This is Part 2 of my 50th birthday in the Blue Ridge Mountains — a week that reminded me how presence and connection shape our most meaningful moments. After the magic of the surprise arrivals in Part 1, this chapter was about what happened once we were all living together under the same roof.
What struck me most about having all these friends and family under the same roof was how different it felt to live together versus just meeting for a dinner or a party.
Under one roof, you notice the little things — someone’s morning rituals, the way they laugh when they’re truly relaxed, what they enjoy doing in a laid-back setting, and how handy they are (or aren’t). Those small moments build something deeper than any formal gathering ever could.
We cooked together, sometimes three or four people preparing food side by side. Everyone brought ideas for dishes they wanted to share. Meals became long, lingering affairs where conversations flowed as easily as the wine. We played board games (and yes, I can get very competitive), told stories, explored the trails, and enjoyed nature. We shared the kind of laughter that only happens when no one is in a rush to leave.
One of my favorite parts was seeing all my closest people get to know each other on a deeper level and build memories together.
I loved being in the mountains. As much as I love the ocean, I find the mountains richer, grounding you more deeply. Nature wrapped itself around our days — morning coffee in the crisp air, the rustling of leaves, the calls of dozens of birds (which I could now name thanks to the Merlin Bird ID app), and even the occasional bear sighting. It was magical to see a bear in its natural habitat.
At night, the fire pit became our gathering place, with the sky above scattered with more stars than I’d seen in years.
What I realized is that this isn’t just true for family and friends — it’s the same in business. The strongest connections happen when you slow down, spend unhurried time together, and allow relationships to grow beyond quick check-ins and formal meetings.
That time in the mountains reminded me that presence is powerful. It turns acquaintances into friends, colleagues into trusted partners, and moments into lasting memories. That’s probably why I value going to conventions and masterminds so much — they’ve allowed me to connect with agents worldwide whom I can now call friends.
About the Author
Elsa Rozenberg is a luxury real estate advisor specializing in Parkland, Boca Raton, and South Florida. With over a decade of experience and a background in law, Elsa guides high-net-worth clients through seamless real estate transactions with integrity, discretion, and expertise.
📞 Call/Text: +1.954.918.3785
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🌐 www.ElsaRozenberg.com
