the meantime, take a closer look at all the emails you receive from the many different Realtors, builders, and their organizations.  There are a multitude of great networking events happening each week.  Any one of them could change your business plan for the better!  And nothing beats free food, drink, and fun!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Let’s keep welcoming home the 101st!

No one could be any prouder of this country’s accomplishments in the “War Against Terror” than the members of the 101st Airborne, stationed at Fort Campbell.   Their commitment and vigilance thousands of miles away are the very actions that have preserved our freedoms to this day. 

Since January, members of the 101st have been welcomed home from tours of duty each week.  In airports, grocery stores, and shopping malls they are graciously thanked for their service.  If you haven’t had a chance to thank a soldier for their service lately, please do so.  Our troops, active-duty and retired, deserve our thanks.

The events of the past few days gave the troops returning to Fort Campbell this week added satisfaction and pride in their mission.  Osama Bin Laden, the leader of Al-Quieda had been killed.  It was also the 101st’s own 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (The Night Stalkers) that executed the plan to deliver the Navy SEALS Assault Team to Bin Laden’s compound.   Mission Accomplished!

Yesterday, May 6th, President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden arrived at Fort Campbell.  The President met privately with the assault team and then publicly addressed the members of the 101st.  Click here to see the transcript of his address:

http://www.theleafchronicle.com/article/20110507/NEWS08/105070317/President-Barack-Obama-s-speech-Fort-Campbell?odyssey=mod%7Cdefcon%7Cimg%7CFRONTPAGE

A Presidential visit to a military installation, such as Fort Campbell, is a very special event, regardless of anyone’s political preference.  I was surprised to learn that President Barack Obama is the sixth US President to visit Fort Campbell.  This is the second time President Obama has met with members of the 101st, the first time in Afghanistan.

Here is the history of Presidential Visits to the post, from the website www.welcometoclarksville.com:

The post received particular attention from George W. Bush, who visted three times while president and made a Fort Campbell appearance one of the final events of his years as commander-in-chief.

 2008: Bush spoke to an audience of about 7,500 soldiers at Hangar 9 on Nov. 25, 2008, before having lunch with 11 soldiers from 101st Airborne Division at Son’s Cafe.

During his speech, in reflecting on his years in office, Bush said, “Above all, I’m going to miss spending time with men and women who have volunteered to serve the United States of America, the fine men and women who wear the uniform.”

2004: Bush made his second visit to Fort Campbell March 18, 2004, following a difficult but victorious 101st Airborne deployment in Iraq.

 Bush addressed more than 12,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division, along with 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and 5th Special Forces Group troops.

 He was introduced by then-commanding general of Fort Campbell Maj. Gen. David H. Petraeus. Bush had lunch with a group of soldiers and went to the post’s Pratt Museum to meet with the families of 46 soldiers who were killed during the global war on terrorism.

 2001: Bush first visited Fort Campbell for a Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 22, 2001, two months after the 9/11 terror attacks. More than 10,000 soldiers at the Division Parade Field greeted the president with chants of “USA” and cries of “Hooah” and “Air Assault.”

 Bush told the soldiers that terrorism will be snuffed out and the Screaming Eagles should be ready if they’re deployed to fight the “evil ones.”

 Several 5th Special Forces Group soldiers were already in Afghanistan, helping to root out the Taliban regime. Two months later, in January 2002, the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne deployed to Afghanistan.

2000: President Bill Clinton arrived briefly at Fort Campbell aboard Air Force One, shook hands with well-wishers, and was flown via Marine One helicopter to an Owensboro, Ky., appearance.

 1992: President George H.W. Bush landed at Fort Campbell in 1992 for a speech at Austin Peay State University. The former president also stopped at the post later that year on his way to a campaign rally in Paducah, Ky.

1985: President Ronald Reagan came to Fort Campbell for the Gander memorial after more than 200 soldiers died in a plane crash over Newfoundland.

 1984: Reagan made a stop at Fort Campbell on his way to Bowling Green, Ky., to inspect Mammoth Cave National Park.

 1966: President Lyndon Johnson came to Fort Campbell to inspect weapons captured from North Vietnamese soldiers.

 Compiled from Leaf-Chronicle archives.

Yesterday, Friday May 6th was “Military Spouse Appreciation Day.”  Even though the official day has passed, it is never too late to show appreciation to the spouses and family of our brave service men and women.

Now is also an unprecedented time for military families to purchase a new home.  Normally I would not throw a “home sales message” into a post of this context, but I also feel we have an obligation to inform, espeically when the information can change a financial future.

We all know that Veterans can purchase a new home without a down-payment using a VA Loan.  The State of Tennessee has made that loan eligibility even more attractive with its “Homeownership for the Brave” program for active duty and retired military, and those that have served in the armed forces. 

The interest rate savings are tremendous and I will be sharing more information and savings examples in a future posting.  In the meantime, if you would like more information on this exciting program, please call me at 615.593.6340.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: As floodwaters rise, “Memphis in May” rises too!

Normally, the content of this blog focuses on New Homes and other topics relevant to Nashville and the surrounding area.  But after all, Tennessee is one big happy state and some amazing things are happening just 200 miles west.

In May of 2010, Nashville was suffering from the catastrophic flooding of the Cumberland River.   This year, Nashville was lucky.   Now, in May of 2011, the rain clouds turned to Memphis and the Mighty Mississippi.

 

And it couldn’t have picked a worse time.  Every year, Memphis opens its doors to the world for its month-long “Memphis in May” celebration.  During this celebration, events such as the Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest take place.

Here is information about this year’s “Memphis In May” event.  The information was published before the flooding.

http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=58240

And now, the floodwaters decided to attend as well. 

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The show will still go on thanks to advance preparation, quick thinking, and just plain old determination.    I really love the “reactive” ad graphics for the event.  Check it out!

Here is an update on all of the event’s festivities:

http://www.memphisinmay.org/Default.aspx?p=74023&naid=6848

Meanwhile, flood waters continue to threaten the area.  Read here for more area information:

http://madmikesamerica.com/2011/05/mississippi-flooding-threatens-millions/

“Memphis in May” festivities will go on.  Meanwhile, the festivities in Tunica won’t for a while… unless water-taxi services are put in place.  Take a look:

With the casino cages quiet, those visiting Memphis will now probably have more money to spend on BBQ!

Meanwhile in Nashville, the weekend promises beautiful weather to shop for your new home.  Take a minute to visit any of our model homes in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Smyrna, and Clarksville.  You’ll be amazed by the values you will see.  You’ll also enjoy the Otis Spunkmeyer cookies we’ve baked just for you!

If you can’t find the time to visit in person, start with our website!  www.OleSouth.com

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Clarksville, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: No Foolin! Get creative and have some fun.

 Well, It is April Fool’s Day.  The day to tell a construction Project Manager that the wrong brick was put on a home under construction.  Or the wrong cabinetry was just installed.  You can also push the envelope and inform them they are building the wrong house on a certain lot.   However, today is not the day to say “a loan fell through!”

Today could also be an interesting day for a Real Estate Agent.  This would be a hilarious joke to play but, unfortunately for this agent, it wasn’t April fools… and this really happened:

Years ago, my cousin was married to a news anchor in Lynchburg, Virginia.  On the morning of April 1st, he stated on the news that the telephone company would be blowing dust and debris out of local phone lines and for everyone to place their phones in plastic bags for the day…to keep the dust and dirt out of your home.   That evening, they went to my aunt’s house for dinner and saw each of her phones inside plastic bags.  We still laugh about that to this day.

April Fools jokes are nothing new.  Here is a serious-like documentary on British TV that aired on April 1, 1957:

Want to have some fun with food?  Check this out

How about some fun at the office?

More funny April Fool Pranks:

Got a roommate?

Afraid of spiders?

Those that want to insert technology into April Fools will not want to miss watching this:

 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcscw9_easy-pranks-for-april-fools_school

I hope you enjoyed some of these clips.  I have got to run and show a house to a potential buyer that just called…. hopefully its not a prank!  In the meantime, please feel free to share some of yours!

Happy April Fools Day!

Nashville New Homes: Just when is Spring Break anyway?

Although it was light years ago, I still remember when the school year school started after Labor Day, and ended before Memorial Day.  It seemed like all of the area school systems had the same calendar too.  If we had snow days to make up, we would either add an extra hour to the day…or go to school during one of those teacher “in-service” training days.  Sure seemed a lot simpler back then.

I can also remember when Spring Break actually happened in the Spring.  Now, many systems are calling it “Winter Break.”   Which is it?  Well, it depends on what school system you are in… and possibly where you may travel.

At the bottom of the page are the various Spring Break schedules for the school systems of Middle Tennessee:  (Believed accurate but not guaranteed – confirm with school system if important)

RIGHT NOW, it is “Spring Break” for home buyers, especially those buying their first home!  I won’t dwell on it, but home-affordability is at a peak RIGHT NOW.   Inflation aside, the costs of purchasing a home with a FHA loan will rise on April 18th for everyone that does not have an active purchase contract in process.  Buy a new home NOW and you will get more house NOW for the same monthly payment you will have by waiting…. and that is IF interest rates and prices do not rise, which we all know they one day will.  And so will your rent.

First-time homebuyers can purchase a home with ZERO cash-out-of pocket using THDA’s “Great Start” program through Ole South Financial (898-7152).  Veterans may also purchase with ZERO DOWN using  a VA Loan.   Consult Ole South Financial, or your favorite lending professional for more information.

Even better, certain members of our armed forces are still eligible for Home Buyer Tax Credits if they purchase by April 30th, 2011 and close before June 30, 2011.  That is terrific news, especially for those returning to Ft. Campbell from recent tours of duty.  (Click below for more details.)  Remember, we have new homes in Clarksville too!   

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/service_mem.php

Now that you know “Spring Break” is NOW for home buyers, here is when it occurs in our area schools:  (check school system for most current information regarding snow day make-up calendar)

Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools     March 11 – 18          www.mnps.org

Rutherford County Schools                            March 21 – 25         www.rcs.k12.tn.us 

Murfreesboro City Schools                             March 21 – 25          www.cityschools.net

Sumner County Schools                                   March 11 – 18           www.sumnerschools.org

Williamson County Schools                            March 21 – 25           www.wcs.edu

Franklin Special School District                    March 21 – 25           www.fssd.org   (balanced schedule is 3/14 – 25)

Wilson County Schools                                     March 14 – 25            www.wcsschools.com

Lebanon Special School District                   March 14 – 25            www.lssd.org

Maury County Schools                                      March 21 – April 1   www.mauryk12.org

When your kids learn of “Spring Break” in Maury County, they will want to move there.  Why not visit the new homes we have there in Cobblestone and Meadowbrook?  Learn more at www.olesouth.com!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: Welcome Fat Tuesday!

What does Fat Tuesday, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, and Ford Motor Company have in common?  The answer:  GREAT NEWS!

Nashville has been named a “Ford Next Generation Learning Hub.”  There are only seven recipients of this designation in the entire country.  Metropolitan Nashville was chosen and recognized for its progress in the transformation of area High Schools with the Academies of Nashville initiatives.  Read more of this great news here:

http://www.mnps.org/AssetFactory.aspx?did=58837

You can feel the commitment that Metropolitan Nashville is making to education just by visiting the new facilities that it continues to build.  If you haven’t seen the new Cane Ridge High School, you should drop by for a visit.  Until then, check out this video!

Last Friday, I was honored to speak to the Construction Career Academy students of Cane Ridge High School.  We had a great time that day preparing for upcoming  job-shadowing session they will participate in with local business professionals.  Earlier this year, Ole South hosted a “construction-site visit” with many of these students at our Villas at Rivendell Woods.

 

Fat Tuesday also means Spring is just around the corner!  Green grass growing, trees budding, flowers blooming, and birds singing are just a few of the sights and sounds that Spring will bring.   There is no better place to experience Spring than from your very own private verandah at The Villas at Rivendell Woods, located in the rolling hills of Cane Ridge in southeastern Davidson County.   Call 615.731.1968 for information.

There are two new exciting new floorplans featuring these private balconies, accessed only from the Owner’s Suites.  Experience the sizzle of Bourbon Street, or the flair of Key West…. right here in Nashville!  (And we also have this newest town home design under construction in Murfreesboro, at The Villas of Evergreen, phone 615.849.9410.)

At either of these great locations, leave the yardwork behind!   Then you’ll have even more free time to enjoy Fat Tuesday next year! 

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: An active riverfront adds to quality of life.

Nashville is very fortunate to have a navigable waterway running right through the middle of downtown.  For many years, the civic importance of this feature was overlooked to concentrate only on its commercial benefits.  In the early 1980’s former Mayor Richard Fulton realized this waterway was a jewel to compliment our quality-of-life.  In January of 1983 he dedicated Riverfront Park, much as we see it today.

Since that time, the cityscape surrounding Nashville’s Riverfront Park has changed considerably.  Downtown Nashville is vibrant, the east bank of the river now houses LP Field, home of the Tennessee Titans, and areas that once were industrial now lie dormant for the most part, waiting for their next purpose.

In the mid-2000’s, a commission was formed to explore re-development of Nashville’s riverfront.  Many feasible ideas came from this “open-to-the-public” forum, and also a few ideas that will probably never see the light of day.  But so what…. aim for the moon and hit a few stars!

Under the leadership of Mayor Karl Dean, progress is underway for the first phase of Nashville’s riverfront redevelopment.  Read the full story on the groundbreaking this past October:

http://www.nashville.gov/mayor/news/2010/1005.asp

This is exciting news for Nashville, especially during lackluster economic times.  Take a look at what we can expect this summer on the east bank of the Cumberland River:

And there is even proposed docking for boats along the east bank as well, making Titans games all the better!  (Hopefully they will have electrical service for overnight docking)

The re-development of our Riverfront Park even has its own website.  View first hand the great improvements that are coming in the future!    

http://www.nashvilleriverfront.org/    While checking out that website, don’t miss taking a look at what other future improvements will look like:

http://www.nashvilleriverfront.org/downloads.html

Even without the future improvements, Nashville’s Riverfront Park still has a lot to offer.  There is docking for boats on each side of the river.  Boaters can dock on the east side and enjoy a Titans home game, or dock on the west side and enjoy the sights and sounds that downtown has to offer.  Electricity (30 & 50 amp) and water services are only available on the west (downtown) side.  Docking reservations can be made by calling 615.862.8472.

I do have one major beef with Metro Parks & Recreation, who oversees Riverfront Park.  For years, boaters were allowed to make reservations for dockage during holiday festivities.  These reservations were extremely hard to get.  The first year we secured a reservation to enjoy July 4th fireworks,  we were elated! 

Then Mayor Bill Purcell, through Metro Parks, cancelled all docking priviledges at Riverfront Park during holidays due to “homeland security concerns.”  The docks remain closed to boaters on most holidays and special events to this day.  “Homeland security concerns” my ass. 

But all is not lost.  We do live in America and can still throw out our anchors above the Korean Veterans Bridge, or the Woodland Street Bridge…which is exactly what we do.   Hopefully, new re-development plans will be more boater-friendly, like they are now in Knoxville and Chattanooga!  Take a look at what those cities have done:

Knoxville’s Riverfront Park is pictured above.  Chattanooga’s Riverfront Park aerial view below:

Speaking of July 4th, Nashville’s fireworks displays are among the highest rated in the nation.  Here is what we have in store for July 4, 2011:

http://nashville.about.com/b/2010/06/15/2010-music-city-july-4th-fireworks-spectacular-let-freedom-sing.htm

Our riverfront is there for your enjoyment!    This redevelopment project deserves participation from all Nashvillians, so please communicate support to Metro Council members every chance you get!   

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee

Nashville New Homes: A Tropical Heat Wave

My heart skipped in a beat of elation this morning when I noticed the temperature thing in my rear-view mirror showed 41 degrees.  On my way to the office, there were no icy bridges, no snow packed shoulders, and life as we know it is back to normal…whatever normal really is these days.  Just like a new home, WARM is better too!

Remember our YES DAYS OF SUMMER celebrations back in the days of warm?  That was the summer-long series of events held by Ole South, with great support from LP Building Products and the Tennessee Titans.  These events involved the entire Greater Nashville community…Realtors, our existing home owners, our dedicated staff, homebuyer prospects, and plain old friends.  Everyone pitched in, everyone played, and everyone had a good time. 

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One of the hardest tasks in marketing is deciding the most effective way to spend advertising dollars.  The most impact for the least amount of money is the game.  Back last spring, our marketing braintrust gathered to do just that, and the YES DAYS OF SUMMER came to life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jIms7RGti8&NR=1

The promotion ended at LP Field, with the give-away of the 2010 Scion that was the centerpiece of our advertising for 2010.  Here is more about that special day.

https://nashvillehomesblog.com/2010/10/31/what-a-week-it-was/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNBg9rYt0co&sns=fb

No accountant on planet earth can justify advertising expenses on paper.  Some efforts produce immediate results, while others produce long term.  Looking back, this promotion did both, and we are still getting attention from it.

Last week at the National Home Builders Association convention, or IBS as it is called, the National Sales & Marketing Council announced winners in a variety of advertising awards categories.  There are many entry categories to choose from.  At the 2009 show, we won “best black and white ad.” 

For 2010, the YES DAYS OF SUMMER was entered in the “Best Promotion” category and received a SILVER AWARD (2nd Place) over all entries from across the nation!  If we had more time and space to show every component of this promotion, it would have been first for certain.

http://www.thenationals.com/pages/winners/silver11.php

A sincere “Thank You” goes out to everyone that participated in these events.  Special thanks to LP Building Products, The Tennessee Titans, Home Center Network, BLF Marketing, and our dedicated staff at Ole South for making the YES DAYS OF SUMMER a national success.   Congratulations to each!

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Why Black-Eyed Peas & Greens?

Why not prme rib?  Why not chocolate cake?  Why do the delicacies for the first day of the New Year have to be things that aren’t fit to eat, with a nasty coin dropped in them?  Where all has that coin been anyway?  I hope no one ate it last year.    

Here is the history of the New Year’s grub according to about.com: 

The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman’s troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperity theme including:

  • Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens.
  • Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
  • For the best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
  • Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health.
  • In some areas, actual values are assigned with the black-eyed peas representing pennies or up to a dollar each and the greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars.
  • Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky way to start off the year.

The catch to all of these superstitious traditions is that the black-eyed peas are the essential element and eating only the greens without the peas, for example, will not do the trick.

The practice of eating black-eyed peas for luck is generally believed to date back to the Civil War. At first planted as food for livestock, and later a food staple for slaves in the South, the fields of black-eyed peas were ignored as Sherman’s troops destroyed or stole other crops, thereby giving the humble, but nourishing, black-eyed pea an important role as a major food source for surviving Confederates.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved into a number of variations and embellishments of the luck and prosperity theme including:

  • Served with greens (collards, mustard or turnip greens, which varies regionally), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. In some areas cabbage is used in place of the greens.
  • Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
  • For the best chance of luck every day in the year ahead, one must eat at least 365 black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
  • Black-eyed peas eaten with stewed tomatoes represent wealth and health.
  • In some areas, actual values are assigned with the black-eyed peas representing pennies or up to a dollar each and the greens representing anywhere from one to a thousand dollars.
  • Adding a shiny penny or dime to the pot just before serving is another tradition practiced by some. When served, the person whose bowl contains the penny or dime receives the best luck for the New Year, unless of course, the recipient swallows the coin, which would be a rather unlucky way to start off the year.

The catch to all of these superstitious traditions is that the black-eyed peas are the essential element and eating only the greens without the peas, for example, will not do the trick.

And there are even more wives tales to go with the fare of the day as Shirley Drosyk elaborates here:  

  http://www.troymessenger.com/2010/12/30/black-eyed-peas-greens-and-good-luck-in-2011/

Well that explains it!  Last year, we ate grilled chicken and steak.  This year, we’re going to go with hot dogs cooked over a fire, multiple pots of greens and cabbage, complimented by a whole roll of dimes!  Simply put…. we’re not going to take any chances!

And I bet you didn’t know that buying a new home on New Year’s eve will bring good luck also.  It will.  I promise.

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, www.OleSouth.com, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new homes in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Nashville New Homes: Merry Christmas!

I just cannot chance Christmas going by without putting out another plug for buying a new home. 

If Joseph and Mary had been in Middle Tennessee instead of Bethlehem, they wouldn’t have had to look any further than Ole South for a brand new, warm place to stay.  And as first time buyers, with THDA financing through Ole South Financial, they wouldn’t have needed any cash to put down.  The Three Wise Men, which might have been women, could have brought housewarming gifts instead of the herbs and ointments that were on sale that night at the local Walgreens.

 Being a church organist for most of the past 30 years, I’ve had the pleasure of serving Congregations of a variety of denominations –  Presbyterian, Baptist, United Methodist, Episcopal, and Lutheran.   I never have played at a Church of Christ.  They don’t have organs, remember?  Although each have differences, they all have one thing in common… the Christmas hymns.

I used to dislike the release of  new hymnals.  The ministers just could not wait to pick hymns that no one knew – including me.   Some in the congregation would bitch about the new hymns, and then the selections would be back to the more familiar hymns, except for one glitch…in the new hymnals, some of the words had been changed!  As the hymnals get newer, the verbage used  becomes more “inclusive.”   In other words, more liberal.   The Christmas hymns have fortunately escaped these revisions, for the most part.

As a child, I always pictured God as an old man, similar to Santa Claus, with a Charlton Heston voice.  After all, it does say in Genesis that man was made in the image of God.    Now we have that “inclusion” thing that brings that image into question.  The modern translations say man AND woman are made in the image of God.  Does this mean the first woman looked like Santa?

Could God actually be a woman?   Yes, God could be a woman.  Women get great pleasure in saying “I told you so” when you don’t believe them and they are proven right.    But we have to be realistic here.  God is more likely a man.   A woman God simply wouldn’t keep putting up with everything that goes on down here on earth!    So lets not split hairs.  What about God being a Spirit that can only be seen and felt through others?   That works. 

This past year has been difficult for Beth and I, along with many of our friends.  We have lost dear friends, family, and loved ones.  Others have been diagnosed with not-so-good news.   But at the same time, it has been a good year.   New friendships have been created, old friendships have grown stronger, and we are much more thankful for the simple things in life that we had been taking for granted.  

To fully appreciate being happy, you have to experience being sad.  To fully appreciate comfort, you have to experience pain.  To fully appreciate life, you have to experience death.  Sometimes, we simply have to sacrifice for everything to work out in the grand scheme of things.   God proved that, with Jesus. 

In the early 80’s, The Presbyterian Church released a new hymnal that included a simple hymn that has become one of my favorites for Christmas Eve.   Here are the words to this beautiful hymn:

Born in the night, Mary’s Child, a long way from Your home:
Coming in need, Mary’s Child, Born in a borrowed room.

Clear shining light, Mary’s Child, Your face lights up our way:
Light of the world, Mary’s Child, Dawn on our darkened day.

Truth of our life, Mary’s Child, you tell us God is good:
Prove it is true, Mary’s Child, Go to your cross of wood.

Hope of the world, Mary’s Child, You’re coming soon to reign:
King of the earth, Mary’s Child, Walk in our streets again.
 

May this year be your best Christmas ever!

 

Trey Lewis is a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Tennessee with Ole South Realty, 615.896.0019  direct 615.593.6340.  Specializing in new home sales in the Greater Nashville area to include Nashville, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, and Spring Hill, Tennessee