Publisher's Letter
I love a good milestone, and November is always one for us. It is the month we celebrate another year of being in print. This year makes four, and let me tell you, it definitely feels longer, because starting a business is no walk in the park. It is more like a hike up a mountain, with the occasional stumble along treacherous, rocky paths. But I am grateful for every summit and every struggle along the way. The growth I have seen since those early days is rewarding, even if it has come with a few gray hairs.
November also brings a few seasonal constants. Pumpkin spice makes its last stand, we make our way through the remnants of leftover Halloween candy, and it’s finally time to dig out those cozy sweaters for cooler weather. (Although, I’d suggest not putting away all the shorts quite yet. With our crazy weather, you never know.) And, of course, it is time to start plotting those Thanksgiving gatherings. My dad has decided, instead of negotiating whose house to invade or what time works for everyone, we are now celebrating Thanksgiving the easy way—at the Dallas Cowboys game. With our blended family and lots of girls, he figured it was the perfect mix of distraction and motivation to keep everyone happy and ensure they actually show up. Plus, there is nothing like football to keep the peace—or at least redirect any squabbles.
In the whirlwind of holiday prep, it’s easy to overlook the best parts of the season, such as laughter echoing through a room, enticing smells of delicious cooking from the kitchen, and the comfort of being surrounded by your people. Sure, some of us are aiming for that picture-perfect feast (trust me, if you have ever seen one of our behind-the-scenes videos, you understand the madness that goes into creating a single pretty picture!), but the real magic is in those wonderfully messy, imperfect moments that linger long after the leftovers.
This month’s issue includes our Giving Guide, one of my favorite sections of the year. It is your chance to learn about the local nonprofits doing incredible work in our community, and this year, we have made it easier than ever to support them with a QR code that links you directly to each website. You will find everything from heartwarming stories to new ways to give back.
We also have a special feature on one of our local favorites, Dr. Robin Hickerson. You may recognize her as an occasional writer for our magazine, but this time, we are turning the spotlight on her. Robin is the first woman to serve as president of the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce, and we are incredibly proud to share her story with you.
Plus, if you need some inspiration for your holiday table, we have got you covered with beautiful tablescape ideas that will have you feeling like an expert host in no time… especially since you can purchase or rent many of the decorative items locally. And, of course, we have included our usual monthly must-reads as well.
I hope this issue brings a smile to your face and a little extra joy to your November. Here’s to making memories, embracing the chaos, and being thankful for every sweet, slightly annoying, and surprising moment along the way.
With gratitude (and a slice of pie),
Cassy M.
