INtown on the beach EDITOR’S LETTER

Collin Kelley

Long before the pandemic made working from home de rigueur, the editorial side of Atlanga INtown has been mostlyproduced from my home in the Old Fourth Ward for the last seven years. In that time, I’ve also found myself editing the magazine in Los Angeles, Portland, Austin, New York, London, and Paris.

So, it really was no big whoop when I accidentally planned a vacation during production week for this September issue. Hello from Tybee Island Beach!

My apologies to the rest of the staff and contributors working from their home offices, but my production was definitely better than yours. My office for the week was under sunny skies accompanied by daiquiris and the sound of waves gently crashing on the sand.

A fulfillment of a dream, this 1915 Italian villastyle home was inspired, custom designed and built to embody the romance of Italy. Nestled amidst enchanting woods and never previously on the market, this property is the essence of privacy and distinction. Live a magical lifestyle with splendid entertaining rooms flowing onto a central piazza, complemented by the allure of fountains with dancing water overlooking a sweeping, level estate lot.

collin@atlantaintownpaper.com

Among my friends – some who are immunocompromised –there has been a lot of hand-wringing over whether to take trips while COVID-19 continues to rage. Although I had the virus back in March, scientists are saying the antibodies don’t last, so I could be exposing myself again.

I took the risk because I felt my mental health was in danger of becoming compromised if I didn’t have a change of scenery. After months of relentless pandemic coverage, I just needed the tiniest bit of “normalcy” for a few days to hit the reset button on my soul.

I realize I am lucky to be able to afford a trip out of town and I am grateful for it. If you can’t get out of the city – because the kids are taking virtual classes at home, work, or whatever reason – find your own change of scenery even if it’s just for an afternoon. Go to a park, go for a walk in a different neighborhood, take a drive around the city, or simply sit in your backyard and find a moment of peace and quiet. It will do wonders for your mood.