Editor's Note

Thoughts from the Editor

The foothills are wild right now. They are truly spectacular, and I’ve been telling everyone I come across to go and see.

I had the chance to take my family on a drive up to Three Rivers this past weekend, and it was an incredible experience to see poppy-covered peaks and blankets of white, golden, and purple wildflowers covering hills and meadows. Stop what you’re doing and treat yourself to a trip through our foothills.

In the daily hustle, it’s easy to forget the simple and wonderful things available to us—particularly with the worries of life and current events filling our news feeds. War, inflation, gas prices and the possibility of another pandemic uptick all serve to stimulate our worst fears. Our adrenaline and cortisol levels are continuously redlining and it’s hard not to focus on what we perceive as a threat.

Yet, in the midst of these very real concerns, we have access to some beautiful and hope-inspiring “medicine” at our fingertips.

Some exciting recent studies have shown that just two hours a week “in nature…is an antidote for stress: It can lower blood pressure and stress hormone levels, reduce nervous system arousal, enhance immune system function, increase self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and improve mood.” ¹

On our wildflower sight-seeing drive, my wife relayed something our friend told her. She shared that there are over 80 years’ worth of wildflower seed in the ground of our foothills. I’m not sure how she knows that, but the romantic in me fell in love with this idea.

80 years’ worth of beauty right beneath our feet. A generation of latent potential locked up and waiting for just the right time. She said it takes the right temperature, rainfall, sun, and altitude to release this hidden beauty. 80 years’ worth of hope and color and joy just waiting to provide their beauty and point us to their maker for a brief and bright moment.

This April is a gift. I hope that you are able to see and savor the beauty beneath your feet, ready to burst forth at the right time.

Cheers,

Eric Riley

Executive Editor Lifestyle Magazine

President / Owner Topograph

P.S. This month’s issue features design elements from Ukrainian designers. We’re honored to showcase their creativity and support the people of Ukraine, even through this one small action.