In one of my prior posts, I ranted about tourists and clients who take up my time just looking at properties. I suppose I should make it clear that to me, what I do isn't just about the money or closing the deal. It's about a place to call home. Whether it's for the summer or for fifty years, we all need a place to belong. For me, Java Joint is one of those places.

My morning ritual at the Java Joint gets me going every morning. After what's happened in Kanner Lake, I've been thinking. Where else could you pile a motley crew like us in one room, and all get along? Well, mostly. Yes, I know Wilbur drives some of us bonkers, but the day he was sick, Java Joint was really quiet. I missed him. (Shhh, don't tell.) Or if Bailey's had a hard night taking care of John, I can tell. She still smiles and takes care of our orders like we're the most important thing to her at that moment. Something in her eyes tells me she's thinking about him, though. And she serves us with such grace. I don't know if I could do it. Java Joint wouldn't be the same without S-man, either. If he's not there, I notice. I don't get the whole other world and language thing he's into, but I've got to give him credit for having vision and imagination.

The gang at the Java Joint is like an extended family for me. I don't know what's made me get so deep with this blog post, but I didn't want to come across as if I didn't care about people. I do, very much. Sometimes, though, I get too busy. I've also learned that if you don't take care of yourself, often no one else will.

This business with Paige has made me realize how much she and I have in common. At first I didn't think we did. But I do know what it's like for someone desperate for a place to belong. Maybe that's why I love real estate. A house is made of bricks, stone, wood--and travertine, perhaps. When I see a spark ignite in a client's eyes and I know they're envisioning family gatherings, quiet dinners, laughter, games, nights in front of the fire, it makes my job worth the hassles. I don't think just about my commission, but also that I've had a hand in helping a customer connect with a dream. A place to call home.

Posted by ~ Bailey Truitt @ 7:00 AM