We're all customers. How "salesy" can you really take?

Today I had the amazing pleasure of visiting a community we opened in Tampa, FL about 8 months ago. First, I am here to tell you, the housing market is back. People want to buy homes and they are excited to do it. The building activity is great, and we are accelerating Phase 2.

Second, we nailed it. Not to brag, but I am going to brag. The Landing (cafe, community info center, bridge to the fitness facility and pool) is working better than I could ever have dreamed. The integration of our community information with a non-sales environment is spot on. Want a coffee? How about a custom individual pour-over? I had the Waterset Blend this morning, and it did the job. Rather sit and surf? Go for it in the banquettes, located along the windows overlooking the pool.

The photo above is the community table, think farm tables of days gone by, where family and friends gather to talk about the day. Here you can check out the location, the topography, the lots available and the builders selling homes. Or, you can just drink that amazing pour-over coffee.

Super proud of this place and how we created it to be whatever it needs to be for whomever wanders in. Kind of like the bar at Cheers.

The lesson here, and the real take-away, is that we are ALL customers. What kind of experience do we all want? Not one where we are pounced on and asked what we need. Nope.

We are on our own terms, and we should acknowledge that our customers feel the same way, and create spaces that work to support that.

Lessons learned from Lucas (the best dog ever) who left us 5 years ago today.

Five years ago today we said sad goodbyes to Lucas, the best dog ever. My sweet precious boy, when diagnosed with adeno carcinoma, had just one month left to teach me some of the most important lessons ever. Lucas knew these intimately and lived them every day. I am still his student. Five years later, I've still got much work to do. An encore re-post in honor of his sweet sweet soul, shining eyes and easy smile.

Things you've taught me:

Always show your deep love and devotion when someone you love enters the room.

When there's a crowd, hang back but be near and strong in your commitment.

Forgive quickly, easily and completely so you can love the next moment.

Enjoy absolutely everything you can to the fullest, and show those around you your joy - even at the simplest things.

Be free and giving of your love and support when someone you love is hurting and distressed. Come to them on their terms to help.

Keep playing, even when you may not want to, and show those who love you that it matters to them.

Come when you're called, no matter how you feel - and stay really really close.

Trust the ones you love the most will always return, even if you don't know when or why they left.

When they do return, be open and ready to make a complete fool of yourself showing them your love.
Jump. Dance. Smile. Wiggle. Kiss hard and fast.

Let your eyes show the full depth of your emotions.

Be gracious and accepting when someone tries to help, even if you really don't want it.

When you're scared, come to the ones who love you for comfort and support.

When you just need to "be", and you feel pain or discomfort, let it out, let those who love you stroke your head and love you up.

Approach each day as if it were the first and last day of your life.

When there's anger around you be quick to move in and offer comfort.

Live fully, beautifully and completely in the moment as it happens.