Together with my husband, Joe, I own the clothing and gift stores Zamboanga, located on Winslow Green and at the West Seattle Junction. Probably nobody feels the chill economic wind blowing across the country more than people who own small businesses. We've employed local people over the years, paid our taxes and never been greedy, and yet it feels as if we are teetering on the brink of a gaping money-sucking chasm we had no hand in creating.

Oh well, it's onward and upward we go. For my part, I am going to do all my shopping from now until Christmas and beyond with my fellow merchants on Bainbridge Island and at the Junction. If it's not available here, I don't need it. I don't expect special treatment, only a smile and a thank you. It's the least we can do for each other.

Julia Ensley

Zamboanga