Transitions-Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Real Estate Blog

The Stillness of a Snowy Day in the Oakville and Burlington Area, Ontario.

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:30:02 -0500

The Stillness of a Snowy Day in Oakville and Burlington Area, Ontario.

It's collecting on the garden door and turning the Burlington and Oakville regions of Ontario, Canada into a cosy, muffled world of whiteness again. Snow, glorious snow.

I've been home this week recovering from a nasty bug that I picked up well before Christmas. The past 4 weeks have seen a seemingly never ending cycle of thinking I am finally getting over it just to have it rear it's vicious head once more.
Monday I went to see the Doc as I was feeling worse than ever and I knew I needed help.
After 4 days of antibiotics, I'm feeling like myself once more and can make plans to return to those winter activities that I love.

The Burlington and Oakville area is home to many beautiful, groomed cross-country ski trails for those adventurous souls who love to take winter's hand and dance wildly in it's arms, taking in all that it has to offer.

I like to get out and hike on the many trails that meander through the Halton Conservation Area parks and in winter I can be found gliding along on skis enjoying the peacefulness of the wintery landscapes.

Having grown up a northerner, I don't let winter get me down.

In my family we learned to skate before we had even mastered walking. There are many beautiful areas to skate in the Burlington and Oakville areas.

My brother and his family have a penchant for skating on the outdoor skating rink at Bronte Creek Provincial Park, the breathtaking natural area that divides Oakville and Burlington. No matter how cold it is, he and Shanine and the kids don their skates and wooly hats and head out as often as they can and always come home rosy cheeked, singing and laughing.

No matter what your favourite winter activity might be, the Burlington and Oakville area has you covered.

Winter, glorious winter. I say, bring it on!

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Christmas Tree Collection in Oakville, Burlington and Halton Region

Sat, 02 Jan 2010 10:45:22 -0500

Christmas tree collection in Oakville, Burlington and the surrounding Halton region will begin on Jaunary 11th in 2011.

In Oakville, Burlington and other Halton communities, the Christmas trees that are collected are turned into aromatic mulch. The mulch is used throughout the parks of the Halton region for gardens, paths and landscaping.

When placing your Christmas tree at the curb for recycling, please make sure to remove the tree bag, tinsel, wires, nails and all decorations. Your tree should be placed at the curb by 7 am on your collection day.

To find out your collection day, click on this link Christmas Tree Collection Days for Burlington, Oakville and Halton region communities.

In the above link, you can search by your address or by your area to find out the day that your Christmas tree will be collected on. When viewing the calendar, look for the Christmas tree icon for your collection day.

Christmas tree recycling is an excellent program that the cities of Burlington, Oakville and the communities of Halton region use to keep this area magnificently green and beautiful.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Hilton Falls Conservation Area; A Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:41:05 -0400

In the early afternoon this past Sunday, I was busily working away at my computer when I received a call from my brother, Clayton. He was planning to take his children on a hike to Hilton Falls Conservation Area in Campbellville and wondered if we would like to come along. Hilton Falls Conservation Area is on the list of World Biosphere Reserves as part of the Niagara Escarpment.

As I gazed out the window at the rather dreary day and wet windowpane, I wondered if it was such a great day for a hike, however after a short discussion with Louis, we decided to take Clayton up on his offer.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area is a short drive from Oakville and Burlington. It took us about 20 minutes to get there and as we drove down beautiful country roads and up over the Niagara Escarpment, I couldn't help but marvel at what an intriguing area the Golden Horseshoe is.

The Niagara Escarpment lends so much diversity and natural beauty to the region that one never has to go far to view stunning vistas or gaze in awe at the magnificent rock formations.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area is a 645 hectare park that runs along the Niagara Escarpment.
As a Provincial Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and also a World Biosphere Reserve, it is a place of refuge for a diverse array of plant and animal life.

The trails are extremely well groomed and easy to walk.
Hilton Falls welcomes hikers, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers and the 33 km of trails are sure to leave the visitor looking forward to coming again.

We enjoyed a refreshing hike to the falls and the historic mill site and I took particular delight in observing the forest floor where a variety of spring wildflowers were putting on a show.

It seems that not everyone gets as excited as I do over a pair of Wakerobins in bloom, however I don't mind that at all.

I believe I must have been an herbalist or medicine woman in a past life and those who hike along with me seem to enjoy my chatter about the native uses of our indigenous plants. At least they appear to be interested!

As we hiked along, the sun broke through and the wind died down. My nephews and niece ran ahead in excitement as they made discoveries of giant fallen branches with the rushing sounds of the falls in the distance calling to them.

Near the falls there is firepit stocked with firewood where a weary traveller or group could rest while dinner cooked or get warm on a wintry day.

Dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 2 metres.

Here are more pictures from this rejuvenating piece of paradise:

Bloodroot in bloom. The natives used the orange sap from Bloodroot as an antiseptic and dye.

Wild Columbines just about to bloom.

Three little hikers, my nephews and niece, lead the way down the well groomed trails at Hilton Falls Conservation Area.

A sinkhole at Hilton Falls. Sinkholes were formed when the pressure exerted by glaciers on rocks swirling in water, wore deep round impressions in the limestone.

The pioneers made use of the water pressure formed by falling water and built mills. Here are the remnants of an old mill at the Hilton Falls site.

Trout Lily leaves carpet the forest floor. Trout Lillies are so named because of the mottled appearance of their leaves. Soon dainty yellow flowers will bloom above the beautifully patterned leaves.

Strange and mysterious, the Mayapples draw the eye with their striking appearance as they near their blooming period.

The plants grow in groups and the flower must be searched for under the leaf canopy.

The Mayapple fruit is edible when completely ripe, however all other parts of the plant are extremely toxic.

Indigenous people used a tincture of the plant as an insecticide.

Rivulets of fresh, clean water, from Sixteen Mile Creek, cascade downwards as they make their way to the rushing stream below.

My nephews lay claim to the title 'Kings of the Forest'.

This astounding area is unique in all of North America as four species of salamanders can be found in it's wet pools and under damp rocks.
Nature lovers will enjoy viewing over 100 varieties of plants and numerous unusual mammals such as the Northern Flying Squirrel and the American Water Shrew.

If you live in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Guelph or Hamilton, Hilton Falls is just a short drive away.

Enjoy a peaceful day hiking and wrap up your visit with a barbecue (barbecues and picnic tables are provided) as you relish in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Visitors to our region should make sure to take time out for a daytrip to this UNESCO site where wilderness that once could be found throughout the Golden Horseshoe area, may still be found.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group., Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.Oakville-BurlingtonHomes.com

The Naked Sprout - New Raw and Organic Food Cafe in Burlington!

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:13:45 -0400

Just north of Dundas on Walker's Line in Burlington, a new raw and organic food cafe has opened.
The Naked Sprout is Burlington's newest healthy eatery and as part of Chrysalis Yoga Studio, it promises to nourish the body with nutritious, scrumptious, soul-satisfying organic and raw food delicacies.

Tonight was the first evening a group of people gathered in the warm atmosphere of the cosy cafe. Owned by Clayton, Shanine and Pete, the cafe opened it's doors for 'staff appreciation night' as they showed their appreciation for the staff of Chrysalis Yoga Studio.

Pete, as head chef and manager of the cafe, served up a wonderful menu consisting of healthy raw food meals, delectable desserts and tasty appetizers and salads.

I chose the vegan pizza made with a sweet potato crust and covered in sun-dried tomatoes with various vegee toppings. Healthy and delicious, I'm lookingforward to enjoying it again.

The gluten-free, dairy-free, raspberry cheesecake leaves you wanting to eat more and more. It's that good.

Drop in to The Naked Sprout for a meal or an organic coffee or tea the next time you're in the area and perhaps take in a yoga class at Chrysalis Yoga Studio while you're there. Your body, mind and soul will thank you.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Vacant Lots For Sale In Mississauga and Brampton - Beautiful, Treed Brampton Building Lot!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:34:51 -0500

(update: sorry this lot is now SOLD. If you would like to be kept informed with regards to other building lots that come on the market, please contact Jo-Anne Smith at oakvilleandbeyond@gmail.com).

On the search for vacant lots for sale in Mississauga or Brampton? Rare and exceptional, this beautiful, treed Brampton building lot is in an area of upscale bungalow and 1 1/2 storey new homes.

Situated in the highly desirable Streetsville Glen area of Brampton, this lot is zoned residential and is ready to be built on. It fronts on a quiet court with hydro, natural gas, cable and telephone readily available.

Level and peaceful, this beautiful Brampton building lot has an abundance of beautiful trees including hardwoods and softwoods.

When you sit on your deck in the morning, coffee in hand, you will feel like you are gazing out over your own private forest, right in the heart of the Mississauga and Brampton area !

Vacant lots are very hard to find in Mississauga or Brampton, especially at a price of only $279,900.

Build your dream home and watch your investment increase in value over the coming years while you enjoy the proximity to wonderful shopping and recreational facilities as well as to the Toronto Airport and the greater Toronto area.

If you are commuting to Toronto, this is a prime location with quick access to the 407, 401 and the 403 and yet still gives the feeling of being in a quiet, secluded enclave where forests and history abound.

This unusually large Brampton building lot is perfect for gardeners, nature lovers, children and pets.

The lot dimensions are 14m across the front, 37.4m across the back, 46m down one side and 55.4m down the remaining side, giving the homebuilder a very spacious and private back yard area.

In this price range, you won't find a more beautiful vacant lot on which to build your dream home in the Mississauga or Brampton areas.

Call or email today before it's gone!

For more information or an appointment to view, send an email to Vacant Building Lots Request

If you would like to be kept informed with a list of vacant lots that become available in Oakville, Burlington, Brampton, Mississauga or surrounding regions, contact Jo-Anne. You will receive daily updates in your inbox with all of the vacant building lots that become available.

In the meantime, why not take a look at this rare and beautiful Brampton building lot and make your dream a reality today!

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.Oakville-BurlingtonHomes.com

Benefits of Buying a Condominium in Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:05:41 -0500

Benefits of Buying a Condominium in Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga.

More and more homebuyers are turning to the condominium lifestyle in
Canada today. Condominium ownership can appeal to both those leading a fast-paced lifestyle, as well as those who are retired and enjoying a slower pace. Condominium ownership comes with numerous benefits that help the homebuyer achieve a more comfortable and stress-free life.

Affordability-Condominiums can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a standard residential home. This is an important factor that attracts both the single lifestyle, first-time buyers and those who are retired.
Security and Personal Safety-Condominium complexes offer a closer knit community than a single family dwelling. For those who frequently travel or live alone, this can be an important factor when choosing a home.
Organized Recreational and Social Activities- Many condominium complexes have recreational facilities for the condominium owners to use, as well as organized activities on a monthly basis. Having a pool or recreational centre with regular events serves to bring the community together and creates a comfortable and healthy lifestyle for those who live in the complex.
Less Maintenance Required-Many condominiums offer outside maintenance and repairs as a part of the ownership package. For those who are gone over the winter months or unable to perform their own outside maintenance, knowing that the snow removal, grass cutting, roof repairs, etc is taken care of, can bring great peace of mind and a greater ability to enjoy life, as well as not having to worry over the expense of a costly outside repair like a new roof.
Lower Insurance Costs-As a condominium owner (freehold condominium exception) you will be responsible for insuring your personal belongings, the interior of your unit and personal liability. The condominium corporation is responsible for the common ownership areas and exterior of the units.
Investment Value-With the increase in the average age of the population and more and more retirees entering the buying market, the demand for condominiums continues to rise.
Most areas in Ontario currently face a shortage of affordable and desirable condominiums and the value of the average condominium continues to steadily increase. Investors who saw the coming demand years ago, and purchased one or more condominiums, have realized a healthy return on their investments in recent years.
Decreased Energy Costs-The majority of condominiums share outside walls in common with their neighbouring units and this serves to greatly decrease the amount of energy required to heat and cool each unit. In addition, many condominium complexes supply hot water to the individual units from a common source. This can greatly reduce your monthly electricity costs.
Smaller Footprint upon the Earth-With condominium owners sharing the common areas, a greater number of homes can be placed on a lot in a condominium complex than in a corresponding number of single family dwellings in a typical subdivision.
Lower Property Taxes-Municipal taxes for a condominium unit are comparably lower than taxes for a detached single family home.

Buying a condominium is a wise decision and having a real estate sales representative who understands and is knowledgeable about the condominium buying process and what to watch out for, can bring a smooth and enjoyable buying experience that you will remember with pleasure.

As a License
d Real Estate Sales Representative in Oakville, Ontario, I have extensive education and experience in the condomium buying process and can guide you through the viewing and buying process.

To receive a book on Buying A Condominium at no cost or obligation to you, contact me at OakvilleandBeyond@gmail.com or 289-837-2132.

Yoga in Burlington and Oakville Area - Chrysalis Yoga

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:32:49 -0500

Yoga in Burlington and Oakville Area - Chrysalis Yoga.

The sign is up, the beautiful natural wood floors have been laid, plants and yoga props have arrived and classes have been scheduled. Chrysalis Yoga of Burlington is about to open it's doors and has opening week specials you won't want to miss.

It's an exciting time for seasoned yoga practioners and those who have always wondered about yoga or who have decided to make this the year they make changes to their lifestyle by incorporating a new health-giving, stress-reducing practice to their lives.
Chrysalis Yoga, a new state of the art yoga studio in the the Walker's Line and Dundas area of Burlington, is offering free yoga classes through-out their opening week of January 29th- February 4th.

Chrysalis Yoga has two spacious yoga rooms known as the Fire Room (for hot yoga classes) and the Earth Room (for regular temperature yoga classes).
To see what classes are being offered during the months of January and February, check this schedule and be sure to drop by during their free opening week!

Chrysalis Yoga in Burlington, an open and warm space, exudes a sense of calm and tranquility.
Once you visit the studio, you won't ever want to leave. That's just the kind of place it is.
Experience this for yourself (as I did on many of my recent visits there).

Chrysalis Cafe, an inviting raw and organic food cafe, is part of the Chrysalis Yoga studio.
Chrysalis Cafe will be opening a month later than Chrysalis Yoga as workers continue to prepare it for it's own opening day.
With natural wood tables made from recycled barn wood (exceptionally beautiful) and warm American Clay walls, the cafe will also have a cosy sitting area warmed by a fireplace.
The perfect place to stop by with a group of friends after a yoga class or just as a place to visit for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Chrysalis Yoga of Burlington offers a wide variety of classes for all ages. Restorative yoga classes are ideal for those new to yoga or who have an underlying health condition.
Beginner classes are ideal for those new to yoga who wish to ease into the poses and benefits slowly.
There are also many different styles of yoga classes being offered as well as classes for children, families and expecting Moms.

To receive regular updates from Chrysalis Yoga, you can sign up for their newsletter here.

If you live in Burlington, Oakville or surrounding regions, making Chrysalis Yoga and Cafe a part of your life will be one of the best ways to, as they say at Chrysalis Yoga, "Transform Yourself, Transform Your Life, Transform the World Around You!"

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Buying a Home In Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington-Advantages of Using Your Own 'Buyer's' Agent

Tue, 26 May 2009 18:47:37 -0400

As you begin the process of searching for a home in the Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga regions of Ontario , one of the most important steps to take is to find a real estate sales representative who you feel comfortable with and who has good past client references .

Many people searching for a home do not realize that they have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars, time and avoid potential problems by choosing to work with a REALTOR® early in the home buying process.

A REALTOR® will sit down with you and go over all of the things that should be taken into consideration when searching for a home.
They will provide you with valuable information and tools that will help you to find the right home at a price that fits your lifestyle and needs.
They will advise you on things to watch out for and will be there for you from the beginning until the day you move into your new home and will stay in touch with you once you've moved in should any problems arise.

As you begin to work with a REALTOR®, he/she will discuss with you the advantages of signing a 'Buyer's Representation Agreement '

A Buyer's Agency/Representation Agreement provides you with the top level of services a REALTOR® can provide and these services are most often provided to you free of charge.

Your Buyer's agent is paid for the work they have done for you through the Seller's agent whose property you have purchased. The Seller's agent is paid a commission by the Seller when their house is sold. From this commission, a certain percentage is paid to the Buyer's agent's office who then pays the Buyer's sales representative.

When acting on behalf of my buyer clients, I offer the highest levels of service, free of charge to my buyers.
In giving the best service possible to my buyers, I provide the following list of services to ensure that they have an enjoyable, smooth, care-free and happy home buying experience:

To assist my buyers in understanding what will take place, I outline the entire homebuying process from beginning to end.
To facilitate this, I provide my buyers with a Homebuying Book and pamphlets on various things to do with the homebuying process.
In order that my Buyer clients feel comfortable with signing the Buyer's Representation Agreement, I explain it in detail and ensure them that if they are not happy with my services and are able to provide me with an explanation, they are able to cancel the agreement at any time.
As part of the Homebuying process, I discuss with my clients financing alternatives and determine their needs with regards to financing the purchase of a home.
I endeavour to find the best possible home for my clients and in order to do so, I meet with them and ask them to answer a fairly in-depth questionnaire that deals with their specific needs and desires in a home.
My Buyers have the right to always be kept up to date with the new listings that have come on the market.
Immediately after determining my Buyer's needs/desires in a home, I register my Buyers on a Listing Update Program through our local real estate board that provides them with all of the new listings that meet their criteria by email on a daily basis.
They are then free to peruse the information at their leisure and, since the best listings sell very quickly, are certain not to miss out on any new listings that come on the market within their guidelines and price range.
When my Buyers come across a property they would like to see, or if I recommend we go and see specific properties, I coordinate the showings and accompany my Buyers through all of the listings they wish to see.
When looking through homes, I point out potential problems and concerns in relation to each particular property. This gives my Buyers the peace of mind in knowing that a trained eye who is working on their behalf is observing each property along with them.
When my Buyers find a home they would like to put an offer in on, I provide them with a Comparative Market Analysis on the property so that they know the value of the property.
This enables them to make an informed decision when deciding how high they would like to go when negotiating on the home price.
I provide my Buyers with all of the information that is available on all properties that they wish to view.
On any property that they have further questions about, if I don't know the answer I find out and let them know as quick as possible. This way they won't miss out on a home due to not knowing the answers to any pertinent questions they may be considering.
Time is always of the essence when searching for the right home.
If my Buyers are short on time or are from out of the region, I preview properties for them in order to weed out those that are of poor quality, require a great amount of work or are not suitable.
This way my Buyers only need view those properties that are of good quality, priced right and fall within their search criteria.
If one of my Buyers finds a For Sale By Owner, or if I find one for them that falls within their search criteria, I will set up an appointment to view with the Sellers and should my Buyers decide to put in an offer on the property, I will prepare the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and do all of the negotiating with the Sellers.
I will also ensure that the Sellers pay my commission for the services I've provided to my Buyers and in payment for bringing them an offer on their property. This way my Buyers are still ensured of having my services provided free of charge, no matter if a property is listed on the MLS system or not.
When my Buyers find a home that they would like to put an offer on, I discuss with them the terms and conditions of the offer, advising them as to what clauses and terms I feel should be included for their own protection and in their best interests.
I then prepare the Agreement of Purchase of Sale and present it to the Sellers and their Agent on my clients behalf.
I negotiate with the Sellers and their Agent to get the best possible price and terms for my Buyers.
As part of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale conditions that I recommend to my Buyers, I ensure that all offers are conditional upon my Buyer receiving a satisfactory Home Inspection Report on the property prepared by a highly qualified professional Home Inspector.

I give a list of recommended Home Inspectors to my Buyers and ask them to choose one for the inspection. I also ask that my Buyers be present during the Home Inspection process and I ensure them that I will also be in attendance at the Home Inspection.

Once the Home Inspection is completed, I discuss any issues with the Home Inspector and make recommendations to my Buyers as to how to proceed from this point forward.
Most often, if a house requires certain upgrades or repairs, these can be negotiated on with the Seller during the negotiation and offer process.
I endeavour to do this to the satisfaction of all parties involved so that my Buyers feel comfortable moving forward with a purchase of the home of their choice.
Any and all personal information that my Buyers disclose to me is kept in strictest confidence. I provide them with a privacy agreement that outlines this and my Buyers feel comfortable knowing that they can trust me to always keep their best interests in mind throughout the home buying process.
On any property my Buyers decide to offer on, I do my best to find out the Seller's motivation and reasons for selling as this information will play a vital role during our offer preparation and negotiations.
Once the offer to purchase has been accepted, I ensure that any and all conditions are satisfied in a smooth and timely manner. I provide my Buyers with a list of recommended lawyers and outline to my Buyer's their lawyer's role and what they can expect to pay.
I also provide my Buyers with a list of Homebuying incentives and rebates that government bodies may be providing so that all of my Buyers receive the highest value possible in their home purchase.
My Buyers receive a list of home services that will be provided to them at a discount rate for having bought through me. These services may include, although are not limited to, moving and cleaning services.
On closing day, I ensure that the events of the day flow as smoothly as possible for my Buyers and am there to assist should keys need to be picked up or documents delivered.
To ensure that my Buyers are happy with their home purchase and to make sure they know I am always only a phone call or email away, I contact or visit my Buyers on closing day and discuss with them their new home and any concerns they may have.

This is the day of celebration and I'm justly proud of my Buyers and their new home and all they have come through to reach this point.
I ensure that my Buyers know that I will be staying in touch with them and that they may call or email me anytime should any issues arise with their new home or just to say hello!

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.Oakville-BurlingtonHomes.com

In Memory of Tom Smith and All Canadian Soldiers Who Risked, and Often Lost, Their Lives For Us - Remembrance Day 2010

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 09:39:18 -0500

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. It is a day set aside for all of us to remember and honour all of our soldiers who have risked, and often lost, their lives to protect not only us, but also the citizens of many countries around the world.

Today in Oakville we will honour those brave men and women at 10:15 am, at the Cenotaph at George's Square, corner of Church and Navy Streets. The Oakville Legion Branch 114 will be hosting the ceremony.

I wrote the following in honour of my Great-great Uncle, Tom Smith, who sacrificed his life in 1917 when he was only 27 years old so that we could all enjoy the freedoms we have today.

In Memory of Tom Smith 1891-1917, Battle for Passchendaele, Belgium~Your Hope Is Strong In Us

The thousands of miles that separated Thomas Smith from his family and home in the North Bay area of Ontario, Canada, disappeared in his final hours as he recalled his rocky Canadian shield home and the barren landscape of felled forests and clear lakes.
What he would give for one more day to be back home cutting trees as a lumberman rather than dying here in the waste deep mud and wet cold in the battle for Passchendaele, Belgium. The end was so close, on Tom's last day, so close and yet so far.

Tom, my Grannyda's Uncle, died in that mud, better known as the 'slough of despond', on October 26th, 1917. Barely 11 days later the battle was won. 'If only he could have hung on a bit longer', we voice our thoughts as we shake our heads sadly.

He left behind no children; only the families of his siblings and his closest brother, Blakeney Smith, my Great-Grandfather. Today, as we remember, our hearts are sad for you and the thousands of your compatriots who died for the same cause, Tom.

We keep your memory safe with us and have not forgotten you, nor the sacrifice you made so that we, your descendants, might live in peace and security.

If you are able to look down upon us now and hear the conversations of the family who still feels a heavy heart over your death, you will have seen the narrowing of my Father's and my eyes this morning, as we sat remembering in a quiet kitchen while drinking tea and gazing upon all that we have left of you.

You would have seen our heads downcast in sorrow as we talked of your height of 5'11 1/2" and how you were tall and strong and had the blue eyes of your family who came before you.

You would have heard my Father exclaim once more, while holding old documents in hand, 'such a tragedy and loss of so many young men and all so far from home.' You would have heard us discuss your grave in Flander's Fields and the memorial there with your name on it. Still so far from home.

You will know, that we who hold your memory strong, hold your medals up to the light and read your name finely engraved on the outside edges, as a feeling of sorrowful pride envelops our hearts and we remember once more, that these were earned , by you.

British War Medal

Victory Medal

We know so little about you.
Of course, we have all of your particulars in government issued, official looking documents, duly stamped and signed, that describe your appearance down to the finest detail and where you were stationed and when you arrived and when of course, you died.

The 'human' element is missing though. What made you, you.
What made you smile, what songs you enjoyed on Sunday evenings after dinner with the rest of the Smith clan in those northern woods you called home.

We know not of your dreams that you held close to your heart or if there was someone back home that you held a candle for in the depths of your being.
Those stories were not recorded by government issued documents. It was only your body and mind they wanted, and this was evidenced in the line of one document where you were 'taken for strength' to fight the next mission as your military history moved forward in fine penmanship on a frail, old paper that we keep safe.

We sit in kitchens and surmise as we gaze upon the seriousness and determination of your handsome young face, and in our hearts we know, that not only did you do good, you did good for all of us. We will remember you Thomas Smith, always.

If, in your final hours, the old phrase of your Irish ancestors, 'my hope is strong in thee', crossed your mind while you lay in the cold and mud so far from home, know that your final thoughts sent on a trajectory of time, were received by us and they will live on.
What you fought and gave your life for, your hope for peace and the security of future generations that was etched upon your soul, is strong in us, Tom Smith.
Your unspoken thoughts in your final hours, your hope, will live on through us and the successes you died for, will always remain.
We will remember you , Thomas Smith, we will always remember.

In Memory of Private T SMITH

648824, 58th Bn., Canadian Infantry
(Central Ontario Regiment)
Who died age 27
on 26 October 1917
Son of William Smith, of Teeswater, Ontario.
Remembered with honour

YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL

Commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission

©JoSmith

Oakville Area Trees Put On a Magnificent Display!

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:16:58 -0400

Autumn in.......

Oakville!

As I Drive along tree-lined streets in Oakville and area this time of year I find myself singing 'Autumn in New York'; especially on sunny days when the bright oranges and crimsons of the maple and oak leaves stand out even brighter against the vivid blue sky.

The Oakville and Mississauga regions have been experiencing one of their most colourful fall seasons in a long time with the cold nights and warm sunny days resulting in very colourful trees.

Here in the Oakville area of southern Ontario, many of the trees have yet to lose their leaves.

I've hiked quite a bit over the past month at many of our local conservation areas and have seen some absolutely beautiful sights.

Here are a few of them:

This was taken from the Niagara Escarpment in Kelso Conservation Area and overlooks a beautiful fall scene along the Trans-Canada highway near Oakville and Mississauga, Ontario.

A view of the Niagara Escarpment near Oakville, Ontario.

Many celebrations have been held across our beautiful province to herald in the colourful, crisp fall days. Pumpkin creatures have made their appearances at local gatherings and on many a verandah. These festive creations were seen at one of Kelso Conservation Area's 'Fall Into Fall' weekend events.

With the abundance of trees and natural areas, Oakville and surrounding regions are a destination of choice for visitors with an appreciation of the beautiful province we are blessed to call home.

Local residents show great appreciation by visiting the many conservation areas and provincial parks as well as taking regular walks along Oakville's many beautiful trails.

Just a few more reasons to consider the Oakville region when considering a move to a new area or country!

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Chrysalis Yoga Studio, Burlington, Ontario - Prepare to Be Transformed!

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 12:48:37 -0400

Chrysalis Yoga Studio, Burlington, Ontario - Prepare to Be Transformed!

Have you ever met someone who is a regular practitioner of yoga? Notice their skin, sense of calm, bright eyes, gentle smile, supple body and general state of exemplary health?

You too can transform your self and your life to one of health and vitality.

Yoga is known to

increase longevity
increase immunity
give a person more energy
restore health to body organs
restore people with disease to a state of health
help a person to look and feel younger
reduce or elimate stress
restore suppleness and muscle tone

An exciting new yoga studio is coming to the Burlington-Oakville area! Located in a brand new plaza that is currently being built on the corner of Walker's Line and Palladium Way in Burlington, Chrysalis Yoga is conveniently located close to the major residential areas of Burlington and Oakville.

Scheduled to open in December 2010 or January 2011, depending on how quickly the construction progresses, Chrysalis Yoga will be offering a wide variety of yoga classes and styles in both a hot yoga room and a regular temperature yoga room.
In addition, workshops will be held by top teachers from Canada and the United States.

Unique in the Burlington-Oakville area, Chrysalis Yoga in Burlington will also include a warm, inviting dining area known as Chrysalis Cafe.
Chrysalis Cafe will be the perfect place to stop by after class for raw and organic foods and juices that nourish the body and spirit.

Visit the newly released Chrysalis Yoga website for more details about this beautiful new studio and to sign up for their newsletter.

I'll be joining Chrysalis Yoga studio and will be a regular partaker of their classes. I hope you will be too!

If you've made the decision to transform your body, mind, spirit and life in the coming year, put a gift certificate from Chrysalis Yoga on your Christmas list, or better still, give the gift of a healthy, long life and vitality to someone you love.

Chrysalis Yoga gift certificates are the perfect gift for people of all ages and walks of life.

Watch for more exciting news about Chrysalis Yoga Studio in Burlington, Ontario on this blog.
I'll be keeping you up to date regularly so that you don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to make a positive and lasting change in your life and in the lives of those around you.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

FOCUS - The Key Element to Success in All Things

Sun, 16 May 2010 16:49:22 -0400

F For

O Optimum

C Concentration

U Use

S Self-discipline

How often we get mired down in a litany of small issues that eke their invasive tendrils through the tidy garden of our thoughts.
The result is a tangled mess where even the most beautiful aspects of our lives begin to resemble gnarled weeds.

When I find myself in this negative state of mind, I pause to recall an old Ojibway saying,

"Sometimes I go about pitying myself and all the while a great wind is bearing me across the sky."

When I remind myself of this saying, a warm tingling sensation spreads across my upper back and the worries of my day begin to recede.
I suddenly feel more fortunate than words could adequately describe.

We are in an age where information is multiplying at a faster rate than our brains are able to adequately process.

This mass of information leads us down a path enshrouded in fog where we gradually lose sight of those things that should matter the most.

In order to achieve our goals, we require focus.

Focus is a key element to success in every process or end point we are working on.
Understanding this enables us to lead a more fulfilling life both personally and professionally.

In today's hectic world, it's not always an easy task to stay focussed. There are, however, a number of things we can do to help us stay on track.

Written Goals and Plans - Having written goals, and plans to achieve those goals, helps to set our internal 'accomplishment mechanism', better known as our subconscious, to work for us. This is a very easy way to help us on the path to staying focused.
Remove Distractions - Staying focused is much easier when there are no distractions. This is something usually within our own control. We have the ability to control the environment in which we work and play to a certain degree.
Accountability - Having accountability partners in our lives helps us to stay focused on the end goals or on the those things we should be focusing on in our lives. An accountability partner could be a spouse, friend, family member, business associate or even a group to which we belong.
Maintaining Good Personal Health - There's an old saying , "If you have your health, you have everything". If we're not feeling well or are facing a serious illness, it's extremely hard to stay focused on anything other than the discomfort we're experiencing. Have a plan for good health maintenance and stick to it as much as possible.
Declutter - When it comes to decluttering, we have to address not only our physical environments, but also our mental and emotional environments. If there are outstanding issues you should be facing, don't put them on hold. It may be difficult to bring them out into the open and discuss them with the appropriate party, however by not discussing them and failing to reach some resolution, our minds will be unable to properly focus on those things we should be focusing on.
Commit - I wrote a post awhile back called The Power of Commitment; if you have a problem with commitment, please read it.
Live with Purpose and Passion - On the same lines as commitment, living a life filled with purpose and passion ensures being able to be focus on those things that matter to us, both in our business and in our personal lives. We know when we are doing what we should be doing because it is at those times that we lose ourselves and are able to completely focus in an effortless way. Find your passion and follow it.
Take Regular Breaks - No matter what you are trying to accomplish, it is important to take regular breaks to refresh your body, mind and spirit. Taking breaks applies to both our short term lives and our long term lives. Schedule regular holidays for yourself every 2-3 months, depending on how hard you are working on a weekly basis.
Practice Meditation - Learning how to meditate teaches us how to have a disciplined mind wherein we are able to totally focus on whichever we want to focus at will. Meditation classes can be found in most communities now and many of them are free.
Complete One Thing at a Time - Don't leave jobs undone. When starting on one job, make sure you see it through to completion. After completing a job, you will feel energized and will experience a rise in self-esteem and well-being. All of these contribute to your focusing power for the accomplishment of future goals.

Success in any aspect of our lives comes down to mastering the art of focusing.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Odd Couple Spotted in Old Oakville

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:28:04 -0400

Sometimes we lose our way in life and in so doing, we lose the ones that we belong with. Not knowing what to do, we try to fit in with the closest thing we can find to our way of life and the individuals we are most familiar with.

This works out fine, sometimes. Often we find it too hard to try and be something we're not and eventually, after misplacing integral parts of ourselves, we decide we miss our tribe and our old way of life.
Then we pack up and go back to the place and people that feel like 'home'.

Humans are lucky that way. They're able to remember where they belong and who they belong with. Birds aren't always so lucky.

Such is the case with this lone Snow Goose who, for reasons we're not privy to, found himself living with a flock of Canada Geese.
Being lonely and wanting a mate, he chose one of the Canada Goose females.

The pair seem happy enough; however a closer look reveals some marital discord.
It's always him following her.
She seems totally oblivious to his amour and more intent on doing her own thing wandering around Erchless Estate in Old Oakville.

I felt kind of sad for this Snow Goose. He seemed so out of place.

Perhaps one day, maybe when the flock he's chosen to be with is stopped somewhere along their migration route in the fall, he'll spot a band of Snow Geese and will recognize them as his own.

Until then, he's happy to just follow along and pretend he's a Canada Goose with a lovely Canada Goose mate.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

A Taste of Burlington - Media Launch

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:21:02 -0400

Last Wednesday I was fortunate to be given two tickets to attend the media launch of 'A Taste of Burlington'.

The event was held at the beautiful Burlington Art Centre in the Shoreline Room, overlooking Lake Ontario.

Numerous of Burlington's finest restaurants who are participating in the summer season's A Taste of Burlington program were present.

They served a wide variety of their specialties and attendees had a pleasant afternoon dining on samplings of Burlington's best.

The wines of Ontario were well represented also and we were able to sample some of the finest wines Ontario has to offer.

Musical entertainment played softly in the background while we were treated to a delicious afternoon lunch from Burlington's finest.

A Taste of Burlington runs from Monday, July 19th to Monday, August 2, 2010. During this time period diners will be able to experience the finest restaurants in the region as 23 of Burlington's restaurants offer prix-fixe lunch and dinner menus.

During the summer program of A Taste of Burlington, participating restaurants will offer 3 course meals for $20 (lunch) or $30, $35 or $40 (dinner).

A Taste of Burlington is a very popular program for locals and tourists alike.

Reservations are recommended.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Brekland Realty Group, Oakville, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

The Power of Commitment

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:16:43 -0500

Commitment.

When I think of the word commitment, I think of other words. Conviction. Resolution. Dedication. Surety. Unwavering.Determination.

Commitment leaves no room for doubts, chance or indecision. Once you make the decision, be it consciously or subconsciously, to commit to something/someone, you step out in boldness and you know that you will succeed. There is nothing left to do but to succeed.

The universe is with you now, you have committed. You have made it clear that what you formerly half-heartedly desired, is now firmly entrenched in your very being. Your subconscious mind picks up on this and begins to conspire with all of the universe to bring your commitment to you. There is no more room for failure; only growth, only lessons, only forging forward with a steely eyed determination and a singular vision.

It takes on a life of it's own, your commitment.

I've heard it said that where there is the shadow of a doubt, there is room for failure. We've long prayed 'deliver us from temptation' and this is not without top ranking in the realms of the universal laws. The minute you allow your brain to entertain a temptation for even an instant, you may be lost.

Your conscious thoughts continually program your subconscious mind. From there, your subconscious mind, which makes up the greatest majority of your brain power, goes to work to bring the bit of program code about. You MUST be THAT careful to guard the gates of your conscious mind lest something get past and enter your subconscious mind.

Your subconscious mind does not understand pros or cons. It is but a servant to you and your conscious mind. Anything you give it to work with, it will begin to masterfully enact and it has at it's disposal all of the universe to bring your thought into being .

The subconscious mind exists only as a creator. It interprets every thought you give it as something that you desire.
You can't say to your subconscious mind that you 'don't wish for such and such to happen' and expect your subconscious mind to stop that thing from happening.

Your subconscious mind works only in a positive way, hence if you are dwelling on something negative, your subconscious mind interprets the thought as being something you desire and will work towards making that thing come true.
Therefore, it's paramount that you turn all negative thoughts around and think of only the positive aspects of that which you wish to see take place.

Leave no room for doubts or insecurities in your conscious brain and do not for one second give the merest of thought to the possibility of failure.
In nature there is no failure, only lessons and forging forward. It must be the same for you. Never stand still, unless it is to reflect positively on what you envision as part of your commitment.

Fear is an emotion that is there to trick you into coding negative thoughts into your subconscious mind. Fear is a self-fulfilling prophecy since it freezes you or causes you to retreat. You can only go forward by remaining unfrozen and there is no room for fear when you are forging bravely forward.

What is the difference between the successful and the not successful? Is it brains, talent, beauty or skill? No. None of these things amounts to anything without the attribute of bravery and stepping into the centre of any fear that should rear it's holographic head.

The successful move forward. They have no time to think of failure or to be afraid of failure; they are too busy doing. They are too busy taking the chances that the unsuccessful fear to take.

The greatest fears of mankind are abandonment, rejection and harm. When you dissect any feeling of fear, you will find at it's root the fear of one of those three. And so we freeze. Rather than risk the pain of being rejected, abandoned or harmed, we allow fear to enter turning us into statues frozen in time.

Risk leads to self-confidence and no matter how many times a step forward might not work, without stepping forward it is guaranteed never to work.

More doors will open for you when you step forward, than those that will be slammed in your face. The static universe is powerless in the face of boldness and commitment. Those who are commited to a result take firm steps in the direction in which they wish to go and they have found that by making the conscious choice to commit to a business, cause, idea or a person, everything around them conspires to help and the doors will be opened as they forge bravely forward.

Make the choice today to commit to that which you believe in/desire and then follow the signs along the way as the universe shows you where to go and directs you to the next open door.

Leave no room for doubt or negativity and you will have given your subconscious mind a positive outcome to work towards. When you begin to practice this, you will notice all fear dissipates and you are given exactly what you need to make all of your visions materialize.

©2007JoSmith