Hey friends! Here we are, another week down. This past week was really good. Probably one of the best weeks I've had in a long time. I filled my calendar with lots of activities but am trying to stop doing that. It's a hard habit to break, one that is borne from living in survival mode for too long. But. I feel much better. This week I've kept my schedule pretty open. And. Friends. I am so thrilled to say that I am finally getting my stuff out of storage after almost 3 years. It's fun going through my stuff. Seeing what I kept. Remembering the things that I left behind. And dreaming of a new life. It's really nice. I'm writing this as I'm listening to Glen Campbell's record "Rhinestone Cowboy". It's nice having my family right around the corner. It's nice being able to settle into this new phase of life.

The Animals

The girls are doing well. We made it out to the trail last week. Nothing much else to report. I'm working on a routine for us to get out and about more, once I get settled into our new space. We do have the back yard that they enjoy. I think they like being back here with the freedom to roam in the back yard and the woods. We'll get our routine set very, very soon.

Currently Making

Still not really making anything. I've been putting the focus on settling in and really breathing. I will start making soon. As I said, most of my stuff has been in storage for almost 3 years. I have unearthed my Kitchen Aid mixer and attachments, my bread machine, my dehydrator, my vacuum sealer, and my cuisinart. I'm dreaming of having the space and the time now to really dive back into all things made from scratch. I've even started my grocery/supply list that is taped to the fridge. I have a spare refrigerator again so all my class ingredients goes in there (vinegar, sourdough starter, compost bucket, oils, etc. etc.). I also was thinking that I need to turn the dorm fridge back into a cheese cave this winter too! So many fun things that can happen now. In due time, y'all.

But. I will be making spiced blueberry jam tomorrow night when I teach my virtual hand pies class. I've been thinking about it lately. Normally I make a typical pie filling to put into the hand pies, but I've been teaching some canning classes lately where our seasonal recipe is spiced blueberry jam. And since I have some blueberries in the refrigerator, I thought "why not". I'm really excited to get my hands dirty making this jam (it's so easy. takes about 20 minutes, tops) and then putting it all together into a hand pie!

currently reading

I've been reading a lot lately. Some things to help me with business. Some things to help me with me. And some things for fun. One of the things that I just started reading yesterday is Martha, Inc by Christopher Bryon. I'm not that far into it yet, but so far it's uncanny the similarities that I am finding between her early life and what I've experienced with my Mom. I won't go into details, but I will say that being own my own for the first time in 25 years is bringing a sense of peace and an understanding that I haven't experienced before. It feels good. It is so liberating to know that every decision I make is mine, and mine alone. But. Back to the book. I've longed admired Martha Stewart. Her work ethic. Her aesthetic. Her ability to shift and overcome obstacles. I mean, who goes to prison for insider trading and comes out the other side even more popular than she was before? Also. Can we just take a minute to appreciate the fact that she was around my age when she built her initial empire? That gives me hope. I always think that I've wasted time, but really that's not true. I was learning and coping. And now I'm thriving and building my empire.

I've also been reading The 5AM Club off and on for the past few weeks. It was totally weird to get into. It's told from the perspective of two complete strangers who happen upon a seminar led by the Spellbinder and takes on a twist that is very interesting. It reads more like a fiction book than non-fiction but it totally makes sense how you can elevate your life using the simple principles outlined in the book. I'll keep you posted. I'm slowly making my way through it.

Where to Find Me

Y'all. I've been a little bit of everywhere this past week. I had an amazing canning class last Sunday that I told you about last week. But I've mostly had meetings that are propelling my business forward. I met with the local Small Business Development Center and gained some clarity on what steps I need to take in order to focus on the rebranding and pivoting of my business. Then I went to the same center for a great workshop on bookkeeping and finances! In fact, I came home from that workshop and took a long, hard look at my finances, or lack thereof. I have ideas on how to alleviate the issues surrounding my finances. Mainly I will look for a job. And not just any job. But something that fulfills me in some way. Gone are the days of taking a job just to have a job. That is so last year. This time I will take my time and look for something that fits my schedule and will allow me the flexibility to continue working on Chicken Librarian but also allow me the time to make and do. And pivot.

I finished out the week with two networking events-one to celebrate the one year anniversary of GalFunction and the other to meet and greet business owners out in West Knoxville. Both functions were amazing, but honestly, the networking event in West Knoxville was probably one of the better functions I've attended to date.

I ended the week at a bluegrass concert at the Museum of Appalachia on Saturday evening. I went by myself and really had a good time. I haven't been to the Museum in a few years and it was nice walking around looking at the buildings, supporting the local museum, and enjoying some music. I even bought a record from the opening act-Wood Box Heroes. I played the record yesterday while I was doing housework.

The business end of things

Like I said above, I don't have a ton going on this week. I have some more events planned for the rest of September, but August draws to a close with virtual handpies and the Skills for Sustainability group. I will be back next week with September's line up. This week is all about getting things moved into the house. I have until the end of August to clear out my storage unit. I have a few more loads left, mostly of the heavier things that I need help with.

the rest of the story

I don't think I have too much more to add to this past week. Soon we will be talking all about making, gardening (yes, I am trying to get some gardening done before it gets too late), and all the fun things. I have been working on getting the yard mowed. First, the mower needed gas. Then the belt slipped off. I fixed that. Got the lawn mowed. Then needed to weedeat. Found the battery operated weedeater and 4 batteries. Got some weedeating done but then the batteries died. Found the charger. Charged all 4 batteries. Tried to finish the weedeating but then ran out of string. Need to find string. Probably will just in time to start all over again. Update: found the string. Need to attach it and get the rest of the weedeating done!

The Not So Insane TO-DO list:

Aprons to web shop-need photos, pricing, write up
Cutting boards-need photos, pricing, write up
Edible Nashville writing sample
Drop off clothes at resale shop (when in Knoxville)
Prep for all August/September classes
move everything from storage
move everything from Rogersville
release final kit

How's your week been? I've decided to post these updates on Thursdays. That seems to be the day I get the post written. So. Midweek updates here we come!

'til next time

-k

xoxo

Effortless Living #3