online business Archives

January 2nd: The Universe Sends Bills… and I Send Eye Rolls

When the Calendar Turns, So Do the Bills

January 2nd always arrives with the same energy as a cat knocking things off a counter: unbothered, unapologetic, and perfectly timed to remind me that the holidays are officially over.

The first envelopes of the year have already marched in — life insurance, car insurance, and the annual renewal for Around Dusty Roads. Nothing like a stack of bills to say, “Welcome to 2026, hope you enjoyed that week of cookies and denial.”

Dreams, Dial‑Up, and Digital Hustles

I had hoped Welcoming Haven would be covering at least one or two of these by now. Not a fortune — just enough to make me feel like the wheels were turning. But apparently the universe is still buffering. Maybe it’s on dial‑up.

And because I love a challenge, I’m also hustling to get my printable shop on Etsy up and running.

Another adventure, another learning curve, another chance to mutter “other people make this look so easy” while I drink my coffee and stare at my screen.

The Job Hunt: Now Featuring Dragons

People say, “Just get a job.”
Sure. And while I’m at it, I’ll adopt a dragon and learn to juggle flaming torches.

At my age, employers get nervous, and no one believes me when I say I’m not trying to run the place. I’m the former manager who wants the quiet corner job with no drama, no meetings, and no responsibility for anyone else’s meltdown. Is that so wrong?

Resumes, Missing Socks, and Writing Dreams

I’ve sent out more resumes than I care to admit. Most of them vanish into the digital void — probably hanging out with all my missing socks. I see ads for blog writers and think, “Well, I do write… but would I like writing for someone else?” Hard to say. I loved writing the Redfin newsletter, and now I have two blogs of my own, so clearly the writing bug is alive and well.

I once considered being a travel writer back when I was jetting around. But the Boston Globe wanted international stories, and newspapers were already starting to fade. Timing and I have always had a complicated relationship.

Jobs My Knees Would Like to Speak About

As for local jobs, Hannaford is hiring, but every position requires standing for long stretches. My knees have filed an official complaint about that. If I stand at the stove too long, they lock up like a rusty hinge — so even short shifts are out.

Still Moving Forward (With Coffee)

Which leaves me here: looking for remote work, building online projects, and hoping one of these seeds decides to sprout soon. I’m not panicking — just navigating. With coffee. And maybe a cookie.

So here’s to 2026: the year of trying, learning, adjusting, and laughing at the absurdity of it all. And if anyone has suggestions, encouragement, or a spare magic wand, I’m listening.

Excuse me now — I need to go buy my lottery ticket.

A Welcoming Haven Update

Hi Dear Readers,
In Around Dusty Roads tradition of full transparency, I’m sharing some of the challenges of building an online business. I do so not out of discouragement or frustration, but to offer insight into what you may encounter if you choose to join the ranks of e‑commerce.

Facing Early Challenges

In my previous post, 5 Truths About Success—And Why I’m Still Showing Up, I reflected on the realities of building Welcoming Haven. This week, I want to continue that conversation with an update. Building Welcoming Haven has been a challenge, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. The consultants I first worked with didn’t provide the ongoing support I expected. After searching online, I discovered many others had similar experiences. Although the consultants provided the basics for a viable business, which is why I don’t believe I was scammed, the fact remains that the lack of support ultimately taught me a hard lesson. It’s a reminder that scams and unreliable services are out there, and caution is essential.

Finding Support in Shopify

Thankfully, Shopify offers strong resources and guidance. Shopify designs its platform to help stores succeed, and I find their support reassuring. Because they invest in the success of their merchants, I feel less alone in the process.”

Learning from Other Entrepreneurs

In the course of this journey, I also connected with another store owner who had struggled too. He told me his business turned around after working with a consultant recommended through Shopify. His store now grosses $20K a month! He kindly shared his consultant’s contact with me, and after a brief discussion, I decided to give it a try. (so much for caution)

A New Approach

This consultant works differently: only a minimal upfront investment for tools, and the rest on commission—no sales, no payment. Already, he’s boosted my product SEO scores from 60–70% to 90–100%, and is now focusing on marketing. More importantly, he’s responsive, confident, and delivers on his promises.

Looking Ahead

For the first time, it doesn’t feel so lonely. I have someone in my corner, and I’m hopeful that 2026 will be prosperous for both of us.