The little magazine that could
Seven years ago, when we launched At Home on the North Shore, I had no idea this little publication would become such an important part of my life. Every issue opened a new window of wonder in my community and in many ways has helped define who I am today. I have learned more about this place I call home than any other time in my life. I have had the privilege of meeting amazing individuals and families, many of them starting as strangers who I would now consider friends. I’ve had the opportunity to work with talented writers, photographers and designers who have inspired my own creative passions and have influenced my work with other publications in our media group.
It has been a lot of work to grow At Home into the publication it is today, and I know it has been a labour of love for everyone on our team. That’s why it is so hard to say goodbye.
They say that everything has a season. In the last few months, I have started to consider the next chapter of my own story. I have reached an age and stage where one does stop to contemplate such things.
The last few years have been a challenging time for many sectors and the publishing world has not escaped the impacts of our changing economy. It costs more to do just about everything these days, including the production and printing of this magazine. We are all evaluating how we do things and it’s rare to come out on the other side of the exercise with an answer being anything but change.
The editorial mission of At Home has always been clear. We celebrate what makes us unique on the north shore of Nova Scotia. I’ve been told this publication has been a tool for recruitment to our region and plays a small part in the health of this community. This is something that gives me great pride and has always fuelled our purpose. While the print version of At Home will take a pause — so our team can explore other ways of sharing the stories that have made At Home so special — we will continue to find other platforms to continue the celebration.
It seems fitting to announce the retirement of the print edition as we head into the holidays. At Home has been a gift in my life and I hope it has also been a gift to you.
I want to thank our loyal readers, subscribers and advertising partners who have supported this project over the last seven years. We are endlessly grateful to the people who have opened their homes, shared their dreams and vision.
There is a lot of unfinished business with this departure. We live in an incredible part of the world with rich histories and traditions, but more important are the stories yet to be told, led by a new generation of leaders who see our world through a different lens.
We leave you with a lovely collection of stories that captures the beauty of another season and will continue to remind us that everyone is welcome and feels At Home on the North Shore.
Until we meet again.
Wishing you and yours
a wonderful holiday season
and a happy, healthy New Year.
