The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
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Keep Up Now! You create your own dream “We are not alone in this manifest creation. Nor is it our collective intention but surely we cannot resist but to breathe. We create in this world of misconception and illusion. Consciously or passively, our destiny is fulfilled. These illusions we live order of our own making give structure to our greatest fears.” – Rob Ludwig Every second of every minute, every hour, every day, every month, every year; you choose. With every choice, you create your reality. Your thoughts become words, which then become things. All of these things have a place in your life that you label, set apart and judge as special or unworthy as you see fit. This goes on day after day, month after month, year after year and you call this “life.” You popu- late this network of existence with friends, family, associates and foes. You believe moments of hap- piness, sadness, victory, defeat, exuberance and apathy are the effects of this so-called life. Yet, you can change your experi- ence at any moment. You are creating this dream you call life. Not buying it? Try a simple experiment. For one day; take control of your mind and think only happy thoughts stemming from a place of love. Offer each person you come into contact with a gift; perhaps a smile, a random act of kindness or even a small token. Immediately, you will notice these shifts in your behaviors begin to set a new course for your existence. You’re changing the dream! Get started. The first step is to observe your thoughts. Notice how the mind harbors fear thoughts _ resentments, anger and guilt. This has to stop _ they are destroying your dream. I start each morning with a two-mile run while listening to inspiring music. This sets my mind straight. If a thought ing. Next, understand the magnitude of your greatness; don’t fall prey to mod- esty. You are an amazing co-creator of the Universe … you need to own it. It’s an enormous responsibility. You are creating every second, whether you appreciate it or not. What have you been creating lately? It’s your dream; you can transform it anytime you wish. “Keep up Now! with the stream of higher consciousness and stay connected to the Source.” _Terry Ludwig Terry Ludwig’s brother, Rob, passed away in 2004 after battling AIDS. Before he passed, he shared his message. “Keep Up Now!” is the result of that communication. She can be reached at keepupnow@gmail.com, and followed on Twitter and Facebook. Guest Column House-buying options for gay couples I practice a fair amount of real estate law with my primary office in Syracuse. I recently consulted with a lesbian couple moving in from out of state. They wanted to know how they could legally own property together in New York with the same general rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples. In New York state, there are three basic forms by which two or more parties can take title to or own real property in what is called “fee simple.” Essentially, this means titled owners own a particular piece of property, with the basic right of possession and the right to sell. First codified in New York in 1896, Tenancy by the Entirety is the form by which married couples take title to real property. Two spouses are es- sentially viewed as a single legal entity. Tenancy by the Entirety This is a type of concurrent estate in real property held by a husband and wife in which each owns the undivided whole of the property, coupled with a Right of Survivorship. Upon the death of one, the survivor takes the decedent’s share without the property passing through the decedent’s estate. The property cannot be sold or given away without both parties signing a deed of conveyance. Generally, creditors of only one cannot attach to or place liens on the property. Take control of your mind and think only happy thoughts stemming from a place of love. stemming from fear imposes, I tell myself, “Stop. I am not creating this today.” I choose love, and begin again. It requires vigilance and constant monitor- Joint Tenancy with a Right of Survivorship closely parallels Tenancy by the Entirety, but is utilized by unmarried co-owners. Upon the death of one, again the survivor takes the decedent’s share. Alternatively, one joint tenant may sell or give away his/her ownership interest without the consent of the other. Creditors of one may attach to or place liens on the property. Joint Tenancy Generally, unless specifically noted on a deed of conveyance to be one of the above, it is presumed the parties are taking title to the property as Tenants in Common. Tenants in Common Tenants in Common have no Right of Survivorship. Upon the death of one, his/her share passes to any designated heir or beneficiary via their estate planning (will) or the laws of intestacy (no will). There is a presump- tion that each party owns equal shares unless stated otherwise. One party may sell or give away his/her ownership interest without the consent of the other. And, creditors of one may attach to or place liens on the property. For my clients, the best answer was Joint Tenancy with a Right of Survi- vorship. They could more closely mirror Tenancy by the Entirety by giving each other a right of first refusal in the event one decided to sell down the road. _ William J. Baskin WIlliam J. Baskin was born and raised in Oneonta, and considers it home. He is a 1984 graduate of Oneonta High School, a 1988 graduate of LeMoyne College and a 1999 graduate of Syracuse University College of Law. He lives in Syracuse and practices in Syracuse and Oneonta. He can be reached at www.ba-law.com. Feb. 17, 2011 O-Town Scene 23 the Diversity Scene Feb. 17-23