Working the City of Clarksville, Tennessee

I am lucky to have a great Boss, who allowed me to take a PTO day, today. Thanks Elaine...

I spent the majority of the day traversing the City of Clarksville, Tennessee.  International Line Dance Flyer and business cards in hand, I worked my way from Ajax Senior Center to the YMCA.  I have a tendency to be a stubborn Missouri mule with a single mindset to accomplish an objective. Currently, that objective is to establish at least one line dance class of my own in Clarksville.

Although I did not finalize a host for a class today, I did get my name is out there and my goal is known. The Senior Center has a Tuesday night class taught by a physical therapist from Ft. Campbell, I will meet with her in March and see if we can work together at the center.  The proceeds for this class go to help the center with operating cost. So this would be a great way to give back to the community.

Melissa at the Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department was encouraging.  They currently do not have a program but she thought it was a great opportunity for the 2012 calendar. She was in budget discussions this week and would discuss with her department. She stated she would have one of the staff contact me in within the next two weeks to discuss the possible opportunity.

The YMCA was more receptive today, especially since I informed them at present, I am not interested in being compensated but looking to establish myself here in Clarksville.  This time I got a business card and a promise that my information would be given to Amanda, the Executive Program Director.  So I will see if I get a call back from Amanda or this Missouri Mule will be making a call next week.

The Rainbo Roller Rink is still a possibility but not until summer. They have a Rhumba class and do special projects for Special Olympics and feel they just don’t have the space to start a Line Dance Class at this time. They would be interested after school is out and advised that if they could get a feel for the type of response they would get from hosting a Dance Class, then it could be a summer program. I will put this information on LineDanceNews.com in the next week to get the word out.

Over all I feel good about the day’s activities. I will continue to work on researching other locations to investigate for possible host locations for a dance class.  The one accomplishment for the day is I am not a registered voter in the Great State of Tennessee.  Till Next time... LB

Promoting Oneself

Now that I am back in Tennessee, the next 90 days are dedicated to promoting myself as an International Line Dance Instructor here in Clarksville.  I have always disliked the marketing aspect of my professional  life, the idea of going out to sell a product, service, etc. It just was not my forte but when the product and services is ME.  Well that is even more unnerving to me.

Anyway I decided I had to get out this week and start beating the bush so to speak. I stopped by the local skating rink on my side of town. They offer Zumba classes two nights a week, so I thought if the rink was willing to offer Zumba why not a Line Dance Class. So I presented myself in my Line Dance News embroidered oxford shirt, Larry B’s Dance Flyer and business cards. I cannot remember being so nervous opening a door to a building.

I explained I was new in the area and looking to establish a new dance class. I saw that they offered Zumba and wanted to inquire if they might be interested in offering a dance class one or two nights a week as well.  I went on how it was a wonderful form of exercise much like Zumba. In fact the song playing for the Zumba class I knew a line dance to. The lady at the counter, thought it was a great idea but unfortunately she did not make those type of decisions. She took all my material and promised to discuss with the manager and owner if they arrived that evening or the next day.  “Note to self, ask for the decision maker before launching into my sales pitch.”

Actually, it was a great practice run for me and the lady was super nice. She stated she loved Line dancing and would let the manager know she thought it a great idea.  So my confidence was up as I left the Rainbo Skating Rink. On my way home, I passed Lana’s Dance Studio and decided to stop. I thought might as well get to know some of the Dance teachers in the area and see if they might have any input to a place that might be looking to host a Line Dance Class. I figured professional courtesy may count for something..

The stop was a good move, I got several great leads and now have a few more ideas on where to go to promote a class.  Keep

A Return to Florida

We returned to the old stomping grounds after being away for 95 days.  I have to admit, I was not that over joyed being back in Florida. I have grown to love being in the Little House on the Bluff and this was our first time being away for more than three days.

It was great to be at the office for the week and being part of the office group again. Sorry Elaine, after twenty years of working independently in my own home office, getting dressed to work is such a strange concept. I still don’t know how anyone can work all day with those fluorescent lights. I get so brain fried by those things.  Plus I think I get more work done in my private, non-flourescent office.

Being back in the old neighborhood was great getting to see all our former neighbors and friends.  I have no regrets moving except not getting to see everyone. It was great to see all or at least I should say most of our friends/family this past week. We have decided that next visit will need to be longer just so we are able to see and spend time with everyone.

 I was able to stop by and say hello to Stella Cabeca, My and South Florida’s Line Dance Guru. It was great to say hello and see some of my old dance group. Stella, you are my inspiration when it comes to dancing and becoming an instructor.

Of course, the week would not have been as enjoyable if not for our adopted Mom, Ms. Honey. She opened her home to the four of us and even sent her puppy on vacation to ensure we had a smooth stay.  She already has our proposed next visit on her calendar; she states the rates will be less since South Florida season will be over.

Even though it has been a busy week in South Florida, I have to admit I am so happy  to get back to Tennessee and the Little House on the Bluff.  As they say There is No Place Like Home..

Keeping The Doggy In Style

Just like how individuals change our current wardrobe once the time of year changes in order that we're able to keep in touch with the latest fashion and weather needs, it really is just as essential for us to keep on updating the fashion of our domestic pets too.

There are lots of sites on the internet and every pet store has a wide array of clothing available for your dog, in a variety of styles with diverse fabrics for every climate change.

For people with a smaller family dog, articles of clothing which are usually personalized in accordance with the height and width of your pet may be ordered. There are various types to choose from for instance casual jackets, hoodies, tanks, etc.

The garments can be picked out depending on the weather conditions in order that the animals feel at ease wearing them. You can also decide on colors which harmonize with your own outfits for when the two of you go for a stroll, your fashionable puppy that’s with you will boost your ownership.

For thedoggie to put on during the chillier periods of the year, there are specific clothes designed which happen to have stripes that assist with night visibility whenever you go for a walk. Plaid blanket coats with wool lining could be purchased if the weather has gone seriously frigid.

Of course, some of you may be wondering why I am talking about Pet Apparel. We now live in an area where we have Daily climate changes.    We have looked at a variety of clothing and there are so many styles. The majority require you having to pull the dogs legs through an opening or pull over their heads.  Depending on how your dog’s body type sometimes this puts their legs in awkward positions. It just becomes a chore for you and traumatic for the dog.

So Paul is working on a design that will only use Velcro or snaps and easy to put on and take off.  He is thinking of turning this into his retirement cottage industry along with his embroidery items. So watch for a new name to appear specializing in custom doggy clothes, embroidered with pet’s name; now what should we call it … Paul’s Paw Couture