EDITOR’S LETTER

JAN/FEB 2023 / DIANE TALBOT SEMBROT

SCAN TO VISIT US

HOW TO SCAN: OPEN, AIM & TAP

ONE MOMENT

Aside an empty ball field, my thoughts are overflowing. Every day I learn something new. I talk to experts, read books, watch tutorials, listen to podcasts and so on—and then try everything out. I don’t just accept an idea, I research it and test it (whatever that says about my personality type).

On the plus side, I naturally enjoy learning new things, and there is no end to the topics, tips and tricks sprouting up absolutely everywhere. Not all of what I dive into is focused on better writing or keeping up with all things digital (impossible); some is about taking better photos and videos or being a better communicator or running productive meetings. Whether I move on the advice isn’t the point; simply seeing things in a new light is enough.

I apply most of what I learn to doing a better job for you. I keep up with advice from the four corners of the Earth (or, at least, seemingly so), so that you will enjoy reading about your hometown on these pages and online. I hope what I am doing—exploring all those rabbit holes—is working and that you are interested in, and delighted with, our content and voice—that what we share in Westport magazine is both current and meaningful to you. Ideally, what our team puts together makes your day better.

Also, I hope that reading our stories and enjoying the photography of people and places of your hometown makes you feel closer to your community. I recently received an email about how clear it is that I love Westport, and it’s true—I do, and I have loved it for a very long time. It never fails to show me its natural beauty, and everyone I talk to has something interesting to share. You’re always doing something, from launching a new business to hosting a fundraiser to taking on a big issue— you always face whatever comes and insist on moving forward. The people here are not just resilient, but dynamic.

Every day I learn from you. This is especially true when, rather than emails, IMs or texts, I talk to someone face to face or, at least, over the phone.

What I take away from these moments takes root during quiet moments, when I enjoy what is before me without doing anything other than appreciating it. For example, before me right now a man and his dog who have entirely taken over that empty ball field and are having the best afternoon under a perfect blue sky, not a care in the world. They have no big ambitious “to do” list other than to toss and catch a ball and be together—and there’s something beautiful to be learned from that.

diane.sembrot@moffly.com