E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R
Relishing the Bright Moments
Mikaela Judd, Editor
AS I WRITE THIS, IT’S been four
months of physical distancing.
I mourn those we’ve lost and
grieve for those separated from
loved ones, who lost their jobs,
and who shut down their businesses. All
things considered, my little family of four
(husband, 8-month-old, and fur baby) has
been holding up all too well (hello guilt!) in
our country home.
I’m grateful for a yard to play in and
nearby hiking trails to explore. I’ve been
relishing my husband’s work-fromhome
status and I love watching our
baby girl explore the world. (Just the
other day she squealed
when she saw a horse, and
that sound gave me all the
feels.)
But I’d be lying if I told
you this time hasn’t had
its challenges. Running a
business while juggling a
baby, without any childcare
help, is pure craziness.
Like everyone else, I miss
the pleasure of hugging a
friend, exploring anywhere
and everywhere, and meeting
new people.
While I’m generally hesitant
to share behind-the-scenes work
tales (boring!), putting together this
summer issue presented some serious
challenges. Not only did we scrap the
original editorial calendar — we had to
create a new story, in less than half the
time it usually takes, all while physically
distancing.
But if the pandemic has taught me
anything, it’s to lean into the good. To
relish the bright moments. To focus on
what is possible. I hope that focusing on
the positives will inspire you to do the
same.
While the world is starting to open
up slowly, predicting the future is best
left to higher powers. Which is why this
issue is centered on timeless activities
that can be enjoyed outdoors — like
how to fly a kite (p.28) and where to
find the best food for a picnic spread
(p.30).
Sara Satterlee takes you out to sea for
an epic crabbing adventure (p. 42) and
Lisette Wolter-McKinley shares how the
simple pleasures of a rustic cabin and
walks along the beach can fuel you (p.
48).
Yet this issue isn’t all cooler-packing
tips (p.34) and cute alpacas (p.36).
We also wanted to help you connect
with people. You’ll find a fun Q&A with
Stephanie Smith, the owner of Lopez
Island’s Holly B’s bakery (p.27). There’s
an inside look at what it’s like to build
and remodel in the San Juan Islands,
complete with questions answered by
architects about the unique challenges
and beauty island projects offer (p. 54).
Samantha Howard introduces you to
Rahman Anderson, founder of Studio 54
Glass on Lopez Island (p. 26). It’s a beautiful
story that shares a glimpse into a
glass blower’s life and the color found
within this quaint studio.
I don’t know what comes next. But I
sure know this: the best way to get there
is with a positive attitude and a commitment
to finding joy. I hope this helps.
P.S. Have a joy-filled story you’d like to
share or tip about something fun to do?
Send it my way:
[email protected].