Editor’s Note

Thoughts from the Editor

In 1979, a new film was released to critical acclaim, stealing the hearts of children and adults alike. The film became an overnight sensation earning both Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations and went on to win a Grammy for best children’s album of the year. “The Muppet Movie,” with its lovable felt puppets, was woven into American social fabric, but for me, it was the opening scene that would later capture my imagination.

If you’ve never seen “The Muppet Movie,” let me help set the mood: It opens with the simple, melodic, and endearing plucking of a single banjo. The camera slowly descends over a panoramic view of a densely forested swamp to zoom in on the banjo player: the diminutive and lovable Kermit the Frog. As the camera pushes into view of the lonely frog on his log, he sings of his dreams to one day leave his isolated life of obscurity to set out and find his dream in show business.

Kermit’s song, “The Rainbow Connection” went on to become one of the best songs of the year and has now been re-recorded by dozens of artists, including Willie Nelson, Kenny Loggins, The Carpenters, Sarah McLachlan, Gwen Stefani, Weezer, and my personal favorite, Sleeping at Last (scan the QR code below to listen for yourself).

I’ve now heard this song hundreds of times, and without fail, it leads me into a tearful introspection and hope-filled idealism. My wife and kids know they can make me all mushy by playing this song and often put it on just to watch me tear up. I’m only slightly embarrassed to admit that this simple children’s song has lodged itself into my soul. And I don’t think I’m alone.

Everyone can relate to the idea of having a dream that we might someday find. The lyrics of this song brim with hope for what lies beyond what we can currently see. Our hearts are designed for hope.

Yet we also know the disappointment of hopes that have been dashed, desires that have been delayed. We’ve felt the deep sadness and loneliness that comes from dreaming of a better future without the means to make it happen. An ache can accompany our dreaming, but we inherently understand that a life without dreams and hope is purposeless.

Every year around this time as the clock rolls over into a new year, I start to reflect and hope. “What will 2023 be like?” “What’s possible this year?” “How could I have been more present this past year?” Or: “What did I miss out on in my hurry?”

The new year, similar to listening to “The Rainbow Connection,” offers me a brief moment of reflection. Time stops for long enough to consider something new. It reminds me of what’s possible, what might be, what should be. It reminds me to believe in something bigger than what I can see right in front of me. It reminds me to hope and pursue a beautiful future.

It’s simple, but as we begin this new year, I’m reminded to continue to dream and believe.

“Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me.”

Cheers,

by Eric Riley

Executive Editor Lifestyle Magazine

President / Owner Topograph