At the last check-in, we were preparing for the grand opening of our new business venture. We were excitedly renovating, getting all our banking and business documents in order, and adding to our list of clients for when we announced the grand opening. Well, it didn’t happen, but Covid did. The grant we were awarded was never issued because funding for grants was redirected to existing businesses to help them stay open during this horrific time. Did this make sense to us? Well yes, it did in a way, but we were still disappointed. Everything was immediately placed on hold. The additional loan process we had applied for based on the grant as collateral was set aside while the banking industry struggled, like everyone else, to make sense of what was happening during COVID-19.

You’d think that was bad in itself, but it wasn’t. We all got sick, yes, with COVID-19, the very same thing that changed our future. But that too was okay because we survived. So, what to do with a half-renovated portion of a house changed for a business that wasn’t happening? We start over.

Taking advantage of the lockdown, we re-gutted our lower level right down to the studs again. Then a huge storm blew through; the downpour lasted several days. We ended up with a flooded basement (good thing it was gutted.) That’s when we discovered we needed waterproofing done. So we did just that–hired the only company we could get to come in, fully masked, to waterproof the building. What a mess. But it’s all complete and we are slowly finishing the project several thousands of dollars, a load of tears and sweat later. My husband rebuilt a bathroom, it’s beautiful, for the fourth time. The repeat venture was not his fault, but the results of a failed business dream, a poorly operating sump pump setup, and of course, the storm (no insurance would pay out, claiming it was “seepage.” The new bathroom made up for everything, however, the first completed room of a brand-new renovation.

Over the lockdown, I started an editing and writing business to offset our finances. It was slow moving, and I needed to take a refresher course since my last certification, to bring me up-to-date on the latest style guide editions. I’m happy to say that I’m a fully certified freelance writer and editor now, and the work is steady, with me taking on more clients as time allows.

I’ve also completed a six-book nonfiction series on character development, opened up a new website that is still being worked on, outlined several new ideas, and am about to enter the submissions journey for my new series, once the editing is complete. It’s all rather exciting! We’ve remained positive and kept moving forward. My new saying is, “I guess it wasn’t meant to be.”

The only thing that has suffered is my reading. I’ve not had the time for it and that makes me sad. I love books, the written word, the magic, and the power of the imagination. Many of you contacted me in the hopes of reviewing your books. I apologize for not getting back to you and hope you understand. Right now, I’m focused on editing, but, I may return to reviewing. I still intend to discuss books, how to write them, and anything else I can that’s book-related. So, don’t go too far. I’m keeping this blog and would love to hear from you all. Tell me what you’re working on. If it sounds interesting…