Grateful for Tiny Little Lights!

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Real Estate AZ Broker BR030809000

 35+ years ago, while taking a leadership seminar, I was asked to share my thoughts on life, what is it I want to accomplish, lead with or give to others? That was a very simple question for me. "Tiny Little Lights".  This is what I've been all about for years.  Nothing earth shattering,  but rather, tiny little lights along my journey with others.  I could share a thousand stories of how that's come to fruition and continues to be, to this day.  I'll share one in particular so as to keep you reading, and not snoring!! LOL

 

 

Years ago when Gary and I bought our current home, my immediate thought as I walked into the front door and saw the wall of windows towards the back of the home leading to a huge patio area  was  "Tiny Little Lights". For 4 years I had been hiking the mountain straight up from this house! Typically on top of the hill  I'd stop and meditate on an outcropping of rocks and envision what it was I wanted to create that day, week, month etc. It wasn't until after we moved into the house that I realized one day, while meditating on the outcropping of rocks on top, that our house is the one I'd been directly facing all these years!  And then it came to me, what could I create with this beautiful home (other than all the normal moments).

 

 

That's when I decided I would create a network of like-minded spiritual business people to help each other grow their business.  We'd host up to 40+ people at each event, once a month. Typically we would have a speaker and or a member share about a topic and lead a discussion. Out home was perfect for spreading "Tiny Little Lights" as it has many 'unique' areas where smaller groups could gather and carry on extended conversations,  as well as the back patio where we all could gather together. It truly has been a gift for both Gary and I over the last 25+ years and we are beyond grateful for our friendships. 

 

 

I've heard many many times over the years, "It always feels like we are home when we walk into your home"!  And that, is my vision, one heart at a time......or more! 

Spread your light each and every day! And the world will be bright every where you go! Tiny Little Lights!

Posted by

Comments (24)

George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Anna it is amazing how things seem to workout at just the right place and time.

Nov 30, 2022 01:13 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Things always work out well for me George Souto !  As well for everyone else.... if we just keep focused on those tiny little lights!!

Nov 30, 2022 04:09 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Anna - I find it interesting where ideas originate and why.  Lights can be symbolic for so many things in everyday life as well as living is beyond that daily aspect.  

Nov 30, 2022 02:57 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Michael Jacobs ideas just come to me while I'm meditating or enjoying some quiet time.  It's pretty cool actually how many decisions were made from those moments.  Kind of like your walks around your town! 

Nov 30, 2022 04:11 PM
Susan Emo
Sotheby's International Realty Canada - Brokerage - Kingston, ON
Kingston and the 1000 Islands Area

When I first read about you looking out and seeing tiny little lights, I immediately thought of fire flies and how innocent we were when we collected them in jars when we were kids.  The wonder of it all!  And that brought me full circle to you looking down upon what was your future home and having events where you share the light.  Beautiful and I can see why people find themselves at home with you. 

Nov 30, 2022 03:07 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Oh I remember those days at the lake Susan Emo ! As kids we were memorized by fire flies! Tiny little lights as been a theme of mine for a s long as I can remember.  Over time, it's 'time' to create new kinds of light in different ways and I'm about doing so right now.  Fun journey!

Nov 30, 2022 04:13 PM
Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

I love this story - and I think I will put up my Christmas lights on my back deck tonight!  

Nov 30, 2022 03:09 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

That will be fun Lise Howe !  All your neighbors will love and appreciate seeing them!  Be sure to share a photo!

Nov 30, 2022 04:14 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573

Thought the same thing Lise Howe !

Dec 05, 2022 03:10 AM
Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

This is a great story and you and Gary have been the spark to light tiny lights for those you met each month at your gatherings

Nov 30, 2022 03:42 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thank you Ed Silva !  And we continue to keep lighting tiny little lights - and big ones too! I so enjoyed meeting you two when you were here in Phoenix.  Hopefully again soon!

Nov 30, 2022 04:15 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Anna,
You and Gary have been a BIG light in so many lives, including mine. I wish we had met sooner.  ❤️

Nov 30, 2022 05:28 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

I so agree Carol Williams I wish we had met much sooner!  Two peas in a pod!  I feel blessed to have you as a dear friend!! 😘

Nov 30, 2022 06:04 PM
Carol Williams

Ditto Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker ❤️

Nov 30, 2022 08:47 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Oh my gosh, I love this story, Anna! You & Gary winding up living and flourishing here was truly meant to be. Of course, with all of our other similarities, I'm a huge 'tiny little lights' fan but, I think I drive Ray crazy with them! LOL

I love your story and how you have loved living where you live for all these years. You've been in the perfect spot - and it all arose with a message from 'above!!'

Thank you for sharing more of the Anna we all know & love! This post makes my heart smile!

Nov 30, 2022 05:34 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Debe Maxwell, CRS thank you! Meant to be - for sure! LOL on driving Ray nuts.....oh well....it's all good and he loves you dearly for it all!

It really did come from a message from 'above'.....since about 1986!  and we bought this home in 1998. I always felt drawn to get off on the Thunderbird exit when coming down from Flagstaff to visit my folks in their Phoenix winter home. The mountains and preserve drew me in from day one!  Still loving it!

Nov 30, 2022 06:08 PM
Debe Maxwell, CRS

Oh, I love that, Anna! Such a lovely story...

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker 

Nov 30, 2022 09:56 PM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I love this story - both the network idea, and the fact that you were meditating/planning overlooking a home that wasn't yours yet but then was. How cool is that! Grateful for tiny little lights gets two thumbs up!

Nov 30, 2022 06:18 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Sp happy you love this story Kat Palmiotti - one of my favorites and truly a 'core' story for 'reason for being'!!  Spreading "Tiny Little Lights" brings such joy every day - and you do this is so many ways too!

Nov 30, 2022 08:05 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Your beautiful valley always gave me joy when clusters of lights could be seen streaming across the desert at night and Christmas light make every thing glow Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker 

Nov 30, 2022 09:33 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

Those are inspiring words in this post, Anna.  That's a neat photo of you and Gary, too.

Nov 30, 2022 11:41 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Anna, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Nov 30, 2022 11:42 PM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

I love this post Anna!   That is so true.  Your home is so inviting, comfortable, beautiful and with unique areas to congregate.  I've thoroughly enjoyed you and Gary's friendship.  Here's to many more get togethers! 

Dec 01, 2022 09:50 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Here's to many more get togethers Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ !  We so enjoy having you being part of the family!  And....it's time for a Girls Happy Hour too!

Dec 01, 2022 09:56 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ

Amen sister!  I'm here till Christmas Day!  Just say when :) 

Dec 01, 2022 09:58 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Anna:

What a beautiful, touching story that says so much about the kind of person you are, spreading light wherever you go and with whoever you meet. And we are so blessed to have you in our AR community.

Jeff

Dec 01, 2022 10:30 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Thank you for your kind words Jeff Dowler, CRS ! Much appreciated!  II owe a lot of my thinking to my parents....always spread joy and do a good deed. And we are very blessed to have YOU in our AR family! Life is Good!

Dec 01, 2022 10:50 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Reading this, a Sunday School song from my youth came to my mind ... while I do not remember all the words ... I do remember ...

Shine your ever-loving light on me. 

Miss Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker keeps her tiny little lights ON! 

Dec 02, 2022 07:58 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Good Morning Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist !  Shine your ever-loving light on me!  Perfecto! The best part of the 'tiny lights 'is watching people light up with a new idea, thought process, etc. I'd compare to the AR family really - we all share and give to each other to create stronger businesses, communities, relationships etc. Sharing positives continually rather than what can be seen and read on other platforms..... and ignored by me and many others, including you I'm sure!

Dec 02, 2022 09:35 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Anna, since meeting several years ago in person, your little lights have shined brightly in my life! Looking forward to sharing more time with you sweet friend. 👩‍❤️‍👩

Dec 02, 2022 05:01 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Good Evening Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! and I feel the same way about you darling!  We'll have many more times and adventures to share ......😘

Dec 02, 2022 05:28 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Anna- I like hearing the words "tiny little lights" and it sounds so right coming from you. I picture you and your monthly group of 40 being those tiny little lights. Think how much light and energy was made from coming together to learn, share and lend support. 

Dec 02, 2022 07:11 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

That's it exactly Kathy Streib and that number expanded as the years went by to reach many, many more folks. I am thankful many of us are still meeting in various ways still today....many still at our home.  Blessed!

Dec 02, 2022 07:54 PM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Hi, Anna! Creating good energy in your home and spreading it, is a wonderful idea! Your home looks warm and friendly!

Dec 03, 2022 07:09 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi Steffy Hristova and isn't that all the fun part of life.....and most powerful as well.  Spreading JOY wherever we are!!

Dec 05, 2022 07:57 PM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Your post brought to mind, "This little light of mine, I'm gona let it shine! Let it shine! Let is shine! Let is Shine!

Hide it under a bushel? NO!  I'm gona let is shine.  Let is shine, Let it shine, Let it shine!

Have a beautiful week Anna!

Dec 05, 2022 06:32 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

LOL Diana Dahlberg I remember that song as a kid!  Enjoy your week as well!!  Let it shine Sista!!

Dec 05, 2022 07:59 PM
Diana Dahlberg

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker You Betcha!  

Dec 06, 2022 11:02 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Great talking with you Diana Dahlberg ! Look forward to meeting up when you're in town!!  Fun!

Dec 06, 2022 11:21 AM
Diana Dahlberg

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker Looking forward to seeing you and meeting face to face!  I'll be in touch once I can fine-tune the schedule. 😉

Dec 06, 2022 11:28 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker - how inspiring and what a difference tiny little lights can brighten up your life for the holidays while keeping in mind your vision. I liked this story very much. 

Dec 07, 2022 05:17 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Hi again Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP !!  So nice to see you so much today!  You brighten my day!  Tiny little lights is more of a reference to the difference we can all make in people's lives each and every day.  And sometimes it's so simple.  KISS 😘

Dec 07, 2022 07:28 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker - I am lucky to have more than my share of communication with you and I am grateful. We should all strive to make a difference in someone's life every single day. 

Dec 07, 2022 07:59 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker how did I miss this awesome post and wow had no idea.... now with that said let me tell you  nothing like how me and Diane met:))Endre

Jan 05, 2023 10:21 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

LOL Endre Barath, Jr.  now how did I know that already!!  Cheers!!

Jan 06, 2023 10:32 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Good Morning Endre Barath, Jr. well now I'm curious....how did you and Diane meet?!!!

Jan 06, 2023 07:32 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.

Anna Banana Kruchten Phoenix Broker  similar to the TV show Cheers but a different neighborhood bar in Boston:)

Jan 06, 2023 10:27 AM