Sometimes its scary to ask someone a question when you know the answer might be no. What if you are rejected? What if they tear you apart for even asking the question?

It's called the Fear of  Failure and I've had it. Still do, actually. But I've found the best way to conquer it - is JUST TO DO IT.  Take the plunge and ask. It's worse not to ever ask then to get a "no".  Trust me on that.

Price Reduction from your listing?
Want to take a top producer to lunch?
Want to go to a networking event and meet some people?

Before the Makeover2Takeover Contest, I knew Missy Caulk, but I don't know that she really "knew" me. She knew who I was because of Twitter. We got to know each other a little bit over there.  But I didn't think she really "knew" who I was... and I was scared to ask...... I didn't want to hear that she didn't have time for me... I didn't want to hear any kind of no.

So should I ask?  I was cleaning out my inbox and found this email.... I thought it would be fun to share....

From: Kim Wood <Kim[at]KimWood.net>
Date:  Wed, 07 May 2008

>Hey Missy!
>So I hope you are enjoying your time in Nashville with your friend...... !!!  We'll have to talk when you get back.
>I twitted you a DM, but thought you might not have seen it....  I think you and I should join the AR contest :)  I think you could mentor me as I have the family on my team (new) and begin to grow that.  
>Transaction wise I have x listings right now - that tends to be about my average..  I like buyers more (I want to change that). 2006 I had about x trans (perfect yr for where I wanted to be)....2007 about x -- yuck.....and this yr have goal of x, but I'm not gonna be there as of now.  Been in biz for @7 yrs.....growing biz as [LittleOne5] grows older.
>Check it out....see what you think....... I think it might be fun:) Kim
>*from cell

I was scared of what the response might be.... and I kept checking until I received the reply....

From: Caulk
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008
To: Kim Wood
Subject: Re: Mentor/Menteee

Kim, I would LOVE to do this, since I am out of town, can you respond to the AR post so they know. This will be fun !!!

And the rest they say.............. is history...............

Caulk Wood | Continues their Bonding

Week Eight Assignment for the Makeover2Takeover competition is our last one! I might have withdraws... it's been an awesome contest and I'm so honored to be among Desiree Daniels/Brian Block & Midori Miller/Jeanette Neerpat with Missy Caulk in the Top Three!

This week's assignment was to demonstrate with creativity the Value of Using a REALTOR(R). How do you do that in a Single Page Word Document & 3 minute (max) video?

It's not possible. You can't. However, you can do your very best - and go with it. That's what I've done.

Now it's nail biting time until we receive the results at Inman Connect in San Francisco - I hope I'm not sick with anxiety for the announcement. But you know what? I've done my best- and I'd be very happy if any of the remaining teams were crowned the Makeover2Takeover ActiveRain Winners!

It’s not just a Local Yokel that knows and experiences the outdoors in the area parks….

You can experience them with me!

All the townships in Chester County have their own flavor of community parks with  walking trails, preservation areas, soccer fields (especially full on Saturdays!), tennis courts, playgrounds, basketball courts, etc. There are also beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania; and I can’t forget the one National Park in Chester County.

I enjoy experiencing the different flavor of the parks in the surrounding areas of the Delaware Valley and try to change the place for my walks.

My favorite parks in CHESTER COUNTY:

Downingtown Borough: Kerr Park occupies a lot of space in my childhood memory bank. The tennis courts are still there that I used to keep myself occupied while “Mom” played. Kerr Park is where many of the festivities for Good Neighbor Day take place. The All-Abilities Playground is also a big hit!

East Brandywine Township: Community Park. They just added more fields and the walking trails go on and on... This is where I walk most often, due to convenience to my house :) You can catch entire families exercising and playing ball together many evenings. The energy is phenomenal. We often chase the ball around play tennis here.

East Caln Township: Bell Tavern Park is the place to be on hot weather days! The playground is one of the best in the area (even with sprinklers during the heat) and picnic tables come in handy. There is a sand volleyball court, roller hockey rink, tennis courts, and walking trail as well.

East Goshen Township: The East Goshen Township Park is located off of Paoli Pike and spans for 55 acres. They have tennis, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, putting green, totlot/playground, fitness trail.

I found myself during my walk removing my i-pod headphones to listen to the birds singing to me! They have a bird watching guide and preservation area around the fitness trail.

French Creek State Park: French Creek is our local get-away spot. Camping is offered and you can feel like you are miles away! Home to two lakes and 40 miles of hiking trails. There is a Frisbee golf course, pavilions, and geocaching available.

Hibernia Park (County) Park: Over 900 acres of trails, woodlands, fishing, picnics, camping – PLUS a 90 acre lake for small fishing and boating. There is a historic mansion, Hibernia Mansion (Built around 1744) which is also located in the park and available for limited tours.

Marsh Creek Lake State Park: This park includes 1,705 acres which includes a 535-acre Lake. Windsurfing, Boating, Kayaking, Fishing, Swimming are all some of the highlights of the park.

(An interesting tidbit about Marsh Creek Lake State Park.  My grandmother’s family home is somewhere in the bottom of the lake – taken over by imminent domain.)

Tredyffrin Township: Their parkland has over 345 acres dedicated for parks. Wilson Park (90 acres) is located in Chesterbrook and has an All Abilities Playground, putting green, volleyball, and all sorts of sports fields.

Wait! You can’t leave the Local Yokel Tour of Chester County Parks yet……

Chester County also boasts to be the home of The Valley Forge National Park, one of the most famous parks in the world.

Video Courtesy of MrKlaffdotcom

Valley Forge Park not only memorializes the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation during the encampment of 1777, but there are stories told, tours given, re-enactments lived, and collections displayed. 

Valley Forge Park includes cell-phone guided tours, and also story telling benches (a storyteller begins telling a 5 minute story when one approaches the bench), trolley tours, after hour tours, Guided Walks, Gallery Talks, Vault Tours, and special events taking place year round. During your visit you most likely will spot at the least deer, and quite possibly other wildlife including fox.

Trail System – Hiking, Horseback Riding, Biking, you can do it all within the Valley Forge Park at different designated areas. 28 miles of authorized trails are located within the park boundaries. There are 19 miles of marked hiking trails designated just for hiking.

The beauty of Chester County abounds when you take a look at the parks. The rolling hills are home to parks that make you feel like you are in the deep forest (French Creek); relax by the water and sunbathe like you are on the beach (Marsh Creek); and get your fill of history lessons while going back in time (Valley Forge).

Chester County, Pennsylvania, a great place to call home, abounding in parks and outdoor recreation.

Are you relocating to Chester County, Pennsylvania?

I’d love to help.