Image Up Advertising & Design

SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | NOVEMBER 2024 15 By Annette Hillis, Resident Suzette Strauss is a true believer. This Solera Diamond Valley resident has found that many of her adult callings and decisions have been due to a dream she experienced or from a distinct feeling that it was the right thing to do, sometimes despite her current circumstances. Strauss worked for 27 years in ophthalmology. There she donned many hats. But a life- changing incident occurred while assisting in an office surgery that she recounts with a feeling of awe and wonder. She remembers feeling faint during a procedure and that a surgical technician helped her to sit down. Sitting unconscious for 20 minutes with her head tilted back, she had a dream. "I found myself standing at a riverbank of the most beautiful water. I noticed the grass beneath my feet was emerald green and seemed to be dancing in the soft breeze. I looked across the river and all I saw was a bright light filling the whole horizon. It seemed to beckon to every fiber of my being." Strauss states that she felt a peace that she had never known. That feeling led her into looking at life in a singular way, that of becoming a person who helped the people she encountered in life. Strauss wanted to serve others. "I think things happen for a reason," she says. "I don't believe in coincidences." A dream is what led Strauss to Solera Diamond Valley as well. One night, she clearly saw a map guiding her directly to our retirement community. A street intersecting with the house she eventually bought was Camino Sueno, or path of dreams. Although she doesn't have a surplus of free time, when possible, she tries to join her husband in a round of golf. She also enjoys lunching with her daughter or friends, doing arts and crafts, and loves to play pickleball. "Anytime I get to interact with friends is special to me. I love people; I love hearing their stories." Presently working full-time as a real estate agent, Strauss is adamant to protect her clients. She watches over each and every transaction and pays close attention to timeframes. This diligence stems from a personal real estate transaction gone awry prior to her becoming an agent herself. When it is time to stage a home, Strauss admits to working hard to make the inside and outside as appealing as possible. She also confesses to cleaning and arranging the soon-to-be sold home so that it makes an exquisite appearance. "I want it to be where the seller has the best advantage possible." A multi-talented woman, Strauss is also an accomplished writer and singer. She has authored a daily devotional for inspiration that is currently being sold on Amazon. She also serves on the Communications Advisory Committee as a writer for e View magazine. Being a lover of country music, she had a hand in writing her own songs and creating a CD as well. When asked about what she wished her legacy to be, Strauss' answer was true to form. "I've always hoped that the people I encounter would somehow be better off for having known me or allowed me to serve them." By Karen Range, Resident Those of you who watch the television show "America's Got Talent," know that the show recently awarded $1,000,000 to the winner of Season 19, to the thunderous applause of the live audience. Our Solera Diamond Valley (SDV) community recently completed its own event, "Solera's Got Talent." Although, no prizes were handed out and no one was declared the winner, our performers were supported and cheered on by an enthusiastic audience, too. The show came about due to Robin Felix who envisioned an event that would showcase the varied talents of our residents. Robin championed the idea, secured approval, and solicited participants. The first meeting to discuss a potential talent show occurred back in June. Robin held weekly Monday night meetings to plan, plan and then plan some more. There were some glitches along the way. Some of us had a challenging time finding backing tracks we could sing to. Sometimes due to life constraints there were only three or four of us at a meeting. Sometimes plans had to change, change, and then change again. And just prior to our show, we had to figure out how to utilize a back-up sound system. Robin spent 12 hours ahead of the show trying to make sure we'd have music. Although some potential performers dropped out along the way, our show on Sept. 21 included singers, dancers, musicians, and a bit of comedy. The enthusiastic audience seemed to enjoy the entertainment and was even willing to participate in the sing-alongs. And they were forgiving of minor glitches. The audience's enjoyment buoyed our spirits. From the very beginning, Robin stressed that the goal should be to have fun. We weren't professional or perfect, but we did have fun. There are talks of having another show next year, date to be determined. We hope that watching the performance this year, will have encouraged others to participate in future events. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the show. From Dreams to Destiny Solera Has Talent

• Cover