Thursday, December 22 - Daily Notes, From the Editor

Solstice in Southworth was beautiful this year. Mom and Dad always make it so. 

There was live music. The Happy Sinners took us all back nearly one hundred years, to a time the old-timers seemed to remember. There were cupcakes, little Faye found them first. A fire and lanterns were lit. The sky turned the requisite blue, and our eyes danced in the warmth of it all. For an evening, no one spoke of the politics in the world. For an evening, we were hearts beating, neighbors celebrating, daughters and sons gathering to watch our parents show us how to grow into this life with grace. We honored the darkness and looked toward the light.

This month, I have been quietly working to try to understand what Lucia's role will be in the year to come. Our world needs more heart. I do not have answers, I am as stunned as everyone else. I am listening.

I sat with our online editor, Sarah Childers, yesterday in her bright kitchen overlooking the Wallingford neighborhood, discussing this very thing. The Italian mother in her shined as she fed me homemade chicken soup and looked me in the eyes when we spoke about what we feel, what is calling us, what we question, and what we hope for.

We agreed Lucia may still be small, but it represents something mighty and worthy and important. I told her I am fiercely proud every piece of contributed writing to luciajournal since she came on board has been not only of the highest quality, but also full of heart and inspiration. One story at a time, we are fulfilling our mission: To inspire and enlighten the world by giving voice to the heart and celebrating true beauty.

Starting up an independent magazine for women without traditional advertising is not for the faint of heart. It is expensive. None of us--myself included--are making a living doing this work. It is on the side, in the spaces, filling in the cracks with creativity where we can because we know it is needed; because this work is a calling.

Still, we want to do more. So I am busy reaching out to the companies and brands we love to invite them to sponsor content in Lucia's next print issue. While everyone who sees and touches Lucia falls in love with it, and while we have built an impressive national network of distribution channels through both large and independent retailers who cannot wait to fill their shelves with our next issue...this is slow work.

The Happy Sinners, the lively, lovely duo who came to play at my parents' Solstice party this year, sang a song called "Eh, La Bah!" which in French Creole is asking, "Hey you over there! How's it going?" (see below right for a little video of their performance).

I would answer them this: I am alive and kicking, assessing the situation, taking a deep breath, and re-committing myself to being "all in" with this heart work, and with Lucia. Whatever that means in 2017, bring it on. I am rolling up my sleeves, and I welcome it.

May there be peace, from our corner of this beautiful world to yours. Thank you for reading Lucia and supporting us this year. 

xo
laura

P.S. Here is a peek at The Happy Sinners singing "Louisiana Fairy Tale" and "Eh, La Bas." Oh, they are so good. Enjoy!

Laura Lowery is the founder, editor and publisher of Lucia. She does her best to lead a creative life. Whether triumphant or stumbling, Laura shares daily notes (that are often weekly) here on luciajournal, including stories, behind-the-scenes happenings, little doses of inspiration, and large quantities of curiosity and heart. She is pleased to meet you.