Duh. Things happen when they are supposed to happen. Ya know those aha moments? Well, I had one!

I’ve spent the past four months trying to get a job at Sewanee. Heck, last week I almost threw my résumé into the hat for a job at the university’s golf course to be a clubhouse attendant. By clubhouse, I mean a rickety wood building where one collects green’s fees, sells Snickers, beer, and soda pops. The job paid $8.83 an hour and I nearly jumped at it until I read the small print – the job entails cleaning the public restrooms.

So, it was back to the easel.

One very recent evening Carol and I were talking about her adorable dog, Baxter. Carol travels every so often and offered to pay me to watch Baxter – feed, water, play and walk him. I demurely screeched (is that even possible?) that I would not take her money, but would be happy to be Baxter’s pal in her absence.

Well, unbeknownst to my thick skull, Carol has been subliminally steering me into a business opportunity – pet sitting. The demographics of the mountain are ripe for this sort of enterprise. There are, indeed, young families – the elementary school is hard evidence of that, but most households are occupied by folk whose children are grown and gone, and their pets are their ‘new’ children.

So, in less than 24 hours, and less than a $100 investment, I set up a new business. I’ve placed a classified ad (6-week run) in the only local newspaper and ordered business cards. I’ve also created docs outlining my services and fees and an order worksheet for future clients to indicate the services they need. I set up a database with Clifftops residents and created a flier, which I plan to send out. When my business cards arrive tomorrow, I’m gonna storm the town and leave stacks at various establishments.

Even if I get only one client a week, I’ll be thrilled. The payoffs are sweet: I’ll meet new people, get exercise when I walk the dogs, and be able to throw a few bucks in the bank. I will also have flexible hours to continue my painting and writing.

Ta-da!

I love the name of my new business – I know, I know – total lack of humility. It’s called Purrs and Wags. I think it immediately conveys happiness.

And that’s what I am.



xoxo

P.S. And Carol, if you should read this, I still won't take your money. :)