Hello Blogger... it's been 3 days and GOD knows how many hours since my last confession

JCK enters and shuts the curtain behind her.

Makes the sign of a giant B.

JCK: Hello Blogger... it's been 3 days and GOD knows how many hours since my last confession. I've been a bit...busy. Let's see...there was the virus that attacked my husband's computer. It took us 3 days to get rid of it. Then...our land line died, unexpectedly, with no explanation... And, of course, there was the toilet plunger incident, which needs no further explanation. Not to be overlooked, there is the not small matter of having two children 10 months apart who are incredibly adorable, but also take extreme glee in tormenting their mother. I am keeping them as busy as possible this summer, but when it comes down to it? I am their pet project. And...have come very close to gnawing on Kibbles-n-bits..and BITS...and BITS...

When not wielding a sword to combat computer viruses, a toilet plunger, and sending it straight through my own heart...I've been hard at work on my new business. I have begun marketing, setting my fees, casting about for clients, and am working on a web site. I'm feeling energized and focused. It looks like a part-time space is coming together, too.

I miss writing here. But, I will be back...

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It feels like a path is revealing itself here

My creative energy has been going into my new business venture. Yesterday I spent a couple of hours playing with designs for my business cards. I am really jazzed about having a massage practice for women again! I've also been brainstorming with friends on marketing ideas.

My biggest challenge at the moment is deciding on my pricing. It is a tough time for many in today's economy. I am hoping to market to the women who feel that stress relief via massage helps them MORE than hurts their pocketbook. I want to offer a price that attracts, yet not undervalues my talent. If I start too low, then when I raise my rates to meet the market, I set myself up for losing clients. So...what I am leaning toward doing is coming in at the average rate for my area, and offering a $20 off introductory special. The added complication is that in the beginning my business will be house calls, which are more expensive because you are bringing the massage to someone's home. Massage therapists typically charge more for house calls. Yet, I am building a business...

Last week, there was an exciting development. I was talking with a massage therapist about buying oils and aromatherapy materials locally...we were chat, chatting, which I tend to do...HEH...and it turns out there is a part-time space available in her office! I am really excited. I have yet to talk to the land lord (another MT), because she's on vacation, but the possibilities look quite good for me sharing the space. For a very workable monthly rent. This way I could offer both house calls and an office option for those women who want to get out of the house. Those of you who have young children can understand that...

As is always the case, now that I have moved out of the DEER CAUGHT IN THE HEADLIGHTS...FROZEN IN FEAR STAGE, I am struck by what the universe is giving back to me. I took a few shaky steps forward, started walking, and things are coming to me. It feels like a path is revealing itself here. At least for now...Stay tuned.

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Question: For those of you who get massages, what would attract you to try a different massage therapist? Do you like the idea of an introductory special? What are the rates in your area? (I live in Southern California.) What about for a house call? I would love your feedback on this issue!


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Photo courtesy of Google Images

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Indeed... you might find yourself ass flat in COLD water

There is that thing. About having faith that you will reach the other side. You can doubt for a while, but at a certain point you have to take a leap. Kind of like walking across a stream. If you not only look, but really see, there is often a path available to you. Rocks, at first glance, randomly strewn across the water. Potentially a barrier. Until you breathe and see that you could follow them, a natural trail to the other bank. So, you take that first cautious step, your foot wavering, and then the next and the next. Each stone different than the one before. Higher, lower, flat, jagged... Some rocks are slippery. Indeed... you might find yourself ass flat in COLD water. But, you can recover, recoup your dignity. Clothes can be changed. Pride can be assuaged by the knowledge that you tried, by GOD, you tried.

I am full of new found energy with my latest idea for work. I've been gathering information, and brainstorming with friends. The timing feels right. It is a risk. Both my husband and I would be self-employed. Yet, why not? People with employers are being laid off left and right. In our current economy, no one is completely safe. If we ever were.

I am excited about the possibilities...

I can work in the evenings and on weekends initially, and then add day time hours when the kids are back in school this fall.

I will still be at home with my children most of the time.

And...that my writing here, and possibly elsewhere, will still survive.

There is another, not small, thing firing my belly. I relish earning money again. Quite a bit...

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Here's a little known fact about JCK

In the last few days an idea has been germinating in JCK's brain. In the quest for ways to generate income, she has been focusing on her skill set. What does JCK have to bring to the table, and what works for her family now that she is a mother of two smallish children? Somewhere between the last week of frequent yoga classes, and backing out of her driveway to smash into her neighbor's car...she came up with what she thinks is a gem! At the very least worth a try. What could this be, you ask?

Here's a little known fact about JCK. In the not too distant past, JCK was a massage therapist. She went to massage school for a year, completed 635 hours of study, and was certified in 3 modalities. By the time she graduated, she was able to open up her own office within 3 months. She loved her office. E painted it for her. A relaxing, soothing blue-green. She hung pictures and a tapestry. It was peaceful. It was her space. And she was proud.

JCK had a practice for women. She specialized in therapeutic massage, enabling clients to enter a sacred space to unwind from the day. And to leave a lighter, more rejuvenated person.

So...JCK has decided to launch a new business. Massage targeted to moms. The ones who never treat themselves to the spa, because it intimidates them or they can't afford it. The ones who keep saying they need a massage, but don't ever get one. The ones who are always juggling childcare when they attempt to do anything. Those ones. JCK will go to their homes and bring relaxation to them. She will arrive in the evening when the children are asleep. Or during the day when the children are in school or on a play date. And perhaps down the road, JCK will have her own space.

JCK had thought about doing massage again. But, it wasn't until the idea planted itself and began to grow....cater to the mom population, that it felt right. And if it doesn't work? There will be a few moms out there who are more relaxed, and JCK will have moved from fear into action. As for today, that feels like something. It really does...

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