I’m so excited! Ballard Designs, a home furnishings and décor store, opened January 21, 2023, at the Arboretum (right around the corner from my office). It’s located where the previous Gap store was in the center, right across the street from Juliet Italian Kitchen and almost next door to Chico’s. Their address is 10000 Research Blvd., Ste. 106; this is the first Austin store! 512-879-4485.      Ballard’s has more than 11,000-square-foot in their new store, and carries classic designs with a European influence and also offers walk-in design services. They carry indoor and outdoor furniture, bedding, towels, lighting, drapery and everything needed for the house! I’ve been in the store twice already and found a glass top coffee table and lamp I really like! Just ordered today and hope to ... 01/31/2023

Yesterday I was in the office when my cell phone rang. I didn’t recognize the number, but it showed a name I thought I recognized.Just like Hannah Williams, I had a real estate instructor, when I first started, tell us: “always answer your phone and smile, as it can be heard on the other end.” When I answered the caller stuttered and said “you answered your phone! You sound just like the enthusiast agent I remember. This is Amanda Lee, a blast from the past! You sold our home in Canyon Creek 14 years ago, and we moved to Fairfax Virginia.” As it turns out her mom still lives in Austin, in another community, in a single-story home. She is almost 85 and needs to move in with them as soon as they can arrange it. I met with them before they headed back to Virginia so I could see the house a... 01/28/2023

A friend, colleague and local musician John Lockhart passed away March 30, 2020. I’ve been mentoring his sister, in my office for 4 years now, Laurie Lockhart West.  A board was set up called the John Lockhart Foundation established to serve the Austin community with charitable donations.     This Valentine’s Day they have a very special event planned called “Guitars and Roses” at the “Speakeasy” on Congress Ave. in downtown Austin. Ticket sales are moving rapidly with a handful of spots left so grab them while you can. There are two options available: VIP and GA. On tap are two bands, an upscale dinner, dancing, champagne, roses, a silent auction and raffle of some amazing prizes!  Here is a glimpse of the wonderful packages for the lucky winners: u Whitefish, Montana ~ 3 nights/4 days... 01/29/2023

    It’s been 40 months (3 years and 4 months) today, since my Geno slipped away. This past week there have been several reminders how fleeting life can be. Grant Schneider left this earth, his family and friends as well as some local, Austin family members. Those left behind are dealing with grief from some unexpected deaths of their loved ones. I feel their pain. This photo is from one of many trips we took to Italy. Our favorite restaurant is Restorante Sibilla since 1720, outside of Rome in Tivoli. “I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories.”—Leo Buscaglia   01/30/2023