EDITOR ’ S LETTER
JOHN WHITING
fter a long year-plus of sticking close to home , I ’ ve experienced a bit of wanderlust . With family far-flung around the country and an insatiable appetite for adventure , I needed to find ways to appease my restless spirit and curiosity that didn ’ t include long distances . Maybe you can relate .
I treated this new way of life as an adventure , and it didn ’ t disappoint .
At first , I searched for isolated spots where I was safe to take my dogs on long walks and breathe in fresh air . In the process , I discovered a newfound love of hiking . The extended time alone taught me how to better enjoy my own company . I channeled my energy into other aspects of my life that had taken a back seat — healthier cooking , for one , rather than eating out all the time , and decluttering my living space ( on that , however , I have a long way to go ). I reconnected ed with some friends from my past , and the family Zoom meetings , which began in lieu of holiday get-togethers , have become the most treasured hour-and-a-half of my week . Despite the miles between us , we are closer than ever in so many ways ( I believe I really do have the best family !), and I am certain our virtual tradition will continue long after life resumes closer to what it was pre- COVID .
As businesses ease restrictions and social activities and public gatherings resume , I ’ m sure I ’ ll venture out more and more . But now I am keenly aware that new discoveries are waiting to be found around every corner . Trying a new restaurant — heck , just ordering something different off the menu ! — can satiate my inquisitive self . So can striking up a conversation with a stranger , stopping at that store that I ’ ve always passed by , and making the effort to tune in to my surroundings . Allowing my instincts to guide me on that unfamiliar , unproven , and occasionally uncomfortable road-less-traveled often shifts my perspective and sheds new light on a well-worn path .
During the months of May and June , Insite Brazos Valley Magazine has often served as our destination issue . We ’ ve frequently focused on staycations and easy-to-get-to spots in and around the Brazos Valley . Now ’ s as good of a time as any to explore them , and we hope you ’ ll scout out some that we think are worth the trip .
As you peruse the pages , you may notice an undercurrent that highlights the mechanics of how we get from here to there . I might not be quite ready to board a plane , take a train , or embark on a road trip that ’ ll take me very far . But in the last year , I have learned that no matter what the distance , an adventure is always within reach .
Best ,
Ellen Ritscher Sackett , editor-in-chief
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