My Last Entry.......

Hello My Friend!!

It is with a bit of a heavy heart & alot of thought that I write you this.

I've been fortunate and blessed to have had a tremendous career up until now. It's been exciting, challenging, enriching, enjoyable and when I sit and reflect, it hasn't been about the money. It may have started out that way, but quickly I learned to make it about the people!! If you make it about the people, the money will follow....and that's what I did.

My Grandmother used to tell me while I was growing up to, "Do good things and forget about them. Do bad things and remember them." I have tried to live that way and luckily have also been able to run my business in such a fashion.

My clients, associates and friends have helped me to grow, to learn, to be focused and to create a very large group of support in a way that has really kept me going for years. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! (and THANK YOU, AGAIN!!)

I started my blog, not only to increase traffic to my website, but also to share little parts of my life and my thoughts with it's readers. I've decided to discontinue my blog. I want to "Thank You" for the opportunity that it has been to share with you.

Thank You also in advance for your continued support in our future real estate dealings.

You have my word that whenever we are working together, I will continue to work with the utmost integrity and loyalty to you. I guess when my Grandmother was instilling values, drive, & determination in me, that I didn't even realize how much of a difference this would make.....Thank You, Nonna!!!

I still hope to be able to visit with you at times and also to hear what's going on with you and yours.

May God Bless You and Keep You and Yours Safely, Strong & Healthy.

Bye for now....

I remain,
Your Real Estate Professional,
Todd

Italy

Here you can make the "living", there you "live".

~my comment today regarding living in Italy

What a nice compliment!!

Thank You Very Much, J!!

You really surprised me with this compliment and I will remember it for years to come.....

This was said to one of my clients, J's, coworkers when the coworker was contemplating selling their home in Riverside County.....Thanks again, J!!

Here's the quote:

"I told her that if I was selling land in China, I would want Todd Picconi working for me."

Inland Empire Has Everything!! The Local Scene...(article)

The Local Scene: June 19

Sakana's in Upland

Today I had the privilege of enjoying some Japanese "Grill" style food....ala Benihana. It is a great restaurant which is located in Upland....Southwest Corner of Foothill Blvd. and San Antonio Avenue.

Took Jessica from WAMU and we enjoyed our "birthday" lunch (for her).

Here are some of the pics including the volcano they made and some of the meal........

Thanks for the very enjoyable lunch, Jessica. You always make me smile inside.

Rancho Cucamonga Paul Biane Library & Lewis Playhouse...

LOVE IT SO MUCH THAT I TOOK THESE PICS THERE ;)

Got to see Nonna's tile there too, which was special.

I'm off the computer now and onto my day....Ciao Ciao!!

I just met a girl named....

Recently had time to spend with my friend, M.
Here is a series that I took of her.
Thanks for the fun, M!!!!

Amazon.com ~ Snap Goes on Sale!!

Saw this special today and although not familiar with the book, seems like the price of this "tune-up" is very reasonable.

Have a great day...oh, and here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591810566/ref=pe_pe_5060_5993170_pe_snp_566

A "Secret" Father's Day!!

Today was a nice, healthy, enjoyable day. Spent the morning handling details at my home(and also the evening), getting things more in order.

Then headed to Papa's and sidetripped into Home Goods to look for towels.....and no towels, but two prints that I've been wanting for two weeks, were both still there, and I realized, they were meant to be mine. So bought them, then arrived at Papa's late. We had a very healthy lunch.....Homemade (can you believe it??) Teriyaki Chicken Breasts with rice and salad...it was so healthy and almost Euro, except the rice and teriyaki sauce on the chicken, I thought we were in Italy!!

We talked about Italy and our relatives as well as me possibly being there three months out of the year and how that would work....wouldn't that be wonderful for the Summer each year??? Would I ever go through with it??

Then we graduated into the living room with full stomachs and too much food in them .....and I popped in my dvd of "The Secret". Yup, I finally subjected my whole family to it!!! Yvette and I ended up being the only ones to stay awake through the entire one and half hours while watching it.....then we watched George Lopez (Yvette had his DVD) and I took someone's place falling asleep. It was a quiet day work wise and a beautiful sunny southern California Day, as well. How lucky are we to live here????

I kept dreaming of Italy and wondering how that would look, what kind of life I would have there, just being there and not having a job to do or anything like that...it was like a dream once I arrived home.

Then straightened more (as stated previously) and got rid of the clutter in one of my rooms...yes, just shoved it in the closet.....NOT!! But it's much cleaner now and more presentable which is a good thing for someone like me.....who is a neat visual.

Now if I could just get enough energy to dust!! I'm thinking to head to rest a bit more, since I know come tomorrow, I will be working....Toni enjoyed my company this am and is currently on my lap as I write this (late eve). I will post it on the blog tomorrow when it's up and running again.

Thank You for the wonderful life that I am fortunate to have. Also, for the blessings of friendship, family, pets and for all the special people in my life.

Night,
Todd

Monday Morning....

Realized the past few days that Toni is behind on her booster...so going to try to make a point today (after the gym??) to bring her for her 2nd booster...then in three weeks, she gets her last.

How was your weekend??

Mine was filled with social things.....it was great.....and now it's back to the grind of work....and hopefully some time with friends at some point this week.

My family and I attended a wedding on Saturday....it was wonderful that the four of us were there....and I am still thankful that all went well. Towards the end of the day...around 9-10pm (?), Nonna was getting really tired....so brought the family home.

Saturday, I also had a "go see" for a condo listing in Ontario.....I will know more about it in the next few weeks....and when and if I'm listing it, etc. It's good condition and will be listed around $300K. (with a two car garage too and in a gated community) I sold it to them about 10 years ago and they are just downsizing and simplifying their lives now, so it's time to cut loose of the real estate.

Haven't made the time for the gym this weekend or really since Friday....so am anxiously awaiting going soon......I did manage to lower my bodyfat through carefully controlling or watching my intake portions and am now getting closer weight-wise to where I like to be.....WOOHOO!! I have been offered a modeling job and not really sure if I am going to do it, or accept? Who wants to see a picture of a forty year old trying to look good.....? lol

Hope you had a great weekend and that your week goes well.

My Best,
Todd

TWIN PALMS RESTAURANT IN PASADENA, CA

Was @ a birthday party for a friend on Friday night in Pasadena!! I had always wanted to go to this restaurant and it was really fun to be there with all the people, etc. The party had about 100 guests and all seemed to be really having a great time and be genuinely happy to be there. Met lots of locals and Thanks for the fun that we had!! I got to dress up for the birthday and then again at a wedding that I attended on Saturday.....IT WAS A DRESS UP WEEKEND FOR PICCONI!!! LOL


Twin Palms seemed like a place for many occasions....birthday parties, local hang out, and other events/occasions.....they had live music after 9pm and the cool thing about it is that it's all built like a huge patio around these two palm trees (that are quite large)....there are canopies with lights shining up at them and it's gated and after 9pm, you need a cover to get in....or to be stamped before you exit, if you're going to feed your parking meter or something. Valet is $7 with validation and is right there for your convenience....


It's one block south of Colorado Blvd., in beautiful downtown Pasadena. Caddy corner from Buca D'Beppo....or however you spell it?

Yahoo Chat....

Did you know (realize) that Yahoo has a great new feature??

You can chat like on similar programs like aol now....and it's just a click away. I found it cool and useful if the people you want to chat with also have yahoo.

THANKS YAHOO!!

P.S.

Seems that if your chat is "on", you may find it difficult to type an email with delayed response and skipping of characters that you are typing. If this happens, I read about it through help, then you should go up to the top where your sn is, and "logout" or "sign out of chat" and the problem will disappear.

I C E

Received this from a good friend of mine...THANKS VERY MUCH, S!!!


THIS REALLY IS A SMART IDEA.......

.....if you have a cellphone:

A recent article from the Toronto Star, "The ICE Idea", is
catching on and it is a very simple, yet important method of
contact for you or a loved one in case of an emergency. As
cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all
you need to do is program the number of a contact person or
persons and store the name as "ICE". The idea was thought
up by a paramedic who found that when they went to the
scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with
patients, but they didn't know which numbers to call. He there-
fore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a
nationally recognized name to file "next of kin" under.

Following a disaster in London, The East Anglican Ambulance
Service has launched a national "In Case of Emergency (ICE)"
campaign. The idea is that you store the word "ICE" in your
mobile phone address book, and with it enter the number of
the person you would want to be contacted "In Case of
Emergency". In an emergency situation, Emergency Services
personnel and hospital staff would then be able to quickly
contact your next of kin by simply dialing the number
programmed under "ICE".

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2,
ICE3, etc.

Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before
everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or
put a loved one's mind at rest.

Inland Empire Market (referenced in article)...

Malibu, Encino at top of the real estate market

Hope you're having a fresh, exciting weekend so far.....and hope it continues to be positive for you.

Good Day!!

Todd

Hope your party is fabulous tonight, B & J!!

This is me at the end of the running around, and before the beginning of more, except all dressed up the rest of the day...

Thanks for your extra help today, E!! You do the best job! Also P, J & J ~ what would I do without you ladies???

A BIG "THANK YOU"!!

how's your Friday going?

I have had a busy morning and it's still cooking up a storm....the photogs gave me these photos from today...wasn't that sweet of them?

I just wanted to gently remind you, as I have also recently been reminded, that when you're using other people's property, riding in their car, wearing their clothes, or borrowing something, you should ALWAYS be respectful and grateful. Also, it's good to treat other's stuff like it's your own....and maybe not make any changes to something without the owner's permission. Makes perfect sense to me!!

Got the fliers out to my new listing on Beechwood this hot, sunny afternoon. I was still in my gym clothes, but was glad to have them out and now am glad to be back to my home office so I can shower and get ready for the rest of my day/evening.

I hope that this Father's Day is a wonderful one for you and yours.

Also, got my newsletter and Broker/Agent Magazine Reprints out late last night....was at the post office around midnight sending them off....so you may be getting something in the mail from me very soon. Also, there should be one of my new lens cleaners (for sunglasses or reading glasses) in there.

As always, THANK YOU for your support!!

My Best,

Todd

Walking & Talking....

Recently I was fortunate to share a meal with a friend and catchup on what's been going on in each other's lives....She was so cute, after we ate dinner, we had little "to go" bags and she wrote "My Toddy" on mine....Sweet!!

Why are friendships important?

Maybe because they give us an outsider's glimpse of what appears to be going on in our lives and we can further retrospect if we like.....I appreciate that opportunity and am thankful for my friendships with many of you.

Grazie Mille!!

Todd

Just Listed @ 2193 N. Beechwood Avenue in Rialto, CA 92377!!

Here is a copy of my new listing on Beechwood Avenue in Rialto....NICE HOME!!

Click the following URL to see the Listing:

http://www.mrmlsmatrix.com/DE.asp?ID=720517931

Southland Home Sales Hit 12 Year Low (article)

Southland home sales hit 12-year low

Heart Attacks and Drinking Water

Thank You E!!!
This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about heart attacks . The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating.
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal.

However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this "sludge" reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine . Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer .

It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.A serious note about heart attacks - You should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.

Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.

Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.

A cardiologist says if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we'll save at least one life. Read this & Send to a friend. It could save a life. So, please be a true friend and send this article to all your friends you care about.

Prince William and Harry....now (interview article)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070613/ts_alt_afp/usbritainroyals_070613131254

I particularly enjoyed the part where Harry says, "Over the last ten years I personally feel as though she's always there."

visit with John and Deb....

Got to visit with my clients who moved away to Florida for a work relo recently....It was really great to see them and pics of the home that they built, etc.....Really, amazing!!

Thank You for your continued support, friendship and the time we shared, John and Deb.

It was great to see you!!

Todd

The Law of Attraction....QUOTE FOR THE DAY ;)

Took this from a book, "The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn" today:

You combine with what you notice so do not describe anything destructive for you begin to combine with it.

~ taken from page 327.

Have a fantastic rest of the day, everyone!!

4 Simple Chef Secrets for Success

http://food.yahoo.com/blog/continentalchef/300/four-simple-chef-secrets-for-cooking-up-success

Economists Debate IE's Future Economy.... (article)

Economists debate specifics of Inland's future economy

Out of the Office ...

Hi There!!

Hope you had a great weekend!!

I will be out of the office the rest of the day....

Thanks!!
Todd

Quote for the day!!

"Ambition is the path to success.

Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in."

~ Bill Bradley

Rancho Cucamonga Increasing in Popularity...(article)

Rancho Cucamonga CA Real Estate Increasing In Popularity With ...

GOOD IDEA KEITH AND GOOD JOB!!!

Testing for Rosacea...

Had to visit a phd this week to check for something called Rosacea....

Here is the formal definition: A chronic dermatitis of the face, especially of the nose and cheeks, characterized by a red or rosy coloration, caused by dilation of capillaries, and the appearance of acnelike pimples. Also called acne rosacea.

Mine isn't really acne, I don't think. However, at times my face just gets really red....went out on a limb to put these on here....why not include them, it's part of my life, right??

Kinda cracked up when I saw that my cell was still in my hand while getting these pics taken....Dedicated??? Who me?

Have a great rest of your weekend....Listing a new property soon in RC and Rialto....gotta prepare for those.....Let's go, I'm ready!!

DE~STRESSING....

Today, had to workout in order to clear my head...it happened kinda unexpectedly.

In real estate, some people just don't understand how many different items we have to juggle as Realtors and how we have to try to make certain things happen....also, when you add your personal life, if you happen to be lucky enough to have one and still be successful, it can be a full deck.

Ran a bunch and did some abs (I know still need to do a few more crunches!!) and then shower and back to work I went....

WEREP Caravan Fun...

We had a great day @ Caravan yesterday....and I was glad to be able to take some pics of my Realtor Associates, Friends and Affiliates. Here are some of the pics....Yup, you can tell we were having a good time while working, yes?

Eurydice and I were being funny about taking our picture by Cindy Alder's sign ~

kind of an homage to how some Realtors have their photo taken in front of their sign....That's why were were really cracking ourselves up and that's why we took the last pic as a little group around my sign (last pic)....

THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK IN A GOOD AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT EVERYONE!!

The Power of Your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy.
Also, here is the quote to do the exercise with:

Infinite intelligence attracts to me the buyer for this home who wants it and who prospers in it. This buyer is being sent to me by the creative intelligence of my subconscious mind, which makes no mistakes. The buyer may look at many other homes, but mine is the only one he wants and will buy because he is guided by the infinite intelligence within him. I know the buyer is right, the time is right and the price is right. Everything about it is right. The deeper currents of my subconscious mind are now in operation bringing both of us together in divine order. I know that it is so.

Remember always that what you are seeking, is also seeking you.

**The above was part of our breakout session @ WEREP yesterday.

Use it if you'd like.....or make something up that works for what you're targeting or wanting....in a similar fashion....

Ok, headed to N's now!! ;)

Yvette and I do My Broker's Open Yesterday....

Thanks for your help, Gorgeous!!

Yesterday was fortunate to have some help @ my Broker's Open on Zapata Place. The morning began with me waking up only after about 3.5 hours sleep....not sure why....maybe too much going on? Mind wouldn't shut down long enough for my shut eye.

Anyway, up before 7am, off to the WEREP meeting, did a great "positive thinking" exercise with the group....got a few laughs ("I have a few secrets!!") and then we were off as a group to caravan.....Caravanned (is that a word? it is now) alot of properties...7, although it seemed like way more...

finished around 1130am, then put some Open House signs up (why not, since I was there anyway!!) and arrived at Zapata Place around noon. Had 6 Realtors come by for lunch ~ THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO CAME AND CONGRATULATIONS TO DIANE for winning the $100 GIFT CARD TO POTTERY BARN!!! (Claro's Italian Market did custom "Todd" sandwiches)....We had Pasta Salad, cookies and Mortadella with Havarte Cheese Sandwiches....they were delish.

Yvette and I tidied up around 145pm and was out by 2pm....then off to the Doctor's office...I even have pics of there that I'll show you later...they're on my other computer already...then

off to the office to meet Adam and write an offer on a great condo in Alta Loma....of which at this point, I'm glad to say (it's 350pm on Sat), his offer got accepted...Congratulations Adam!!

Now, headed to a First Communion of Nicholas's and can't wait. It started at 10am this morning and haven't been able to get there yet...but headed now....

How is your Saturday going??

Developer Optimistic About Filling Airport Offices (article)

Developer optimistic about filling airport offices

Newsletter Time...

It's been a long day.....Got to visit with my grandmother (which was the best!!) and worked out (once in AM, once in PM)twice at the gym...then had a few appointments, got the car washed and ready to go for tomorrow, then finished the day off with several hours working out of my home office with Toni and I and my computer...We prepared the new issue of my newsletter....FUN!! lol

Here is one of my clients, John, when we went out viewing properties earlier this week....John, I appreciate your business and the opportunity to work for you again!!

Have a great night everyone and an even better weekend!!

Thank You for your continued support.

I really appreciate it.

Night,

Todd

Decrease in Home Sales Forecasted by Realtors... (article)

Realtors forecast 14 percent decrease in home sales

No Losing with California Real Estate...(article)

You can hardly lose with California housing

Inland Empire Economy Continues Growth....(article)

Inland Empire economy continues growthPress-Enterprise (subscription) - Riverside,CA,USAHistorically speaking, the doldrums surrounding the real estate markets are not as serious as they appear, economist John Husing said at a forum Thursday ...See all stories on this topic

Pottery Barn Father's Day Sale...

Here's the link for the great, PB!!

www.PotteryBarn.com

They have a little sale going on.....looks like ;)

Fast Facts for the week...

Calif. median home price - April 07: $597,640 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region April 07:Santa Barbara So. Coast $1,475,000 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region April 07:High Desert $317,420 (Source: C.A.R.)

Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - First Quarter 07:25 percent (Source: C.A.R.)

Mortgage rates - week ending 5/31:
30-yr. fixed: 6.42%; Fees/points: 0.4%
15-yr. fixed: 6.12%; Fees/points: 0.4%
1-yr. adjustable: 5.57%; Fees/points: 0.6%
(Source: Freddie Mac)

**Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated June 6th, 2007.

Pending Home Sales Indicate Stabilizing Market

YES!!!! It's a good time for Buyers and Sellers now!!!

While pending home sales continued to edge down this month amidst the subprime fallout, NAR expects activity in the housing market to stabilize in the near-term, according to a recent report.

The Association's Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator that gauges home sales activity for upcoming months, declined for the second consecutive month in April, falling 10.2 percent from a year ago to a reading of 101.4. While a PHSI of 100 or more generally indicates a high level of home sales activity, the April PHSI was the lowest reading in four years.

"It looks like we may be leaving a period of market disruptions, and for the past two months the pending home sales index has been similar in year-ago comparisons, which means home sales might ease but should be fairly stable in the months ahead," said NAR Senior Economist Lawrence Yun.

The PHSI declined across the nation in April compared with the readings a year ago. On a regional basis, the PHSI was highest in the South, where it declined 10.4 percent to 116. In the West, the index fell 11.7 percent to 91.4. The PHSI also declined in the Midwest and Northeast regions, decreasing to 98.1 and 89.3, respectively.

***Taken from the California Association of Realtors Bulletin, dated June 6th, 2007.

A Handsome Man Joke?

An extraordinarily handsome man decided he had the God-given responsibility to marry the perfect woman so they could produce children beyond comparison. With that as his mission he began searching for the perfect woman. After a diligent, but fruitless, search up and down the east coast, he started to head west.

Shortly thereafter he met a farmer who had three stunning, gorgeous daughters that positively took his breath away. So he explained his mission to the farmer, asking for permission to marry one of them.The farmer simply replied, “They’re all lookin’ to get married, so you came to the right place.

Look them over and select the one you want.”The man dated the first daughter. The next day the farmer asked for the man’s opinion.“Well” said the man, “She’s just a weeeeee bit, not that you can hardly notice, but pigeon-toed.”The farmer nodded and suggested the man date one of the other girls; so the man went out with the second daughter.

The next day, the farmer again asked how things went.“Well,” the man replied, “She’s just a weeeee bit, not that you can hardly tell, cross-eyed.”The farmer nodded and suggested he date the third girl to see if things might be better. So he did.

The next morning the man rushed in exclaiming, “She’s perfect, just perfect! She’s the one I want to marry!” So they were wed right away.

Months later the baby was born. When the man visited the nursery he was horrified: the baby was the ugliest, most pathetic human you can imagine. He rushed to his father-in-law asking how such a thing could happen considering the parents.“Well,” explained the farmer, “She was just a weeeee bit, not that you could hardly tell, pregnant when you met her.”

No Scrimping on Wedding Gifts!!

Here's an article/posting that I found interesting.....

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylc=X3oDMTFtMXI2N3ZvBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEX3MDMzk2NTQ1MTAzBHNlYwNmcm9udCBwYWdlBHNsawNGUC1Ub2RheUludA--?qid=20070221071820AAzalIl&fr=hp

KATHY GRIFFIN IN NEW YORK

http://tv.yahoo.com/kathy-griffin-my-life-on-the-d-list/show/36021/videos/2940952

Quote for today from J.....

They will never realize the beauty of having a Butterfly who loves them.