MY VOICE Here comes the sun...

BY DELYNN HOWARD Editor

Summer? Is that you? Where have you been? We’ve been looking for you everywhere!

While it was quite the mild winter in comparison to years past, I’m still happy summer is here. Janet Kurtz’s poem “Lady on the Lake” on Page 46 is a great example of all the summertime feels.

To carry on that summer feeling, turn to Page 14 and check out Sue Ready’s kid-friendly summer recipes.

I always say the Brainerd lakes area is home to some of the most amazing women, but do you know how many of those wonderful women own businesses in Crosby and Ironton? The towns are booming and these women are a huge part of that success. More than a dozen of the businesses are owned by women, from bars and retail stores to counseling services and outfitters. On Page 24, Sheila Helmberger introduces us to a few of the women who are part of such a popular destination.

Speaking of destinations, guess what I did? Check out my column on Page 30 to find out what two bucket list items I was able to cross off. And Michelle Oie has a column about getting out and volunteering within the community. She shares a few of the organizations she donates her time to.

Sheila DeChantal is back with her third article in our grief series — losing a sibling. DeChantal gives her subjects the freedom to express themselves in their grief while also helping to instill hope for others. Karlee Scott and Kristen Krueger discuss the loss of their siblings on Page 38.

Have you ever heard of Whimsical Wigs? What about a group called the AAUW? All of these stories and more can be found inside this issue of Her Voice magazine, so grab an ice cold beverage, find a spot in the shade or sun, kick back, relax and read.

Telling all of these wonderful stories wouldn’t be possible without our advertisers. Their support means everything to us so a great big thank you to them as well as all of the women who continue to find amazing women with interesting stories to tell.