I used to be the girl with the suitcase.

While everyone around me was finding love, settling down, and having babies, I was looking for my next plane ticket to the next destination. Even after I finally settled down myself, I still kept my suitcase packed.

There’s nothing wrong with adventure. I’m thankful I never allowed my relationship status to stop me from heading out into the world and experiencing it for myself. But when my husband died, things shifted. Finding yourself on the ugly-cry side of a life-changing season will do that. More than any other time in my life, I needed people. I needed a village. And to have a village, I needed to unpack that suitcase, plant some roots, and let people in.

Eight months ago, I chose to do that here, in Winter Garden. What has transpired is one of the best, most life-giving experiences I’ve ever had. I said yes to invitations from strangers. I showed up in coffee shops with a laptop and a smile. I attended chamber meetings, fundraisers, networking nights, and wine nights. I invited myself into the conversation, and in turn, you welcomed me with open arms. That’s the power of community.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about this little magazine project we started just one year ago. It’s a milestone we’re thrilled to celebrate on every page of this issue. But I keep thinking about how we wanted The Local to be received. We wanted these pages to inspire you to love your neighbors and community that much more. We wanted this magazine to feel like home.

So… as we embark on our second year, I want to ask a favor: Tell me about yourself. Whatever it is that makes you unique—how you got here, how you fix your coffee, who inspires you and lifts you up— I want to hear about it. Nachos or tacos? Red wine or white? Boxers or briefs? Books or podcasts? Anything in between? You can even attach a picture if you want— of you or your beautiful family, or your dog, or your favorite space. Whatever you can think of.

This community matters so much to me, and I would love to know its many faces. To meet the people sitting across the proverbial table week after week, month after month. We’ve built this beautiful space together. I pray it only gets better as time goes on.

You need a village. I need a village. We all need a village. The Local is my village. I hope it’s yours, too.

Heather Anne Lee
Editor