From the Editor

Do you ever wish you could repackage this year and return it to a store like an ill-fitting chunky sweater? Some days I wish that. However, just like yin and yang, light and dark, or right and wrong, sometimes we receive opportunities to shine when things seem dark, even if we think we don’t want to. It’s our chance to bring balance back.

Very close to the time this magazine arrives in mailboxes will be the presidential election. While I want to stay as far away from politics as possible regarding content, voting in itself is not political; it’s American. It is a way we contribute and shine. And no matter the outcome, each of us should exercise this privilege. For women, voting is especially meaningful, considering this year marks the 100th year of our legal right to do so.

So what happens when some of our candidates lose? We remember the manners our mama taught us and act like good sports. And we recognize the situations that arise as moments to be the best version of ourselves. Yes! I am telling you that you can stand on principle and be respectful at the same time! 2020 has tested that fact repeatedly, and it’s still true.

Moving past all that, we will see things we can all agree on, things we can do together. There are lots of opportunities, some of which are included in this issue. It’s because we have such a special home. We have people who give until it hurts, and people who would do just about anything to make someone else happy. There are country folk and city folk and people who don’t know what “folk” means. And it doesn’t matter our lifestyle or net worth. We can ALL participate. The moment we think we have nothing of value to give is the moment we lose our humanity.

The Carbon Valley can, at times, seem polarized, but I bet all communities are that way. Given the breadth of opportunities we have to be thankful and to contribute to our neighbors, there is no reason to focus on differences. What matters are the things we do to celebrate our similarities.

I hope your holiday season is filled with love and hope as you reach out and connect with others. May you reflect only on goodness and gratefulness and help us all bring back the balance, remembering that this issue is really less about presents and more about being present. God bless.

Genevieve lives in Firestone with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. She enjoys thunderstorms, gardening, and long walks around the reservoir... when the kids aren’t fighting or whining.