From the Editor’s Desk – June 2009

Some special thank you’s need to be said before I get side-tracked down a rabbit trail.

Bob Hess, Thank YOU! You are an amazing addition to our community newspaper team, and we love having you around.

You are learning a tremendous amount of material in a short amount of time, and we appreciate you more than you know.

THANK YOU!

Bob is our intern graphic designer, working with the LCC Individualized Certificate Program. He has tackled his new job with relish and only slight anxiety as we threw him into the mix designing ads, working on a completely new Mac platform and programs.

Good job, Bob. You’re a fun guy, and an essential part of this issue!

Summer Clemenson, Thank YOU! As our web manager for the online version of the Valley Bugler, you manage to take all of the content and make it magically appear onto the web site, complete with links and everything!

In short, I think that is amazing, because I have no clue as to how you do it. We love you, and GREAT JOB!

Okay, now that I have those thank you’s down, I may continue to reflect on June. June! I can’t believe that it is already halfway through the year of 2009, can you?

My girls have both had their birthdays (within 9 days of one another) and between the parties, school favors and dance recital pictures and performances, we are broke.

The month of May has got to be the poorest month in our pocketbooks thus far. That and Christmas-time. Geesh. Ah, but that’s okay. I actually thrive on the craziness!

Any other Type A personalities out there? Until recently, I hadn’t actually termed myself “Type A”. I think I was in some sort of denial.

Until someone called me Type A just the other day. THAT was an eye-opener, let me tell ya.

What exactly is a Type A? If it has anything to do with being a mommy with three children ages 6, 4 and 5 months; running a successful community newspaper from a home office; accounting for her hubby’s online web site business; and managing to get some hip-hop classes and walks around the lake in there – then Yes, I am a Type A personality!!!

But it’s not all craziness.

I love that we take the time to just “be”. To just enjoy spending time with one another goofing off, playing games and doing projects.

Not planning out every second of the day. Enjoying the hush of evening as the baby’s breathing slows and deepens.

The tinkling of iced sweet tea and leaving the door open at night to let in the breeze and fresh air.

Okay, now I’m really into JUNE!

June is a month that goes entirely too fast also. It encompasses Father’s Day, Graduation, the start of many vacations and my favorite part of all: SUMMER SOLSTICE.

You can learn more about the kickoff event of my absolutely favorite time of year, summer, on page 18.

Summer is the time for bare feet, toe rings, bright polish and breezy capris. Open doors, ceiling fans, sprinklers and the color green. Lawns haven’t died yet, so the vibrant green on a brilliantly sunny day is simply glorious for the soul.

It also seems that activities ramp up for the summer. You can see that as found on CowlitzToday.com – our community calendar found online. A plethora of events and activities, such as First Thursdays, Farmers Markets, Summer Art Camps, Vacation Bible School, and so much more.

I hope that you enjoy this kickoff to summer as much as I do. And I hope we get to enjoy it for a looooong time this year. Lots of sun. Lots of Vitamin D, please!

There is also something special happening this year that must be noted in this issue. And for that reason, I have dedicated this issue to my parents. To find out why, turn to page 21 and be prepared to stand amazed.
Congratulations, mom and dad – and this issue’s for YOU!!!!

Until next month,

Michelle Myre
Publisher / Editor
Valley Bugler Newspaper
Where the GOOD News is Always Free!