Right now, I have four client books in various stages of editing and publication, with two more lined up to start in the next couple of months. I go to physical therapy twice a week and spend one morning a week in a Bible study. Oh yeah…I’m having some renovation work done around my house, and I’m the treasurer/bookkeeper for a family trust. Apparently that’s not enough to keep me busy, because I just took on a new project.
My sister, Nancy Nicholson, and a business partner have opened Lil Country Store, a small convenience store that also sells handcrafts, fresh vegetables, and watermelons fresh out of the field. The store is out in the country about a hundred miles from my home, on the farm where I grew up.
Nancy and her partner were just having too much fun, and I started getting excited about it. Luckily for me, I was able to convince them to let me join them in the business. I won’t actually be in the store a lot–generally I will be taking care of the bookkeeping and financial matters, but I plan to get some time out in the country as well. Added 8/1/31: I bought out the partner, so now my sister and I are the only owners.
I’ve been down on the farm this past week making plans and helping get ready for the grand opening on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. We’re going to have a lot of fun:
- a free hot dog, chips, lemonade or tea, and a slice of watermelon straight from the farm for everyone who comes out to the store between 11 AM and 3 PM on the three days of grand opening
- hayrides every half hour, with cups of cattle cubes for children to feed the cattle
- redneck games: watermelon seed spitting contest, washer pitching contest, horseshoe throwing contest–1st, 2nd, and 3rd prices for all
- door prize drawing every day
- storytelling: why we love country folks, how we do/don’t do business, the city slicker and the lil farm gal, appearances can be deceiving
The theme of the store is “convenience coupled with country charm.” The store carries typical convenience store items but doesn’t stop there. We also have items from crafters so you can find original and creative gifts as well, and there will be seasonal produce right off the farm. Now, of course, is watermelon time–perfect for the Fourth of July.
Like our Facebook page and subscribe to our blog to keep up with the latest news. And come on down to the country Thursday through Saturday of the Independence Day holiday to help us celebrate our grand opening.