The “Accidental Entrepreneur”

I was hospitalized in February 2000 with some serious health problems. My daughter, Marilyn, came from Michigan to be with me. She asked me if I would consider making some videos for her and her sister so they would understand how to use my software and make full use of my sewing machines.

My husband and I decided to purchase a nice camcorder and make the videos so they could not only learn the program and machines, but hear my voice and laugh at the little remarks I sent them along the way.

When I finished the videos, I showed them to a few friends and mentioned them in my Viking Sewing Club. Those ladies wanted to purchase copies too. I had to edit out my daughter's messages since they were very personal.

One of those friends decided they were just too good and started to talk about them on one of the sewing lists on the internet. Soon, other people started inquiring about purchasing the videos too. Then those people posted on the internet how much they liked the videos and the sales just kept going.

Now, I find that I have a little business selling these videos. My daughter was visiting one day and we were discussing the problems associated with this (Uncle Sam must be paid). She said, "Well, Mom, so much for retirement." And it struck me, that will be the name of this business … "Sew Much 4 Retirement."

I am thrilled beyond words that this wonderful adventure has come my way and I want to thank everyone for trusting people's endorsements enough to order these videos.

God has been very good to me.

RETIREMENT
By My Daughter Marilyn

What is retirement, this word for the old?
Just kick back, relax, enjoy, I've been told.
From 9 - 5 with an hour commute,
To all day with a spouse who stays mostly mute.

I needed enjoyment, a sense of self-worth.
I found that in sewing, then came my new birth.
I bought a machine, a valuable Husq
I studied the book from dawn until dusk.

I practiced techniques til my fingers were sore
For family and friends, I made presents galore.

I grew in my talent and found friends everywhere.
And as I learned and knew more, I became quite aware,
I could help other sewers, teach them all that I knew
And from that day on, Sew Much 4 Retirement grew.

I may be older and have very white hair
But any days of boredom are extremely rare.
So, what is retirement, this word for the "old"?
It's whatever you make happen, it's the dream that you hold.