As the story goes, Salty Pumpkin Studio is a perfect fit for me, my last name change, my forever name, my brand. Alas, having my own business is complicated. The way the American economy is, I’m thinking more on going back to work to at least pay for medical bills. The problem is my health limits what I can do.
I am not alone. I’m sure many folks are thinking about work. What to do isn’t suppose to be a retirement worry. But it is. I watch YouTubers that sold everything to hit the road as an RVer. You can eventually earn income via YouTube videos. But it isn ‘t, I feel, a gig that can last forever.
Dilemmas are all around us. Doing the best you can with what you have, I believe, is true freedom. What I have mainly, is this blog. Dozens( sometimes hundreds) visit here every day. There is room to build.
So, I start researching just how much income will being monetized bring in. So far, I believe, not enough. Think bigger as in what am I able to do to make big money.
It depends on audience/the market that wants to buy/support my products. Road block right there. As a writer, every time I posted a story or poem, I can hear crickets, coyotes laughing in the distance and feel owls rolling their eyes.
I continue to write anyway. I believe in me. I am sure my writing ability is as good, and, sometimes better than what ‘s out there. As for my art, selling art isn’t the same as folks reading a novel. My biggest problem is depression, having the energy to produce good stories and art. We shall see.
In summary, I am considering a change in this blog’s name as well as my focus. A better move is to start fresh with a new name, a blog.
Salty Maple Arts & Crafts is the new blog.
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| Me at age 3 years |
You are adorable, what a lovely photo.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteThank you. That was my favorite red corduroy jacket.
May
I am sorry you feel at such a cross roads. Insurance is such a big one in retirement.
ReplyDeleteYour picture is darling.
Cathy
Hello Cathy,
DeleteThank you. Setting off on a new adventure is what we need sometimes.
As I type, I hear the first lawn mowing of the season! It feels like summer is here!
Have a wonderful week
May
I get so annoyed by blog ads that I use my ad blocker constantly. The only person I knew who ever did them well was Jenna of The Painted Kitchen, who just used links when referring to the products (she was an Amazon affiliate, I think). They didn't detract from her blog, images or words.But yes, med expenses are daunting. I wish I had a good solution for you.
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
DeleteThe best solution is to keep going while appreciating what we have.
Two medicals are out of the way. Now it is onto a knee replacement.
May
I wish that I had some advice to offer, May, but unfortunately do not. I have seen many seniors back in the work force in supermarket or department store checkouts, but I do not think that would suit a creative person, such as yourself. Medical costs are a big concern to many and while we think we have enough coverage with our UHC supplemental plan, I recently found out that a foot procedure had been denied 2X by Medicare and once it's denied there, the supplement does not kick in, what a crock was my first thought. Then I consulted my medical professional who wrote a letter to file with the appeal citing the need for the procedure and will see what happens next. Hope all goes well with the knee replacement, which thankfully I have avoided so far. Please keep us updated on the new blog as well and good luck!
ReplyDeleteBeatrice,
DeletePrayers and good luck to you things go in your favor
The knee replacement is such that having a wheel chair handy is a consideration for me.
United Health stopped in Vermont the end of 2025.
May
As we age it seems that it's getting harder to get good medical attention. I'm fortunate to live in Canada where we have a really good system but as I get older things like yearly physicals and check ups are getting pushed to longer and longer times between and less and less tests are done as a matter of course. Just because you cross a certain age milestone doesn't mean you suddenly don't have any chance of getting cancer or other diseases. We could opt in to a separate medical plan which would cover those things but the cost is far more than we can even begin to afford. So we continue on and pray that nothing awful happens.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
DeleteLiving on prayers is taking the quality of life to another level for the elderly as well as the poor.
In America, I believe, an elderly person is owned by the medical industry. One illness can wipe out a life time of savings.
May
Dear Maywyn,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read of your medical difficulties. Since I live in Canada I never even think about medical expenses - we are fortunate to have a wonderful family doctor who cares for us very well.
I wonder how much money bloggers really make? I hope your new venture is a great success. Is the blog live yet?
Lorrie,
DeleteOne procedure at a time limits the burden from being a disaster.
My blogs are not monetized. A blog has to be monetized to make money. The number of visitors isn't high enough for that to be a sensible option.
May