Bella Housa Village

Why Grow Old? (May 16, 2010)

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:55:00 +0000

http://www.asamanthinketh.net/whygrowoldexcerpt.htm

You must read this essay by James Allen. In my opinion, he says it all and it’s so right on. You must read it after you read my piece here.
My whole vision for this Bella Housa Village community is: “Stay Healthy, Active, and Smart”; “Rewire Not Retire from Life”, “Keep Growing”. Bella Housa is a place to continue learning and growing. It also is about connecting with others who are also living a “young life” of growth and passion. Renewing instead of decline. James Allen explains this beautifully. This is all about life style.

Now it’s time to connect to the link above. Let me know what your thoughts are.

Older, But Smarter

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:36:00 +0000

I just read an article, “The Geezers’ Crusade”, by David Brooks in The New York Times. It’s in line with what I’ve been thinking and sharing with others.
Typically, old age is regarded as a period of withdrawal and separation from the world – also called “retirement”; and that old people are no longer educable and can’t/don’t start new life chapters.

Well, that’s a bunch of baloney. Brooks says that over the past few years, researchers have found that the brain is capable of creating new connections and new neurons all through life. It’s a time of development and continued growth, but often not used. I like to think of it in such terms as: “new life chapter”, “renewment”, “move into a new stage instead of old age”, “bloom and become a full flower”, “a new horizon from your new elevation”, and so on.

Research finds that we change as we age. We become more outgoing, self-confident and warm with age. Virtue is rewarded. George Vaillant, in his book called “Aging Well” wrote that one of the keys to healthy aging is “generativity” – providing for future generations. He said that seniors who perform service for the young have more positive lives and better marriages than those who don’t. We are naturally inclined to serve those who come after and thrive when performing that role. I certainly agree with that because as I look back at my 35 plus years as a public school teacher, my heart purrs – especially when I get messages from former students who thank me, or say something like, “Remember when we …”, or “I still think of you; your spirit is still with me..”

That is what keeps me going and continuing to create and build community. Our present state of affairs and the economy appears to be headed to a not so pleasant one. Brooks says, “It now seems clear that the only way the U.S. is going to avoid an economic crisis is if the oldsters take it upon themselves to arise and force change. The young lack the political power.”
The elderly: they are our future. Now that I, at age 67, am in that category, I’m looking into two exciting programs that involve our young and the greater community.
That may be my next journal topic. What are your thoughts on what I’ve shared above? I’d love to hear them. Email me.

What is Retirement?

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:30:00 +0000

Lately I've been asked, "When are you going to retire and stop working?" That got me thinking and scratching my head as I tried to figure out what is "work"and "retire". After much thought, discussion with others, and research, I now have an answer. I believe that the notion of retirement as it is traditionally practiced - a onetime event that permanently divides work from leisure - no longer makes sense.

This idea came from an article in the Harvard Business Review, by K. Dychtwaald, titled "It's Time to Retire Retirement". Retirement is much more than that. Many retirees today want to make a contribution, try new things, be challenged, continue learning, and be productive. That's me and why I "retired" from passionate school teacher to a passionate community developer, and continue to "work". I want to continue making a contribution to our world, to be challenged with new learnings, and onto another exciting life chapter. To me my "retirement" from my teaching career started a "rewirement" into a new direction where I now have more choices, can use my past experience, life lessons, connections, resources, etc. And I don't really consider that "work".

I have more to share on this topic and that will come later. What are some of your thoughts? I'd love to hear them.

Fit Together!

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:48:00 +0000

Like the old saying goes,"together, we're strong", we're into our second month of tai-chi. There are six of us and it's a blast! Mel, our instructor, does an excellent job of inspiring, teaching, making us feel as though we'll be black-belts in no time, and making it fun. What more can one ask for? We all look forward to each class. What a wonderful way to keep active, healthly, and have fun?

Again, I hear over and over again, "Bella's clubhouse is a magnetic draw". Is it the people, the activities, the design of the building, or something else that makes it so? At every event I've had here, people say that same thing - "This is an amazing place and it's so much fun to be here!" I'm alway thrilled to hear it because that's my vision and mission in creating this special community within a community.

You're welcome to come join us for tai-chi each Wednesday, 6:30 PM. Fee is only $25 for a month of weekly one-hour classes. Come by. There is no charge for the first class.

Tai-Chi Classes at Bella!

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:33:00 +0000

Tomorrow we begin our Wednesday, 6:30 PM Tai-Chi classes, here at the clubhouse. The instructor, Mel Crist, has three national certifications and Black Belt in three different styles of martial arts. He has taught Tai-Chi for three years and karate for five. Mel says, "I love to teach Tai-Chi to all persons interested in exercise and better health."
Tomorrow will focus on information about Tai-Chi, questions, and excercises. You are invited to come and give it a try.

Bella Housa Wins OMB Award

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:31:00 +0000

I am excited to share with you that Bella Housa received the Olympia Master Builders Tour of Homes Award for "Best Kitchen". The Olympia Master Builders hosted the OMB Tour of Homes award ceremonies at the October 14 General Membership Dinner Meeting at Member Trade Show, which was held at the Little Creek Casino and Resort. It was a nice honor and confirmation that our homes are truly beautiful. The award was for our kitchen presentation, but I think you will agree that our entire homes are equally gorgeous! You can learn more about the OMB Tour of Homes Awards at http://www.omb.org/.

I'm back with another community story

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 02:12:00 +0000

In my last blog I shared my ideas on "community" and the human need for it. Today I will share an experience one of my 5th grade students, now a 24 year old,shared with me. Caitlin graduated from UW and then went to work in a poor small village in South America. There was no electricity, no sewage systems, no running water. There was a community well they all shared. They grew their own food and lived very simply. Caitlin lived in a small hut with close neighbors. They shared a clothes line to dry their hand washed clothes. The neighbors all talked to each other, helped each other, shared, laughed and cried together. Caitlin's neighbors quickly adopted her as one of them. Infact, Caitlin called the woman next door "mom". Caitlin said she was never happier than when she was living there. For Caitlin, this was a totally different lifestyle to the one she grew up with. She lived in Olympia with her parents, both successful professionals,and had what we consider a good life there. I was so intrigued listening to Caitlin's experience which demonstrates the importance of human connection, sharing, and working together. And, thus, my vision of our evolving community within a community, at Bella Housa Village, for those of us who are 55+.

Community is so important...

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:29:00 +0000

A strong sense of community & connection is so important for us humans. There were tribes,colonies, & communities where everyone knew, supported, and trusted each other. Animals have herds & flocks. All living things have that same basic need - as vital as food, water, and shelter.
Now we live in a high tech time where can text anyone or millions anywhere in the world at one time as we sit alone with our modern technology. Yet, we all starve for that close connection; a real "community" where we see, talk to, and support each other. Where we have some commonality, a sense of purpose, value, & support.
That's what is a strong force and vision behind the creation of Bella Housa Village. Beautiful homes, in a beautiful location,in a community within a community. The planning, design, clubhouse, & activities have that as its target - its "North Star".
My next two posts will expand on this concept. I will share 2 real examples that demonstrate this idea.

Hey, LET'S SHAPE UP

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:00:00 +0000

Here I am, just back from my power walk on our walking trail, admiring the wonderous view of Mt. Rainier, listening to the songs of the crickets and birds, and feeling so energized. I am so amazing at the beauty of this place - both outside and inside.

The clubhouse will be the hub of several planned activities and events. Here are a few: Belly Dancing, Boot Camp for Active Adults, Strength and Resistance Training, Aerobics, Balance Training, Core conditioning/Pilates, Yoya for us savvy boomers. I am working with a couple highly trained instructors in setting this up. I will have the details posted on this website real soon. Staying healthy will be so much fun.

Contact me with suggestions, questions, etc. (360)400-7437 or

The third life chapter

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:56:00 +0000

I’ve just read a book, by Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, called The Third Chapter – Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50. I found it intriguing because many of us are on a changing life course. The kids are gone, “retirement” is on the horizon, the death of a friend or relative, our home and neighborhood doesn’t quite meet our needs, and so now what?? The author declares: “We must develop a compelling vision of later life, one that does not assume a trajectory of decline after 50, but recognizes this as a time of potential change, growth, and new learning, a time when our courage gives us hope.” She had spent two years traveling the USA, interviewing men and women in their 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s who have changed their lives and, in doing so, are redefining our views (and their own) on aging. This is the vision we have for Bella Housa, a vibrant age 55+ community of 52 homes and a beautiful clubhouse; a community where that vital connection and sense of purpose adds energy to life.

Imagine this: climbing Mt. Rainier with Bella Housa as your base camp; writing your first novel while living at Bella Housa; being your healthiest ever; and more! Imagine what that pool of energy, wisdom, experience, and talent can result in! A new, fresh, different perspective on aging! This will keep us healthy, active, and smart so that we can live younger longer.

What do you think? Call me (360)400-7437 or

I love living in Yelm!

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:36:00 +0000

It's interesting. I've lived in many different places. I grew up on a little farm on the Canadian prairies, then lived in several big cities like St. Louis, Seattle, Edmonton, then Olympia. Now I've been in Yelm for over two years. I keep on getting more and more amazed and excited about this place. It is so vibrant and alive. On Friday, I visited its hotel, the Prairie Hotel, and was totally fascinated at the quality of their new 60 plus units. It beats many New York hotels. Honestly, no exaggeration. I am making arrangements for some folks that are coming over to see Bella and Yelm. And then, there are some pretty remarkable people living here too.

$25,000 off lot price!

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:27:00 +0000

Hey, I'm ready to roll and start selling. Terry Kaminski will be helping me with the marketing. We are having our signs made and put out and five more house plans should be out on the website very soon. Our 1100 sq. ft with and awesome loft area has been roofed, rough plumbed and wired. It is really looking great. I want to get some video filming to put up on the website. You will be impressed.

As a first buyer gift, I am offering $25,000 off the price of the lot for the first two buyers. Call or email me with any questions you may have.

Rebecca's Story Night and House Plans

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 17:28:00 +0000

I can see why Rebecca had won the national award for storytelling. She is awesome and had us all mesmerized as we listened to her. She will be back doing more.

I've had several folks ask me about the house plans because we have only 2 up on the website. We are finalizing a few more and will get them up. They will be our starting point from which we can customize. Our goal is to be some combination of smaller, leaner, greener, and smarter in our new homes. Size is relative and different for all of us. Our 2600 sq. ft. two story with an elevator plan is "small" for some and "huge" for others.

Mt. Rainier is ultra beautiful today.

National award winning storyteller here at Bella

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:00:00 +0000

I can't wait till tonight. Rebecca Hom will be here at the clubhouse telling stories. She just won a national award for best story teller. She is very well known throughout the country. See her at www.BackRoadsTeller.blogspot.com. Or, if you live in this area, come by at 6:30 tonight.

Also, our next new house is being framed and it looks fabulous. Wait till you see the photos I hope to get up soon. Still working on our website plan and revision.

Soon a techie!

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:57:00 +0000

I'm on a huge learning curve. I am determined to get going on Facebook. I have so much to share - words and photos. We're still working on this website to get it more in line with what we are really doing. We have some new house plans to put up on the site, photos of a new home going up, and photos of the interior of the clubhouse and model home. Be patient, it's coming; and then I will make up for lost time.

We are on a go!

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:43:00 +0000

Our Grand Opening Celebration was great! We had about 100 people come. It was quite the send off.

We've also started another house on Lot 16, an 1100 sq. ft. with a loft which will have a grand view of Mt. Rainier. The wall frames came up today.

We are setting up several very interesting events here at the Clubhouse and will have that up and posted soon. Also, we are preparing to post a couple more house plans, pricing, and details.

My goal is to be much more disciplined and post a regular biweekly update posting here.

Have a great July 4th.
Cheers,
Merle

Grand Opening June 20th.

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:48:00 +0000

We are having our offical grand opening on Saturday June 20, starting at 2:00 PM at the Clubhouse. The Olympia Symphony Quartet will be performing. There will be many very special people and great food. Come by and celebrate with us.

You may call me for directions and more info.(360)561-3514

Cheers,
Merle

May 20, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:39:00 +0000

Gosh, does time fly! We will get this site modified yet even though it is taking so much longer. With the help of a great team, I am working on several marketing pieces that must fit together. Soon it will be all ablaze.
The clubhouse is gorgous and very inviting. Nadine, a highly qualified personal trainer, is working with a couple of us in our gym. We are getting ready to start two new homes.
June 20th is our big offical grand opening. The Olympia Symphony Quartet will be here, a number of dignitaries, friends, and many who played a major part in the development and construction of this project will be here to celebrate our offical "coming out". Please come. I will post more details as to time, etc. I will post another message next week.

Website Update Coming Soon!

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:05:00 +0000

We're excited to report that an updated version of our website will be ready soon, complete with our newest house plans and community information. Bella Housa Village is taking shape, and our new website will reflect all that is great about this new, vibrant community for adults 55 and better. Come back soon to bellahousa.com and let us know what you think!

Watch for updates

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:03:00 +0000

The project is coming along nicely. Ground breaking for "The Robin", model #1 should begin the first week of September. "The Robin" has 1650 square feet, one story, 2 masters, and many other very special features. Also, there is a 2650 square foot, two story with an elevator called "The Bluejay". And then there is "The Hummingbird, an extra ordinary 1130 square foot one story with a loft!

Again, I look forward to your feedback regarding square footage.

7/30/08 - A Personal Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Merle) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:34:00 +0000

What an exciting project! Bella Housa Village has been incubating for several years now with a huge amount of planning, envisioning, research, and work put into it. Its story is quite amazing and I shall share more of it later.

I’d love to get feedback from you savvy Boomers, so please send me your thoughts, opinions, ideas, and suggestions. Our website is just a young beginning and will evolve to reflect what we truly want to create. Bella Housa is all about lifestyle. It’s about creating a community who shares several things in common. The kids have grown up and are now gone, we are at or near retirement from a hard-driving career, we may be beginning a second career of our choice, or we’re getting ready to do those things we’ve always wanted to do. We are now thinking that it is time to down-size and “get rid of all that junk that has accumulated”. We now realize that we are now in or about to enter a new chapter in our lives. This is the chapter that I believe can be and will be the most exciting one. This is how the idea of Bella Housa evolved. We want to stay and live healthy, active, and smart.

The current economic climate makes us all think hard about that next step we take. Many are thinking about smaller homes that cost less as well as cost less to heat and maintain. We were going to build a 2650 sq. ft two-story with an elevator as our first model, but decided instead to begin with a smaller home a 1650 sq. foot. We are going smaller, but better. We are designing my own home, a 1030 sq. foot with a loft. It is lovely and I can’t wait to have it ready to put up on this website. We are also working on four more plans. We want have our homes in the $300,000 and up price range. And remember, that includes that gorgeous Clubhouse

If you are in the area, please come by and see what Bella Housa looks like now. The Clubhouse is about finished, the view of Mt. Rainier is lovely, the street and landscape looks great. Come by and tell me what you think.