Podcast appearances and mentions of kim dawson

Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 4 Shenanigans: Fun times at House Belsus. Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Let's review the list of characters: David Belsus – 46, physics & astronomy professor at Eastfield college, a community college in the Dallas area. Prepper, survivalist, has a greenhouse in his backyard and lives in an outer ring suburb. Six foot, fit, short cropped hair. Lupie Ramos – 32, former financial advisor, Dave's neighbor, got caught out of state when the lockdowns started. She spent two frantic weeks trying to get back to her daughter. Lupie has been in love with Dave for over a year. Long, dark brown hair, medium build, and a lovely smile. Esme – 9, daughter of Lupie, prone to the occasional snarky comment. Adores Dave. Becca; 18, Lupie's babysitter, was watching Esme when lockdowns occurred. Her refusal to abandon Esme, as her mother insisted, likely saved Becca's life, since her extended family ignored precautions and died of Duo. Esme, Lupie, and Dave are all Becca has left in the world. Short, medium build, small tits, with short blond hair and a smile that is shy with strangers and beams with family and friends. Janice Wheeler; 33, Dave's first partner to arrive, a librarian at Cedar Valley, another community college member of DCCCD. Slender build and medium height, Janice is 3/4 Korean, her paternal grandfather is Anglo. Medium length black hair often pulled back in a bun for work or ponytail at home. Shawna Cooper; 36, senior meteorologist at WFAA, Master's degree in meteorology from O U, worked at NSSL and spent time as a storm chaser. Whole hog sci-fi nut, beginning with Start Trek TNG. 5' 10", large tits, medium brown skin, dark brown eyes, shoulder length black hair styled like a frizzy weeping willow. Olivia Tyler (Liv); 21, senior studying horticulture at Tarleton State University, near Dallas. Daughter of Carter and Janelle, Dave's best friends since college. Had a well-known crush on Dave throughout her teen years. Since her dad was former SF and a survivalist, Liv is skilled with several firearms as well as bladed weapons. Never failed to take a deer any season she's hunted. 5'10" long, dark brown hair, large tits, lightly tanned, brown eyes, and a wide smile. Melanie Ustanich; 22, graduate student in IT at Tarleton, Liv's roommate, recently found a passion for cooking. Spent most of her life in foster homes, Liv's parents accepted her like family the first time she went with Liv on Thanksgiving Break. 5'8" medium length auburn hair, green eyes, small mouth with a ready, mischievous smile. During the interlude, Dave took some time to look over Melanie. He knew less about her than the others, but more than he'd known about Jan or Shawna when they'd shown up on his doorstep. He knew from a glance that she dressed more stylishly than Olivia, though he'd be hard pressed to describe why. He thought both looked great, even if he could tell a difference instinctively. He was always a fan of variety. Silver studs in her ears support three short silver chains each, drawing the eye tantalizingly into the chasm of her russet mane. The verdant green of Mel's satiny top provided the perfect counterpoint to the auburn tones of her hair. The cinched belt securing the crossing panels of her blouse held it together well, yet giving tantalizing views of her medium sized tits. The black slacks clung closely to her well-shaped thighs and calves without the 'painted on' look. "Dave, could you make me one of your 'ginger ales' please?" "Sure, Liv. Anyone else want something?" "Can you make me one of those drinks you made that first time?" Becca asked. "Yeah, that's what Livy is asking for. Seven-Up and Captain Morgan mixed to look like ginger ale." "Oh, okay, then one of those please." "You got it." Dave got to mixing drinks. Jan asked if anyone else wanted wine. All the others voiced their interest, Jan pulled two bottles of blush from the pantry and brought them to the living room. Lupie grabbed wine glasses for each of them and handed them out as Jan poured. Dave watched Becca's first sip carefully. He'd mixed this one normal strength, not the light pour he'd given her last time. Eyes flared, she took a smaller sip than usual, but nodded before setting it on the side table. "Olivia, dear," Lupie asked softly, "I hesitate to ask, but can you tell us about your parents? Should we contact them that you are here, or, are they; ?" "Dad died six weeks ago. Mom passed a week later." Olivia took another sip. Melanie hugged her loosely. Olivia's voice took on a husky note. "She called me, near the end. She told me Dad had died. That she was very ill and wasn't; wasn't, ah,; She knew she wouldn't make it." One hot tear dallied along the top curve of her cheek before coursing downward. Dave took her hand. "She said I should pursue my dreams. All of them." Livy looked Dave dead in the eyes. "She said she'd known for a long time it was more than a crush, that she was sorry she'd belittled it by calling it that. And then ;” Olivia sucked in a breath. Mel hugged Olivia again. "We're all here for you. Let it out at your own pace." Lupie encouraged softly. "She said 'Love him. Love him like I never did. Love him like he deserves.' And then she closed the call." A hard sob shook through Olivia as more tears fell. Dave and Mel hugged her, one from each side. Dave did so while looking at the ceiling with a distant gaze. After several minutes of silence, Jan got up for a second plate. Dave stood to join her. "My mind still doesn't want to eat, but my stomach got a taste of that bruschetta and wants more. Of that, and everything else." Jan smiled and gave him a quick kiss, which he returned. "Can you tell us something about Eddie?" Shawna asked after Dave sat back down. Dave thought for a minute. Slowly, a proud smile spread across his face. "His Eagle project." Olivia smiled and nodded. "Eddie was an Eagle Scout?" Jan asked. "Yes, he was. Got his Arrow of Light as a Webelo too." Livy provided. "Eddie and I were just beginning to reconnect when he began working on his Eagle rank. For his project, he decided to build a foot bridge across the stream in the park." "Armadillo park? The bridge on the south end?" Becca asked. Dave smiled broadly. "That's the one. Before that bridge, anyone walking the path and crossing the bridge at the north end would have to turn around when they hit the ends of the u-shaped path. For some folks, that was more walking than they could handle, so they wound up getting less exercise, or taking their walks in the few areas with sidewalks or walk along the side of the road. Either way they got very little 'green time'. He found a bridge design appropriate for the location, one that would last with little maintenance and convinced a local construction company to donate materials. He met with the city manager and then spoke before the city council to arrange an agreement for maintenance." "The foreman of the construction company and his best concrete specialist offered their services to supervise the volunteer workers and ensure the quality of the work. I think Eddie had a hand in that." Dave's pride in his son couldn't have been any louder on his face. "The kicker was, he vetted the design to make sure the angle of the curve was suitable for someone in a wheelchair. So at the ribbon cutting, the young lady that cut the ribbon, and the first to cross was in Eddie's class. I think she wound up the class Salutatorian. Anyway, she was paraplegic, lost the use of her legs in an accident during her eighth grade year." Dave paused. "I think she and Eddie started dating not long after." Olivia snorted. "They were already dating. I think that night was the first time she gave him the goods though." "Go Eddie." Shawna said huskily. "Seriously?" Dave asked Olivia. "Pretty sure. Not 100%. I mean, I know they did it. Like a lot. Once they opened up that part of the relationship they were like bunnies. I'm not absolutely sure that night was the first night though." "Hell, I was nineteen before my first time. He was always better with people than I ever was." Dave's looked wistfully into the distance, like he was seeing through the walls at something beyond. Then he swallowed hard. He took a steadying breath and blew it out slowly. Becca rubbed his shoulder lightly before giving it a soft kiss. Dave smiled at her, then leaned in to deliver a light peck on her cheek. He looked outward again, scanning across the room. "Thank you all for putting up with this. I'm sorry for acting like such a p--" Becca pressed a finger firmly to Dave's lips. "If that word crosses your lips, you'd better be talking about our body parts. The man that I've watched, relied on, and come to trust implicitly sure as hell isn't one of those. And he deserves better than that." The fire in her red-rimmed eyes put the punctuation to her statement. Dave just nodded in concession to his young lover's demand. With an impish grin she added, "And for the record, anytime we're getting frisky, or flirting, I'm perfectly happy with you calling it: or me: a pussy." She grabbed his hand and shoved it between her shorts-clad legs for emphasis. Becca's addendum broke the somber mood of the room. Everyone got a good laugh. A brief quiet descended as everyone ate a few bites or stared into their drink. Dave looked up to see Jan and Lupie gazing at him, concern and sympathy clearly written across both of their faces. "Well, Becca, since you have some history with our man, tell me something to catch me up with all of you." Shawna requested. "Oh, tell her about the cupcake exchange." Jan suggested. "Dave told me about it while the two of you were getting vaxxed." "Oh that one she told me already. Good story." "Okay, so something new." Becca paused, then blushed. She bit her lip and looked sideways at Dave and cringed. Then she flicked her eyes to Lupie. Lupie caught the look and rolled her eyes. "Go ahead." She said with a sigh. Then she turned her face away. "So, um, you know how Dave runs a couple times a week, and works out with his staff in the backyard about as often?" Shawna nodded at Becca's narrative, then turned to give Dave an appreciative leer. "Ahem, well, it's cooler now, so he does he work outs in a t-shirt and shorts." Shawna nodded again, then stared at Dave's torso like she was imaging him bare chested and sweating. Well, she'd seen him shirtless often enough. Melanie's breathing became slightly deeper and slower as she sized him up as well. "Well, remember we used to live next door. And Lupie's second story windows are high enough to see over Dave's fence." Mel, Shawna, and Jan all looked at each other. "Oh." They said in unison. "You lucky bitches." Jan added. Dave's mind was working at a slower pace and caught up a moment later. He closed his eyes and shook his head. With a small grin. "Well, that's not all of it. See, I made no pretense about watching him work out. I mean, mid-August, heat pounding down? Ten minutes into his work out his whole torso is covered in sweat, with rivulets running down his front and back." Shawna looked transfixed. Jan had her eyes closed. Mel tightly gripped her thighs, staring intently. "Usually I watched from one of the back windows, and just put up with the oblique angle. One day, a few months back, I realize it's very quiet in the house, and I seem to be the only one on the second floor. I decided to move over to Lupie's room, which is at the back corner, with two windows looking out over the backyard, one on each side of the corner." Lupie blushed hard and brought her hands up to cover her face. "So, there was a small space between the curtain panels and I was staring at Dave through the gap as I walked up. I walked as quietly as I could so Lupie and Esme wouldn't hear my footsteps from downstairs. I pulled back the curtain to get a better view. Lupie was hiding in the curtains, eyes fixed on Dave. We both screamed, and Lupie's hand flapped backwards hitting the window frame." "That's how you bruised your hand?!" Dave exclaimed, trying to suppress his laughter. "You flap your hands around when you're surprised?" "No. Just, um, I, uh ;” Lupie's muffled response trailed off. "She took care to wash her hands thoroughly before she let me bind it." Becca interjected. "Initially we thought she'd hurt her wrist, so I stabilized it. But, I recognized later what I had smelled while we were leaving the room." Lupie peeked between her fingers at Becca, pleading. "Okay, never mind." Becca conceded. "I've said too much already." The others looked confused at the abrupt ending until Melanie burst out laughing. When they looked at her questioningly, she said, "I know what I would be doing standing there watching him work out shirtless." And flopped back into the couch giggling furiously. The others started cackling and Jan, chortling, reached over to pull Lupie into her for a hug. "Not like we all don't do it." Dave sat there open mouthed, shocked, and feeling like he'd won something undefinable. He moved to kneel in front of Lupie. He took her hands in his own, pulling them away from her face. He pulled her into a hug. Into her ear he whispered, "I love you." Her hug on him tightened. "And if I hadn't been so dense I would have been in that room to take care of you properly. Or at least, lick your fingers clean." He punctuated his comment with a light nibble of her earlobe. Lupie swatted him on the back as she released him. Her face was still flushed to the tips of her ears. The tight, prim smile and her laughing eyes testified to her approval of the idea, and her mortification it was said out loud. Even at a whisper. Dave got up and refreshed his drink, and Olivia's as well. Becca sipped hers more slowly, and still had more than half a glass. Jan topped off her wine glass, along with Mel's and Shawna's. Lupie got up and made a fresh plate, then headed for the stairs. "I'm going to take a plate to Esme, just in case she didn't get enough earlier. Besides, if I tell her Dave likes the bruschetta, she might try it." Lupie said with a knowing mom smile. Shawna came to Dave once he was seated. She gave him a soft kiss and held him to her. She spoke no words, but conveyed clearly her heart ache for him, and her availability should he need something. When Lupie returned, she took her seat and looked to Olivia asking "Can you tell me something about your father?" Livy squirmed for a moment, then nodded. She took a breath. "He was a security consultant. Worked for a firm that advised companies on the weak points in their physical and cybersecurity. Dad was on the physical side. He'd been a Green Beret before going to college, where he met Mom and Dave." "Oh, wow. So your dad was a badass?" Becca asked. "Carter was so badass he was chill," Dave interjected. "He had that confidence of the guy that knows he'll win if things get physical. Smart too, though." "Yeah, Dad made supervisor pretty fast. He and his team would walk the grounds of a company and show them where a person could slip in or out without detection. Then the cyber guys would do the same for the company's networks. Sometimes, Dad would have to prove the point. He loved that. He and a couple of his team would don tactical gear and break in. Dad always left a fake tarantula with the company logo on its back on the boss' desk, or somewhere critical." Olivia chuckled. "One time, this one CEO was particularly resistant. Dad had to go in a second time. The first time he left a tarantula on the main server station, and one in the research lab; that by law was required to be restricted access. To drive his point home, Dad went to the CEO's office and installed this box on the ceiling, where most don't look. It had some kind of trigger because once the guy sat down, this tarantula drops on a thread from the box, right on the guy's paperwork." Several smiles broke out. Dave laughed soundlessly, his mouth closed so it didn't become a cry. The tears in his eyes were tattle-tale enough. He absently played with Olivia's dark locks. Olivia turned to look at him, eyes soft and happy. She leaned against his hand. Dave realized what he was doing, got self-conscious and pulled back. With downcast eyes, Liv turned back to the room and took in the other faces. A couple of looks exchanged suggested that most had caught what had just passed. Dave tried to process what just happened by staring off through a blank spot on the wall. It wasn't terribly helpful, once he recalled the picture that hung there just a few weeks before. Then Lupie cleared her throat. Dave fixed his eyes on her. He was never particularly perceptive of the looks on people's faces, but this time it seemed pretty clear. She stared at him with a stern look, then shifted her eyes to Liv and back to him. He looked to Jan, who just nodded. "Maybe someone else can share a family background story." Dave temporized. A few pensive looks passed. A tight smile grew on Jan's face. "My aunt Carolyn." She paused for a second. "My dad's sister. They were half-Korean, half European. Aunt Carolyn took more after the European side of the heritage, especially in the kitchen. She made an awesome meatloaf." She chuckled and looked over at Dave and Becca. "She would have loved that meatloaf cupcake." Her eyes watered at the bottom edge. "Visiting her was a way to encounter the white half of my ancestry. She had prints from famous artists. Classic books. If I was there on a Saturday night, she'd serve cheese and crackers, sometimes with a little sausage. As I got older, she'd let me have a small glass of wine as well." Jan took a light breath. "She played some classical music, but mostly it was Michael Bolton and Kenny G. Maybe some Cranberries and Matchbox Twenty when she felt wild. I haven't heard from her in over a month. And she has asthma." Jan trailed off into silence and the room observed it with her. Lupie reached out a hand to Jan's shoulder. She in turn, put her own hand on top of Lupie's. She turned her head and smiled. With a small nod, she turned away again, staring at the floor. Both hands dropped away. After a reasonable silence, Becca spoke. "When I was thirteen, my cousin Kimberly, who was sixteen, offered to pierce my ears for me." Half the women groaned. Dave sat silently, suspecting this wouldn't end well. "She got a large sewing needle, a bottle of rum, a small bowl, and a pair of my mom's stud earrings." "Rum?" Jan asked. Becca rolled her eyes. "Yeah," she said with a sigh, "she said she had to soak the needle in alcohol before using it." A variety of gasps, groans and sighs walked around the room. Dave's sympathetic grimace did less than his hand patting her knee to communicate his support. "Oh, but it gets worse. Wrong kind of alcohol at too low concentration, plus lots of sugar are only enablers. She cleaned my earlobes thoroughly with antimicrobial soap, so maybe that was the one thing she did almost right. But she didn't clean her own hands. And when she stuck the needle through; which hurt like hell; she stabbed her finger." Multiple hands struck foreheads or mouths. "Oh yeah. So we're both bleeding like stuck pigs, and crying. She's freaking out because 'the blood is mixing'. I never figured out what that meant. We bandage each other up the best we could, hide all the stuff from our parents and then hide ourselves. Three days later I have a raging infection in one earlobe and have to go to the doctor AND admit to my mom what happened." Becca paused, shaking her head. "Chewed my ass out. The doctor said because of the infection, I had to wait at least six months to get piercings. Mom added another six as punishment. She did take me to get professional piercings one year to the day after the doctor's visit though." Becca's eyes watered. Dave leaned over and kissed her cheek as a single tear slid down her face. Dave noticed Melanie getting increasingly fidgety. He thought he first noticed something during Becca's tale about his workouts. Maybe when the stories ran out, he'd have his head right. It wasn't fair to her to make her wait too long for imprinting. Or Liv. God, he really needed to get his head around this. He loved Olivia, he truly did. He was just so used to it being a non-sexual, non-romantic relationship. He'd looked on her as nearly a daughter for, well, for her whole life. But she wasn't his daughter. And she loved him. That was so clear in her eyes, every time she looked at him. Not just today, but thinking back over the years. It's crazy to think he could hurt this person he cared so deeply for, by not having sex with her. Fuck, it was Kim Dawson all over again. Shawna sat placidly, attentive as others told their stories. As the room lay silent again for a time, she took her turn. "I once caught my brother coming out of the shower with his girlfriend." Grins and giggles passed around the room. "Mind you, this is after my mother had chewed me out for getting frisky with, um, my best friend in my room." "Oh" several said in unison. "We were experimenting," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "It was my first Thanksgiving Break home from college. We were just friends, with nothing going on physical, since sixth grade. We were both single at the time, but we'd each had boyfriends, and each had sex before. We just thought we'd try out the other flavor. Who better to try that with than your ride or die?" She grinned. "Mom walked in when we had our shirts loose and hands inside each other's bras. Mom got all pissy about it and made some comment along the lines of 'Darian would never disrespect me by having sex under my roof.' Yeah sure Mom." Shawna rolled her eyes. "The bathroom smelled of" she looked straight at Becca, "pussy, so they'd been going at it in there. Mom wasn't home, so the obvious sounds of continuing humping came from his room almost immediately." "Hell of it is, she was this tiny little thing. Barely five foot tall and a nothing waist. And since I'd seen Darian stumbling around out of the bathroom when we both had midnight potty urges, well, he wasn't great at covering up when he's drowsy, and in his case, the stereotype is true. I don't know how he'd didn't break her in half." "After she left, I confronted him with Mom's comment. Now Darian ain't scared of shit; not a machismo thing, he uses his brain; but Momma. She's a foot shorter and at least a hundred pounds less muscle but that boy will cringe and genuflect if Momma is mad. He starts bargaining with me. Of course, he can't offer money since he's just getting his feet under him. He had plans, and he did eventually move out, but he was scrimping and saving so paying me money to shut up would have crippled him." We all hung there, waiting. "Well, Darian had been incredibly protective of me growing up. He over did it, by a lot. So my price for silence was for him to set me up with a friend of his that I had always wanted to date, but Darian kept getting in the way." She paused for a minute. "You know how you really want something, and imagine what it would be like to get it? And then you do, and ugh. Darian meant to protect me against a guy getting handsy. In this case he was protecting me from getting bored. The guy was about as much fun as a wet paper towel. I gave him a handshake at my door when he dropped me off." All the ladies shook their heads in commiseration. Dave closed his eyes and kept his mouth shut. Becca however, didn't. "Dave, how many of your dates ended in handshakes?" "None, from now on," he said flatly. "You got that right." Shawna said. Jan just shrugged and nodded. Becca and Liv hugged him tightly. Mel rubbed a hand against his back. Lupie sat still with an enigmatic grin. Dave knew there were thoughts churning behind those dark chocolate eyes. While he wondered what those thoughts were, he had a thought of his own. Maybe it was what she was thinking, maybe not. Here he was, sleeping with four women, two more about to be added to their ranks, and he hadn't taken a single one of them on so much as one date. That couldn't stand. Granted, movies and restaurant dinners were out. But they had two backyards to have a picnic meal in. The parks were open too. Maybe the Botanical gardens? He'd need to talk with each one, find out what they wanted, and find a way to make it happen. "Well Becca already told a story for me," Lupie said, breaking the silence. Becca blushed and chuckled. "So Melanie, what can you share with the family?" "I was orphaned so early, I don't really remember my parents. Just a few fuzzy images. I bounced from one foster home to another. One time I got to stay in the same place for two years. Usually it was more like eight to ten months. The social workers tried to at least let me stay in one school for a full year. Some of them anyway." "I don't have any horror stories about it. Other kids I fostered with told me about other homes they've been in, and some of those were bad. So I don't want to suggest it doesn't happen, it just never happened to me. The worst for me was not being connected to anyone for long. Honestly, living with Olivia is the longest I've shared a place with anyone. And she brought me home on holidays." Her face darkened. "Carter and Janelle were nice to me." Then she laughed. "I think Carter suspected I was Liv's lesbian lover though." "Oh my god." Liv rolled her eyes and brought a hand to her forehead, covering her eyes. Only Dave noticed Jan wincing at the hated phrase. Then Mel's face went blank, trying to hold back the intense emotions. "You're the closest I've ever had to a sister." The two college girls hugged. After a brief pause, Dave chimed in. "Now that is a tough life, having Olivia as your sister." Melanie laughed. Olivia turned and punched him in the shoulder, with a tight smile on her face. Laughing and rolling with the punch, Dave couldn't help but notice the way her large tits jiggled with the turn and the force of her punch. When she leaned against him, he found himself wishing her neckline was cut lower. The thought was surprising, and conducive to future events, but still slightly disconcerting. Before he could get too lost in his head, Jan spoke up. "So, how about a story about young Olivia?" she asked. Liv groaned. Dave grinned. "Okay, so we've mentioned before she hunts, hikes, does all kinds of outdoors She-Ra stuff." Liv glared up at him. She adjusted her head so the backs of her round silver stud earrings wouldn't poke her head. Mel rubbed Liv's back reassuringly. "You may have noticed that fishing was not mentioned in that list." "Oh God, no." Liv covered her face with her hands. The grins on every face in the room showed realization dawning in each of the other minds present. "So, Carter and I took Eddie and Liv fishing. Carter preferred drift catfishing, so we'd get out on the lake very early, usually by three am, four if we were running late. We had a small casting net we'd use in the shallows to catch bait fish. Then Carter would take the boat to a point up current from where he suspected the cats would be, and we'd drift across with our hooks in the water. Well, the bait fish had to be cut into two or three pieces to be useful. Olivia objected. But not to cutting the fish. To holding them. She squealed every time we put one in her hands. She loved casting the net and hauling it in. she liked fighting the fish on the rod, put touch one with her hands? Oh, no, not happening." Olivia buried her head in his chest and glared upward. "Oh, did I mention her fishing rod and tackle box were Barbie themed?" A series of giggles followed that assertion. "Don't talk about that!" "But you were cute!" "Shit like that is why you keep seeing me as a little girl for you to protect and raise instead of a woman you could sleep with." Olivia humphed. "Beginning to think the only way to change your mind is to sit here topless. I wait like that long enough and your cock might start taking charge." She accented her words by puffing out her generous chest and turning partially towards Dave. "You go girl," Shawna laughed. "How about some big titty solidarity?" She unbuttoned two buttons on her blouse. Jan joined in the laughter while Lupie shook her head, smiling. Becca stared a chant of 'Do it!' quickly joined by Mel. They both shook their chests in time with the chant. "No." Dave said, staring at Liv with no hint of a smile. He swatted Becca on the knee. "Hmm, what do I need to do to get a spanking Daddy?" Melanie purred. "Do not start that shit." Dave tried to be stern this time but didn't quite manage it. "Speaking of getting something started, I'm getting kinda itchy here. I don't know if either of you are in the mood yet, but this serum is starting to eat at me." Liv and Mel exchanged looks. "I don't want to jump the line on banging your dream guy, but please girl, let's get this started. If you don't go, I will." "Sexier words were never spoken," Dave noted dryly. That got Liv laughing. Dave stood. "Do you two want to do this one at a time, or side-by-side?" "One at a time," Mel stated emphatically. "After walking in on you masturbating once, I don't need to see that pussy again." Liv groaned and turned her head to the ceiling. Then Mel turned to Lupie "hashtag justiceforLupie." She grinned. Lupie just rolled her eyes while Becca laughed. Jan laughed, but reached out a hand to Lupie's shoulder. Dave took Olivia's hand and turned to the stairs. She interlocked her fingers with his and walked beside him with her head against his shoulder. They stayed like that until they reached the bed. Dave turned to face Olivia, placing his hands on her shoulders. She looked into his eyes, hungry, pleading. Dave took a deep, shuddering breath and pushed aside the thoughts of the little girl that kissed him on the check at bedtime as he tucked her into bed. He stared into Olivia's eyes, focusing on the woman in front of him, as she is now, wanting to be with him. She loved him. had for a long time. She had been dedicated to the idea of being with him for life, for longer than, well, any woman in his past or present. The reality of that finally washed over him. His love for her did not need to end or change, merely grow. He had always been hers. Dave pulled Olivia into him and kissed her with passion. Olivia moaned into the kiss. Dave felt her hot tears as their cheeks brushed. He pulled back, their faces parted but close. "I love you Olivia Barnes, always and forever." A heart-rending sob burst from her as her dearest dream manifested. She jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist, and kissing him fiercely, their tongues dancing. Dave slowly walked them to the edge of the bed and sat her down. Mostly. Olivia was not letting go. Dave tugged at the bottom of her blouse and lifted. Olivia broke the kiss and raised her arms, her legs still clutching him tightly. Dave paused removing her shirt when her lips were exposed, but her eyes still covered. He moved in for a kiss. He felt her grin as their lips moved in unison. Olivia then grabbed Dave's shirt as he finished removing hers. Dave moved to her jeans and quickly removed those as She reached for his waist band. Olivia grasped his pants and boxers as one and removed them. Dave, standing, naked and half-erect. Olivia, seated on the edge of the bed, in a lacy white bra and matching panties. They drank each other in. She looked up at him. "Well, part of you is getting interested," she smirked. "You get all of me, Olivia, just as you always have. I'll show you my love every day. It will just manifest in a few new ways from now on." Olivia scooted up the bed as Dave crawled up, aligning himself over her, kissing as they moved. Dave's hands wandered along her thighs and sides. Olivia's fingers coursed lazily along his back. "Just one request." She gave him an impish look. "When you go get Mel to bring her up here, leave my legs spread so the first thing she sees when she walks in is my pussy." "You're rotten ya know that? I have to live with her too ya know." "She'll laugh. It's just roommate hijinks." Dave returned to kissing Olivia. He moved his lips lower, down her neck, to her collarbone, and then the slopes of her tits. He slipped his hands underneath her, unclasping her bra. Gingerly, he removed it. Olivia's large tits, no longer supported by a bra, formed two delicious lumps on her chest, that looked like they were about to slide off her chest. Olivia's eyes glistened, radiating joy as Dave took her tits in his hands and began kissing them. She moaned as he ministered to her bosom with his mouth. When he took one nipple in his mouth and suckled, she gasped. "Oh, David, Yes!" Pleasure and unbridled joy left her breathing ragged, her mind awash in bliss. His hands remained at her tit, massaging gently, easing her higher with delicate caresses. His mouth proceed lower, kissing her ribs. Her abdomen. Kissing and licking her belly button. She giggled and twisted her torso. Dave brought his hands down to Olivia's hips. He grasped her panties and pulled them down to her ankles, raising himself and her legs up. He tossed them aside and brought his face to kiss the crease of her pelvis and her hip. She shuddered. Her arousal scented the room. Her lovely light brown vulva filled his vision as he breathed softly across her bare essence. The hairs of the small landing strip on her mons tousled in the artificial breeze. She lifted her head to look at him. "David;” she pleaded. He grinned. He locked eyes with her and closed his mouth around her lower lips and began to suckle. Her body arched and she sucked in a breath. His tongue played across her sopping wet slit. He tasted her juices. He nibbled her flowering inner lips. He slipped his tongue into her entrance. "Oh God David Yes! Oh please put it in me." Olivia whimpered. "Darling, you've wanted this night for a long time. I intend to make it worthwhile." "You are enough David, that's al; Ah" she cried out as he took her clitoris in his mouth and suckled. He slid one finger gently inside, massaging her tunnel. Every stroke drew her natural lubricant in greater volume than the last. He inserted as second finger and she moaned, writhing, hips bucking. He released her button and withdrew his fingers. She eased her motions. Dave crawled up her body, a victorious and hungry grin on his face. She beamed, breathing heavily. He caressed and kissed her tits briefly as he moved up. Finally hovering over her, face to face, bodies aligned, his erection resting between them, Dave kissed her once again. She clutched him and returned the kiss. Dave maneuvered his member with his hips, aligning with her fully relaxed and open entrance. He pushed in gently, a small distance just to lodge the tip of his helmet in her. The precum coating his cockhead set off a body-rocking orgasm that stole her breath. When her eyes re-opened, Dave drove himself into her, full length, in one smooth stroke. Her eyes glowed with joy. He began moving himself in and out of her. Slowly at first. Always firmly, gently. Staring into her eyes as he worked them both to ecstasy. He picked up his pace. She began rocking her hips with his. Soon they were pounding into each other, breathing raggedly, eyes still locked, her hands braced behind his shoulders until their passion pushed him over the brink, firing rope after rope of hot cum into her waiting vagina. The effect on Olivia was immediate. A primal scream of pleasure burst from her lips as her body convulsed like a marionette in the hands of an angry child. And then she fell to the bed, limp. "Imprinting,; imprinting,; imprinting, ;” Dave kissed her forehead and extracted himself from her body. He crawled off the bed and left to clean himself in the bathroom. He returned with a damp washcloth to clean her. After dressing in loose shorts and a shirt, he arranged her as she'd requested and left the room shaking his head. Melanie met him at the bottom of the stairs with a passionate kiss and a tight hug. "You need a minute or two?" "Yeah, let me get a drink and I should be fine." He returned the kiss, then slipped from her arms to search out some juice from the fridge. "Oh, I thought you meant you needed a little something to steel yourself for doing me." "Please." Dave guzzled half the glass. "One, you are hot. Two," he blushed a bit, "I have a thing for redheads." Melanie smiled. "Oh yeah?" "Hell, if you had freckles, I'd kiss each one of them." That made her blush. After Dave finished off a second glass of juice, he and Melanie headed upstairs, pursued by catcalls and wolf whistles. Esme, who'd been invited into the living room after Dave and Olivia had gone upstairs, just laughed at the shenanigans. Opening the door, Melanie exclaimed, "Oh my god, you left; " she pursed her lips. "No, she put you up to this didn't she?" Dave chuckled and grabbed a light blanket. "No," Melanie said, "save that to cover us both when you finish with me." She cupped her hand under one of Liv's shapely thighs and brought the leg over the other, giving her friend a bit of modesty she hadn't asked for. Dave noticed that her hand seemed to linger just a bit on Liv's thigh. It certainly looked like Mel gave her rump a light squeeze. Maybe he just imagined it. She turned to face him. "Reading between the lines, from everything Liv's told me, you don't think you deserve any of us, do you?" Dave swallowed hard, trying not to react. "I'm going to tell you something harsh and reassuring. You don't. And you know something else? We don't deserve your love either. I learned bouncing around those homes that love isn't earned. It's too valuable to be earned. No one is ever worthy of someone else's love. Body, heart, or mind. Love is a gift. We each give our love to you, by our choice. And you give us your love by your choice. I barely know you and I'm more comfortable being here with you than I've ever been with any man." She paused to let that sink in. "David, just accept that you are a damn good man, and we are all happy to be here with you. Enjoy what we give you. Let us enjoy what you give in return." Dave felt like this beautiful young woman that barely knew him was staring straight into his heart, laying it bare and spearing it with the cruelest weapon; hope. He stretched out his hand tentatively, reaching for the sash holding her blouse closed. She looked down briefly, seeing his hand. She immediately looked into his eyes and gave the smallest nod, and a smile. Dave pulled slowly on the loose tail of the cinch and dropped it. The belt ends fell to her sides and the halves of her blouse hung loosely, exposing the center of her chest and abdomen. Melanie had a belly button piercing. A small chain with two small clear crystals near the top and at the bottom, a butterfly done mostly in silver metal clasping tiny crystals, except for a soft pink pearl serving as the body of the faux insect. "You like? Your profile said you weren't a fan of body modification, but I was hoping you would be ok with this." "It's cute and sexy and innocent and naughty all at once." Dave smiled. He stepped up to her, sliding his hands into her blouse and around her back. He pulled her into a soft, slow kiss. They explored each other that way for a few minutes. Dave brought his hands up to her tits, cupping them and kneading them through her black satin bra. Melanie sucked in a breath and hummed. She broke the kiss and drew his attention with her eyes. "The others told me how you like to take your time, maximize a woman's pleasure. I am super fucking horny right know. You can take me to the heights later, we have forever for that. Right now I just need to pound your stake into me and lay claim to my body." "What about your heart?" She grinned "Just like they said you would. It's getting there, just takes a bit more time." She shrugged her blouse off and shucked her pants. The panties were also black and satiny. "Come on Davey, fuck my brains out and make me yours." She tossed her bra and panties aside quickly and crawled up the bed, turn over on her back once she was alongside her friend. Dave stripped of his shirt and shorts rapidly and joined her on the bed, pressing his body lightly against hers. His erection sandwiched between their torsos, her medium sized tit and their pointy nipples pressed against his chest. He kissed her again and she hummed. She worked her hips against his and together that got him lodged in her. A few strokes inside her passage caused him to leak out the first drips of precum and she exploded in a howling convulsion, her eyes rolling back, one hand flailing and bashing the insensate Olivia. "Fuck that was good. Give it to me David, give your woman what she needs. Seal your claim." She kissed him fiercely and they both rocked their hips savagely. No sensuality, just raw primal fucking of two hungry bodies. Despite his recent bout with Liv, this carnal frenzy brought Dave to the pinnacle faster than he anticipated and he crashed through, erupting a geyser of cum inside her depths. As the hot load filled her cavity, Melanie wailed in ecstasy, her mind shattered by the biochemical overload. Then she flopped to the bed, repeating the new world's chant of family harmony and togetherness. Chapter 6 – Shenanigans. October 4, 2020. David Belsus awoke to three beautiful young ladies lying beside him, all nude. As yet, none of his partners had elected to sleep in another room. Last night they all emphatically wanted to be near him. No one piled over anyone else. Lupie came to bed in a rich blue camisole with matching high cut panties. Shawna clad herself in a soft pink camisole and pink boy shorts. Jan wore one of Dave's sweatshirts as a baggy night gown, no panties underneath. He'd checked by way slipping his hands under the hem of the shirt to dance along her skin. Finding paradise exposed, he impishly fingered her to heaven as she begged for his cock. She beamed when he finished. She kissed him deeply after he sucked all her juices off his digits. None of the three were in bed at the moment. Shawna was likely on her way to work already. Which meant Jan and Lupie had gotten up with her to talk and share breakfast, or at least coffee. They had developed a morning routine rather quickly. That left Liv and Melanie nude, side by side on his left, and Becca, nude, curled tightly under his right arm, his hand resting just above her hip. She slumbered peacefully, unperturbed by the small motions he made as he took in the morning tableau. Becca's insecurities stemming from the near-abduction at the vax center had faded quickly with the reassurance of imprinting on Dave. What followed in its wake was the desire to be close to the person she'd just started sleeping with, magnified by this being the only person she'd ever slept with, further multiplied by the vaccine-clad certainty this was her person for life. Becca wasn't pushy about it. She knew enough to leave some space for the others to get their 'Dave time' too. In and out of bed. And the others, having experienced a similar phase in life, and happy that, for her, it really would be for a lifetime, accommodated her wherever possible. And then Dave's mind recalled a text conversation. "; Oh god, I just had this thrill run through me at the idea of waking up with you already in me, on top of me." Dave stroked her hip softly, slowly easing his fingers toward the crease where her leg met her pelvis. After several minutes of this, he brought his left hand up to cup her tit, massaging lightly, avoiding the nipple. He wanted to slowly raise her towards wakefulness, and ignite her libido, but he didn't want her awake until after he'd penetrated her. Just as she'd asked. Dave carefully eased himself out of her arms, rotating himself until he was kneeling on the bed, behind her knees and 'under' her butt as Becca lay curled on her left side. Dave leaned in and began kissing along Becca's outer thigh of her top leg while gently stroking the inner thigh of her bottom leg with his right hand. His left hand stroked softly along her side. A quick brush of her lower lips indicated her unconscious arousal, or the serum effects. Either way, Dave rubbed his half-hard cock between her thighs, rubbing against her labia, to get them both ready. He kept kissing her hand and arm while softly playing with her tit. "David?!" Came the scandalized whisper. Lupie and Jan stood, frozen, in the doorway, not believing what they were seeing. "She expressly asked for this, you can even check my text messages." Both ladies looked concerned, but said no more. A few more minutes of play time had Dave fully hard, regaining what he briefly lost with the interruption. Becca was ready as well. Dave seated himself at her entrance and pushed slowly, steadily forward. He was half inside her, leaning over her when Becca's eyes flew open. Wide-eyed, mouth agape, she turned her head and moaned. She writhed against David and clutched his upright arms. When her breath returned, she kissed him hard. She pulled away, winking as she deliberately flexed the muscles of her inner passage. Dave took that as a signal to continue. He steadily worked himself in her. Becca grinned madly, moaning and encouraging him. In a few minutes, both were racing to a peak they reached in tandem. Becca fell limp against the mattress, gasping. Dave steadied himself by resting his ass on his heels. Both dismounted the bed and began searching for clothes. Lupie gave Dave a quick kiss on the cheek and hugged Becca before heading downstairs. Jan stayed to change clothes. Jan viewed Becca with a grin. "Get your jollies little freak?" Becca beamed and blushed. "Umm hmm." "Just razzing you, ya know." "I know. I'm still learning what I like, and that is one of them. You know, the way you get off when a guy has a big; book collection." Her eyes twinkled. She squealed and caught the pillow Jan threw as she joined the laughter. "Oh my god, a naked pillow fight. I knew they were real!" Dave laughed and ducked as both partners chucked pillows at him. Dark brown irises set in almond eyes gazed at Dave from Becca's laptop resting on the folding table Becca had set up in one of the unused bedrooms. Raven black hair framed an oval face of chocolate brown before cascading over shoulders set with remembered power, but a hint of sag. The plain white scoop necked t-shirt stretched into small ripples between her tits. The shirt was mostly opaque, yielding evidence of a white bra of exactly the same tone as the shirt, but nonetheless unable to disguise two ripe, thick nipples making their presence known. As the call began, her small, tight mouth had appeared balanced between the promise of lighting up the room with a smile, or unleashing a verbal tirade that would leave all within earshot cringing. Dave's skeptical, reserved approach was pushing her more towards desperation. "Yes, I have been; unkind to people through all of high school. I thought I was better than a lot of people. I had a group that I hung out with, and we deemed ourselves 'the betters' of everyone else. Becca knows some of what I did, more from hearing about it or seeing it than experiencing it directed at her. I; held back since she helped me study." Reena swallowed before continuing. "I've had all these months to think about life and people and a lot of stuff okay? I'm not proud of my behavior. I was a bitch." Her eyes began to water at the lower edge. "Being isolated, knowing people are dying, finding out from a few friends they only have another day or hour left; " her voice caught. A few tears coursed down her apple cheeks, but she batted them aside quickly. "Do you know what it's like to stop hearing from someone that you thought you'd invite to your wedding, or have your kids play together?" Becca inhaled, about to speak, but Dave stayed her with a gentle touch. It wouldn't do to interrupt when Reena was clearly pouring her heart out. The words she spoke over the next several minutes could be the ones he really needed to hear to make a good decision. "The kids in grades below us stopped answering a long time ago. There's an internet rumor that this thing takes more men than women, and everyone under eighteen, but even the ones over eighteen are hard to find someone that answers, boy or girl." Reena's 'queen of the school' composure was cracking. While that allowed a glimpse at the person behind the mask, it wouldn't do to let her fall apart. Time to say something reassuring, but realistic. "Reena, just tell me about why you want to be here." "Honestly, Becca may be the only friend I have left I the world. And I was never a very good friend to her before. I; I want to do better. I've been thinking a lot about what I should change. Specific things I should stop saying or doing. Remembering to say 'please' when I ask for something instead of expecting compliance because of 'who I am.' Or saying 'thank you' when someone else does something for me. Doing something for someone else just because they need it, even if they never asked." Shaking, Reena paused to collect herself. "Becca has told me about you. I'm not smart like you and her, but I would like to study something past high school. Please, please choose me. I'll; I'll do anything you want." Her voice lowered and her eyes dropped at the last sentence. "There's a lot I still don't know about sex, but I'll learn. I'll be your little; " "Hold up. Kareena, I'm not out to push you to be some kind of play toy. If we are compatible in other ways, we'll figure out the sex part. Why don't you tell me about your hobbies, things you do just because they're fun? May be things you did even if your friends weren't into them." "Well, I do like to read; even though I joined in with the others when we made fun of 'bookworms'." Her eyes were downcast for the end of that sentence but came back up. "Becca mentioned you're a big book lover. But; I don't read; like nonfiction, or high class stuff. I mean, I have red Lord of the Rings, but that took forever. I could only get through like the first three pages of Moby Dick and Tale of Two Cities before passing out though." She still looked scared, so Dave gave her some reassurance. "Yeah, I think I maxed out after the first chapter of each of those. Some people love that style, but for me, it was a snooze fest too. The last two I mean. I love Lord of the Rings. So tell me, what do you like to read?" "Well, there's this series about this guy that keeps monsters in check in the San Francisco area." "Monsters?" Dave tried not to sound dubious. "Well, magical creatures. Fairies, unicorns, vampires, stuff like that. Oh, the author's name is Blake Conrad. It's a lot of fun if you like magic stuff. I have the full collection. Everything that's out so far. The next book was due out already, but the pandemic hit and who knows when they'll publish it now. For all I know, the one that's waiting is the last one. Chances are the author caught this thing and died months ago." Her face darkened again. "Well, if this does work out," Dave said, "You're welcome to bring your complete; Blake Conrad collection with you, and we'll look for similar books, similar titles. I know Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and Ursula K. Le Guin use a lot of magic themes in their works. Sounds like they might be right up your alley." Hearing Dave endorse her reading interest perked Reena up. "You know, I could help the other girls too. I like doing nails. I'm pretty good at it too. I can free hand designs and stuff." "I could see where that could come in handy. So to speak." Dave grimaced at his unintended pun. Becca laughed. Reena just shook her head. "Anyway, I'm sure some of the ladies would appreciate that. I'll stick with natural myself," Dave said with a wink. That got a chuckle out of her. "Look, I'm not expecting you to have everything planned out. You're eighteen. There's still a lot to decide. And speaking of decisions, I'd like you to meet virtually with the other ladies of the house and we'll talk as a family after." "Also, take some time yourself to think this through completely. I know you want to be here so you can be close to someone familiar, but bear in mind, that means being sexually bonded to me, a forty-six year old man, more than twice your age. By the time you were born, I'd finished grad school, got married, had a kid, and divorced." Reena looked pensive but nodded. Dave left her to talk with Becca more. He caught Jan in the library with a notepad, apparently noting possible additions. On his suggestion, she left to join Becca. In the dining room, he found Olivia munching a bowl of cereal. Lupie sat with her. The two were sharing an easy conversation which halted when Dave walked in. He'd seen Lupie's bible on an end table in the living room when he passed through. Liv must have come down to get breakfast while Lupie was conducting a bible study on her own. Not like it was safe yet to go to a church. Especially when so many church goers around here seemed to buy into the 'just a hoax' nonsense. Dave shook his head. Christian Nationalism seem purpose built to destroy conservatism and faith in one fell swoop. Sure had a good shot at it with this damn plague. Dave shook out thoughts of things he couldn't control. Here, now, was one woman that had been interested in him for a few years as she lived next door, and another that had pined for him for; a decade? And both were happy to be bound to him by this weird vaccine, even though it meant sharing him with other women. This world was wonderful and terrifying in the same breath. "Morning, Hermosa," Dave said before kissing Lupie on the lips. She hummed into the brief contact. "Morning, love bug," he said as he greeted Olivia in the same manner. As he pulled away, she slugged his shoulder, smiling scowl pulling her lips tight. Lupie shook her head. "David, I'm with Olivia on this one. Terms of endearment you used when she was a child are not conducive to her feeling she's being accepted as a woman." "I meant it as continuity. She has a lot of love to give. Always has. And I appreciate that." Olivia's scowl relaxed but did not become a smile. Well, not immediately. Lupie raised an eyebrow at him with a gentle smile. Dave realized what he needed was a change of subject. "Becca is upstairs Zooming with a friend of hers from high school. She; would like to join us here." Both ladies smirked. Dave sighed and rolled his eyes. He brought a hand up to his face and rubbed his eyes before leaning into the hand, the elbow of the same arm resting on the table. "Look, it's not like I'm seeking women out. I'm not out pursuing young girls." Olivia shifted in her seat. "I mean; " "I get it Dave. Don't apologize." Her voice was soft, with a hint of iron. "I talked with her for a while. She's apparently been talking with Becca since before the two of you got vaxxed in the first place." He said, looking at Lupie. "And it seems Becca has been telling Reena all about us, especially about vaxxed life with me." "Kareena Agrawal? The one Becca calls 'the Indian Karen'?" Olivia barely managed to contain the mouthful of cereal and milk at Lupie's interjection. Dave held back a laugh. "She seems genuinely heartbroken and lost, Lupie. And she has taken time in isolation to examine her past behavior." Dave paused, looking each of them in the eye. "I'm reserving judgement for now. I think it would be a good idea if each of you took time to talk with her, probably with Becca as host. I ran into Jan already, she's probably up there with her now. All I'm asking is that you get with Becca sometime today to find a time you can Zoom with her and form your own opinion. I may be 'the man of the house'; " Dave bowed his arms out from his sides, leaning side to side with a faux stern look on his face; "but this is too big not to get ya'lls take on it as well." Both women giggled at the display. "Okay, okay, I'll seek Becca out in a few minutes. I'll give Reena a fair hearing, just understand, I've heard enough of her exploits to be a bit wary." "Wouldn't have it any other way, cielo." The warmth of the smile Lupie gave him was enough to power an entire town. It was a few hours past noon when Dave heard voices in the bedroom. He left his office to see if that meant Melanie was up. She'd been out for eighteen hours. Opening the door, he found Becca and Liv sitting on the bed, talking. Mel was nowhere to be seen. "Mel up I take it?" "Yup, been awake for a few minutes. She needed to use the bathroom," Becca informed him. "She'll probably be in there a while." Liv chimed in, just as Mel emerged. She had a huge smile on her face. "Wow, usually a night like last night would leave you crying on the toilet for an hour. And I needed a hazmat suit to go in there afterwards." Mel smirked. She strode over to Dave and gave him a big hug. He recognized the t-shirt she wore, black with a white line drawing of Einstein sticking out his tongue. Recognized, because it was probably the one from his closet. "Looks like I unlocked the special bonus. They did say sometimes a healing process happens during imprinting. How long was I out anyway?" "About eighteen hours," said Liv. "Longest of any of my partners. What's the healing you're talking about?" "I have; had; I B S. I tend to be careful about what I eat, or go ahead and indulge once in a while, knowing I'm going to pay the price in the morning." She turned to face Liv, with her hands on her hips. "And for your information missy, I was somewhat careful last night. The wine was dry, and I only ate a little bit of cheese. And I didn't have any deviled eggs." She grumbled that last sentence. Liv looked at Dave. "She loves deviled eggs, especially made with dill relish instead of sweet, which I've told her was the way you do it. Not that you made last night's, but that does mean the only relish in the house is dill. Problem is, the protein in the whites plus the fat in the yolk and mayo is an issue for her. If it weren't for that, she'd gobble deviled eggs like she's trying to set a world record." Dave chuckled. "As a deviled egg lover, I can testify that that much deviled egg will cause intestinal issues that oughta be against the Geneva Convention, without any medical conditions." The trio giggled. Becca sat bolt upright for a minute. "Hey, weren't there deviled eggs leftover in the fridge?" Mel was already up and moving. "Clear square sandwich container with the see through blue lid!" Mel's happy cackle faded as she sprinted down the stairs. To be continued in part 5, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

 Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 3 Houses Belsus bonds over pain. Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Becca took a small sip of her drink. Her eyes flared lightly, but she didn't cough or choke. "Dave, tell me a story from when you were younger. Something stupid you once did." Dave's head fell back against the couch. "Oh boy. I didn't do any of the usual stupid stuff. Far too insular for that, no group of friends to drag me into wild, hilarious mistakes." Dave thought for a minute, trying to decide if he should tell this particular story. Or if he could. Hell, they were stuck living with him, they deserved to know. "Okay, so this happened in my second summer of college. I was tutoring a lot, and one lady in particular met with me at least once a week. Really nice person, pretty too. Her name was Kim Dawson. She'd gone all in on the late 80's media image of what pretty looked like; dyed blonde hair, boob implants, blue contact lenses. That helped her professionally of course; she worked as a stripper and did well enough to pay her tuition out of pocket, plus a small but nice rent house for her and her son." "You went to her house?" Dave nodded while swallowing the sip he'd just taken. "After the first several sessions, we got comfortable with each other, and it was helpful to her for me to come over on days she didn't have classes, especially if she had to go to work after our tutoring session." Dave paused for a moment, gathering the courage to continue. "So, about two months after we started working together, I'm at her house, sitting at her dinner table. It's a small round table to one side of her kitchen. Like I said, it's a small house, but good condition and she kept it well. Big enough for her and a six year old. Anyway, she gets up to take a brain break and decides she's going to change. She wasn't heading to work, and had come back from running errands, so she wanted to put on something more comfortable." Dave noted the ladies exchanging glances amongst themselves. "Just,; don't judge okay?" He paused again for a moment. "She left her bedroom door open, but the table was well away from the door, like a big angle away." Another look shared. "I didn't follow her with my eyes or anything, but she started talking to me through the open door, so naturally I turned my head towards the door. There was a mirror on the wall that I could see. Now, no, no she wasn't visible in the mirror. At least not from the angle and distance I was at." The looks passing among the ladies were both cryptic in the specifics and utterly obvious in the general meaning. "Oh, I forgot to mention that earlier we had discussed payment. She said this might have to be the last session for a while because she didn't think she could afford to pay. I had told her we could work something out." Three sets of eyebrows raised. "No, not like that. I just assured her I'd let her pay it out if she needed to. I was trying to be accommodating. She needed the help, she put in the work, I was just trying to be helpful." "Oh, baby." Jan said sympathetically. Dave winced. "So then she says she can't hear me well and asks me to come to the door to talk to her." He sighed. "I didn't. I told her I couldn't, I didn't want to violate her privacy. I don't think those were the actual words I used, but it was something like that." Dave couldn't even look at the others, just stared up at the ceiling. "She insists, says she strips to a G-string multiple times a night and she's already in a bra and shorts, she's just looking for a shirt, so it's no big deal." Another sigh. "Then she finally says she wants me to come back there; to; be with her. She; she said I could sleep with her in exchange for tutoring." "Oh my god, David you didn't did you?" Lupie asked. "No, no of course I didn't. And that was the problem. I couldn't. I felt frozen. What she was asking me to do was against everything I'd been taught about being a good guy. And I had nothing against her, but I'd been taught that all the guys at the strip club were abusing her, and I didn't want to do the same, so I stayed put and told her I couldn't do that to her, we can work something else out. After a bit more back and forth, she got pissed and told me to leave. My legs had been frozen the entire time, locked up. I finally managed to force myself up and walked out." All three ladies were absolutely silent. "That wasn't the end of it. After waiting a week, I tried calling a few times to see if she wanted a tutoring session. She never answered." More silence. "Two semesters later, I take organic chem, and one of my classmates and study partners is a friend of Kim's. I didn't know that at first, she waited until we had been working together awhile. She finally told me it was a ruse. Kim made enough in two or three nights to pay rent for a month, and another four covered all the groceries for a month. Mind you, this was early 90's so a lot of things were cheaper. Hell, gas was barely over a dollar a gallon. Kim had set it up to make a fantasy play and I blew it. According to Beth, Kim felt hurt. That was absolutely mind boggling to me. I just couldn't accept the idea that I could mean enough to a woman to hurt her in anyway, certainly not by not having sex with her." Becca shifted against him, turning toward him. "Yeah, I know. I'm an idiot." "You really had no idea?" Jan queried. "Not a bit. I just didn't want to hurt her. I didn't want to be the jackass. Turns out I was anyway." "David," Becca asked, "could I get some help with my math?" She kept her tone even, but her face belied her joke. "Oh hush." Becca worried about missing out on college, so Jan suggested she work through some of Dave's history and biography books as a substitute for a history course. The two were downstairs in the library, reading and talking. This left Lupie and Dave alone in bed. Both were certain it was not a mere coincidence. Lupie curled into Dave's side, her head resting on his chest. She wore a light camisole. He wore his usual; nothing. "David, I wanted to thank you for backing me up the other morning with Esme." "You're welcome. I just thought it was important she not get the idea she can play me against you." Lupie snuggled him tighter. "Still, I think it fair you know what she was about to say." "Only if you think it necessary." "It's a little embarrassing. I thought she was asleep. And I thought I was being quiet." Lupie paused, blushing. "Still it has been several years since I've,; um;” "Gotcha." "Yes, so, um, there have been times when I've; taken care of certain needs. And I was thinking of you. She must have been awake and heard me call your name." Lupie's head was buried as hard into his chest as possible without breaking ribs. "Well, now you don't have to imagine. You have me, and I have you." "You're not upset?" "More like flattered. And frustrated with myself. If I'd picked up on some signs, maybe;” "Let's not go down the 'what if' road David. You're right. We have each other now. We'll build from here." Dave tightened the hug for a moment. "You know, I passed by when you were on your computer earlier. It's kinda cool to see you work. You have this penetrating gaze, like you're dissecting everything you read, weighing each word in a balance and jettisoning the unworthy." "Hmm, must have been when I was working on that memo about handover protocols. Those details can give anyone a headache." Lupie kissed his jawline. "But I don't want to talk about work now. Just hold me, David." September 23, 2020. "What do you want to make for dinner tonight?" Dave asked as he and Janice entered the kitchen. "Not sure just yet. Tell you what, you check the fridge, I'll go into the pantry and check the shelves. Let's see what we come up with from what we see." "Okay." Dave started scanning the fridge shelves for ingredients when a thought occurred to him. The pantry was private. It had been a day or so for Jan. He walked over and opened the door. "Oh good, I was wondering if I'd have to play damsel in distress needing my big strong man to help me find something in this tight little space." "Well, I do have a probe made especially for tight spaces." He kissed her, balancing hunger with tenderness. Jan hummed into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around Dave's neck and pulled her body against his. "Umm-hmm, and that probe is so very good too." She nibbled lightly on his lower lip. Knowing they had little time, and Jan was up for a quickie, Dave took hold of her slacks and panties at the waist band and pulled them down to her knees. Jan emitted a delighted squeak. Her eyes shone with excitement as he stood and picked her up, carrying her to a bare patch of wall between shelves. He shoved his cargo shorts and boxers to his ankles, then hooked his hands under her thighs and lifted and folded her in one motion as he pressed her to the wall. She gasped and moaned, giving her approval and yielding herself to his power, confident that he would meet her needs as he saw to his own. Dave drove himself into her, the serum effects having made her fully wet already. He slid full length on the first thrust. She groaned happily, hungrily and gripped his shoulders. They were pressed for time, so he pounded into her hot wet tunnel with fervor. Such was her excitement that she reached her first climax in just a few minutes. Desperately trying to contain her enjoyment, Jan bit Dave's shoulder as he accelerated his thrusting, pounding more vigorously than he ever had, racing Jan to a second climax a minute before he burst inside her, kicking her over the orgasmic abyss a third time. Dave stopped, holding her in place as both panted for air. The enclosed pantry suddenly felt hot and muggy. His legs felt wobbly. He carefully lowered her legs to the ground, allowing himself to fall outside of her as he did so. Jan pouted for a moment, then dropped to her knees to clean off his cock. "Can't make a mess in here now can we?" She said with a wink. She pulled his shorts up before drawing her own pants into place. Then she sauntered out the door. Dave followed, but nearly ran into her when she stopped short two steps out the door. Lupie and Becca stood there, smirking and clapping. Jan blushed and turned, burying her face in Dave's chest. "Get over it girl, we're all gonna catch each other like that once in a while." Becca said. "I'll remind you of that when it's you," Lupie razzed. Dinner was only a little late, but it was good. Lupie winkingly attributed the good taste to the fact it was made with love. September 24, 2020. Dave looked into the kitchen and saw Lupie at the counter, her back to him, working away. He walked carefully up behind her and gently placed his hands on her hips. She started for a second, then settled into him, allowing her back to rest on his chest. She laid her work down and lay her head on his shoulder. "Hmm. This, this right here." Dave turned his head to hers and they shared a slow, soft kiss as he brought his hands around to her abdomen. They rocked slowly together, swaying to unheard music. What Dave had intended as a happy little moment escalated when Lupie started grinding her rear against his crotch. A moment later, she brought his hands up to her tits. Dave was caught between excitement and control. He very much wanted to paw at her lovely mounds. A wonderfully medium size, Lupie's tits were just barely less than a handful. About as pert as could be natural for a woman in her early thirties. She moaned as he groped. Lupie spun in his arms, kissed him, grabbed his hand, and took off to the bedroom. Dave kept up easily, grinning and laughing the whole way. He stopped her twice to pull her in for a kiss. Once the door closed, they each ripped off their own clothes and sprinted to the bed. Lupie pulled Dave on top of her, her legs apart, insistently rubbing her body against him. "Hungry much?" "What's going on is a tragedy of epic proportions, but I also feel more free than I have in ages. Since I was a teen. Now fuck your bitch in heat David." She snagged his head in her hands and kissed him passionately. Her legs wrapped around him, leaving him enough room to maneuver himself to her entrance. Her own thrusting and abundance of lubrication had him sinking deep into her the moment he lined himself up. She kept up her pelvic motions, timing them with Dave's thrusting. They fucked frantically, frenetically, neither pausing or relenting until Dave burst into Lupie, shooting several thick ropes into her warm, waiting depths. Lupie shuddered with his emissions, griping him tightly with her arms, legs, and inner muscles. They lay panting for a few moments and then looked at each other and laughed. September 25, 2020. Friday mid-morning found Dave on the couch, debating a point of fandom with Becca. "Picard was way wilder than Kirk. They just seem the other way around in contrast with their first officers." "That's crazy talk, Becca. Picard is the staid diplomat that negotiates treaties. Kirk is the bar-room brawler that fought every alien in the sector, or bedded them." "Kirk was the A-student that cheated on the big final exam but got a pass afterward since he was a teacher's pet. Picard was an athlete and got into a bar fight with Naussicans. And got stabbed through the heart." "How dare you speak so insultingly of Jean-Luc the great?" Dave mock-scowled. "Because he's good but not great." Becca giggled. "Blasphemy! I'll shall exorcise the demon from your mind young one!" "And just how to do you plan on doing that?" The grin was the same, but her eyes had picked up a hungry glimmer. Dave did not answer. He lunged at her, hands reaching for her ribs. And then he began tickling her. Becca let out an "Oh!" As Dave barreled into her, pressing her against the couch arm. As soon as he began tickling her, she let out a loud happy shriek, followed by a series of cackles. Dave relented briefly and she caught her breath. Becca gave him a quick kiss, then slipped from under him, heading for the stairs with a look over her shoulder. With a huge grin, Dave shot after her, catching her at the top of the stairs and tickling her again. Her legs gave out from under her during the pleasant bombardment on her sides. He scooped her up and carried her the rest of the way to the bedroom. He kicked the door shut, then walked over and tossed her on the bed before jumping atop her, kissing and groping. She responded in kind, hungry and happy. They started shedding clothes wildly, paying no heed to where they landed. Mutually nude, mutually aroused, hands roaming they rolled on the bed. Dave slipped his hands to her ribs again. Becca squealed in anticipation just as he began to tickle her. Laughing and cackling she wiggled about, half-heartedly trying to escape his grasp. In the commotion, Dave still managed to align himself with her entrance, and pushed himself partially inside. He stopped his assault on her ribs just as he penetrated. A cross between a gasp and a sigh ushered from Becca. Eyes closed, she grinned wildly. Dave drove himself slowly, methodically within her. She draped her hands around his back and her legs around his waist. A look of blissful contentment blazed forth from her. He coaxed her to climax three times before finally allowing himself to spill into her. Afterward, they lay spooning in bed, Dave's chest against Becca's back, his right arm draped over her side, hand resting on her tummy. Breathing, just being close. Until Dave heard soft sobs from her. "Becca?" "I'm sorry. It felt so great, and then I thought about telling my Aunt Teresa about how my life is changed, how good I feel in bed with you, having you in my life like this." She shuddered with grief. "She's; she's; I'll never get to talk with her again. She's the one; I could talk to. When mom was stuck on rote doctrine, Aunt Teresa talked to me. Even if she echoed mom's position, she talked to me. Now they're all just gone." Dave held her firmly, letting her cry, letting her know he was there with her. After several minutes of silence, he spoke. "We live in dark times, beloved. For now anyway, happiness comes in bursts, sadness in buckets." He paused to compose himself. "We cling together to weather the storm. Separately, we may all drown." She placed her hand on his, reassuring herself he was there, as she cried herself to sleep. She never noticed his tears falling in her hair. September 28, 2020. Dave opened the door, half-expecting a National Guardsman with a woman to add to his house. He wasn't wrong. The lady in question stood ready, with a bright smile. A telegenic smile. And Dave recognized her after a moment. "Holy crap. You're Shawna Cooper! How the hell did you wind up here?" "Well, according to Oracle, you were my best match at 93%" with that same rich, assuring voice he'd come to appreciate from the TV. "Wow, okay." Dave paused to sign the form. He hadn't paid too much attention the first two times so he scanned the document quickly. He burst out laughing. The soldier grinned. "Yeah, some chairborne ranger had a little fun with that one." Shawna looked at him funny. "Something I should know?" "I'll tell you inside, with the others. They should hear this too." Dave waved as the military truck pulled away, then lead Shawna into the living room. The rest of the house must have heard the door. All three ladies currently bonded to Dave were already in the living room. "Hello" said Shawna, cautiously attempting to engage the other women. "Hey aren't you; " "Shawna Cooper, Senior Meteorologist at WFAA. Although, I may get promoted to Chief Meteorologist soon." A short round of congratulations circulated for the next minute. "Wow, Dave, you're accumulating a real smorgasbord of women. A blonde, a Latina, an Asian woman, and now a black woman." Jan smirked. Dave shook his head and closed his eyes. Shawna chuckled. "If she hadn't said it, I would have." "I'm surrounded by smart alecks." "Each of whom was selected by a computer especially for you." Apparently, the new arrival wasn't giving a holiday on sass. The playful smile on her face was already enchanting Dave's heart. "God help me." "He did David, He sent you us." Lupie punctuated her statement with a quick kiss. The others laughed. "Okay, what was that at the door about the form?" Shawna inquired. "And something about an airborne ranger?" Dave smiled. "No, a chairborne ranger. It's the army version of a desk jockey. Someone that works an army office job, but probably has a bunch of military memorabilia. They think they're a badass, but they've never been in the field without a GP medium and a heater." "You served?" Jan asked. "No, but I had a good friend that was special forces. Taught me a lot." A grey cloud of uncertainty fell across Dave's face. He shook it off. "Anyway, desk jockeys handle the paperwork and sometimes make new forms. All government forms are identified by letters signifying the department that created it, followed by some numbers. The form I have to sign when y'all get dropped off must have been created by an army guy because it's Form DA-6969-R." After a two count, the meaning of the numbers sank in and everyone burst out laughing. "Hmm, now that's giving me ideas" purred Shawna, her eyes slightly hooded. "I try to give each of you some time to get used to me and the house before making that last leap." Lupie piped up, "But we do have precedent for no delay." Becca blushed. "Oh, poor baby," Shawna teased, "did the pretty little blonde jump your bones before you were ready?" "There were some extenuating circumstances, which you will learn in time. I'm sure it will be part of the family story as we go forward. We did know each other before she got vaxxed, so I had some comfort level that she wanted this without the serum effects." "Could I get a quick thumbnail description?" "I'm Dave's next door neighbor." Lupie pointed through the wall towards her house. "Becca was my babysitter," Becca gave a shy smile and a head nod "who was watching Esme, my daughter when the lockdowns hit. We all worked together, staying isolated to get through all this. When the CDC guy came, Becca and I asked Dave to request us. Jan," the lady mentioned waved her hand "was delivered the next morning to Dave's house as we were picked up to get the shot. Something bad happened at the vax center that I don't want to go in to fully at the moment, so Becca was adamant about not waiting when we arrived. Our tender loving man didn't get to be as tender with Becca's first time as he intended." "Sounds like I have a lot to catch up on later." A look of sorrow settled on Shawna. "I'm sorry to ask but where is Esme?" "Oh, she's upstairs reading. We didn't want her down here in case the conversation got a little; risqué." Lupie replied. "She's nine. According to the CDC people, she'll be safe when she reaches eleven. I didn't understand the full explanation, but the important part is she is safe and will remain safe from this thing." "Got it, so no mounting Dave on the couch." "Preferably not." Lupie's Cheshire cat grin matched Shawna's. "Then I think it's time we headed upstairs, tender loving man." In the bedroom, with the door firmly shut, Dave and Shawna stood before each other, gazing at each other's face, eyes roaming across the other's body. "Nervous?" Shawna asked. "Never been with a black woman before?" "My lifetime dance card is a little short, so yeah, still working through the nerves somewhat." Dave temporized. "And no, actually, I've never been with a black woman, but I suspect all the parts work the same." That made her laugh. "See, I can be a smart ass too. Actually, until the last week, I'd never been with a Latina, and Asian woman, or a blonde. Well, not a natural blonde. And I've dated a Latina, but it never went that far." Shawna kissed him. Dave gratefully accepted the interruption of his babbling and joined her. Lips gently merging, pressing. Slowly probing with tongues. Twirling against each other. Mutual tongue stroking turned to suckling on each other's tongue. Hands rubbed backs, pulling insistently. Her soft upper body sandwiched between them. His hands roamed to her sides, then to her bosom. Dave began unbuttoning her blouse. Shawna pulled Dave's t-shirt over his head. "Hmm, nice. Fit without being gross. I like a man that finds balance. Huh." Dave kissed Shawna's neck at the clavicle, suckling and licking. His hands finished with her buttons, he shucked her shirt over her shoulders and she shrugged to drop the shirt off. Cupping her bra-clad bosoms from below, Dave dove into Shawna's cleavage, reveling in the feel of her ample tits surrounding his face. "Yeah baby. Feast on these boobs. You lovin' the size or the taste baby? I'm different than the others in both respects." "Infinite diversity in infinite combination." Dave lifted his head to speak. He brought his hands around to the back to unclasp her lacy orange bra, but couldn't find the mechanism. He pulled his head back from her chest to focus his eyes. Shawna just chuckled as his hands came back to the front, in the center of her bra to release the imprisoned twins. Her hands roamed his back and tousled his hair as he dallied with her chest. With her bra tossed away, Dave took a nipple in his mouth and suckled. Shawna gasped and hummed appreciatively. Her hands moved down his sides, seeking his waist band. She caught hold of his shorts, hooked her fingers beneath them and his boxers, and shoved both to his ankles. One hand grasped his shaft, the other massaged his testicles. Dave groaned from the stimulation of her efforts. "Yeah baby, that's it. You and me, we're gonna give each other a lot of happy." Shawna cooed into his ear before nibbling on it. Dave switched his attention to the other nipple. One hand teased the wet nipple, while the other dropped to the waist band of her slacks. One handed, he unbuckled her belt and unsnapped her pants. He worked the zipper a few inches down one handed also, until they loosened. Then he tugged downward, revealing her lacy orange panties. Dave caught her under the curve of her rump in both hands and lifted her to his body. Shawna squeaked and then hummed her approval as he continued to nibble her neck. She wrapped her legs around his waist. In two steps, he had them at the edge of the bed. Dave crawled onto his knees on the bed and brought his hands under her shoulder blades before lowering their torsos to the bed. Dave hooked his fingers through the thigh straps of Shawna's panties and slipped them from her. Her naked essence now exposed, Dave brought his face to her core and inhaled deeply, reveling in the scent of an aroused woman. He pressed in, his lips and tongue investigating his new partner, caressing her most intimate area. "Hmm, baby that feels so nice, but I need you in me." Shawna tugged at Dave's head. "Dock that thing in the shuttle bay captain." Dave crawled up over top of her with a huge grin on his face. She was sloppy wet below, so he slid in easily as he moved up her body. They were instinctively in sync so that they aligned themselves without discussion or fumbling. Dave was aroused as well, of course, to the point he already had a few beads of precum at the tip of his cock. As he entered, Shawna's body stiffened, then shook. She let out a loud groan as all the air left her lungs. Dave held her until the shaking stopped. "Damn," she said when she caught her breath, "they weren't lyin'." Hunger dominated her features as a wicked smile spread over her face. She rolled them, still connected, taking the top spot. "Ride 'em cowgirl." Shawna laughed as she began rolling her hips, her body writhing sinuously with the motion. Her bounteous tits swayed rhythmically, hypnotically. Dave grasped them, curling his torso up to bring his mouth to her pec pillows and feasted greedily upon the supple flesh. Shawna moaned louder with the attention. Her hips moved faster, beginning to hop an inch or so with each swish of her hips. "Let's kick this to Warp 10 baby." Shawna braced her hands on Dave's shoulders, pushing him flat to the mattress. Using him as an anchor, she began lifting and lowering herself along his rod, riding him hard and fast. Immediately her vocalizations were louder, more primal. Dave could feel the tremors rising in her body just as his own arousal raced to the peak. Dave held off for several minutes before letting loose. As she received his load, Shawna's body shook like she had gripped a live electrical wire. Her torso collapsed on to him like a marionette with the strings cut. Dave heard her chant "Imprinting;” twice before the room started to spin and everything went black. September 29, 2020. When Dave awoke, he was alone in bed. For a moment, by the light level, he thought it had only been a few hours. Then he noticed the angle of the shadows and realized it wasn't later that afternoon, it was several hours past the following daybreak. On the plus side, he felt great. And,; something was wrong. He couldn't place it. No, was something right? It'd be easier to concentrate if Esme's giggles from the kitchen weren't punctuating his thoughts. He couldn't hear any words, but the background sounds sure made it seem like she was helping someone in the kitchen. What? How the hell could he hear them that far away? He hadn't heard that well since his early twenties. And Where The Hell Was His Tinnitus? Ho-lee shit. The high-pitched whine that filled his days and haunted his nights was gone. Shit, now it would be easier to hear women and kids again. Dave barely remembered to throw on shorts and a shirt before sprinting downstairs. He picked up Esme and spun her around. "I hear you! I hear you! All the way up in the bedroom and I could hear you!" He hugged her close. She giggled, once she realized he wasn't mad. Dave set her down and gave her a big kiss on her forehead. "You are officially my favorite stepdaughter." This apple didn't fall far from the tree. She narrowed her eyes and grinned. "I'm un-officially your only stepdaughter." "Still my favorite." He said, his voice receding with him. Dave went upstairs to his office. He had a Zoom call to make that he'd been putting off. "Hi, Uncle Dave." The deep brown eyes, framed by pale skin and equally brown hair of Olivia Barnes stared back at Dave from the screen. Her father's hawkish features softened by the influence of her mother's rounder ones. Except the skin around her eyes was reddened, and somewhat puffy. Dave feared he knew why his goddaughter had been crying. It had been more than a month since he'd heard from his best friends, Carter and Janelle Barnes. "Hey Livy Bean." Maybe his longtime nickname for her would be comforting, of a sort. She did brighten slightly. Like a slightly less dim twilight. "Sorry I haven't called in a while. Things have been changing a bit around here." "Oh, that's fine." She couldn't have sounded more like Eeyore if she tried. "I just; " Olivia was cut short by the playful screech of Esme rocketing into the room, obviously being pursued. She hid behind Dave's chair as Becca entered. "Hey, you two, settle down, I'm on a Zoom call." "Oh, sorry." Both said. "Dave?! What the hell are people doing in your house! Why aren't you quarantining!?" "Yeah, that's part of the busy." Dave looked to Becca and Esme, starting to leave. "Don't go just yet. I should introduce you. Liv, this is Esme, she's the daughter of Lupie, my next door neighbor. Becca was Esme's babysitter doing a long-term babysit when the lockdowns started. We quarantined in separate houses, but worked together to make sure we each had what we needed." They each waved as their names were mentioned. "I recognize the names from earlier conversations. So how are they in your house now Dave?" Energized by questions that needed answering, Olivia strangely seemed more alert than at the beginning of the call. Dave shooed Esme out, Becca following after her and shutting the door. "About two weeks ago now, a guy came to my door, telling me they had a vaccine for this virus. But it has some weird effects." "What kind of weird effects?" Olivia's redheaded roommate Melanie Ustanich popped her head into view. "Well, they can't give the vaccine to men at all. At least not directly." This is not the way he had intended this conversation to go, but here they were. "Women can take the vaccine, and then; transmit the immunity to a man." "How?" Melanie asked with a scowl. "Oh boy. That's were this gets surreal." Dave temporized. "Giving the vaccine directly to a man is 100% fatal. But, a woman can share her immunity with a man directly, through, um,; intercourse." "Okay, I'm calling bullshit." Melanie huffed out of frame. By her footstep sounds, she left the room Olivia was transmitting from. "That's crazy Uncle Dave." "Yeah, that's what I said. But then I red all the documentation, I took the survey. And I have four partners." "Four?" "The effects of the vaccine only partially transmit to the man, and have to be reinforced by frequent; contact. In order to keep a man; safe; he should have multiple partners." Dave winced. "Last I heard, the ultimate goal is twelve to fifteen women per man. And it's permanent. Once a woman gets the vaccine and; sleeps with a man, sleeping with any other man would be dangerous, even fatal." Dave paused while Olivia absorbed what he'd just said. "It's for a lifetime, Liv. Look, if you know someone you think you can make it work long-term with, you should find him and talk to him. The people doing the vaccination should be getting out to Stephenville in another week or so. Maybe you can find someone suitable by then." Dave squirmed in his seat. "I don't have to look anywhere Dave. I know who I'd want to bond with for the rest of my life. The same man I've yearned for; for years." "Good, you should call him immediately. And tell your roommate to think about who she'd want to partner with. And she might want to consider the same guy." With a small smirk Liv replied. "Not a bad idea. This guy likes redheads. But he has a blind spot though. Has trouble noticing when women like him. Especially younger women. He keeps passing it off as infatuation. 'Just a crush'." "Well maybe you need to; " Dave stopped with his mouth hanging open, frozen. He had to remind himself to blink. "Dave, you ok? Do I need to turn you off, then turn you back on?" The sarcasm snapped him out of it. "Very funny Liv." He gathered his thoughts, or tried to. They kept scattering like cats at bath time. "I'm more than twice your age Olivia. I changed your diapers for god's sake! I helped raise you. You came to me when you were afraid to talk to your parents. Biologically it's not incest, but damn." "It's not the same David! Please; " a knock at the door interrupted them. Shawna slipped in. "Is everything okay in here?" She brought herself into the camera's field of view. "Uh, hi. I'm Olivia, David's goddaughter. Who are you?" "I'm his newest partner. I just imprinted yesterday." Shawna settled gently on Dave's thigh, keeping part of her weight on her feet. "Imprinted?" "That's what they call the binding process that happens when the vaccine serum mixes with a man's semen inside a woman's body." "Huh." Olivia looked pensive. Melanie had come back into view. Presumably, she'd been in hearing range for a minute or so. Olivia squinted at the screen, as if trying to pick out an important detail. "Anyone ever tell you that you look like the weather lady on channel 8?" "It's been known to happen." Shawna said coyly. "You may have noticed I wasn't on the air last night. And I won't be for two more nights. Vaccination leave. Some places give longer, but there's only so much staff at the station these days. I couldn't drop that much load on the rest of the weather room staff." "Oh wow. Wow. Just. Okay. This is a lot all at once." Behind Olivia, Melanie typed furiously on her phone. When the site she searched for came up she held the phone out, as if beside Olivia's laptop screen, her eyes scanning back and forth between the two. "No fucking way. Your uncle is banging the channel 8 weather chick?" Shawna's eyes narrowed. "I have a master's degree in meteorology. I have five years' experience storm chasing, another four years' experience at NSSL, and six years' experience at the station. I am a scientist as well as a broadcaster. I am not a weather chick. Hell, I have three scientific papers as the PI." Melanie looked cowed. "I'm sorry. I got a little caught up in the moment. You're right that was out of line." She paused. "Wait, you're a detective too? How does that work?" "No," Shawna said with a hand to the bridge of her nose, "PI is principal investigator; it's the polite term on a scientific team for the HMFC; head motherfucker in charge." Dave stroked her thigh, keeping his face blank. He wasn't going to laugh at her phrasing, nor admonish her harshness. "Yeah, now I need to dial it back. Sorry girls." "Don't. It's fine. Kinda funny actually." Melanie's face began receding from its earlier attempt to match her hair color. "I apologize for being brusque, but can we get back to the topic at hand?" Olivia pleaded. "David, have you ever noticed or wondered why all my relationships never lasted longer than three months?" "I just figured they weren't good enough for you." "Well, you're not wrong there. I measured them; all of them; against you and they came up wanting." "I would have thought a better comparison would be your dad. I mean, let's face it, he's a much more manly guy than me." Dave hoped he'd kept the bitter tone out of his voice. No one showed any hint it registered with them. "I never wanted to fuck dad." Olivia stared at him like she could bore holes in the screen. "Damn girl." Shawna chuckled. Melanie turned her head to Liv with her eyes wide. "When I first heard about how babies were really made and what those parts of me were for, I thought about doing that with you. When I started feeling the desire to have sex, you were the one I wanted to be with. All of you said it was just a girlish crush. I tried dating other guys. I threw myself into relationships with, nice guys, good men, but none of them were you." She paused to catch her breath. Her argument was turning into an emotional plea. "I can't give you my virginity David, but I can give you all of me forever." "Olivia, I; I just; " "David, how about you let us girls talk for a bit. After all, she's been an important part of your life for many years. I'm your brand new partner. I'm sure she has some juicy stories to tell." Shawna winked at the screen. Dave nodded and left. Dave spent some time in the greenhouse, tending the plants and 'smelling the green'. A few grow beds had separated at the corner so he repaired them. He checked the time to find it had been almost two hours since he'd left Shawna on the Zoom call with Olivia. He went back in to discover the ladies all gathered in the library. They shooed him out the moment he opened the door. "Yeah, they wouldn't let me in either. I finished my last book and wanted a new one, but they have some important discussion going on, so here I sit, rotting my brain with TV," Esme said, with air quotes for emphasis. "You could always choose a documentary instead of anime." "You could always eat a tofu burger instead of red meat." Esme giggled. "Blasphemy." Dave said, ascending the stairs. That brought a full chuckle from his nine-year old housemate. Dave sat at his computer, working out a reasonable set of instructions for a physics lab students could do from home, with materials they already had. It was maddening to think they'd gotten a sizable grant only two years ago for some great equipment, which would now sit unused in a storeroom because everything was moving online. His focus was broken by Esme's voice. "Hey Dave, they're in the living room waiting for you. I'll be reading in my room." "Thank you, my sweet Esmeralda." Esme rolled her eyes, but accepted the hug. Entering the living room, Dave found all four of his partners smiling, but serious. In just a moment's read of the resolve written there, he knew which way this was going to go. Huh. Maybe he was getting better at this. He chose a seat that could easily view everyone else's and lowered himself. Then he realized, they probably chose their spots so he'd be in this spot. "So, what's up?" Lupie spoke up. "We think you should accept Olivia, David. Her roommate Melanie is interested, and we think you should accept her as well." "I spoke with both of them for about an hour and a half, David." Shawna added. "Olivia's earnest in her feelings for you. I work beside media types, onscreen talent and production executives. I have a good feel for when someone's bs ing me. If Olivia isn't in love with you, she's very close to that. My bet is, she madly in love with you. She'd be unhappy anywhere else." Dave stared at Shawna. That last bit hit home. Olivia's happiness meant a lot to him. He suspected that last sentence was calculated, not just a lucky shot. He swallowed once and looked away. "You don't understand. I've known this girl since before she was born. I changed her diapers. She's stayed over at my house. I helped her understand boys as she got older. I've watched over her while camping or at the pool. Hell, I've seen her in bikinis since the time she started developing tits and I've never allowed myself to think of her in; lascivious terms." "Do you think she's pretty?" Jan prompted. "Absolutely. She's as lovely as her mother." A very quiet ripple ran through the room. Dave realized he'd left an opening for another tale. One he did not want to get into. "And that's just the wrapping paper. She's got a hell of a lot more than her looks going for her." All the ladies grinned. "David, do you hear yourself?" Lupie prodded. "Not just what you've said, but how you say it?" "Yes, she is dear to me. I'd do anything for her." "Then do the one thing she needs you to do right now. Love her as a woman. Allow your love for her to grow to encompass the physical." Dave breathed heavily. A whole host of emotions welled up within him. "I held her in my hands; hand; when she was only a few hours old. I cleaned her boo-boos when she fell off her bike." He chuckled through tears. "You've given her unconditional love her whole life, David. Is it any wonder she fell in love with you?" "I just worry I'd be betraying their trust." "Who?" Shawna asked. "Carter and Janelle. Livy's parents." "So ask them." Shawna suggested. Dave replied with a pained expression. "I haven't heard from them in over a month. And when we started the Zoom call, Olivia's eyes were red and puffy." A sobering silence held the room in its grasp. "David, wouldn't that mean you're all she's got left?" Lupie asked tenderly. "Yes." Dave sighed. Well, he did know walking in how this would go. "Okay. Okay. I'll contact the vax center and see what it takes to put in a request." "And you need to include Melanie, Olivia's roommate in the request." Shawna added. "I know nothing about her." "We took the time to talk. Olivia told her enough about you she said she would be willing." "That's an awfully thin data set for a life altering decision that you can't take back!" Dave objected. "David," Lupie said in her most soothing tone, "when you requested Becca and me, we still got a sheet of information about you, our match percentage in Oracle, and the chance to say no. If we said no, we'd be given a list of ten other men with their data and match percentages." "This is a lot to take in." Dave paused. "You said a bio and a match percentage?" "Yes." "And she can refuse?" "Yes. "Okay. Hell, I like redheads anyway." Dave smirked. "And she's doing something in computers. That could be very handy. And if she can share a small off-campus house with Livy, she's probably reasonably compatible anyway." "So we're resolved on this?" Becca asked. She'd been quiet during most of the conversation, although she nodded in agreement with some of the points made by the other women. "Yes, Becca, I'll request both of them. I'll call them tomorrow to confirm, then I'll call the vax center." "David, when we finished the call today, I made sure to get a clear answer from each of them." Shawna said. "Go ahead and call the vax center first, then call them to let them know the request is in." Dave stared at her for a moment. "On something like this, I want to ask them myself. Hell, there's a chance with a night to think it over, they may have decided this is a bad idea. But I will call them a second time after I call the vax center." Becca "Um, Dave, so, a friend of mine from school has been talking to me." October 3, 2020. When Dave opened the door he was greeted by an enthusiastic "Woof!" and two paws immediately planted on his chest. "Roscoe!" Dave rubbed the large Rottweiler's flanks and dipped his head to kiss Roscoe's forehead, then quickly back to dodge the dog's tongue. "Oh look, you brought Livy and her roommate with you. Good boy." Dave signed the form, thanked the soldier, and led the ladies and Roscoe into the living room where most of the house waited. Roscoe spotted Esme and bolted to her. She let out a squeak, then giggled as he licked her face. "Roscoe, down! Heel!" The happy canine trotted back to sit beside Olivia's feet as she sat on one end of the couch. "He sure is friendly. I thought Rotts are supposed to be mean, like guard dogs." Becca said. "If you train 'em mean, or abuse 'em sure. Or if they are seriously inbred. You treat 'em like family they will love on you like nobody's business. And rip the head off anyone that hurts the family. So, Esme, you play with Roscoe anytime you want. He'll love it. He's great with kids." Lupie grinned appreciatively at Livy's suggestion. She'd clearly understood Livy's implied meaning of acclimating Roscoe to see Esme as family for the purpose of defending her. "Yeah, when we go to the park for walks, it can be a real job to keep him from running and frolicking with the kiddos." Melanie chimed in. "So where's Shawna?" Liv asked. "Work. Her new partner leave was up. She has the five and six o'clock broadcast, so she won't be back until this evening." "And she's the only one Mel and I have met, so to speak." Liv said dryly. Her big toothy grin capturing attention of everyone. "Although, I've heard bits and pieces about Lupie and Esme over the past few years." Olivia introduced herself, telling everyone she had been a junior studying horticulture at Tarleton State University when lockdowns started. She's into shooting and hunting, and lots of outdoor activities. Becca looked pensive. "Oh, but don't worry," Liv assured her, "I'm usually down for group games and such. I take it your more of an indoor person?" "Mostly. I mean, I like going to the pool, and sometimes the park." Becca's spoke in soft tones. "Great. You show me some games you like, and I'll show you how fun hiking and camping can be. Maybe even teach you how to shoot." "You can do that? I mean, teach me?" "Liv manages to hit the target once in a while." Dave chuckled. "Hey, I'm a better shot than you! I've taken a deer, first shot, every season I've gone out." "I was teasing Liv." Dave temporized. "I'm still working to wrap my head around; this." "Well for me this is the realization of a dream I couldn't let go of and didn't think I'd get." The room fell quiet for a moment. "Oh, one thing about Roscoe, I almost forgot. He has some hearing loss. He's still got some hearing and a great sense of smell, so he won't get jittery when surprised as long as there aren't any unfamiliar scents." "So give him time to sniff us and adjust for a few days before walking up behind him?" Jan smiled. "Sure. That would work. And if he does get spooked, just hold still and let him sniff. By the end of today, he might not register everyone here as family, but he will understand you're all accepted by Dave and me." Another moment of quiet, and all eyes turned to Melanie. "Oh, hi. I'm Melanie Ustanich. I'm Olivia's roommate. I was a senior last year at Tarleton. I'm working on a four plus one degree in cybersecurity and network administration." Melanie's green eyes and hair balanced between coopery and auburn accented the face set in a perpetual impish smile to tell of the Irish part of her ancestry. "Four plus one?" Becca asked. "It means I began working on my master's while I was still an undergraduate. Instead of four years for a bachelor's and then two or three years for a master's, I get both done in five years." "Oh cool." "It should have helped me get into the workforce faster with less student loan debt." Melanie rolled her eyes. "I think we're going to find the financial sector changes a lot with what's going on." Lupie supplied. "Hi, I'm Lupie, Dave's neighbor; well used to be. I also used to be an investment advisor until our firm shutdown." "Oh wow. So like stocks and bonds and shit?" Lupie nodded in reply. "Do any day trading?" "Yeah, it's been handy. The market tanked, but if you know what you're doing you can still manage something positive out of it." "Good to know. And thanks about the loan info. That's something I've been worrying about. Not in school means I have to start paying my loans, but I have no job so I can't, and there's no one answering the phone lines to set up a deferment." "I thought President Pelosi suspended all debt payments and interest accrual until Congress could get together and pass something permanent." "I wish." "I'll check into that later today. You shouldn't have to worry about debts in all this mess." "Thank you, that would be a huge relief if true." "So, Tarleton isn't holding any classes?" Jan asked. "Not this semester. They said they might hold some online classes in the spring, but wouldn't commit to it. They emptied the dorms too, but Liv and I had an off-campus apartment and a trickle of income to cover the basics. We still cut into some savings. The landlord was happy to still have some income, so she cut our rent in half since; May? June?" "June." "Yeah, so that helped." Everyone talked a bit about interests, hobbies, and happenings but eventually the suitcases loomed large and we decided it was time to get Olivia and Melanie's things put away in a dresser like they lived here. They each carried their own up the stairs, only using the roller wheels as they got to the upstairs hallway. "What happened here? Why is the wall patched? Dave?" Olivia curious expression evaporated when she looked at Dave. His face twisted in pain. His heart exploded with repressed mourning. "Eddie." That one word, spoken in anguish, struck Olivia like a poleax. She fell towards Dave in faltering steps as he thumped backwards against the wall and slid down, coming to rest in a wailing mess, his precious Livy Bean clinging to him, sobbing her heart out. Janice looked bewildered. Melanie furrowed her brow. "Liv has a friend named Eddie. They even tried dating, but decided to just stay friends. Really good friends." Lupie came flying up the stairs, having heard the heart-rending cry from below. "What happened?" Melanie and Jan both shrugged, trying to catch up still. "We don't know," Janice replied, "Olivia asked why the wall had been patched. Dave looked like his heart was being ripped out and said 'Eddie' and collapsed. Olivia collapsed with him." Lupie's eyes watered and her hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, David." She squatted beside the weeping pair and placed a hand on Dave's shoulder. The other three looked at each other, mildly frustrated. More mourning and no explanation. Lupie glanced up at the confused trio. "Eddie is David's son." Chapter 5: Healing Begins. October 3, 2020. House Belsus was in mourning. Lupie and Jan got an arm under Dave's armpits and lifted him up, guiding him to the bedroom once he got his feet under him. Becca and Melanie did the same for Olivia. Together, the quartet removed the shoes and socks of the weeping pair and draped a blanket over them. Roscoe trailed behind the troupe, whimpering and trying desperately to get in close to Olivia. He planted himself firmly against her in the bed once she was positioned. The pent-up pain manifested itself in force. Edward, Carter, Janelle. Three faces Dave and Livy would never see again. Three laughs they would never hear again. Three hearts they would never touch or be touched by again. It was just too much to hold in any longer. As he wept, Dave could hear a rustling sound off to the side of the room. He knew one of the women of the household was sitting there, ready if he or Livy needed anything. It was one small reassurance as images of a happy little towheaded boy played through his mind. The boy he barely got to see after the divorce. More images of the angry young man, full of his mother's twisted commentary, coming to him, beginning to realize he may have been lied to. That may be the most painful memory. After years of trying to be a dad, and being rebuffed, his boy had sought him out. They'd rebuilt slowly from there, starting on Edward's fifteenth birthday. Eight years. Eight years he'd had with his son as he grew from his mid-teens into a young, twenty-three year old man. A damn good man. And now he was gone. A memory, frozen in time. Forever young, static and unchanging. Never to find love. Never getting to be a father himself. Eddie would have been a great dad. No more Carter either. His friend from college. The man that taught him the value of being prepared. Guided him to take a martial arts class. Taught him how to use a gun. Taken him hunting and fishing. Without that time with Carter, he never would have been able to take Eddie fishing in those early years before his ex began denying visitation. And sweet Janelle. That lovely face seemed so soft. Most would think she'd never keep up with Carter's active outdoorsy life. They were wrong. She would much rather do nearly anything in the city or suburbs, but the guy she'd fallen for was an avid hiker and camper. She took to it with a borrowed passion that never relented. Janelle did everything with so much energy you'd think she could power a city with her smile and peppy personality. She managed to stay just this side of sickening bubbly though. Thanks to his newly healed hearing, Dave picked up the telltale sounds of two people working in the kitchen. Dinner? How long had he lain here, whimpering like a little bitch? It was time to get up. Dave tightened his hug on Olivia briefly, then released her and went to the bathroom to wash up and take care of needs. And wash from the elbows down. Roscoe had taken to nuzzling and licking his hands and arms in an attempt to soothe. When he returned, Lupie sat on the bed speaking soothingly to a quiet Olivia. Roscoe's head briefly turned from Olivia to give Dave a baleful look as he re-entered the room. A quick whisper brought Olivia's head up and around, rolling slightly to see Dave. She sat up and rose shakily to meet him. He hugged her again, and they each steadied themselves to stave off another crying jag. Liv slipped around Dave to enter the bathroom. Lupie met him where he stood. She placed her arms loosely around his neck, bringing their foreheads together. "I love you, David. I wish you had shared this with me earlier, but I understand why it hurt too much to address." She kissed him softly on the chin, then looked into his eyes. "I'm here for you David. Even if all you can handle is a hug, I'm here for you." She hugged him tightly. Olivia emerged, her face cleansed of tear streaks and make up. She chose not to apply new makeup. Why bother when she's liable to start crying again? Her loose black blouse and the large ruffle attached to the neck showed creases and wrinkles from lying in bed. Her work-style jeans showed no such effects, having been made to take more punishment than lying in bed could dish out. As they passed Esme's room enroute to the stairs, they heard a shout of "Dave!" just before 80 pounds of love bug smacked into the man so named and wrapped her arms around him tightly. Esme had met Eddie a few times, had a few memories of him. More than that, she wanted to console Dave in his grief. He was a figure in her young life and he was hurting. The outpouring was almost enough to set Dave off crying again, but he choked it back. Lupie gave Esme a short time to show her support, then shooed her back to her room with a hug and a kiss. "Did you get something to eat mija?" "Yes, mama. And I have a few good books in my room. I'm good for awhile." The trio continued to the stairs and emerged into the living room. Becca sat on the couch fidgeting, not really watching an anime. When she looked up, she immediately rushed to Dave and hugged him fiercely. Their height difference left her cheek bone pressed against the top of his sternum, the top of her head nestled under his chin. Dave stroked her back softly. "All those times you comforted me about my family, and you never once mentioned Eddie was gone?" She said as she pulled her head back, looking up into his eyes. Her arms remained firmly encircled around his chest, not budging a millimeter. "If I wasn't hurting for you so much, I'd be peeved at you." "Wow, didn't take you long to start talking like a wife." "Better believe it buster." "Yes dear." Her eyes laughed as she pulled him down for a comforting kiss. Their eyes stayed locked for a moment after they broke the kiss. Shawna, Janice, and Melanie slipped in from the dining room after each dropped off an item from the kitchen. Shawna still wore her on-air clothes. Today it was a stylish, breezy blouse in a vibrant shade of orange that contrasted beautifully with her dark skin. A long, loose, tan skirt below it reached to mid-calf at its lowest point, the bottom cut at an angle that exposed her right knee when she walked. She typically wore short heels at work, but had already ditched them somewhere downstairs, her feet bare but for her sheer pantyhose. Without her heels, she was barely an inch shorter than Dave, the tallest among his household. She came straight to him and wrapped him up in a warm hug. In his ear she whispered, "Anytime you need me baby, whatever it is you need, just tell me." Dave nodded and she peeled away. Jan came to him next, gently leading Mel along with her. Jan gave him a chaste kiss on the cheek, her eyes conveying her sorrow and support as eloquently as words or a hug. "I knew you may not be hungry David, but if you are so inclined, I asked Mel to make bruschetta for the grazing meal we've prepared." A week or so ago, Jan's culinary journey had turned to a discussion of favorite appetizers and finger foods. Dave's number one favorite was bruschetta. "Hey now, I just made the olive tapenade and the tomato topping, you assembled it, including toasting the bread." Melanie took Dave by the hand and led him to the table decked out with several offerings, from of course, bruschetta, to deviled eggs, pigs in blankets, and a charcuterie board assembled from things Dave knew they'd had on hand this morning. Except for the bowl of fresh rolls beside it. The aroma of fresh bread permeated the air. "It looks and smells wonderful. Thank you." He gave them each a soft kiss on the cheek. He stepped back to the living room. "Shawna, I take it you are also partly to thank for tonight's spread?" "Oh, they were well along in the making when I got in from work. I just slapped some canned dough around some smokies and baked 'em." He kissed the top of her head and hugged her from behind as she sat in one of the soft chairs. "Thank you." She patted his arm lightly before he pulled away. Not hungry, but wanting to show appreciation for Jan's thoughtfulness, Dave went back to the table and snagged a piece of bruschetta before returning to the living room. The only empty spot was on the couch, with Becca on one side, Olivia on the other and Mel between the arm and Olivia. Dave settled in before taking a bite. "Oh, wow. This is great ladies." Dave said after savoring for a moment. "And Jan, before you try to turn all of it aside to Mel, proper presentation is important. Besides, the toast is perfect. Just the right amount of olive oil, nicely crisp with just a little give. Those are important parts of getting bruschetta right. And; I really appreciate the thought and the effort." "Thank you," Jan beamed. The others took turns getting plates in pairs while everyone engaged in chit chat. To be continued in part 4, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

Kim Dawson of Nova Home Loans gives a mortgage market update discussing the recent 1/2pt Fed cut and what it means for borrowers.    —————————————— Please FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to the Jeff Oravits Show! RUMBLE   YouTube   ApplePodCasts   AmazonMusic   Spotify        Also on Twitter and www.TalkWithJeff.com   Disclaimer: The information provided on the Jeff Oravits Show does not constitute legal, medical, financial or tax advice.  All information is the opinions of the host's and his guests.  You should always seek the advice of a professional regarding any of these complex issues to make sure all circumstances of your situation are properly considered.   ——————————————

Mark Haughwout shares his driverless car experience. I hit on a push to make a 2nd access road (that used to be open) from Strawberry to Fossil Creek. Mark ventures to the capital but he shouldn't have had to in order to register to speak to our represenrtatives. Kim Dawson talks interest rates and the American consumer somehow “maintaining” things! Mark and I hit on some real sustainability items like knowing how to do things, growing things and filling your head with knowledge.    —————————————— Please FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to the Jeff Oravits Show! RUMBLE   YouTube   ApplePodCasts   AmazonMusic   Spotify        Also on Twitter and www.TalkWithJeff.com   Disclaimer: The information provided on the Jeff Oravits Show does not constitute legal, medical, financial or tax advice.  All information is the opinions of the host's and his guests.  You should always seek the advice of a professional regarding any of these complex issues to make sure all circumstances of your situation are properly considered.   ——————————————

On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Mallika Malhotra, the Brand CEO, as she unpacks the crucial elements of brand strategy for entrepreneurs navigating crowded marketplaces. Delving into the challenges of standing out and gaining traction, Malika shares her expertise in helping experienced entrepreneurs define their power niche, craft impactful messaging, and enhance visibility to become industry go-tos.  Mallika emphasizes the distinction between brand and marketing strategies, stressing the significance of brand essence before communication tactics. With a focus on niching, Malika advocates for specialization as a powerful tool to attract ideal clients, debunking fears around missed opportunities and highlighting the transformative potential of honing in on a specific audience, skill set, problem, or solution.   KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE   Strategic Foundation: Prioritize defining your brand's essence, values, and differentiation before diving into marketing tactics for maximum impact. Niche Amplification: Embrace specialization to become the go-to expert, amplifying your brand's visibility and appeal within a specific audience or problem domain. Messaging Precision: Clarity and specificity in brand messaging create resonance and memorability, distinguishing you in crowded marketplaces. Quality Over Quantity: Focusing on a niche allows for deeper impact and growth potential, enabling scalable opportunities while fostering trust and recognition. Overcoming Fear of Missing Out: Reframe the fear of missing out on diverse opportunities by recognizing the power and impact of serving a specific audience with specialized expertise.     ABOUT THE GUEST   Mallika Malhotra, The Brand CEO, is an award-winning brand strategist, mentor, and speaker. After years of working in corporate advertising on renowned brands like L'Oreal and Oil of Olay, Mallika now empowers women entrepreneurs to get clear on their brand message, define their power niche and become sought-after experts. Her friends and clients call her the brand energizer because she encourages stepping out of comfort zones, taking action, and implementing ideas. When not building brands, Mallika is sipping coffee or red wine, reading a stack of books and dreaming of global adventures. She lives in beautiful coastal Maine with her husband, three sons and their mini Bernedoodle, Jax. To learn more about working with Mallika or to invite her to speak at your event or podcast, visit www.mallikamalhotra.co   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a small business strategist, consultant, accountant, and lifelong entrepreneur with a unique background and experience in a wide variety of industries.  Kim's the author of the Amazon best-selling book Passion to Profits: Your Guide to Building a Successful Business You Love and host of the long-running Sassy Strategist podcast where she delivers practical strategies to help you manage and grow your business.  Kim works with small business owners to help increase revenue, cash flow, and profitability to help them achieve their goals for growth.  Her passion is in helping those who are building more than just a business; they're crafting a life rich in experiences, skill, and personal and professional fulfillment. When not working, Kim can be found going for a hike or run, watching Jeopardy, solving math problems for fun, or reading about her latest topic of interest while enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to music.  

Hour 1 Bob Thorpe reminisces on 24' (ep. 1783) forgotten stories! “Swifty”, “Rizz” and other words of the year with Bob Thorpe. Private jets freezing on runway head to global warming summit in most un-climate friendly place, Dubai . + Jeff gets philosophical about trees and turtles. Bob runs down coronations, toxic spills, Chineses balloons and many other forgotten stories.   Hour 2 Kim Dawson talks 1st time buyers (ep. 1783) and  Kim Dawson of Nova Home Loans talks our “debt based society”, surprises in 23' regarding how fast rates went up, missing the 3% rates of 22', 

In the initial stages of launching a service-based business, it's common to start with lower rates to attract clients and gain experience. Many entrepreneurs begin by charging hourly, ensuring they are compensated for their time. However, as expertise grows, sticking to hourly rates can hinder long-term profitability. In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson explores three key pricing models: monthly retainers, project-based pricing, and packaged services. Kim discusses the pros and cons of each, emphasizing the importance of transitioning away from hourly rates to build sustainable success. The episode delves into practical examples and strategies for implementing these models, providing valuable insights for businesses seeking to optimize their pricing structures.   KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE   Begin with lower hourly rates to attract clients and gain experience. Relying solely on hourly rates can devalue expertise over time. Monthly Retainers offer stability and easier budgeting for service providers. Project-based pricing is ideal for one-time projects and helps to prevent miscommunication around expectations between you and your clients. Packaged Services offers different service levels for various budgets without compromising value. Flexible packages and tiers can help you maintain profitability and widen your clientele. Combining pricing models bridges revenue gaps without losing income.     ABOUT KIM DAWSON   Kim Dawson is a small business strategist, consultant, accountant, and lifelong entrepreneur with a unique background and experience in a wide variety of industries.  Kim's the author of the Amazon best-selling book Passion to Profits: Your Guide to Building a Successful Business You Love and host of the long-running Sassy Strategist podcast where she delivers practical strategies to help you manage and grow your business.  Kim works with small business owners to help increase revenue, cash flow, and profitability to help them achieve their goals for growth.  Her passion is in helping those who are building more than just a business; they're crafting a life rich in experiences, skill, and personal and professional fulfillment. When not working, Kim can be found hiking in the woods, going for a run, watching Jeopardy, solving math problems for fun, or reading about her latest topic of interest while enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to music.  If you're ready to have a business that supports the lifestyle you desire, book a call with Kim today at https://kdawsonco.com/. 

I've had the opportunity this past Fall to enjoy lots of events, some as an attendee and some as a speaker. While I've had many takeaways, I wanted to take time to share three specifically related to speaking and podcasting - no matter the size or format of how you're sharing.  Here are my three super speedy and simple speaking tips and what you can expect in this episode:   Storytelling is king. Make sure to check out Erin Ollila's Talk Copy to Me podcast where she interviews Emma Boshart on Strategic Storytelling  Be present! Avoid audience distractions  The Content with Character podcast   More resources mentioned:  Kim Dawson of the Sassy Strategist Podcast  Kim Dawson's Episode on She Built This  Kim Dawson interviewing ME on the She Built This podcast  My recent episode with Farnoosh Torabi  Content with Character Episode Speaking and Podcast Guesting for Increased Visibility    Connect with Me, Your Host Emily Aborn Content Copywriter Emily Aborn is a Content Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host of Content with Character and She Built This. Since 2014, she's had experience running brick-and-mortar as well as online businesses. She's worked with 97+ industries and loves helping others increase their visibility with clear messaging and strategic content. She lives in New Hampshire and for fun, enjoys nerdy word games, reading, listening to podcasts, and hiking with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde. Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Content with Character Podcast  

Unlocking the Power of Curiosity and Authenticity: Kim Dawson's Journey to a Purpose-Driven Business, Hosted by Emily Aborn   In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson swaps roles with her friend and fellow podcaster, Emily Aborn, who hosts two podcasts - She Built This and Content with Character. Emily interviews Kim about her personal journey, which starts with her first business at the age of seven, and how it led her to where she is today. Kim shares some fun facts about herself and reveals how her curiosity, honesty, and passion for helping others have been constant values throughout her life. Kim's story emphasizes the importance of being true to yourself and your values, and not being afraid to reinvent yourself along the way. She also shares her belief in the power of curiosity and continuous learning in both life and business. This episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for anyone who wants to build a business that aligns with their passion and purpose and makes a positive impact on their life and others.    KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE Kim Dawson's personal journey, starting with her first business at the age of seven and how it led her to where she is today. The importance of being true to yourself and your values, not being afraid to reinvent yourself, and the power of curiosity and continuous learning in life and business. The episode provides valuable insights and inspiration for building a business that aligns with passion and purpose and makes a positive impact on one's life and others.   ABOUT THE GUEST HOST Emily Aborn is a Content Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host of Content with Character and She Built This. She lives in Temple, NH with her husband, Jason, and their snuggle-loving dog, Clyde. She enjoys hiking, reading, being a Jeopardy contestant from her couch, and writing.   ABOUT KIM DAWSON Kim Dawson is a small business strategist, consultant, accountant, and lifelong entrepreneur with a unique background and experience in a wide variety of industries.  Kim's the author of the Amazon best-selling book Passion to Profits: Your Guide to Building a Successful Business You Love and host of the long-running Sassy Strategist podcast where she delivers practical strategies to help you manage and grow your business.  Kim works with small business owners to help increase revenue, cash flow, and profitability to help them achieve their goals for growth.  Her passion is in helping those who are building more than just a business; they're building a life filled with experiences, craftsmanship, and fulfillment personally and professionally.  When not working, Kim can be found on an adventure, hiking in the woods, trying out a new recipe, or reading about her latest topic of interest while enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to music.  If you're ready to have a business that supports the lifestyle you desire, book a call with Kim today at https://kdawsonco.com/. 

Hi Guys! Ricky Pope here and this week on the Christian Nerds Unite Podcast, we meet Faith based film Director Kyle Roberts and the Producer of the first three Ninja Turtles films Kim Dawson. We talk about their new faith based film What Rhymes with Reason. Plus scripture and nerdy news. Listen on your favorite podcast app.Follow the Movie:Website What Rhymes with ReasonInstagramKyle's Stop Motion WorkCheck out the Christian Nerd HQ Podcast Network!Episodes from member podcasts release Monday through Friday!Follow @ChristianNerdHQ on all the social networks!Monday: Christian Nerds Unite PodcastTuesday: Tatooine Sons: A Pop Culture PodcastWednesday: Fangirling Over JesusThursday: The Reverend and the ReprobateFriday: Speaking NerdyThe video version of our podcast can be found hereMy Microphone - Electro-Voice RE20Join our ParteonSome of the links are affiliate links meaning at no additional cost to you I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5841620/advertisement

In this week's episode, I handed the hosting wheel over to my friend and colleague, Kim Dawson, a small business strategist and host of The Sassy Strategist Podcast.  Kim and I get into the behind-the-scenes, dive a little more about my personal business story, why I do what I do, as well as what a "day in the life" looks like over here in EmilyVille.  Kim is a kindred spirit and I always love the questions and fresh insights she brings, if you love her as much as I do, make sure to give her podcast The Sassy Strategist a listen when you're done with this episode! My episode interviewing HER on her show is airing soon!  Topics covered:  Why I do what I do  How my Content Copywriting business came to be How She Built This came to be  What I lack in confidence, I make up for in being resourceful and taking action  What I love about podcasting My secrets (not-so-secrets anymore) to productivity and time management  and more!  About Guest Host, Kim Dawson Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist who believes the key to a successful business is deciding what you want and creating an action-oriented plan to make it happen. Kim helps small business owners optimize pricing and procedures, navigate niche markets, and grow their teams. Kim has helped her clients reach their revenue goals while doing more of what they love and gaining their free time back.  Kim is the author of “Passion to Profits: Your Guide To Building a Successful Business You Love,” and is the host of the Sassy Strategist podcast, where she shares advice on how to build a business that brings higher profits, long-term success, and a fulfilling life. a business that brings higher profits, long-term success, and a fulfilling life. Connect with Kim:  Website Instagram The Sassy Strategist Podcast LinkedIn    About Me (your usual host), Emily Aborn Emily Aborn is a Content Copywriter and Podcast Host of Content with Character and She Built This. Since 2014, she's had experience running brick-and-mortar as well as online businesses. She's worked with 96+ industries and loves helping others increase their visibility, connect with their clients, and bring their dreams to life. For fun, she enjoys word games, reading, listening to podcasts, and tromping about in the woods with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde. Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Content with Character Podcast  

Have you had to—or are you contemplating—giving up running because of injury and/or chronic pain? The Final Finish Line, a special four-part series, will be cathartic and helpful as you figure out your next steps. In episode #3, Dimity about easing the mental side of stopping running with Kim Dawson, PhD, a professor of sports/exercise psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Among other things, the two chat about: Why Kim is an advocate of healthy transitions—and why they're harder than we think; How to cultivate a holistic self-identity, so you're not too reliant on one aspect (like running); Why the rate of change isn't never as quick as you'd like it to be; and How Kim is expanding her athletic world far outside of running. Please give us your thoughts on our podcast here. Join our Blood Sugar Badass Challenge, September 26-29, here. Find Dimity's series for Women's Running and other not-running-anymore resources here. When you shop our sponsors, you help AMR. We appreciate your—and their—support!   Take steps to better running: Use code AMR15 for 15% discount at Currex.us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

———FIRST HOUR——— 0:00-43:00 Top Sponsor: ZeroRezNorthernArizona.com   (0:00-14:00) Rob Wilson of Timberline Firearms and Training discusses New Mexico Governor Grisham violating the U.S. Constitution with Friday's so called gun “health emergency”, even liberals turn on her tyrannical move that made carrying concealed or open carry illegal for the next 30 days in the Albuquerque area. How/can states regulate firearms? What other things can politicians claim are "health emergencies" in the attempt to bypass the legislative process and violate the US and state constitutions? Sponsors: Desert Gold Exchange 888-852-43-43  and Diamond Autoglass 928-779-4140     (16:00-22:00) The 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution  Jeff and Rob share the Second Amendment: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." + Rob shares a decision in the City of Flagstaff that limits certain advertisers in city facilities.  Sponsors: Gutter Helmet of NAZ 928-318-65-55 & Kim Dawson at Nova Home Loans 928 310-64-58     (25:00-36:00) Rob & Jeff also discuss President Bidens new ATF RULE closing the so called “gun show loophole” by massively broadening who is “engaged in the business” of selling guns. How will this impact the 2nd Amendment? What about private party sales and transfers between friends and family? + Jeff & Rob give a refresher on recent violations to the 2nd Amendment that took years to litigate.  Sponsor: Miss Kitty's Steakhouse & Eric Boatner at All State Insurance Agency (928) 774-8722     (39:00-43:00) Rob is a Liberty Safe dealer and discusses and gives behind the scenes insight into the Liberty Safe controversy after the company received backlash over giving the FBI the combo to a safe. Sponsor: Just Wireless        ———SECOND HOUR——— 43:00-86:00 Top Sponsor: ALLSTATE Insurance AGENCY   (44:00-59:00) Jeff and Rob reflect on 9-11, 22 years later. Are we doomed to repeat history? About 38% of the U.S. population was not born when 9-11 happened. Another 13.7% were between the ages of 3 years old to 13 years old. Look how much of our freedoms we've lost since 2001, we're now surveilled constantly, constitutional rights are routinely violated and the country is more divided than ever before! Sponsors: Kelly Broaddus (888) 446-5602 & Timberline Firearms and Training     (62:00-67:00) Jeff and Rob reflect on 9-11, 22 years later. Are we doomed to repeat history + billions for Iran prison exchange & Russia and N Korea cozying up. Sponsors: Sportsmans Bar & Grill and ZeroRez of NAZ   (67:00-79:00) Olivia shares some Arizona News Picks including: Tiny homes from Ducey's failed border wall. A non-profit to use Ducey's $200 million failed shipping container border wall for tiny homes. 2,000 of the containers are listed for sale with just over 100 selling for a total of $192,000, or about $1,600 each. They were purchased for over $6,000 each.  Woman dead in Prescott after pointing gun at officers Sunday afternoon. Officers were called to a house with reports of gunshots and upon arriving a woman exited the house armed and aimed the gun at the officers. She was transported to the hospital where she later died.  Nursing school teaches 3 year olds know if they're trans-gender. University of Arizona nursing school teaches nursing students that patients as young as 3 years old know they are transgender. "The college does not have a policy or position on this issue and does not integrate this type of training or education”.  Football team bus fire. Mogollon high football team smoked the competition Friday night 66-0 but we're a little too hot! On their way home to Heber the bus caught fire on I-17. Luckily no one was injured. Sponsor: Goettl's High Desert Mechanical 928-567-2200 & The Blind Brothers 928 6 3 4 24-23     (82:00-86:00) Olivia shares some listener comments on the Bedford Flag and on the quest for control through electrification. She also announces last months (little behind) giveaway winner.

Have you been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or simply “meh” about your business lately? Does it feel like you're in a holding pattern waiting for something to change? Are you telling yourself that eventually things will start to happen for you, and at that point you'll finally be ready to move forward? Then don't miss this episode of The Sassy Strategist podcast. Host Kim Dawson shares a personal story of how she found inspiration where she least expected it, and how it made her realize that waiting for change just keeps you stuck where you are.  She asks the tough questions to help you realize that the only thing standing in the way of you getting what you want is waiting for it. Kim also shares specific strategies you can use to go from feeling uninspired to focused and ready for action.    KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE You already have everything you need to inspire change in your business (and your life!) Waiting for change can keep you stuck, bored, and feeling frustrated Ask yourself what you truly want, then make a list of actions you can take to make it happen You don't need to do everything on your list, start with one item and go from there Action creates inspiration ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and CFO Advisor for small business owners. She works with clients to increase profitability, grow their team, and manage their business more effectively, with less stress and more confidence and joy. Kim has helped her clients double - and sometimes triple - their revenue, all while doing more of what they enjoy, and gaining their free time back.  If you're ready to have a profitable business that brings you the lifestyle you desire, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

There's a misconception out there that scaling is the only way to increase revenue, increase profit, have more time, and run your business more efficiently. However, many solopreneurs and small business owners don't really want to scale. In fact, what many call scaling, isn't really scaling at all! In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, host Kim Dawson dispels the myths around scaling, discussing the difference between scaling and other forms of growth. Kim shares strategies for achieving your goals without scaling, and without continuously growing your team. If you're looking to stay small, but also increase revenue and profit, while getting your time back, this episode is for you.  KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE You can increase revenue and profit without scaling your business Scaling is a form of growth, but you can grow your business without scaling. When you build your team, profit may decrease in the beginning, but having a plan can help reduce the impact When you add to your team, pricing needs to be re-evaluated to avoid a net loss Systems may need to change as you grow your team ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and fractional CFO for solopreneurs and small business owners. She works with clients to increase profitability, improve cash flow, and manage their business more effectively, with less stress and more confidence and joy. Kim has helped her clients double - and sometimes triple - their revenue, all while doing more of what they enjoy, and gaining their free time back.  If you're ready to have a profitable business that brings you the lifestyle you desire, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/. 

You love being a small business owner and you started your business because you wanted to make a living doing something you love. But there is pressure coming from all around you telling you to “grow and scale” - whether it's creating passive revenue streams, hiring employees, growing your team, or even building to sell. The message you're told is that it's the only way to be successful. But it isn't. In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, host Kim Dawson shares her thoughts on finding joy and profitability as a small business owner. Kim also discusses why trying to be a CEO rather than the service provider may actually be hurting your business. Listen in to hear Kim's personal story of how she realized that staying small was the best fit for her, and her clients.    KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE You can be financially successful without growing your team or scaling Focusing on your services rather than being a CEO may be the best fit for you and your clients Small businesses typically have small budgets - scaling may cause you to lose clients who can no longer afford your services You can do something that you love and that you're passionate about and make a good living at it ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist, accountant, and fractional CFO for solopreneurs and small business owners. She works with clients to help them increase profitability, improve cash flow, and manage their business more effectively, with less stress and more confidence and joy. Kim has helped her clients double - and sometimes triple - their revenue, all while doing more of what they love, and gaining their free time back.  If you're ready to have a profitable business that brings you the lifestyle you desire, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.   

1612: Weekly roundup with Congressman Biggs and Gosar + Marissa Hamilton of EZAZ.org + Mike Vallante with Center for Election Integrity.       Friday, April 14, 2023   Congressman Paul Gosar gives a DC update (3:00) including the passage of a bill that finally ends the so called Covid emergency.    Kelly Moffitt of Concerned Citizens of Verde Valley chimes in (14:00) on a drag show controversy in Cottonwood.   Marissa Hamilton of EZAZ.org gives an AZ Legislate update (25:00) including a revival of the ban on rental taxes, Hobbs veto tantrum and more.   Kim Dawson is hosting a Home Buyers Seminar on Saturday, April 22 from 10am-noon (41:00) at the East Flagstaff Community Library. This event will help those looking to get into the housing market. Call 928-310-6458 for more information and to register.    Congressman Paul Gosar talks about the 35 open ended national emergencies dating back to the 1970's! (45:00) His bill was just signed by President Biden and will hopefully end or at least bring to the nations attention these “emergency's” including one against Muammar Gaddafi of Libya (who's dead!) . Gosar also gives a DC update.    Mike Vallante discusses a bill banning ranked choice voting in AZ (65:00). Mike Vallante is the Director of the Center for Election Integrity at the America First Policy Institute.

1610: Biden/EPA “rules” will make cars more expensive! Our roads suck after winter, but sorry ADOT, they were bad to begin with!   More flooding in NAZ (3:00) and now in Flagstaff.    Radical, rabid leftists, in their unrelenting cult like climate alarmist frenzy want you to pay triple for a car! (7:00) Jeff discusses the EPAs new rules that may force Americans to switch to EV's by as early as 2027!   ADOT addresses potholes (15:00) but blaming winter alone is conveniently forgetting the sorry state of our roads prior to NAZ record snowfall.    More home runs due to climate change??? (21:00)…”come on man”!   Glenn Leest discusses today's “lower inflation number” (24:00) but we're still at 5%, 10% if you do it the old way plus what's to come with energy costs once again rising.    Angela joins Jeff to discuss end of Covid “emergency (46:00)    Republican Liz Harris gets expelled (48:00) from the Arizona Legislature. + Jeff's fuzzy math!   Katie Hobbs celebrates 100 days in office (49:00) but there's not much to be happy about. Jeff breaks down all the good bills she's vetoed.    Jeff's shares a homebuyers event with Kim Dawson (64:00)...see flier at bottom of page. Plus Angela remembers their first house.   Jeff and Angela discuss candidates who've announced (75:00) for US Senate in AZ.

#1564: Kim Dawson NAZ real estate update…$600k homes, $4,000 monthly payments!  Tuesday, February 7, 2023 (3:00) Jeff's Top News Picks include State of Union, rancher charged with murder in southern AZ, push to break up Maricopa County, Jeff's push for state senators to be elected by county and the “media” push to end ESA's. (22:00) Some Cottonwood residents upset at city for renting out city facility for all ages drag show. Michael Nisito, a concerned resident of Cottonwood discusses why he is opposing the decision. (36:00) Jeff and Olivia ponder why it takes two extra days to get a package shipped to Flagstaff vs. Verde Vally. (43:00) Kim Dawson of Nova Home Loans spends the 2nd hour with Jeff giving details on the state of the real estate market in NAZ, the cost of borrowing including examples of $600,000 homes and $4,000 per month mortgage payments.

When selling to potential clients remember one thing - they want to know that you can provide what they need, do it within their budget, and if they hire you they'll get results. To successfully sell your services, you need to be able to communicate these results at rates that align with the value of these results. Pricing too high or too low can send the message that they won't get the results they want.    In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson shares strategies for selling from the client's perspective; speaking to what you can do for them, the results you bring, and the investment for getting those results. Kim discusses the importance of knowing your market, aligning with their values, and seeing how results can be more than just business results, but can help them personally as well.      KEY POINTS   * Pricing your services will be different depending on the size of your business, and the best pricing supports both your business needs and the needs of the client.    * You don't want to overvalue or undervalue your services in regards to pricing.  Pricing too high or too low can deter your ideal clients - they ‘ll think they won't get the results they want.   * Communicate with your potential client why your services are valued at the rate you charge - what are the results the client can expect from hiring you.   * The results of working with you might include business results, such as increased clients, visibility in a new market, or more efficient systems, but there may also be personal results such as less stress, better time management, or more fulfillment from their work.    * Pricing can vary greatly from one service provider to the next - your goal is to align your pricing with the needs of the market you work with and the value of the results you provide.   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.  If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

Not every business owner enjoys marketing, but it's necessary if you want to grow your business. However, you can make marketing work for you, even make it enjoyable, if you adopt a different approach. Marketing can feel overwhelming if you think you need to implement every marketing strategy and be everywhere all the time. There are several options and opportunities, but you can choose what aligns with you and your business.   In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Kristi Mitchell, Marketing Strategist, who shares insight on how to create a custom marketing strategy that works for you and your goals. She talks about using pull marketing rather than push marketing strategy, especially as it relates to social media. Kristi also shares inspiration for creating lead magnets, overlooked marketing strategies that generate good ROI, and why it's so important to have an overall marketing strategy before hiring specialists.    KEY POINTS   * Pull marketing may be more effective than push marketing to engage your audience, and may align better with your personal brand.   * There are several strategies to choose from when it comes to marketing your business, you don't need to implement them all.    * Social media marketing may be more effective when you focus on 1-2 platforms.   * Many business owners focus their attention on the attraction stage of the marketing process, while not focusing enough on the conversion stage.    * Hire a strategist before hiring a specialist. A strategist can create the overall plan that a specialist can then implement.   ABOUT THE GUEST   Kristi Mitchell is a Marketing Strategist. She specializes in working with established business owners who have relied on referrals and word-of-mouth to get to where they are today. They know in order to take their business to the next level, they need to finally get strategic about their marketing efforts. Kristi brings an MBA, over ten years of corporate marketing experience, and a drive for continual learning to the work she does with her clients.    Go to https://www.kristimitchell.com/ for more information or to download her free social media calendar template.  ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.  If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

Even the most experienced business owner can get nervous before a sales call. We might be worried about whether or not we make the sale, and if we don't, how it will affect our revenue. Maybe you wish you didn't have to worry about sales or marketing, and you think you'd be happier if you could just do what you love to do in your business. In fact, you'd rather not spend any time thinking about sales funnels, sales journeys, or sales scripts. But what if sales could be different?   On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson presents a new approach to sales - rather than worrying about following sales formulas, or even whether or not you get hired, what if you ask yourself if the client is the right fit for YOU!    KEY POINTS   * You don't need a sales script. * The purpose of a sales call isn't to win at selling, it's to find out if you have the tools, resources, and skills to help someone, and if working together makes sense for both of you. * Sales can be based on honesty, the desire to help, and a willingness to build a meaningful connection.  * Before agreeing to work with someone, check to see if your values align. * Having a non-scripted, relaxed approach to sales can lead to better results. ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

You've heard about SEO and how it can really drive traffic to your website, but you keep putting it off. SEO can seem overwhelming, overly technical, and can feel like there is too much to learn. However, SEO can actually be easy to learn and implement in your business. SEO may also be the most effective marketing tool in your toolbox, and one you can do yourself with little to no cost.  In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Karen Callahan, SEO Strategist, Trainer, and WordPress Developer, who shares her tips and strategies for getting found on search engines like Google. Kim and Karen discuss blog writing and content creation for maximum SEO, the do's and don'ts of guest blogging, and whether or not it matters which website platform you choose (Squarespace, Wix, Wordpress, etc.). They geek out over SEO and you won't believe what you learn.   KEY POINTS   * Guest posting is for creating awareness, not SEO.   * You can boost SEO on your website by writing on a few topics from multiple perspectives.   * SEO tools and plugins don't do SEO for you! They simply evaluate and make recommendations.   * The copy you put “above the fold” on your website should be written with SEO in mind.   * It may be better to drive traffic to web pages other than your home page.   ABOUT THE GUEST   Karen Callahan, MSCIS, SEO Strategist and Trainer, WordPress Developer, Speaker, Founder of Adventures Online and Karen-Callahan.com   Karen Callahan is an SEO Strategist and Trainer, WordPress Developer, and Speaker with nearly 25 years' experience developing websites and 15 years applying SEO to websites. A fierce advocate for do-it-yourselfers, Karen has trained many clients on how to add SEO to their own websites. She has flipped the script on SEO and developed a unique system; a words-based SEO system (not algorithm-based) that is ideal for non-tech professionals. She focuses on the “words” because words are what the algorithm and statistics are measuring!   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.  If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

Are you spending copious amounts of time and energy on social media marketing and not getting the results you want? Is the pressure to be active on social media and keep up with the latest social media trends making you feel exhausted and frustrated? Have you considered breaking up with social media but fear your business won't survive? Do you wish there were a better way to use social media that would help you grow your business without taking up all your time?   On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson addresses the controversial question, “is social media really worth it?” Kim shares her personal experience using social media as a marketing tool, including the struggles she's experienced, and her honest critique of whether or not social media really generates ROI in your business. She also highlights the benefits of social media, why you may want to stay, and how you can make it work for you and your business.    KEY POINTS   * Social media marketing is one of many marketing tools. * Don't let the pressure to fit in or follow trends dictate how you market your business - do what works for you. * You can use social media as a way to help your business, without letting it consume you.  * If social media marketing is too energy-draining or time consuming, hire others to help you. * Invest your time and energy into what generates the most ROI in your business - and it may not be social media.  ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

#1480: BIG real estate update with Kelly Broaddus, Kim Dawson and Glenn Leest. PLUS frozen heads, bad roads and another month of “higher than expected inflation”…again! #1480: Wednesday, October 12, 2022 A BIG Arizona real estate update 0:00-43:20 including info on interest rates and the impact on payments ($5,000 per month?) with Kim Dawson of Nova Home Loans as well as current market conditions (prices coming down?) with Realtor Kelly Broaddus and the impacts of higher interest rates with Glenn Leest of WT Wealth Managment.  Thinking of freezing your head? 43:21-74:07 Go to Scottsdale! Plus Olivia shares comments from this weeks giveaway, info on the state of our roads in NAZ and more.

Do you experience FOMO when you hear your fellow entrepreneurs talking about the latest tools they use, like ClickUp, Monday, or Asana, and wonder why you haven't used these tools yet? Are you feeling disorganized in your business because you don't have systems and processes in place and documented? Do you keep hearing that running your business would be so much easier if you set up automations? In this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast, host Kim Dawson interviews Business Efficiency Expert, Yvonne Heimann, where the two discuss what it means to set up systems in your business, and why digitizing them isn't a requirement for them to be effective. Yvonne talks about the importance of knowing what works for you, and what doesn't, using your own values and priorities as a guide to creating systems rather than what everyone else is doing. She shares her insight around using tools in your business, and why tools won't solve your problems. Her philosophy - first, decide what you want, then use technology to help you make it happen.    KEY POINTS   * You already have systems in place - regardless of whether or not you've documented them. * First, create the systems, then digitize them. Tools won't do this for you. * Your values and priorities will guide how you set up your systems. * Follow your own path - don't worry about what works for others. * Your clients don't care about the details of your process - they care about the client experience and getting the results they want.   ABOUT THE GUEST   Yvonne Heimann is the CEO & founder of AskYvi.com and the leading ClickUp evangelist, as well as a passionate Business Efficiency & Scalability Consultant, Mindset Coach, NLP Master Practitioner, & Speaker. Using her knowledge of over 15 years running multiple businesses, she helps her clients organize, strengthen, and streamline their businesses into profitability and success. Her work is driven by a vision of a world where digital entrepreneurs not only make a living doing what they are passionate about but thrive and wear their passions as badges of honor. To learn more about Yvi go to https://askyvi.com/. To access the SOAR framework resource mentioned in the episode go to https://askyvi.com/soar/.    ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.  If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.  

Have you ever had the opportunity to pitch a proposal to a client bigger than any other client you've ever had? A project that is so full of potential you can't imagine losing this opportunity, but fear you will? If so, you've undoubtedly been nervous about what to include in the proposal, and how much to charge. You don't want to charge too little, because it may be a lot of work, but you don't want to charge too much and price yourself out of the running.  On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses best practices for pitching your biggest proposal yet. She talks about common fears and how to overcome them, and how to find the confidence to pitch what YOU need in order to have a thriving business. Kim shares negotiating strategies that will benefit both you and the potential client, and finding the courage to walk away if it isn't a good fit.    KEY POINTS   Price your proposals based on what it will cost you to take on the project, not what you assume the customer thinks your work is worth. You're the expert - Know what you need to charge, don't expect them to tell you. Common fears are appearing greedy, overpricing your services, fear of future impact on your business, and lost opportunity - address these fears by having standard pricing based on the actual costs of running your business.  You can negotiate proposals that stay within their budget without discounting your services.  Avoid resentment - walk away if it isn't a good fit.  ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

In Episode 114, we are talking all things pricing. If you have ever flip-flopped on your pricing, feeling frustrated trying to figure out how to price your products or services; If you want to raise your prices but aren't sure if you should right now; Or if you have raised your prices in the past and gotten some kind of backlash - This episode is for you!   In our conversation, we discuss: Three ways to distinguish your value, and what not to look at when deciding what your product or service is actually worth! Why you need to focus on two of these three things to really establish yourself in your marketplace. When and how to decide to raise your pricing, and the mistakes that entrepreneurs often make when it comes to either setting or raising your prices.   If you want to earn more money, or think that you might be undercharging right now and really need some clear guidance, Kim explains this so well!    Episode Links Play Love Your Business BINGO Connect with me on Instagram @linsibrownson Learn more about creative coaching or apply to work with me Connect with Kim Dawson via Instagram , LinkedIn, and website Download the 5-Step Pricing Guide from Kim Huge thanks to our sound editor Erik Hulslander! If you have a podcast or other audio needs definitely connect with Erik. Your review on Apple Podcasts, Audible, or Spotify makes a big impact for this show. Thanks for leaving us a review! Want more practical tools to help you organize and run your business? Get free resources inside The Maverick HQ or subscribe to my newsletter.

Do you find yourself struggling with decisions because you feel conflict between what you want (or think you want) and what you're told you should want? Do you want to forge your own path in business, and in life, but not sure how to do it, or where to start? Then don't miss this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast where host Kim Dawson interviews Jamie Chapman, a Creative Consultant in business and life, who supports women running small to medium-sized businesses. Jamie shares new and interesting perspectives on goal setting, getting clear on what you really want, and how being open to possibilities can move your business, and life, forward. Jamie and I talk about how to embrace uncertainty, and let go of rigid rules and what you think you need. We also discuss why plans typically don't work the way you think they should and present the question - do you even need a plan?   KEY POINTS -Moving away from black and white thinking or the need to fit into a box.  -Getting clear on what you really want in your life and business, and running your business in a way that supports it.  -Considering an alternative perspective to goal setting - don't think of it as setting a goal, think of it as deciding on your destination.  -Taking risks in your business, and knowing when it may be the right time to invest in your business. -How can consultants, coaches and/or strategists help you, and what are the similarities and differences between them.  -How to change the narrative and embrace possibilities.    ABOUT THE GUEST   Jamie Chapman, the owner of Chickbook Creative, is a Creative Consultant in business and life, supporting women who run small to medium-sized businesses. She brings 25 years of experience in systems, processes, accountability, leadership, and project management. Jamie has a multifaceted approach to problem-solving with extensive knowledge in executive functioning, habit formation, and understanding the mind of a creative entrepreneur.   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20+ years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.  If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

What do you really want in your business?  You are in for a treat with today's guest, Kim Dawson, as she helps to guide us to answer the question beneath the questions:  To niche or not to niche? Should I raise my pricing? How do I scale my business for growth? How do you stand out in a saturated industry?  It all comes back to, "What do you want your business to do for your life?"  Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist, consultant, advisor, and occasionally plays the role of management accountant (though her clients often refer to her as their “business coach”). Using her 20+ years of entrepreneurial experience along with a background in accounting, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team, without cutting into their profitability. After working with Kim, clients often double (and a few tripled) their revenue – all while hiring new team members, doing more of what they enjoy, and gaining their free time back She shares with us that money is about freedom, choice, independence, and what that might look like for YOU in your own journey to success!  We talk about:  Misconceptions and myths of scaling When to consider increasing your pricing and how to share it with your clients confidently  How to stand out and reduce your competition The difference between a strategist and a coach  And more!  Links Mentioned:  She Built This Website Kim's 5-Step Pricing Guide : How to Implement a Price Increase   Connect with Kim Online:  Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

Kim Dawson is a professor of kinesiology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, ON, Canada. Her extensive education and research in psychomotor behaviour and exercise science gives her a deep understanding of the issues that affect performance. She has worked with elite athletes, Olympians and professional sport organizations for over 10 years. This episode is all about managing emotions like stress, pre-race anxiety, and nervousness, so you can transform them into ambition for a great run. Don't miss even more ideas on how to build mental skills at strengthrunning.com/brain/. Thank you Athletic Greens! One scoop of AG1 gives me 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food-sourced ingredients including a greens superfood blend, probiotics, prebiotics, adaptogens, and more. AG1 helps me fill in any nutrition gaps in my diet - because I know I don't eat perfectly - and gives me a nice boost of energy and focus throughout the day.  But what I love about AG1 is that it changes. Over the last decade, they've made 53 improvements to the formula based on the latest research to make these nutrients more absorbable and more rigorous with 3rd party testing. Go to athleticgreens.com/jason to see the great offer they've put together for podcast listeners: you'll get a year's worth of free Vitamin D and 5 free travel packs of AG1 with your first purchase. You can sign up for single shipment or for a monthly drop if you want to make AG1 a part of your regular healthy lifestyle. Go to athleticgreens.com/jason to sign up today. Thank you IMPOSSIBLE Sleep! We're also supported by IMPOSSIBLE SLEEP, a new performance sleep drink to help high performers get the most out of their nightly rest. Impossible Sleep is a melatonin free sleep drink mix that provides deep recovery while gently lulling you to sleep. Learn more about it at impossible.co/jason/ and be sure to use code Jason20 to save 20% on your first subscription order.  The product is very simple - it only has two ingredients with magnesium to promote muscle recovery and deep sleep, and L-theanine for a subtle calming effect that helps you wind down at the end of the day. If you're like me, you don't have problems pushing your limits, but you may struggle to fall asleep at the end of the day. But high achieving runners have to prioritize their sleep - it's like a performance enhancing drug that allows us to absorb our training, improve, and race faster. IMPOSSIBLE Sleep helps you optimize your bedtime routine so you can get as much deep recovery as possible. And when you consider that studies have shown that sleep loss can lead to glucose imbalances, increased anxiety, and your risk of getting sick, it's a no brainer to get as much high quality sleep as you can. Now you can get 20% off your first subscription order at impossible.co/jason/ with code jason20. That's 20% off your first subscription order at impossible.co/jason/ and don't forget to use code jason20 at checkout.

Does creating consistent and interesting content feel too time-consuming? Have you considered hiring a content writer, but fear they won't be able to accurately capture your brand or your voice? Do you wonder about content strategy and how you can build a genuine connection with your audience? Then don't miss this episode of the Sassy Strategist podcast where host Kim Dawson interviews Emily Aborn, a Content Writer for Creative Entrepreneurs, as well as the Founder of She Built This®, a community for women entrepreneurs.    Emily debunks a few myths about content creation, sharing her strategies for creating content that isn't time consuming, and finding a content writer who can successfully communicate your personal brand, message, and voice. Emily discusses tips for sharing content across multiple platforms, how to speak to your ideal client, and why sharing content matters for both growing your business and making an impact.    KEY POINTS   A good content writer can capture your brand and voice Content strategy can help you build connections with your audience Consistency matters more than how many platforms you use Content builds the bridge between you and your ideal client Write content as if you're speaking to only one person to build connection   ABOUT THE GUEST   Emily Aborn is a Content Writer and founder/leader of She Built This.   She gets ideas out of her client's brains and onto the page by creating compelling content and copy that helps women entrepreneurs to reach their dreams AND their dream clients.   She lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Jason, and their dog, Clyde. She enjoys hiking, reading, all the word and nerdy brain games she can get her hands on, and writing.   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

If you're not a fan of sales or selling, it might be because you've been taught traditional sales strategies such as pre-planned scripts, sales templates, or high pressure tactics. But the most effective sales strategies are the ones that break tradition, and focus on getting to know people, and finding ways to help them. In fact, having only one strategy really matters - giving someone space to share what they need, and have an honest conversation around whether or not you're the right person to help.    On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson presents a modern approach to sales, which includes focusing on the needs of your potential clients, seeing sales as an opportunity to help rather than sell your services, and being open-minded to the outcome, with no pressure to “close the deal.” Kim shares why you can't really plan for a sales call, how to assess if it's a good fit, and how to move past worry and fear about revenue when it isn't a good fit.    ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

With so much of our business being online, does it feel like the amount of competition you have is endless? Do you struggle to feel seen and heard, and want to know how you can stand out so your audience can find you, without having to follow social media trends or copy everyone else? Do you want to create a unique brand, but unsure how to overcome the feeling of being discouraged by all the competition? On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson shares her number one strategy for dealing with a highly competitive industry, including sharing her own experience with it. Kim discusses what you need to build a unique personal brand, why it's much easier than you may think, and how discovering who you are, and what your business and brand is really all about, can lead to feeling like you have no competition at all.   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/.

Do you ever feel like you're working all of the time, but not making progress? Is the *work* you're doing more thinking and less action? Do you struggle to make decisions in your business because you fear making mistakes? Overthinking, or as some call it “Analysis Paralysis” affects many of us, especially entrepreneurs. We get stuck in thinking mode, preventing us from moving into action mode.  On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses her own personal struggles with overthinking, over-analysis, and fear of making mistakes. She shares how she works to overcome these, and the steps to take to find clarity when making decisions, and easily transition from overthinking into taking action and moving forward.    ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.  

Host Kim Dawson shares why she decided NOT to end the Sassy Strategist Podcast, and gets honest about the struggles we face as entrepreneurs to make decisions.  Kim talks about her own struggle with her brand name, and why naming anything in our business feels so important (and why we're so afraid to make a mistake!). Kim also discusses her plans for moving the show forward, including the kind of interviews and content she hopes to bring to the listeners, and why it matters.    ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.

Host Kim Dawson gets personal and shares the “why” behind her work, and what she is planning for the next stage of her own entrepreneurial journey. Discussing the importance of entrepreneurship as a means to creating a meaningful and purposeful life, Kim shares exciting news, including how she will continue her mission of bringing you, the small business owner, the tools you need to connect your creativity and passion to building a business that can support the lifestyle you desire.On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson shares why she started the podcast in 2015, why she (almost) decided to end the show, and what she plans to create next.   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.    If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.

Candice is wrapping up the spring season with a special guest and dear friend, Kim Dawson. Kim candidly shares her personal story and the pivotal moment when her dream of becoming a prima ballerina were shattered due to an ‘emotional injury' that would linger for decades. She talks about what it was like working in Silicon Valley back in the 80s when blatant misogyny went unchecked and how resentment around her early-life successes eventually led her to make self-sabotaging choices in her professional life. Candice shares how she & Kim met, and they speak honestly about what it was like to work for a personal growth organization where self-sacrifice and codependency were the norms. Candice tells you about the teaching colleague who woke her ass up by setting an example of sovereignty that rocked her world wide-open and why. Kim gives you a taste of her work, leading Candice in an exercise that demonstrates how often what we see in others is what we most need to recognize within ourselves. Sovereignty is defined and discussed, as well as how the shift from 'freedom-from' to 'freedom-with' can help us to reinvent our relationship to the world around us. The episode wraps with a very intimate moment when Kim shares about the recent passing of her mother and how she is re-authoring her life anew.Kimberly Dawson is the founder of REVOLUTION Business & Life Design. She co-conspires with creative purpose seekers and changemakers to bring their love to business and life. Kim was a strategic innovator in marketing, sales and operations roles with ground-breaking businesses and organizations primarily in the Silicon Valley and Europe. She invested in her own transformative life journey and saw an opportunity to shift from empowering companies and organizations to engaging deeply with individuals. Kimberly earned a bachelor's degree in communication design with a minor in art and business from Chico State University (summa cum laude). Kimberly's work has become a powerful platform for designing innovative businesses, co-operating in healthy relationships, and helping people lead lives they most desire. revolutionbizdesign.com | IG: @thepointofyou

Making decisions around raising your rates can be tough. We often worry about the amount we should charge for our services and how a price increase will affect our ability to retain and attract clients, but choosing the right time to increase our rates is equally important.  On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses five signs to look for in your business that will tell you it's time to consider raising your rates, including why each one of them is important. Kim also shares insight on why re-evaluating your prices on a consistent basis is critical for building a sustainable business.

If you are a solopreneur or small business owner, you have probably heard of niching down and the importance of it for growing your business. However, you probably also have concerns about niching, and wonder if it is right for you.   On this episode of the Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses different options for niching down in your business, including the pros and cons of a market niche and a service niche. Kim also shares insight on how to address the fears around defining a niche, and how you can use niching to implement better marketing strategies as well as attracting your ideal clients.   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is the founder of K.Dawson Company, a consulting firm that provides business strategy and coaching, management accounting, and CFO advisory services for solopreneurs and small business owners who are looking to increase revenue, improve operations, build their team, or expand into new markets and niches. Kim is the author of Passion to Profits: Your Guide To Building a Successful Business You Love, and is the host of The Sassy Strategist Podcast. To learn more, visit kdawsonco.com.

For the Youtube version of this episode (with visuals) click here: https://youtu.be/WZvg5vG9k1w Today we have two very special guests. The producer of the 1990 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kim Dawson, and The writer of the film Bobby Herbeck. We talk a little bit about the upcoming Comic-Con@Home panel that we did and touch on some other things regarding the iconic 1990 TMNT movie.

For the first time on the show, host Kim Dawson shares her own personal journey of building her business, which she nearly quit several times. Kim shares the mistakes she made during the first few years, including spending too much time and energy working on tasks that didn't bring results, without having a plan that truly aligned with her goals and values.    In this episode of The Sassy Strategist Podcast, Kim asks the important questions - “Is what you're doing in your business what you really need? Is it bringing you what you really want? Are you happy with what you're doing, with your clients, with the money you're making? And most importantly, are you too focused on the future and not truly enjoying the present?”    Kim shares her insight and tips on how to step back, re-evaluate, and create a plan that aligns with your goals, and brings you more happiness (and success!) right now.    “I realized I didn't have to work so hard to get what I needed. I just needed to have a better plan.” - Kim Dawson   KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE Run your business (and your life!) today as if you're already successful. Success isn't just measured by number of clients, money earned per year, or whether or not “you've made it” - success is determined by having a plan and making progress toward implementing it. Overworking yourself will not only lead to burnout, it can also lead to questioning your ability to be successful, and like a negative cycle, that lack of confidence can cause you to quit too soon. Building a successful business becomes much easier, and more enjoyable, when you take a step back and create a plan that aligns with your goals and values. You might never feel true safety and security in your business (most entrepreneurs ever do!), so don't use it as an excuse to put everything else in your life on hold until you get it. ABOUT THE HOST Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to make changes in order to generate more profits and get their time back! With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability.  If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a discovery call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.

As your clientele and business both grow, you may find that the rates you once charged for your services, no longer sustain you, or your business. Perhaps you are ready to hire help, but you're unsure how you can afford it, or your experience level means it's time to start increasing your rates, but you're not sure how to go about doing so.   In this episode of The Sassy Strategist Podcast, host Kim Dawson discusses the importance of re-evaluating your pricing at each stage of business growth, and how pricing impacts all other aspects of your business (and how having the wrong prices can negatively affect your business and your future growth!). Kim also shares tips on how to identify the right time to increase your rates, and how to do so effectively and with desired results.   

When you first launched your business, you were probably taking clients from anywhere you could get them. But overtime, you may have created a market and a niche and not even known that you created it. As your interests, experience, and knowledge have grown, your ideal client may be very different from who you originally thought you'd be serving in your business.  In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, host Kim Dawson discusses how to identify your ideal client, and why it's so important for improving time management, enjoying your work more, and growing your revenue. Kim also shares pricing strategies to implement as your market changes.   

The SIP LIVE is joined by Singer/Songwriter Kim Dawson!

At a certain point in your business, you may find that your business can no longer sustain itself with just you on the team. You need to increase your revenue, but you're working long hours trying to get all of your client work done, and run your business. While you haven't met your revenue goals just yet, you also don't have the time or capacity to take on new clients. You avoid marketing your business, and the quality of your work begins to suffer. You may also be feeling like you don't enjoy your work the way you once did, and you want to return to feeling good about your business.    In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, host Kim Dawson discusses the signs that tell you it's finally time to hire employees, and why doing so is the only way to grow your business. Kim also shares three specific ways hiring employees helps you meet your revenue goals.    KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE   Employees are an investment in your business, which isn't the same as spending Your business can only go so far with just you - building a team is crucial to growth Hiring others gives you more time to focus on increasing sales and the number of clients you work with, as well as the opportunity to expand your services Delegating administrative work to others helps you increase the amount of billable time you have available, therefore increasing your ability to bring in more revenue   ABOUT THE HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to scale to the next level to increase their bottom line. With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. After working with Kim, her clients end up doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling their revenue, all while gaining their free time back.   If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a consultation call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.

You're at maximum capacity and ready to start hiring employees, but you're not sure how you're going to pay for it. You're stuck feeling overwhelmed doing everything yourself, but you're also overwhelmed thinking about having to go through the process of hiring. Who should you hire first? How much will they cost your business? Will you need to give up current profit to pay for their salary?  In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, host Kim Dawson shares some insight into what the hiring process can look like from a financial perspective, how hiring impacts profitability differently based on who you choose to hire first, and why hiring might be essential to growing your revenue.  Kim also shares three specific strategies to help you budget and pay for your first hire. Key Points to Ponder Hiring can help you increase profit margins and long-term profitability Initial profit margins vary based on who you hire first Hiring gives you time to increase the number of clients you work with, and helps you increase your sales Hiring can be a great way to scale your service-based business   About the HOST   Kim Dawson is a results-driven business strategist and an expert at turning a good business into a great one. Her clients have reached their current capacity and need to scale to the next level to increase their bottom line. With over 20 years of entrepreneurship and accounting experience, Kim helps small businesses optimize their pricing and procedures while navigating niche markets and building a team without cutting into their profitability. After working with Kim, her clients end up doubling, tripling, or even quadrupling their revenue, all while gaining their free time back. If you're ready to transition from day-to-day service provider to CEO, book a consultation call with Kim at https://kdawsonco.com/consultation.

Identifying what your ideal client values, and aligning this with your own business values, is probably the most important factor in helping your business move forward. What your clients value most will determine which services and/or products you offer, how you will market them, and what you will charge for them.  In this episode of The Sassy Strategist, Business Strategist and Host, Kim Dawson teaches you how to identify your clients' values, as well as your own, and use this information to guide you through the next stage of growing your business. If you've thought about launching a new revenue stream, expanding into a new market, or simply increasing revenue and profitability, then don't miss this episode! Host Bio: Kim Dawson is a lifelong entrepreneur with businesses spanning from co-founding a software company to owning/operating a fitness and wellness studio. With her background in both entrepreneurship and accounting, Kim evolved into a business strategist specializing in helping small business owners build profitable, and sustainable businesses. Kim is passionate about helping her clients understand the financial side of their business in order to make smart decisions, manage and grow their business successfully, and have a business that fits their lifestyle.  Her purpose is to help small business owners enjoy financial freedom, a flexible schedule, and a fulfilling, well-balanced life. Kim strives to help you create financial security from your business, along with more free time, more joy, and less stress.

Host, Kim Dawson discusses various ways to create sales incentives for prospective clients without offering discounted prices. Solopreneurs can often be tempted to discount their services in order to make the sale, but Kim gives several reasons why discounting can be bad for your business, and for your clients. Kim offers pricing strategies that can help you charge what you're worth, while also offering several options to appeal to your prospective client's budgeting needs. Kim also shares three specific sales incentives for increasing the value of your offer and making prospective clients more likely to hire you.

Episode 034 of *The Upful LIFE Podcast* welcomes vocalist KIM DAWSON to the show for an important discussion. A chat as necessary as it is enlightening, with memories uncomfortable and messages inspiring. Kim Dawson is currently a solo artist on Eddie Roberts' label Color Red, a co-frontwoman of Roberts' quasi-supergroup Matador Soul Sounds, a go-to singer for any number of collectives, tribute shows, sit-ins and such. Most recently she released the R&B single "Try" with Wil Blades, and sings her heart out on "Good Thang" with Crushed Velvet & the Velveteers, on Alan Evans' own Vintage League Music. However, I invited her on the podcast to discuss important matters beyond her fantastic performances and collaborations. KIM DAWSON - intro @ 11:30, interview @ 16:00 *apologize for any minor sound issues or clicks during the interview... trust I did my best to minimize the annoyance*  Kim has been a presence within the jam/funk music community for a long time, and a mainstay on the Front Rage scene. She's an educator with Swallow Hill Music, where she works with aspiring young singers; she also mentors young women of color in the Denver metro area. Ms. Dawson was kind enough to give us an hour and a half of the medicine we need, in a wide ranging discussion of her journey as a Black American, a female of color in the performing arts, Black music heritage in the jam scene, her own experiences as a youth and just exactly the moment when she really learned what time it was with race in America. We get a peek into her reality as it pertains to intermarriage, her current situation in Denver juxtaposed with growing up in Oklahoma, and so much more. But of course, we kick things off talkin' music... because, well, that's still how we do. Thanks to the divine Kim Dawson for her gracious time & the vibe! Please listen to her remarkable patience, and compassion in speaking to the people and our greater music community from her heart, as we so dearly need it.   Vibe Junkie JAM of the Week The Roots featuring Jill Scott "You Got Me" (goth arrangement LIVE from 9:30 Club, Washington DC - 2002)   EMAIL the SHOW! B.Getz@UpfulLIFE.com PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW on iTunes! You Can Listen on Spotify!  Theme Song: Mazel Tov by CALVIN VALENTINE