The Roanoker - September / October 2018 - 14

Homes, Hauntings and More
Home ownership comes with a lot of perks, but also plenty of responsibilities
and surprises along the way.

I

LOVE BEING A HOMEOWNER. AFTER YEARS

of moving in and out of dorm rooms, apartments
and rentals, I take immense pleasure and pride at
the enormous step of home ownership.
But as every homeowner quickly figures out,
sometimes there are surprises that come with it. Six
months after we purchased our home in the Wasena
neighborhood, for example, the HVAC system went
out. Eight years later, we've doubled our kitchen space
with additional counter and cabinets, upgraded our
bathroom and, much to my chagrin, are preparing for
the new roof (my many thanks to the local businesses
who helped along the way so my husband does not fall
off a ladder or drop a cabinet on his - or my - head).
Many homeowners make improvements to
increase resale value; personally, I hope to never, ever
move again. It's funny how once you grow used to
the upgrades, it's as if they've always been there. I
hardly remember the kitchen pantry's detestable open
display, or the dining room's ruby red ceiling that was
repainted about ten minutes after the paperwork
was signed. Perhaps that's why Christina Nifong's
beautiful homes essay resonated so strongly with
me, because one day you blink and realize how many
changes have happened when you weren't paying
attention (page 62).
Reading Laura Wade's 101 tips on home buying,
however, excites me for those going through the

process for the first time (page 66). It's daunting, yes,
but there's nothing like that feeling you get walking
into each space as you try to picture yourself in it.
Once it becomes yours, there are so many possibilities
to make it your dream home. Her cover feature on
feng shui also has me itching to move furniture around
in order to bring the best luck - and yes, fortune - my
way (page 48).
Fall is my favorite time of year, and not only for the
crisp weather and amazing foliage. I'm undecided on
believing in ghosts, but I sure like the idea of them
during the Halloween season. For those who love
spooky tales, Dan Smith's piece on Haunted Roanoke
is just for you (page 40).
Or perhaps you schedule your fall around football,
in which case, head straight to the dining section,
where Shari Dragovich covers great spots for
tailgating fun (page 88). I might not know enough
stats to pick favorites, but I can always get behind the
essential wings and dips platter. Go team!

MEA CULPA

In the Best of Roanoke
(May/June), here is the
correct business name:
*

Jewells Fine Jewelry
(Gold, Best Local
Jewelry Store)

TELL US ABOUT...

your home tips, whether
it's buying tips, decor
trends you love and
more. Share your
thoughts on our social
media pages!

WE WANT TO
HEAR FROM YOU

Questions, comments,
or feedback about The
Roanoker? E-mail llong@
leisuremedia360.com

Cheers!

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MEET THE

CONTRIBUTORS

(@MasonAtoms
on Twitter) has
covered Blue Ridge
and Appalachian
communities since
2001. He writes from
Floyd County, Virginia.
Read his feature on the
new era of Mayor Lea
on page 82.

14

Brian Bongard

is a writer, real estate
investor, adventure
seeker, and aspiring
musician who loves
calling Roanoke home
base. Read his piece
on local real estate
rehabilitation programs
on page 64.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018

Becky Ellis

is following her passion
after a career in health
care dining and nutrition
management. Becky
created Bubblybee, a
champagne and food
blog. Her motto is "Don't
wait to celebrate! Pop
the cork now!" Find her
creative recipes and
champagne tasting
notes at bubblybee.net.
Read her Gist piece on
page 24.

Christina Nifong

is a freelance writer
with a decades-long
career of profiling
fascinating people,
places and ideas. She's
also a committed
locavore, an urban
gardener and mother to
three kids, five chickens
and the sweetest kitty
on the planet. Read
Christina's Solar Homes
piece on page 58 and
her personal homes
essay on page 62.

Dan Smith

is an award-winning
writer, author and
photographer and a
member of the Virginia
Communications Hall
of Fame. He is founding
editor of a Roanokebased business
magazine and a former
Virginia Small Business
Journalist of the Year.
Read Dan's piece on
Haunted Roanoke on
page 40 and Airbnb on
page 54.

Lizetta Staplefoote
is a content marketing
professional living in
the Roanoke Valley and
working for clients all
over the country. When
she's not wordsmithing
or brainstorming, she
enjoys hitting trails, star
gazing and live music.
Read Lizetta's Gist piece
on page 24 and her
featured piece on Arts
& Culture Milestones on
page 34.

Laura Wade

is the founder of
Thrive by Heart and
offers workshops and
individual guidance to
empower women to live
and love their lives. She
is passionate about her
family, holistic health,
personal transformation
and sharing ideas to
inspire others to live
their best lives. Read
Laura's Feng Shui
feature on page 48 and
her Home Buying Tips
on page 66.

TheRoanoker.com

LIZ LONG HEADSHOT: AMY PEARMAN

Mason Adams
http://www.bubblybee.net http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker - September / October 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker - September / October 2018
