One Year at SL!

It’s officially been one year since I took over as Smart Living editor from my mentor and friend, Janine Pumilia. I think it’s important to recognize milestones, particularly because they make for great opportunities to reflect.

If I’m being honest, this past year has been a lot of fun! I’ve been able to interview some fascinating people, including Teresa Galley, executive director of the Wabash County Museum, and Mike “The Wizard” Burgess, owner of Wizard’s World Pinball Arcade, plus so many other incredible people in between. (And if you missed those stories, you can find them at smartlivingfortwayne.northwestquarterly.com). Our community is full of passionate people who love what they do, and that passion is contagious.

If I’m being honest a second time, I had never heard of Shipshewana until becoming the editor of this magazine. I know — it’s actually embarrassing. But now, I’m obsessed with this quaint Amish town, and I can’t believe I was unaware of their flea market until only this year. Now that I know, I fully encourage everyone to visit!

This year has had its challenges as well. Balancing my editorial duties with being a “stay-at-home” mom to my 1-year-old baby has been tricky to navigate at times. Thank goodness for my mom and mother-in-law, who graciously and eagerly provide child care. I couldn’t balance it all without them. I know how lucky I am.

If I could sum up this past work year in only three words, I would choose “adventurous,” “motivational” and “caffeinated.” I explored, I learned, and I drank a WHOLE bunch of coffee. (For reference, our Keurig is the only thing we keep out permanently on our kitchen counter).

This job is truly a blessing. Cheers to more years of creating interesting, informative content and writing honest front columns. It will always be my mission to deliver you a quality product.

Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor