For example, in college, my roommates and I rented a house across from a "convent". It wasn't a real convent, but it is where the sisters lived (the Catholic nuns). Oh dear, I loved those sisters, as they were never the neighbors that called the cops when our parties reached "maximum" capacity. Those nuns were quite gracious.
When I lived in Gilmer, I often hung out with my very next door neighbor who was the epitome of a frenzied mom, but would graciously volunteer her husband to come kill the bat that was flying around my living room (yes really). I also was two shakes of a puppy's tail away from two other friends. I could walk to their houses, and often did, for a chat or a movie marathon or just cause I needed to get out of my own world for a bit.
And looking back... I am my most happy, my most rested, my most at home, when I'm surrounded by
freighbors. And I can't have too many. This is why I should become a real estate agent, but just for the 3 blocks surrounding my house. These are the houses I am passionate about selling.
I suppose you've already guessed where this is headed? A house is for sale on my mini-street, but not for long if I have anything to do with it (sinister laughing in the background). My freighbor Anna and I picked up the "For Sale" flier on a walk one evening (okay, Anna picked it up). After looking at it, we both realized, it is a steal (pending an inspection that claims it's about to crumble to dust), even if new owners paid for a total overhaul... it would still be a good deal. Hmmmmm.... and so then I think, "who do I know (who I like) looking to purchase a home?"
I made a call. That evening I was in true Realtor form with the friends I beckoned... sharing the pros of the neighborhood, and minimizing the cons (what cons?). Detailing the safety of the street, the proximity to the lake, how all parents of single daughters rest well knowing their girl is in such a wonderful fairy tale wonderland of green belts, old oak trees, and squirrels frolicking adorably in the yards. Duh... this is where Cinderella lives... we all just sing and dance around with our white mice (who incidentally sew ball gowns and wear little mini mice clothes... and don't leave droppings), waiting with our lovely co-Cinderellas (there are no wicked step sisters on this street) for our Prince to ride up the perfectly inclined and shady street to sweep us all away from our corporate jobs. After which, he will help us refinance these mortgages into joint ownership, because who would ever leave this heaven? And then we'll all have babies and play dates, and live happily ever after. Ahhhhhhh.
Okay, so maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but there is no denying that when you live alone, it's nice to decompress with a good friend after a long day-- while still maintaining your own space (crucial). It's even nicer, when you can walk over in your house shoes (or no shoes) and your jammies. It's nice to have someone to take a walk with, borrow a cup of sugar (or vodka--let's be real here), make you go vote (guilty), or help you rake up the dead cut grass crud in your yard so that it looks decent for your upcoming party. A neighbor is really about belonging to a community, and I think that's something that our society has lost. We are all so connected via cell phone, text, email, instant message, facebook, twitter, skype, and tin cans connected with yarn (no?)... and yet how often do you stand in your front yard visiting with your neighbor because you're both out pulling weeds, or have a cup of coffee on your neighbor's back patio? I do (it's actually wine, not coffee-whatev). At least twice a week. And it's awesome.
So, yes, I am completely guilty of trying to build a community of friends within spitting distance of my own front yard. Sue me? Why wouldn't I want to share this fantastic atmosphere with other people I like and care about? I'd be a selfish wretched witch if I didn't mention it.
So cheers to freighbors. On our street, the Kool-Aid is delicious, and it contains no poisons, no psychedelics, and no ruffies. Just good friendship, support and community. And no homeowner's association dues. Score!
P.S. Incidentally the house behind me (back door/ alley neighbor) is also on the market.. Just sayin....
P.S.S. For my other friends who are notl ooking to buy... there is a sweet rental a block over. Just mull it over, 'kay?
For more information on purchasing in the greatest neighborhood God ever created (or any DFW metroplex home), contact Tiffany Touchstone with the Touchstone Team (cause she's da' bomb). And no this advertisement was in no way coerced or paid for by Miss Tiffany. She's earned this raving "shout out".
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