Snoloha in the sand at Yorktown, Virginia…thanks to Sarah, Lil’ Lance and Nick.
Yorktown is most famous as the site of the surrender of General Cornwallis to General George Washington in 1781. Although the war would last for another year, this British defeat at Yorktown did effectively end the American Revolutionary War. Yorktown also figured prominently in the American Civil War (1861-1865), serving as a major port to supply both northern and southern towns, depending upon who held Yorktown at the time.
I’m not turning my computer on this Turkey Day. We are going to load up the wood stove, watch football, “Christmas Vacation”, another movie or two, eat, drink, eat more, drink more…and be merry.
I can’t wait.
I revisited my post from last year’s Turkey Day, and again thought it was appropriate for something a bit more intimate.
It’s been a crazy roller-coaster ride since I launched this brand nearly 2 years ago. There have been some great strides made, along with a share of set backs. Taking an idea that I had while commuting to work one morning and turning it into a viable business and brand is by far the hardest thing I have ever attempted. There is nothing easy about it, and rarely do things go as planned. However, the reward at the end of the day, and the beginning of the next, is something that is hard to explain. I never felt that while working a “normal job”. I also never felt the connection with customers as I do now. Or the passion and drive. But I also have realized how grateful I am for every person that makes a purchase, tells someone they know about it, sends in their photos, shares their stories, and extends their support.
Thank you.
I wanted to also share two quick YouTube clips. The first is a classic. It’s the original version of Adam Sandler singing The Thanksgiving Song on SNL. I can never get enough of this.
The second, well it’ll tug on your heart strings. And I apologize if you shed a tear. But the message is so powerful and the little boy is so inspiring that it’s just too damn important heading into the Holiday season not to share. It’ll put things into perspective. What’s truly important.
So here we go, two of the most important things that we need to be reminded of (especially with the doom and gloom 24/7 news media world we live in) – Laughter and Life.
Well, the results for the 2008 StartupNation contest are in. As many of you know, Snoloha was the 2007 winner for Most Slacker-Friendly business. This year, according to Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation, there were thousands of contestants vying for recognition as one of America’s top home-based businesses.
Thank you to everyone who voted, and for your continued support. It is very much appreciated.
There’s a bunch of snow covering the ground here in Traverse City, Michigan, and the local ski resorts are open for business. What would a slacker-friendly business do on a day like this?
As always, I’m a bit behind at announcing the previous month’s Snapshots & Scenery winner. October’s winner is Brandi from Houston, Texas.
This is where I’d normally say something like “if you want a chance to win Snoloha gear of your own, visit the gallery and start uploading your photos“. That part is the same, however the Snapshots & Scenery gallery is being moved to the Snoloha Community. So, if you want a chance to win Snoloha gear, visit the Community, create a profile and upload some photos.
Thanks again Brandi, for the photos and the support!
It’s that time of year in the northern latitudes. People begin grumbling about winter, the cold, the snow and escaping to the tropics. Well, as a big of fan as I am for escapism and the islands (and yes, March is a great time to migrate south for some much needed sun and sand), but until then, the winter season is just as much about escapism as summer.
After all, the whole concept of Snoloha is enjoying ALL the seasons that get thrown at us (not just summer and the islands).
I don’t know about you, but sipping on a hot cup of coffee and watching the snowfall is a pretty damn good feeling. Strapping on the snowshoes and getting lost in the quiet woods with the dogs is not a bad way to get away from the daily grind. That anxiousness and excitement as you head up the first chairlift ride of the year. A cold beer in the ski lodge after a long day on the slopes. The first snowball you throw. Building a snowman or a snow angel and instantly being transported to your childhood.
I could go on and on. Winter is beautiful. It’s what you make of it. You can choose to grumble and hibernate. Or, you can fully take advantage of what Mother Nature throws at us.
There are plenty of great brands out there that do a marvelous job promoting a tropical lifestyle. But again, Snoloha is not just tropical. It encompasses life somewhere between the islands and the arctic.
I say bring on the snow. I’m looking forward to getting lost in it.
Since I’ve been addicted to this Chesney song, “The Life” (see blog post below), for the last couple days, it made me think back to our sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands earlier this year.
We spent some time at Ivan’s Stress Free Bar on Jost Van Dyke. Hanging in the corner next to a pay phone was a framed story. I took a photo (and yes that is a Snoloha sticker on the wall), so I could go back and read this. It has a similar feel and message as the Chesney song…one that I think is important to remind ourselves of now and then.
A boat docked in a tiny island village.
An American tourist complimented the fisherman on the quality of his find and asked how long it took him to catch them. “Not very long,”answered the fisherman.
“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more” asked the American. The fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his need and those of his family.
The American asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, and sing a few songs” I have a full life.”
The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you! You should start by fishing longer everyday. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat.”
“And after that?” asked the fisherman. “With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can then negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Atlanta, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge new enterprise.”
“How long would that take?” asked the fisherman. “Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American.
“And after that?” “Afterwards? Well my Friend. That’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!”
“Millions? Really? And after that” said the fisherman. “After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny little village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings doing what you like and enjoying your friends.”
And the morale is: Know where you’re going in life..you may already be there.
Yesterday was a great day. Yes, it may appear as a day of sailing and slacking, but the reality is we had to deliver the boat to Northport for winter storage. So it was work.
We boarded the 32′ Catalina, “Marianne”, at the Bay Breeze docks at about 12:30. After prepping the boat, we threw off the dock lines and began our slow motor out of the marina around 1:00.
Our destination was the harbor town of Northport, located 26 miles north of Traverse City on the Leelanau Peninsula. We had the entire Bay to ourselves. Not another boat in sight.
The Sirius radio was tuned into Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. The wind was out of the south, and it was an unusually warm and sunny day in November in northern Michigan.
We headed east toward the Old Peninsula, tacked to the north and wing-and-winged our way past the western side of Power Island. Once past the island, the wind began to come out of the west. We rounded the light house just north of the Old Mission Peninsula and set our sight on Gull Island. After taking Gull Island to the south, we were on the home stretch to the Northport Marina. We dropped the sails and motored into our dock just after sunset.
Once the boat was secured, we made our way through the quiet tourist town and found our way to Stubb’s, where we found a couple bar stools, got caught up on the election, talked college football with the bartender, ordered a couple beers and some dinner until our ride showed up.
Since I’ve been addicted to this Chesney song, “The Life” (see blog post below), for the last couple days, it made me think back to our sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands earlier this year. 
