"Stand-in" Monday's Warm Cocoa 8.24.2026

“Where is your uniform?” -  Roger Helsleph

Stand-in

“I got a call from a friend. He was the father of another player. He gave me an address and the name of someone to pick up,” Roger said as we sat in comfortable circumstances, over breakfast.

He went on to say, “When I knocked on the worn door a coarse girl opened it. When I asked for Nick, she turned her head and shouted. Nick!”

Nick came to the door dressed in an old t-shirt, shorts and worn shoes. Roger was surprised. His own son was sitting in the car waiting, dressed in his basketball uniform and shoes. So, he asked Nick, “where is your uniform?

“I don’t have one,” Nick responded in a matter-of-fact voice.

Roger was apprehensive, so he called the friend who asked him to get the boy. When the friend answered the phone, he responded smoothly about a uniform.

“You don’t need to worry,” he said. “I have a new uniform and shoes for Nick. All you need to do is get him to the ball game.”

The two-hour drive to the basketball gym allowed Roger to find out other surprising information. Nick had never played basketball before! Yet, the consternation caused by that admission was short lived.

Right before the game, after Nick dressed in his new game clothes, the team began their normal warm-up routine. The players lined up and began their standard layup drill.

“Nick didn’t do a layup! He jumped to the ceiling and jammed the ball through the hoop! That’s what opened my eyes to the exceptional athletic ability of the kid. I knew he was something special right then,” Roger said excitedly.

The team won that first game because of Nick’s athletic skill. Then, they went on to win the league championship. And, that was just the beginning of special things to happen for this young man.

The father who invited Nick to play changed Nick’s circumstances by adopting him into his family not too long afterward. That opened the door for Nick to learn another game. Football.

Nick played football in college and became a star on the rise. He transferred his skill into pro football, where he played for a few seasons before coming back home to raise his own family.

“He was a stand-in, first-time basketball player. He became the son of a stand-in father when he needed one. So, he knows the importance of standing-in where and when he’s needed on and off the field. Today he is standing and starring off the field as a father and family business owner,” Roger said when ending his story.

Stand-in when the opportunity presents itself. It will change the trajectory of countless lives.

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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cyq612ohmd8YUwEa5WXZjA3IWJVDPzOe/view?usp=sharing

"Endurance," Monday's Warm Cocoa 8.17.2026

“I chose Jensen's comments about persistence and resilience.” -  Andrew Bart   

Endurance

My friend and business partner Andrew’s note began with, Jensen Huang, founder of Nvidia was famously quoted: “If I knew how hard it would be, I probably wouldn't have started NVIDIA.”

“Jensen went on to say that true endurance is the real superpower behind long-term success. Jensen has been NVIDIA's CEO for more than three decades, but I would guess that most of you had not even heard of him until late 2023 or early 2024,” Andrew’s note continued.

I continually pondered and examined this message over the past few days. Concluding that most, if not all, of us could look over our preceding years and make the same statement around, “If I knew how hard it would be, I probably wouldn’t have started. Yet, many of us have continued on, reaping unexpected benefits and lessons of enduring while some allow challenges faced to crush their will and desire to continue on.

Perhaps these thoughts highly impacted me this week as a result of working with my friend John Michael Miller. We spoke while in an office building, in which we are negotiating a lease hold agreement. He talked about the challenges he’s faced during the start and continuation of his law practice and reputation.

“You know the age-old saying, taught to me by my father, it takes a lifetime to build a reputation for being honest and trustworthy, and only one small act to destroy it in an instant," he asked while explaining his constant vigilance and dedication to his law practice and his personal reputation.

Then, he offered another astute observation, “I have found that faced challenges produce valuable benefits for me professionally and personally. I am grateful for them!”

John continued by explaining the relationship between challenge, endurance and profitability, by saying that his approach to enduring trials has shifted over time. He doesn’t wish for difficulties, but he no longer laments them. He fixes his focus by examining each challenge he struggles through. He constantly asks, “what am I learning and gaining because of this?”

This directed focus has made a tremendous difference for John. It changed his perspective from seeing trial endurance as a necessary evil to using it as an enabler for creation. It allows him to anticipate the hope and beauty shortly to be his.

“It’s a reveal-an-unexpected-future-map, guiding me to a future I could have never imagined,” he said, causing me to see a relationship with Andrew’s words, “I chose Jensen's comments about persistence and resilience.”

You and I can choose persistence and resilience as a tool for expectant emergence. If we do, it will serve us to create a grander, unconceived and unexpected future while helping us to endure-well everything we face.

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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cyq612ohmd8YUwEa5WXZjA3IWJVDPzOe/view?usp=sharing

"Neighbors" Monday's Warm Cocoa 8.10.2026

“You have great neighbors!” -  Ambulance EMT   

Neighbors

Her morning didn’t begin the way she thought it would; even for a Monday.

“I was feeling ill all weekend and didn’t know if I could get up! I tried anyway,” Laura said.

That try caused her to fall to the floor.

“I passed out! I don’t know for how long. So, as soon as I regained clarity I reached my phone and touched two numbers.”

The first call Laura made was to emergency services. The next was to her across-the-street neighbor.

“As soon as I called, my neighbors came over right over. They arrived about the same time as the Fire Department EMTs.”

The EMTs started their work by talking and assessing. They were gentle and thorough. As were her attending neighbors. The neighbors also answered EMT questions, were supportive in every way possible and sure not to be in the way. They scurried a little further into the background as soon as the ambulance arrived. 

It took quite a bit of maneuvering to roll the gurney from the ambulance through the front door, across the foyer, through a corner of the living room, past an tight angled hallway and into the bedroom. Then, the four fire department care specialists worked carefully to prepare and lift Laura securely onto the gurney before retracing their route out of the house.

As they wheeled out, one of the EMTs said, “You have great neighbors!”

“Yes, I do,” Laura said brightly with a smile. “My neighbors are the best!”

“We’ll lock your house and check back with you a little later today. We’ve got you,” Laura’s neighbors called out as the fire department lifted and pushed her into position, securing her in the ambulance.

Gratefully, Laura arrived back home later that day. Her daughter-in-law collected her from the hospital and helped her into the house. Laura hobbled along in the medical boot protecting her broken foot. Her across-the-street neighbors brought her dinner that night. 

Others came and visited with her the entire evening, making sure she wasn’t alone. Laura’s friends jumped into action, calling each other and they soon had day-forward meals lined up. They knew it would be difficult for her to stand and cook food by herself. 

As soon as meals were planned, they called Laura’s daughter, living in a different state, to let her know what had happened, while comforting her that her mother was not alone. They’d be there for her.

“They’re always here for me,” Laura said. “Lots of people use the word neighbor to describe someone who lives next door, across the street, or nearby. But, the people living near me live by what my neighbor, Chris Hand, once called, ‘the neighbor code,’ while helping me through a difficulty. Thank goodness I have such neighbors!”

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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cyq612ohmd8YUwEa5WXZjA3IWJVDPzOe/view?usp=sharing

"Identity" Monday's Warm Cocoa 8.3.2026

"I had become absorbed by my title! I could no longer see another identity,”  

Identity

The casual dinner conversation turned as soon as Carly made a profound statement.

“When you’re an adult there is no reason to be unhappy in your work!”

The truth of her statement seemed to suck the air out of the entire, iconic restaurant. Of course, her words weren’t suddenly voiced without basis. The preceding conversation was all about the path she and her husband, Phil, had taken in their careers. Neither of their paths had followed a straight-line to prosperity, happiness and fulfillment. Yet happily, they had arrived in such a position.

“I was working a crushing number of hours,” Phil had explained a few moments before Carly’s insightful remark. “The pressure was always on and when a management change occurred, in the form of a new CEO, the culture shifted immediately. It became even more intense!”

His career had followed a corporate path he characterized as “title focused.” And, it took a major shift in workplace pressure, demand and leadership to reveal his plight.

“I had become absorbed by my title! I could no longer see another identity,” he explained.

Carly’s eyes were soft and understanding as he spoke. She had been through every part of this journey with him and had helped him walk a path toward personal and professional re-discovery. They had been through it together and they had uncovered recognizable warning signs while seeking a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Carly became so adept at seeing those cautionary markers that when she saw them in her own workplace she recognized them immediately.

“The people I was working with were unhappy and negative about everything,” she explained. “That negativity was so endemic I knew it wouldn’t change. That’s when I realized that as an adult there is no reason to be unhappy in your work. I could seek other opportunities.”

She looked for a change in employment and atmosphere and soon found it. Now she’s happily working and using her expertise elsewhere, while appreciating the enhanced positivity at work and home. The same has been true for her husband.

“I wake up excited every day now,” Phil said as he described a recent experience he had as part of his work.

His eyes brightened as he spoke. His eyes lifted and sparkled. The inflection sounding in his voice was one of pure joy. His happiness reflected an identity no longer dominated by a job title.

Phil and Carly have claimed their chosen identities. They are fulfilled, happy and contributing to each other and our community as a result.

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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e5_jupxN3vxL53bCgPiPgpA5D6-OFEbZ/view?usp=sharing

"Study Like a Dog" Monday's Warm Cocoa 7.27.2026

 

“Harry Pupper knows my routines and watches everything I do.” 

Study Like a Dog

Harry Pupper has been part of our family for twelve years now. He’s like me in at least one way. He’s getting a little “long in the tooth. We’ve lived together for a long time.

I say together because he’s with me inside and outside. We walk together, play together and often work together. 

Over the years I’ve noticed that he seemingly has an internal calendar and clock. I noticed this because he anticipates almost every move I make. He knows the day and time I go to regular-appointments and is often curious when my movements vary from what he knows is usual for me.

The other day when my “normal” routine changed and Harry Pupper was with me, I noticed a quizzical look envelope his face. And, for the first time I began to understand the depth at which he center’s his attention and interest on studying me.

It is this intense desire to study the people who are important to dogs that caused “Frederick the Great” to describe his Italian Greyhounds in the mid-1700s, particularly one named Biche, as: "The only, absolute and best friend a man has in this selfish world, the only one that will not betray or deny him." Over the ensuing years this statement has been shortened and modernized to describe dogs as “Man’s Best Friend.” And, there is another common saying, a bumper sticker, I thought of as I pondered Harry Pupper’s study habits.

Now I’m wondering if I am the person my dog thinks I am!  And, I can see my need to study and fully incorporate the “Harry Pupper Method” of friendship. Here are a few of Harry’s traits.

Harry is always sensitive to what his closest friends are feeling. When they’re happy, he shares their joy. When they’re sad he is there, offering his support and love. He also shares his love in other ways.

Harry watches out for his loved ones. He alerts us to potential dangers. He never hesitates to warn of potential danger and is wary of people he doesn’t know. At the same time, he always remembers people he knows are important to us.

Harry demonstrates his understanding of true worth. He is completely loyal, giving and doesn’t hide is affection. He also knows the value of home.

Harry pays attention to his home. He’s sure to walk the yard every day to make sure things are as they should be. His heart is where his home is.

His heart is completely true. He observes his loved ones, knows their habits, their likes and their schedule. He even reminds us of when it is time to do the things he knows are important to us.

Harry Pupper reminds me to be the person he thinks I am and how to study like a dog! 

_______________________________________________

I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e5_jupxN3vxL53bCgPiPgpA5D6-OFEbZ/view?usp=sharing

"Confused," Monday's Warm Cocoa 7.20.2026

"What Happened? Did you lose your car?” 

Confused

It was early on a Tuesday morning. By the time I parked my car at the airport the sun was beginning to filter through the clouds, so silver glistened around the gray-puffs floating above. I noticed because I had stopped to complete a personal airport parking lot ritual.

My ritual is simple. Before I walk far from where I’ve parked, I stop and shoot a quick photo of the sign marking the location. That way I don’t have to worry about remembering where my car sits. After all, it seems as if I always arrive late at night, after working a full day.

My return flight touched down the next day, just before nine p.m. I wasn’t worried about finding my car, because I had the photo and I’d made a couple of mental notes to confirm my memory the day before. So, I walked right to the spot without concern. Until anxiety gripped my soul.

My car was not where I left it! Confused, I pulled my phone from my pocket and looked at the location photo. E8! No car! And, it was not only my car. The entire parking section exhibited only asphalt! More than one-hundred cars had disappeared! Had a magician befuddled me?

If so, then that same magician had confused others as well. A single man and one equally dazed couple stood not far away talking to an airport parking lot attendant. I sidled up while listening to their exchange.

“Your cars have been moved,” the attendant said.

The couple asked, “where are they?”

“Let me make a call,” the attendant responded before reporting, “they’re between E3 and E5. They tried to put the cars in the same order as their original location.”

Then, we the beleaguered travelers, began trudging together toward the promised location. The lone man found his car first. The couple found their car next. Mine was not yet found!

“We’re not going to leave you out here alone,” the couple exclaimed.

So, we walked the dark rows together until I spotted my car parked at seemingly the greatest distance possible.

“I’ve got it,” I cried. “Thank you for staying to help!”

They smiled. Our shared confusion had created a bond, so we exchanged contact information before parting. 

“Leaving the airport now.” I messaged before driving home.

When I walked into our house my wife was waiting.

“What happened? Did you lose your car?”

A second wave of surprise pummeled me!

“Why do you ask?”

“You’re much longer than I expected!”

“As a matter of fact,” I wearily grinned, while watching her confusion about how my car could have been moved without my knowledge!

And in the end? My confusion and exhaustion had been overwhelmed by kind and giving strangers.

_______________________________________________

I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e5_jupxN3vxL53bCgPiPgpA5D6-OFEbZ/view?usp=sharing

"Ambition" Monday's Warm Cocoa 7.13.2026

 

“He’s not just dreaming. He’s pursuing his ambition.” – Liam’s Grandmother 

Ambition

“What a difference between this year’s summer camp and last year’s,” Andrew Bart said excitedly over the phone. “You remember the horrible experience he had last year?”

I did remember Liam’s previous years’ experience. It was heart breaking.

“But this is different! This week he came to me saying he was dreaming of going back to computer camp. When I told my mother about his dreaming she responded with something unexpected.”

“Andrew, he’s not just dreaming,” she taught. “He’s pursuing his ambition!”

Andrew took a pensive pause before speaking again. “Isn’t it sad that so many of us loose our ability to recognize life’s small, simple, most important and transformative experiences? I’m so glad that my mother has maintained her ability to do so!”

Maintaining one’s ability to continually identify small and essential happiness-building moments isn’t singularly important as a parent. It’s also indispensable for individual life-long happiness and growth.

The aging process often dampens one’s ability to recognize the core significance of exploration. Which creates a strong desire to achieve something of significance. Maybe it’s because the acquisition of life experience conveys a lot of what could be called perceived-failure; an experience, outcome, or missed expectation that someone interprets as a failure, instead of dream-creating-exploration. This misconception often causes a person to no longer believe in themself. That’s what happened to Liam last summer.

Yet this summer, Liam Bart has offered you and me a window into how we might recapture and grow our own dreams into ambition. His is the perfect example of dreaming to acquire happiness. Because a person’s acquisition of ambition always starts with a dream.

Dreams get introduced to our minds through the trying-on of new ideas and activities. And, Liam’s computer camp has introduced him to many ideas to test. He’s learned to write computer code and has even written his own program. In the coming days he’ll be learning about creating and growing his own YouTube channel. These are all ideas that were unknown to him just a short time ago. Now they’re accelerating his happiness, prompting action and inspiring change.

Allow Liam’s process of happiness re-discovery open a door to being ten-year-old-like again. Introduce yourself to new ideas and activities. Allow them to well-up inside you so they can inspire new dreams; things you’ve never thought of before. And then, when you awaken, perhaps you’ll find you’ve discovered new ambition, as well as excitement once thought only to reside in the young.

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I’m Lynn Butterfield, Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and Television Host for American Dream TV. I’ve helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers, as an Associate Broker with Coldwell Banker, to discover where and how they want to live and work; to achieve what I call Realesation™. That’s why I bring you American Dream TV, Monday’s Warm Cocoa and Home by Design Magazine to stir your heart and mind. Contact me so I can join you along your own unique path of discovery.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e5_jupxN3vxL53bCgPiPgpA5D6-OFEbZ/view?usp=sharing