It was terrifying - i had no job to go to and couldn't make myself go back to office work ever again. Desperate for money I brainstormed....
My first success was having a midweek lodger - free from tax under the UK government's rent a room scheme - we filled the room quickly, the lodger was lovely and unobtrusive and a small income came in regularly.
My second success was to activate a few small pensions a little early - every little helps - I'm nearly 60 by the way.
My second was a little gardening business "Caroline's Cottage Gardens". It followed my passion for cottage gardens and for my own garden and I now have several longstanding clients. I'm outside, the birds are singing, I can think clearly and have a much happier brain! I've been going for two years now. I particularly love doing garden makeovers and helping clients choose new plants. That is my logo at the top of this post. I'm always learning. I also now volunteer at Barnsdale Gardens which i love. I have a website too if you'd like to take a peek.
But why "quirky" in the title. Well its been a long journey but I finally found out I am on the Autistic Spectrum and quirky I definitely am. The upsides are I get very enthusiastic about things, like a big kid; I love learning, can go into huge details and feel at home with nature. The downsides are that being sociable is exhausting - I worry a lot and can be much too honest.
Apart from gardening I think I might blog about other things I love. Penny pinching, crafty things (e.g rag rugs, patchwork, zentangle), cheap wholesome vegetarian recipes, car packing in Scotland, or my lovely little springer Molly.
Why am I blogging - partly from enthusiasm and a desire to share things I love but if I can also help anyone along the way even just a little that would be great.
I'd love to hear from you if any of this strikes a chord with you.
Lots of love
Caroline
xxx
