What about summer makes us yearn for the next great book to read? Beaches and tranquility are the answer. Who better to advise us than our local, independent bookseller? I recently stopped by three independent bookshops, The Haunted Book Shop in Mobile, Page and Palette in Fairhope, and Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe in Pensacola, to discover their take on the summer reading list.

As a third grader, Caroline Carithers experienced an event that changed her life and set her on a career path she envisioned as a young girl. 

Linda and I attended Bryant Whelan’s retirement party on Memorial Day at the Eastern Shore Art Center. Her husband, Patrick, made all the arrangements. As we arrived, we saw this great vintage 1966 Ford Econoline van parked out front. It’s an eye-catcher painted in a beautiful blue and cream motif. It was the Brew Bus. How cool!

I had the good fortune to meet Liz Damrich on Easter Sunday at a friend's house. She, her husband, Michael, and their two young children walked two doors down from Liz’s parent’s house to join the festivities. At first glance, this is a striking, exotic young family—unpretentious yet engaging, everyone dressed in chic and comfortable fashion.

Linda and I attended Arbor Day in Fairhope at Coastal Community College a few weeks ago. We had parked across the street in front of the Sugar House, and it was the first time I had ever noticed it. We poked our heads in and found the owner, Brittney Hill, hard at work. Yet it was the cupcakes in the display case that got my attention… a beautiful array with a sign on the wall that said, “Custom Cakes Orders Booked thru June.” That was interesting.

I love visiting with creative people in the advertising business. Their minds work differently, and they are good at getting your attention. It’s what they do. I appreciate cleverness and was excited to sit down with Tim Dozier, CEO of Mobile, Ala.-based Hummingbird Ideas, a few weeks ago.

Leadership is important to any organization’s success. I felt like I hit the motherload when I sat down with Collier Merrill, Maria Goldberg, and David Bear at The Fish House Restaurant in Pensacola a few weeks ago. There is so much to learn about the Scenic 98 Coastal area from these movers and shakers. They are part of the equation that is changing and fortifying the Scenic 98 Coastal area, especially downtown Pensacola. 

The Happy Olive, located on De La Mare Avenue in Fairhope, is a fun shop with fun people working there. Sue Rusyniak is the new owner, who purchased the store three years ago from Richard and Vickie Bailey, who founded the shop 11 years ago. The staff works hard, but they love what they do.