ISSUE No . 37
From the
Editor
ROBIN BISHOP
Robin Bishop is Art Chowder ’ s editor in chief . She loves a challenge
and has an affinity for asking questions that invite innovative solutions to individual and team challenges . She possesses a deep aversion to a “ we ’ ve always done it that way ” existence . Robin has a diverse background , but her passion is writing and bringing others ’ stories to life . She holds a bachelor ’ s degree in Professional and Creative Writing from Central Washington University and master ’ s degree in Organizational and Change Leadership from Gonzaga University .
WELCOME TO 2022 !
I don ’ t know about you , but one of my all-time favorite children ’ s books is “ Oh , The Places You ’ ll Go ” by Dr . Seuss . This book was a staple on the shelves of my own children ’ s library , and I ’ m sure it helped shape them into the independent , wonderful adults they are today . There are many quotes from this book that I love , but the one most applicable to my purposes in this letter is probably :
“ You ’ ll never get bored when you try something new . There ’ s really no limit to what you can do .”
If 2021 and even 2020 have shown us anything , it should be that we are more adaptable and resilient than we may have thought . With Art Chowder issue # 37 , our first of a new year , I want to encourage you all with the storytelling featured . You ’ ll experience notes of innovation , creativity , reinvention , celebration , exploration , and more .
The past couple of years have highlighted that we , as a society , can survive under great duress and restriction . I feel they have also highlighted the basal necessity for freedom of movement , connection to nature and creation , and embracing passions long ignored .
I am certainly guilty of walking myself deeply into the rut of restriction the past couple of years has facilitated . It is surprisingly easy to get comfortable within a smaller boundary than that to which we have been accustomed . We find ourselves isolated , distracted by mind-numbing technology , and asking ourselves , “ We can make it work , right ? We could be happy here .” I pray this is not the case . I wish for us all the easy shedding of the shadows of the past and the exploration of possibility and creative invention .
I encourage you to bravely push beyond the walls of living emotionally , socially , and physically isolated . Strike out , install skylights , windows , hallways in your confined emotional space . Shoot , you might even find yourself preferring no walls at all ! While lifestyle restrictions may remain in place for a while , let the possibilities of 2022 take hold and bravely step into your life again , uninhibited . Reinvention is full of intention and purpose , and I wish you all the very best of both in the coming year !
I want to leave you with one more quote as we close the book on 2021 and begin a new volume , together .
“ We will open the book . Its pages are blank . We are going to put words on them ourselves . The book is called opportunity and its first chapter is New Year ’ s Day .” ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce .
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