Closing Thoughts …
I was recently asked “ What motivates you ?” in the context of why I would be interested in serving on a county committee relating to rural issues . The answer is simple : Loudoun ’ s countryside motivates me , and everything you see presented in this third issue of WANDER inspires me . It is our hope that the natural beauty , rich history , and bountiful harvests of rural Loudoun will have the same captivating effect on you as they have had on me .
Growing up in the middle of Manhattan , I always longed for the chance to gallop on horseback over the rolling Virginia countryside , having seen photos of all these wonderful equestrian activities in a Middleburg-based horse magazine I subscribed to . Decades later , a job opportunity gave me the chance to move here ( and gallop on horseback over the countryside ) and I can ’ t imagine living anywhere else .
In this season of gratitude and giving thanks , it seems appropriate to honor this marvelous place , whether we are residents or visitors , with these sentiments of appreciation . We can also bestow our gratitude on the many individuals and organizations who work tireless to preserve our rural landscape and allow an entrepreneurial spirit to thrive here .
And with that appreciation , comes the recognition that we are all the stewards of this land , and its future is in our hands .
Happy WANDERing to you ! Emily Houston Editorial Consultant for WANDER