Before Activerain and NOW.....A Walk Down Memory Lane
What can I say about life BEFORE Activerain? There have been so many profound changes since I began my journey here and so many stories I could speak of.
Of course Activerain and blogging have had a huge impact on business and that's wonderful. Still, when I think of this new site I stumbled across in 2006, it was just a SITE I was signing on to; at least, that's what I THOUGHT.
I'd been writing articles on the advice of my webmaster. Some of them, actually, weren't all that bad. Sitting at the computer for long hours with no interaction, though, can become almost tedious. There were days I'd have to force myself to write and it wasn't FUN.
A Google Alert brought me to Activerain. I would normally sign up to sites that were free and allowed me to leave a profile. When I first began to write on Activerain, I automatically assumed people knew what Feng Shui was---and wasn't.
I couldn't have been more wrong.
There were more misconceptions then I'd ever imagined. From some of the mail I got, I realized that people were very misinformed about Feng Shui. There were a few people, though, that read what I wrote. Just a few people that had an interest in it and I realized I'd inherited the "Stubborn" gene from my mother.
I never, ever would have imagined I'd make real friendships...."forever friends" as Jo calls them. I wouldn't have guessed that so many people would travel a road with me over time and help me with their comments and calls. I would have never thought Activerain would have such a profound PERSONAL effect on my life.
It was because of the wonderful members here through their encouragement that I fought a VILLAGE-and won! I shared ups (being found on Activerain and getting a radio spot or a small write up in The New York Times) to the personal trials including the loss of a family member, my mother's dog Avanti.
I have friends I can call and who call me; we CARE about each other. We are there for each other. It's much more the personal aspects that have given me so much more then I've ever dreamed of. I actually can't imagine life without Activerain.
I wrote this post which included adding a new family member as a Direct result of Activerain: My BEST ActiveRain SUCCESS Story: He Had me at Hello : ) I realized when writing this that I never did a follow up.
Pierre came into our lives. He brought my mother's spirit back and gives her a reason to get up in the morning. He's brought joy to ALL of us.....as have the members of Activerain. THIS is life AFTER Activerain:
Pierre...he never leaves his mom.
http://www.LongIslandFengShui.com
**Carole Provenzale has been a New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. On Site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York City (Manhattan), Queens and all of Long Island. http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com for NYC Feng Shui Consultant Laura Cerrano
Carole, Active Rain has certainly helped me make great friendships - and you are now a very dear friend. :)
And Pierre is just the sweetest thing. I want one too. :)
We should actually set up a time to talk. I'll call you. Let me know when. :)
Hi Carole...We've both here a long time together...and certainly grown as a result of blogging in the Rain, the friendships are awesome. I'm glad we both met here, I certainly enjoy reading your Blog posts and having you comment on mine. I am especially am pleased to have you as a friend.
Cheers....Happy Blogging:O)
Carole, I enjoyed your walk down memory lane. What a fun Pierre story that happend because of the rain. That picture is precious. I can tell that Pierre is in love with your Mom. I can't imagine life without the rain either.
Carole - I enjoyed getting a chance to speak with you recently, and I have certainly enjoyed the friendships that I have developed during my time on AR. I have a tough time imagining how things would have gone without this community.
Carole- What a beautiful memory story. I think we all have fallen in love with this place. Its home. Because of Active Rain I met you. And that to me is a blessing I cherish.
Carole, it seems not just you gained from AR, others gained knowledge from you also. Everybody has something to offer here, that's the beauty of it. I certainly learned a lot from everybody who shares their valuable experiences and knowledge, thanks!
Hi Carole,
What a touching story! Your mom is such a beautiful woman. I love her hair style!!!! Pierre is such a great a match match for your mom! I can relate to this story very much. My mother had trouble adopting a dog from a shelter after my dad died. One of the saddest days of my life was when I had to return Cindy(mom's dog) when she had to be put in a nursing home. The week that my mom died this spring, she still talked about hopefully being well enough to make the hour trip to visit Cindy in the "no kill" shelter that took her back.
Since I am new to AR can you introduce me to the other two people in the photo? Is that your daughter? She is so pretty!!!
Thanks for sharing this, Carole. You brought back some memories I haven't experienced since May. God bless you!
Your story was wonderful ....and thanks for getting your entry to the contest in....I knew you would ;)
I remember Pierre and just seeing the love for your mom with that lick on the face truly shows the love that pooch has for her.
We've grown together on the Rain Carole...and it's with stories like these....that will inspire many members in the Rain and show everyone just what this network is about.... :)
Carole, the story you tell is heartwarming but the photo is worth a thousand words. Thanks.
Carole,
I've followed your posts and I'm glad you continue to contibute.
Hi Carol,
A big "Ditto" ! Hope all is well with you, I've not been around much recently.
Hi Carole! What a wonderful story! So many thoughts ran through my head as I was reading this--Active Rain has certainly changed my business as well as my time schedule!! I've so enjoyed getting to know you here in the Rain and have enjoyed many friendships here as well. I do wonder where we'd all be without AR!
Great entry and best of luck!
Sylvie, Who would have thought any of this could come from an "online" site? I never would have imagined it......just about any evening is fine here!
Fred, We HAVE both been on here a long time. The business is wonderful but the friendships are priceless.
Marchel, Pierre doesn't leave her side. It's just an amazing thing what can come from Activerain.....and we wouldn't have had him without it.
Jason, I often wonder what I would be doing........still writing articles? No online friendships which result in in person friendships? It's hard to imagine. And I thank you SO much for answering some very difficult questions, I appreciate it very much.
Martha, It IS home...I feel exactly the same way. Don't you wonder where you would be (and what you would be doing??).
Rita, The longer you stay on, the more friendships you will make. REAL friendships. Not to mention the help for your business. My best advice is don't give up!
Bruce, I had problems trying to get a rescue dog because my mom is "too old." This in spite of the fact that I'm more then happy to take my mom's dog to my house if something were to happen. This story was the end result. They are my children--Laura and Adam visiting my mother and Pierre.
Sally, Your contest brought out some wonderful entries....I was catching up last night on your list. This place is truly amazing and it's only from staying on it that these precious friendships come. I never would have thought that!
Maria, Unbelievable isn't it? That priceless things can come from blogging?
Terry, Thank you. This is a wonderful place to be for business but in looking back, it's truly the friendships from which I have gained the most.
Cynthia, You are missed. As long as things are ok...maybe you just need a break as I do at times. It's been a long road on here, hasn't it?
Debe, It does make me wonder....Looking back through my time here I thought of all the incredible things that have come my way from encouragement from the lovely people on Activerain. I'm SO glad I didn't give up!
Carole,
This beautiful story brought a warm smile to my face and I'm smiling still...in fact, I'll likely be smiling all morning. Your Mom looks just beautiful and Pierre has certainly found his rightful home there by her side (and judging from the photo, he certainly is content and happy to be with her).
I'm endlessly thankful that you found AR and that our friendship was born....more than words can ever say.
Jo
Carole there are so many that feel the way you do. I know I have learned more in my few years here than I did ten years prior. It is so great to learn and of course meet lots of great people.
Carole - thanks for sharing these memories and experiences. Like you, I have learned a lot, and also been able to share.
Hi Carol, Your post is a wonderful walk down memory lane. Of all the sorties I have written and read, there was one line that I think best describes ( for me and so many others including you ) what ActiveRain is to us. "I would have never thought Activerain would have such a profound PERSONAL effect on my life".
It's personal. The place is personal, the relationships are personal and of course the overall affect in our lives is personal. Each of us have so many stories and established friendships and ActiveRain provides us with a real home (our own personal place) in cyberspace.
Well done!
Carole - What a great testament and personal story ! I know Stephanie and I have similar feelings. Active Rain before and after is a vast difference for us as well. We are so grateful as a result of it. I can tell how grateful you are as well. Is just awesome. You rock !! ~ Chris
Hi Carole, Pierre is such a cutie! I think I missed the earlier story about how you got him. Activerain has been so amazing for all of us!
Carole - What a heartwarming story! And the picture of Mom with her little constant companion is priceless!
Carole, you have no idea how far your "reach" is for those of us that you've touched with "FUNG" shui.
I've actually reviewed some of your blogs before rearranging...and you never knew it! THANK YOU.
Carole ~ I have learned so much from your wonderful posts. I am glad that I had the opportunity to meet you on Active Rain and truly consider you a "forever friend." Active Rain is an incredible journey which had lead us all down paths we could not have ever imagined.
Carole, what a heart felt story. I think I met you from the start and as I have told you many times you have been quite the educator to me on feng shui.
I remember the posts on Pierre. So glad to see him doing good.
Carole, I loved your story about getting Pierre. And I was thrilled to find the Feng Shui group since it's been a topic I've been interested in for years.
Jo, I'm thankful I found it as well! I can't imagine NOT knowing you :)
Bill, Wow, I've leaned a lot from being here as well. You're right, it's been an education.
Mike, Many of these people do the same. Learn and share what they've learned. They are SO helpful and it's wonderful.
William, You are absolutely right. Many people I haven't met in person but spend hours on the phone with. They are still FRIENDS and good ones at that. Someday I hope to meet them all.
Chris, Look what has happened to you both! Talk about Success Stories....your achievements grow every day and I couldn't be happier for the both of you.
Lizette, It truly has....quite a journey as they say. And it's certainly not over yet :) I have a feeling we have a LONG way to go!
Myrl, Pierre came at a good time for my mother. He's certainly a little well loved dog :)
Laurie, No, I never knew. Goodness, I hope it worked and brought some good things your way!
Joan, I too feel as if I have known you forever and you are a 'forever friend' -- in the rain and out! I expect to be heading up to New England next year and would love to meet you!
Missy, You were here long before I was, I think. I joined in October in 2006. We had 6,000 members and I thought that was HUGE! Funny, who could have imagined what would happen here? :)
Kate, It's a wonderful group and I'm glad you joined! Feng Shui for Real Estate....there are some excellent people and posts in the group!
Carole: I'm glad you found Active Rain which in turn allowed me to find you. I've learned so much from your interesting and educational posts. The story about Pierre is so wonderful. I must say, you have made me really want to visit New York City one day.
What a sweet walk down memory lane, Carole...I especially love the photo captioned: "Pierre...he never leaves his mom." :)
Leilani
Leilani, Welcome to Activerain! I know you're going to love it here. It's amazing how this site can effect us on such a personal level as well as business!
Donna, I hope you do come, I promise you won't be disappointed here! And I do plan on visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains that are so spectacular on your posts.
I've certainly enjoyed being a part of your journey.
When I was a junior at Texas A&M University with Alpha Phi Omega, I instituted a service project where we would take our pets to visit our elderly in what was then called a Nursing Home. It was unheard of at the time, but I knew how much animals affected me and my grandmother, and I thought it could brighten up the spirits of our elderly by having both young college students and their pets visit. The project lasted for many years until pets were determined to be unhealthy in nursing homes. Huh?
Hi Carole...My thanks to Active Rain for giving me the opportunity to meet you.
Pierre is looking wonderful and your mom looks so happy. I'm glad they are together.
Kate
I see you entered the Contest :) I remember very well asking you all about Feng Shui, and because of you I was able to help a few of my own clients with their concerns over a house. I also remember when you had the flood, and was fighting the Village, and then your moms dog passing away, and the story of Pierre. I guess these are the reasons so many of us stay. Yes, we learn tons here, and yes our business has been helped, but for some of us we want more. And Active Rain sure has "more", like friendships :)
Making friends here was the last thing that I expected when I joined, but I can certainly say that I was pleasantly surprised by how many people I have met that I now truly consider to be my friend.