The Bitter-Sweet Rhythm of the Seasonal Business When the Coast is Clear Every small business owner in a seasonal resort town knows the exact day the world changes. Almost overnight, the frantic, high-octane energy of the tourist season vanishes. The traffic jams disappear, the long lines at the counter dissolve, and a sudden, striking quiet settles over the streets and beaches. In his poignant track, "When the Coast Is Clear" (originally from the 1986 album Floridays), Jimm

Every entrepreneur has that one project. The one that looks picture-perfect in your mind, but turns your kitchen into a complete disaster zone. For me, that project happened around Christmas in 1985. It was the year I decided to become a master candle maker. Spoiler alert: It did not go well. The 1985 Bee Disaster I had what I thought was a stroke of genius. I bought tiny terra cotta flower pots and meticulously painted them with adorable little bumblebees. The plan? Fill the

Waking up before dawn has become my sanctuary—a time where the world is still, and I can breathe. Each morning, between 4 and 5 a.m., I rise to feed my beloved animals, Oliver, Willow and her five babies. I also tend to the daily chores. With the arrival of Willow's babies this past April, the early hours have transformed from a simple routine into a cherished ritual. After the animals are fed and the chores are done, I step out onto the deck with a steaming cup of coffee. Th