EDITOR'S LETTER

So here we are again, another edition of Scenic Road Magazine, and another baby added to the clan. I honestly think the credentials for being a working parent should include; the innate ability to compartmentalise family life and work life, even when they unavoidably meld into one. Or perhaps it’s the simple ability to laugh at oneself when you’ve completely forgotten what it was you were doing only seconds earlier.

There is no greater marvel than a ridiculously busy mother and I admire anyone that gives life a red-hot go, especially our team members here at Scenic Road Magazine. I have seen greatness from this crew of ladies, a deep desire to produce well-polished work; from Carin’s stunning imagery and clever use of words to Brooke’s organisational skills and admirable task orientated mindset, to Eden’s calm approach in bringing a spreadsheet full of chaos to life – this is our team of mothers who show up and give it their all. Now, I’m not saying every day is perfect, but the beauty of a sisterhood is that we have a mutual respect, an understanding of what it takes to be a working mum. From the dreaded phone call from the school, to the annoying headlice emergency that requires immediate treatment, and yes sometimes that includes treating our own hair (insert current situation while editing this magazine). There is no glossy Instagram life at home or at work, there’s just life! Which brings me to the importance of sharing one’s problems or should I say ‘challenges’ for a better word. There is a helpful story in this current edition introducing ‘Our Space Psychology’ a new business providing just that. Tamborine Mountain couple, Fergus and Louisa, saw a gap in their community, prompting them to offer a family-based psychology clinic complete with therapy dogs and an ‘at home’ feel. There is nothing more important than feeling connected or heard, so I prompt anyone in need of that extra support to contact ‘Our Space Psychology’ for their exclusive offer to our readers – a complimentary 20 min phone consultation.

There are also some wonderful community centred articles, like the page on ‘Forest School’, a program within the Canungra C & K, giving children the opportunity to connect with the outdoors and nature. There’s also the story about Outland Denim, James and Erica Bartle, changing the way we think about fashion and the unethical origins of our clothing. Their extraordinary brand making a positive impact on people’s lives around the world. The inspiring story on Russell Smith, an indigenous musician and Scenic Rim resident, reminding us about our instinctual desire to survive and thrive. And our front cover story, Eat Local Month, the festival that brings the entire Scenic Rim community together. The funny and vibrant Kath Rose, giving us her tips on how to navigate and eat our way around this awardwinning tourism event. There is also the beautiful story of Hampson Honey, a family run business who are now on the shelves of Woolworths.

We also made a magnificent discovery, artist Nina Hanley, a Canungra mother who takes real life situations and deconstructs them into a thing of beauty, the lens of surrealism my new favourite genre of visual art. We are so excited to see what crosses this incredible woman’s path next – commissions welcome!

There are several interiors inspired articles, with a peek inside the newest luxury accommodation venue on Tamborine Mountain, Verandah House Country Estate. A great interview with owner Judi Pereira, one that will have you booking yourself in for a ‘decompressed’ weekend away. The Long Farm, a story about preserving the old and historic; and The Dairy at Long Farm, a new destination now open to creative businesses wanting a rustic backdrop - our team jumping at the chance to create a Long Lunch collaboration. There are so many gorgeous stories in this edition, the Rainforest Restaurant a must visit and Lydia’s Garden, an interview with Samantha Dusting who we affectionately call the ‘the flower lady’. Pilates and Yoga with Janie from Freedom Fitness and Woodland Coffee, the newest artisan coffee to hit the Scenic Rim. A lifesaver when it comes to providing the best daily pick me up, there’s also a special offer to our readers on pg. 57

I hope you enjoy working your way through the pages, with special thanks to all the amazing people who support us behind the scenes, husbands, parents, friends and our loyal advertisers. I am immensely proud of the community we have built at Scenic Road – and the all-important sisterhood. Even our awesome kids deserve a special mention, Leonardo, Rosalina, Giorgiana and Lucia –I love you my darlings.