The months that transition spring to summer make me want to go outside and play. When you consider that approximately 2 million people fly on a daily basis in the United States, I’m just saying that someone’s having some fun and I might as well be one of them. Rome, Italy, is No. 3 on the Travel Channel’s list of Top Vacation Destinations; and it’s No. 1 on my list. Since the day my lips first kissed marinara sauce on a pizza crust I’ve been in enamored with Italy. I expressed this to my husband, whose choice of travel destinations respectfully protects the virtue of his passport. This is the same man who courageously supported my first journeys to Rwanda and Haiti. I no sooner expressed my desire to taste gnocchi by way of Rome, when a shopping tour to Italy with a group of mothers and daughters from Southern Utah presented itself. Ah, the power of manifestation! And what an amazing trip it was …

I have only begun to quench my yearning for culturally diverse experiences. While my soulmate’s preferred vacation spots may not be as exotic as mine, we both embrace an adventure to a new destination. Traveling beyond that which is familiar – whether local or global – provides a greater collective sense of our own heritage and nationality. I’ve also learned to pack a sense of humor while traveling abroad. Electrical outlets are not the same, nor are the toilets. The itinerary may be clear but the words are often lost in translation. For example:

Old world charm = No bath
Majestic setting = A long way from town
Options galore = Nothing is included in the itinerary
Secluded hideaway = Impossible to find or get to
Explore on your own = Pay for it yourself
Deluxe = Free shower cap
All the amenities = Two free shower caps
Gentle breezes = Occasional Gale-force winds
Tropical = Rainy
Light and airy = No air conditioning

The spark to cross cultures and encounter something new is what inspired Elan’s travel issue. Life’s a Trip and our pages share the stories of women who have taken them. Experience a road trip to Sun Valley, Idaho. Jump on board to a flight across the Atlantic to experience Europe’s ancient history. Want inspiration? Step back in time to 1911 with six young women who were the very first to experience Zion as a National Park. It’s a wonderful issue to steer your adventurous spirit in the right direction.

Life is a trip that can take you places you’ve foreseen – if only you let it. Don’t hold back!

Like the sands of time, so are the days of our lives … so poetically dramatic. But what is up with those teeny grains of sand slithering through the hourglass blatantly ignoring my request to slow it down a bit? Try as I may, gravitational theory pulls these tiny particles downward to the other side of time. But time has been on her side. Élan Woman magazine continues to defy gravity (lucky lady) as she launches into her sixth year of print.

True to her origin, Élan Woman is designed as a venue to share the inspirational stories of those who make up the Southwest’s magnificent landscape. She is as diverse as the desert’s scenery with the freedom of editorial creativity to maneuver its content with unbound imagination. Élan Woman is deeply committed to the entrepreneur, the advocate, the artist, and the humanitarian, as well as to those who possess a passion for exploration, both of self and for adventure.

Since its inaugural issue, artist Gina Jrel has served as an Associate Editor to Élan Woman for the Arts. Gina has shaken the hourglass several times over the years, taking the time to introduce our readers to the individuals whose artistic expression have etched their mark on the Southwest’s cultural scene. From the gallery to the stage and onto the street, our sixth anniversary issue is an endorsement of believing that the art of creative living is not just a movement, but rather a way of life in our corner of the world.

Not only once but twice in the past three years Élan Woman has received the Utah Best of State award for Outstanding Publication. Our male supporters are no longer closet readers – it’s true, our content transcends gender. Élan Woman is unique. For that reason she has eluded gravity and is constantly evolving – not to change, but to grow. Oh, maybe a little nip and tuck here and there, but that doesn’t define Élan’s authentic origin. Nor does it define yours.

Grow with us. So what if we have to flip the hourglass again. Don’t let the sands of time pass you by. Elan Woman will inspire you to color your world and along the way discover the true art of creative living.

The anticipation of biting into a new year has an electrifying sense of energy. That ‘out with the old and in with the new’ attitude ranks high in popularity, at least in the first months. There have been some years I felt couldn’t end soon enough only to find that in retrospect my perception of what was has shifted with positive acceptance.

Actually, I change my mind occasionally. Ok, frequently. I could blame it on the fact that I’m a woman (which I believe does entitle me to do so without apology, right?). But in theory, age and wisdom allow me to view the world with maturity that only experience provides. My core is intact, ever believing in acceptance, love and humanity. What evolves is the ability to see through the facades of life and separate from what simply doesn’t matter anymore. Life is good.

What hasn’t changed is my love and admiration of men. I have been surrounded by testosterone all of my life…an awesome dad, two brothers (we won’t talk about the time they locked me in my room), a husband who is the love of my life, three incredible sons and a son-in-law, and a grandson who makes me feel alive!

I have worked with men professionally, politically, and on socially conscious efforts. A glance inside the heart of any one of these men reveals the same burning desire to be loved and accepted in the same way women yearn for. It is that which binds us. It is because of these beautiful human beings that Elan Woman dedicates an entire issue to men every year (and that’s another thing that won’t change).

So here we go, onward into 2012 with vigilance. Here’s to living life this year with commitment to change…or just being open to it. You can create a world that sees collaboration and accomplishment of all that is good. We will be right there with you!

Probably one of the hardest parts of working on a magazine is the need to work months – sometimes years – in advance of the actual date. When I worked for a newspaper I had the issue of always being a day ahead of myself. If someone asked what day it was, I would automatically subtract one and I was usually correct. Now, however, I am months off of the actual date.

Last week someone asked me about one of my stories in the current issue of Elan Woman Magazine. They mentioned balloons and I couldn’t for the life of me think of what story they were talking about. It finally sunk in that they were talking about the Hot Air Balloon piece in the Fall Fashion issue. We had a good laugh when I explained that for me that was two issues ago and my “current” issue will come out in January 2012.

It’s not easy thinking that far in advance. When it’s cold and rainy outside, I am trying to think about summer travel. As everyone else is getting ready for summer vacation, I’m already done with back-to-school fashion. And some of our outdoor photography needs to be planned a year out – after all, you can’t have a photo ofZionNational Parkwith snow on the ground for the June issue, right?

I think the hardest issue to plan, though, is the holiday issue. That gorgeous magazine that is coming out this week was planned in late July and most of the content was written during the height of the summer heat. I vividly remember sitting down to my computer one day in late August to finalize content and try to pound out one of my stories. It was 106 degrees outside and sunny and the birds were chirping like mad. I shut all the blinds, put out a bowl of cinnamon potpourri and loaded the stereo with Christmas music to get myself in the mood.

I got into the full swing of the holidays by mid September and I gleefully spent hours spray painting pine cones on my front porch for one of the photo shoots and I was yelled at several times for singing “Deck the Halls” in the office. I happily browsed my collection of cookie recipes and had a glorious time going through photos from the Jubilee of Trees. By the time we sent the final proofs back to the printer, I was ready for Santa to come and be done with the holidays for another year.

Of course, everyone else is just starting their holiday season. I just hope you don’t mind that while you’re sipping egg nog I’m already coloring Easter eggs.

Kathryn van Roosendaal
Managing Editor

During the course of my lifetime I, like most of you, have banked countless ‘favorite’ memories that were acquired during the holidays. From my mother’s 1950s aluminum Christmas tree with the spinning color wheel to my father’s extremely early morning exclamation that “Santa has been here!” – I cherish each moment as the true gift of the season.

My childhood witnessed television’s transition from black and white to color. Christmas time TV shows came to life with animation in the original ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’ and ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’ I also clung to those black and white tapings of ‘The Bob Hope Christmas Show’ and series reruns like ‘Ozzie & Harriet’ and ‘I Love Lucy.’ There was just something about those shows that made me feel good. The emphasis was on family and the substance in quality time together. I could almost smell the aroma of the sugar cookies that Harriet baked and the ones that Lucy burned. Those episodes reflected the details that women of that era took time to consider. Hand-written holiday greeting cards, meticulously wrapped presents, homemade candy, and the intimate parties they hosted with close friends. In all of her chaos, Lucy still remembered the cocktail napkins and Harriet’s apron was a stylish accessory.

Fortunately women have come a long way since those days. However, their focus on quality is something to honor. Élan Woman’s holiday issue celebrates the substance in tending to the details: taking the time to create the sights and scents of the season; letting go of the things that don’t really matter – making the moment count. And most importantly, remembering to give yourself the time to take it all in.

The holidays for my family will always be about the chaos. I do strap on a really cute apron like Harriet and I will probably burn the cookies like Lucy. I’ll buy coordinating clothes for our family photo. I’ll enjoy the mess left in the kitchen. Give yourself permission to keep it simple but make it count! Glance in the mirror and honor your elegance.

From all of us at Élan Woman, happy holidays … you deserve it!

I vividly recall my first bona fide pair of high heels. I was 15 and a junior in high school. Living on the reservation in rural Arizona, being fashionable was not my best attribute. My friends and I relied on fashion magazines to direct us with our so-called style although the models were twenty plus years old and we were…well…thinking we were, too.

New on the market at the time was a line of shoes called Candy’s. Their style was a platform based, high heel slide. Teamed up with a pair of pegleg trousers, this was the trend that few of us could afford. I saved my money and on a shopping trip to California with my mom I purchased the coveted combination (warning: designers Chloé, Gianfranco Ferré, Ailanto, and Balmain love the trend and are bringing it back for Winter).

I felt incredibly chic as I strutted my stuff across the high school’s common area on that brisk, fall morn. That was until I discovered I didn’t know how to maneuver my Candy’s in icy conditions. Without a moments notice my foot slid out in front of me. My books flew into the air as I performed the splits in what felt like slow motion. I could see the faces of the school’s most popular boys standing directly in front of me, starring in disbelief, as I demonstrated my acrobatic abilities. All I could hear was silence as I crashed to the ground. “Oh Dear Lord!” I prayed as the quiet turned to laughter.

Needless to say, I can strut even the highest of heels across an ice rink today. However, my style is more honest and aligned with my spirit. You might say it’s bohemian, classic, business hippie – in other words, it’s all about me. What I love about fashion is that it changes. What I accept about life is that it changes, too. Our fashion issue is a tribute to innovation and creativity. From history and architecture to passion and courage. You will be inspired to not just seek out the trends but rather to connect with what is organically you.

So what happened after the infamous fall? I got back up and smiled at the fact that I had given those boys a moment to never forget me! I wore the Candy’s out but threw away the pants. The peglegs were just too binding for this free spirit!

Despite what others might consider to be blazing heat, there is nothing like the southwest summers. The longer days linger until the nights are awakened, beckoning one to come and gaze upon the stars. Whether sitting along the banks of the Colorado River or lying upon the futon in my backyard, those summer nights have a feeling to them unlike the rest of the year for me.

Since the age of five, my days have been governed by the regiment of the public school’s calendar. There was always the thrill of the countdown to the final day that marked the end of the academic year – and the beginning of summer. Now that my children are all grown, I miss out on that excitement. It was the marquee on the high school near my home with its traditional message, “Have A Nice Summer,” that made me melancholy for the rambunctious teens that use to hang out at our home which we call, Hotel Hansen.

Let me say though, I thoroughly embrace the new way that I seem to subconsciously welcome the warmer weather. As the daylight hours extend, I find myself naturally gravitating towards that which feels familiar. I refresh our outdoor living space with brightly colored décor. My husband and I catch up at night by grilling our dinner together and dining on the patio. The heat also reminds me to take a day off work and invite my grandson over for a swim. Weekends beckon my spirit to visit a local festival…something homegrown that celebrates the heritage of a community. Or, maybe my destination is a lush, open space that allows me to stretch out on a blanket and enjoy an open air concert. The warm days also inspire a short road trip to the coast to taste the salty ocean breeze. Summer is when I truly feel connected to living outdoors.

This issue of Élan Woman is full of ideas and articles that allow you to feel the heat of the moment…and the passion of the summer. Experience for yourself the joy of rediscovering traditions, fashion, and historical places. Throw caution to the wind and wear what makes you happy – the revival of vintage style is ‘hot.’ Fire up the grill and discover the variety of what you can cook on the barbecue. Rise with the sun and head out to a local tag sale where you’ll discover new finds and new friends. Our summer issue is wonderful visual of color and ideas there for your taking.

Whatever you do, make time for the things you have missed out on in the past – don’t settle for, “I’ll do that next year.” Chances are, this year is already next year. Make the most of those summer nights and live each one fully. Engage. And find out for yourself exactly why some of us just like it hot!

As a child, my family vacationed in Arizona prior to my parents relocating there in the ‘70s. This humble space was situated along the banks of the Colorado River and for five years my parents generously entertained hundreds of guests there. Getting to ‘the river’, though, was another story. Thirty years ago car trips were an adventure. Not all interstate highways connected to cross the country. In many places those highways abruptly ended and forced you to take the scenic, two-lane roads through every small town. Truly, this is not a bad thing when you think of all that you miss today traveling on the interstate.

Our 1968 Ford station wagon was packed to the hilt with my younger brothers and me squeezed somewhere in between it all. Our weekly drive across the southern California desert included a few routine stops along the way. The electric ‘EAT’ sign and the Tyrannosaurus Rex were home of the roadside classic truck stop known as the Wheel Inn. Pee Wee Herman’s Big Adventure was filmed in this place, which also hailed the world’s best homemade pie – to which my dad would attest. Desert Center was another stop…in the middle of somewhere. Founded in 1921, this sleepy little town was a training ground for Maj. General George Patton’s men in the 1940s. For me it meant that this desolate, two-laned highway spotted with the remains of abandoned buildings with untold stories was the final hour of our drive beyond the beaten path.

I appreciate these now-iconic locations where time remains still. But needless to say, travel has come a long way, baby! In less than five hours you can drive across a state or fly across the country. Travel today means endless options and Élan Woman’s Travel edition provides you with the best of them. We introduce you to multigenerational travel and update you on the latest jet-set etiquette. You’ll discover a vacation where service gives way to purpose and sleepovers take on an entirely new approach; visit a place where history entices you; and witness the places that time created. Whether your travel dreams lead you to the kitchen or on an inward journey of your soul, Élan Woman provokes fresh thoughts that take you away from the trusted road.

The ‘68 station wagon is a distant memory that has put a few thousand miles of experiences in my mind. Take advantage of each day by setting your sites on your next journey. Whether you travel afar or within, look beyond the beaten path for life’s true treasures.

There is nothing quite like deadline week at Élan Woman Magazine.

Kruz, the canine companion to Kylee, our office administrator, is largly unaffected by deadline. But he is ready at a moment's notice to allow ear rubs for stress relief.

The energy here is completely different from other places I’ve worked. At the newspaper we had deadlines every day, so the tension never really left. It would wax and wane as the hours went by. First the reporters would hit their frantic level at copy deadline. Then the editors would freak out at content deadline. Then the copy editors would get louder and more obnoxious as the page deadline neared. Things were basically always frantic – and the emergency stash of chocolate I kept on my desk was well used.

At Élan we go to print every other month. The deadlines are spread out and the tension levels at the office are mostly at an ebb. Then, about 2 weeks before we go to print, it hits us that we need to get this done NOW and the freak-out begins.

Part of the panic, of course, is that we all tend to think rather creatively and something new always occurs to us at the last minute. “Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a story on this?” Darci will ask 3 days to sending to the printer. Or “Wouldn’t this story look better laid out like this?” or “Wouldn’t this photo be better on the cover?” It is stressful, but it is also exciting in a very good way.

So if any of us seem a bit panicked or cranky, it’s not personal, it’s just deadline. We promise to become normal, rational human beings sometime next week. In the meantime, keep us supplied with chocolate and caffeine and no-one will get hurt.

Kathryn van Roosendaal, managing editor

Last week I had the joy of visiting the sanctuary for Best Friends Animal Society just outside of Kanab, Utah. It is only a 2-hour drive away, but for some reason I have never wandered over there before. But I got the OK from Darci to do a travel story on the sanctuary for our travel issue of the magazine so I headed out there for two days to collect info.

Tamara Dormer watches as Heather the dog makes friends with Sugarplum the cat.

I returned home elated, exhausted and covered with rabbit, dog, horse, cat and pig hair … and a few feathers. I also had so many notes and photos there is no way all of it will make it to the print version of Elan. So I’m posting some of it here and also on my personal blog called Kate’s Cats.

One of the things that impressed me so much about Best Friends Animal Society is that it isn’t just a shelter. Yes, they give the animals a temporary home, but they also do anything and everything in their power to train the animals and make sure they can be adopted into good homes. One of their programs is the puppy training – and part of the puppy training is a process called Cat Encounters.

Tamara Dormer, one of the dog trainers in Best Friends’ Dogtown, brings her personal cat Sugarplum and introduces her to the young dogs to see how they react. The adoption specialists can then make recommendations on whether or not the dog can be in a house with cats. I sat outside the room while she introduced Sugarplum to a cattle dog. That one didn’t go well; the dog tried to grab Sugarplum’s neck. Tamara let Sugarplum relax on top of the fridge for a while as we talked, then she brought in Heather, a 9-month-old Doberman mix puppy.

Sugarplum was a real pro. She started on top of the fridge, but when Tamara lifted her down she didn’t hiss or claw. Heather thought Sugarplum was fascinating but was in no way vicious. She mainly just wanted to play, and she was easily distracted from the chase. In other words, Heather has a puppy’s energy and might get a little rambunctious, but Tamara was able to say that she would deal well in a house with cats.

Sherlock and Alisha share a window seat in the Memory Room at Cat World.

And Heather definitely is a charmer. I am a dedicated cat person and as a general rule I don’t deal well with dogs. But I was seriously tempted to take her home. At one point she jumped onto the couch next to me and rolled over with her head on my lap, looking at me upside down with those big brown eyes. Then she gave me a quick doggy kiss – and I spent the next 20 minutes cleaning nose prints off the camera lens.

I, of course, also spent quite a bit of time with the kitties of Cat World and met some bunnies, pigs, horses and parrots as well. One particularly memorable moment was getting to see Poet, a one-winged prairie falcon who lives in Wild Friends. I have sponsored Poet, who is used as an educational animal – for almost a year now in memory of a friend of mine who has passed on. I wasn’t able to pet or hold Poet, but just seeing him there in his wonderful enclosure where he is safe and cared for brought tears to my eyes.

Kathryn van Roosendaal, Managing Editor

Looking back upon the moment in time when the first thoughts of creating a woman’s magazine were merely unexplored ideas, I am thankful that ignorance is bliss. The enormous amount of work involved in researching the publishing industry wasn’t as overwhelming as the growing fear of putting something that had become so personal ‘out there’ for public scrutiny. I surrounded myself with talented women (and some truly brilliant men). And so it was, Élan Woman was ultimately launched in March of 2007, after months of visualizing inspirational stories coming alive with vibrant color and unique design. How fitting to have birthed Élan in the spring when Mother Earth is alive with the promise of a new beginning.

“An optimist is the human personification of spring.” ~ Susan Bissonnette

Since that time, some five years ago, Élan Woman has been touched by the hands of many individuals who have deepened her purpose for making connections. Through her very pages Élan Woman has motivated others to live fully. She has discussed taboo subjects that needed a voice. She has embraced diversity and opportunity amidst adversity. Clearly stated, Élan Woman honors the courageous, supports the industrious, celebrates the spirited, and encourages the humanitarian. She has received recognition and accolades. And in 2010, Élan Woman in grand collaboration with Jones Waldo, brought forth her non-profit, Launch Your World, which budded a program empowering women with the knowledge to literally start a business in the most organic of ways. Most importantly, Élan Woman has been sustained by an enormous base of believers who give her breath in every page.

Since her inception, Élan Woman has been wrapped in the arms of the most talented contributors in the southwest. To those we say thank you for your generous gifts. To Élan’s staff, your dedication has always gone beyond expectations – our magazine is an illuminating reflection of your passion. Our random, zany thoughts and spontaneous ideas (possibly a result of being overly caffeinated) have produced some amazing content. Bless you for always giving more. To our loyal advertisers, we humbly offer our sincerest gratitude for your continued support.

As Élan Woman moves forward, she does so with the promise to set your soul free. The essence of southwest life will forever continue to evolve in sync with those who redesign it. Together we have countless places our hearts have yet to discover. The anticipation of what tomorrow brings is as exciting as awaking each morning and knowing you are alive – it’s not a given, it’s a gift. On behalf of all of us at Élan Woman, we celebrate the season we are in along with the opportunity to bloom!

The scenario has repeatedly been played out in books, movies, and commercials such that the theory is universal and undeniable. The equation is simple: man plus living object (toddler, child, or even a puppy will do) equals attraction. Experiments suggest that women find men who outwardly display sensitivity and affection towards humans, animals, and social causes are, well, down right sexy. The reasoning presented is different in the varying studies but all suggest that it has to do in part with a core connection – that a man is truly capable of emotionally binding to those things in life which most women have an inherent concern for.

There is a growing appreciation for traits that mainly women have been known to possess. These characteristics are those focused on keeping families together, and the ability to organize volunteers to unite and make change for a better world. The rising trend in leadership style also indicates that there is new admiration for these same qualities. Studies suggest that domination as a traditional leadership style is slowly declining while the feminine way (as it is referred to) of leading is on the rise.

I prefer to discard labels and simply advocate the vision of a world run cooperatively by conscious men and women. In this Élan Woman’s 4th Annual Tribute to Men edition, we have had the privilege to connect with men who, by their very own nature, we find attractive. Men who convert their passion into cause driven efforts; men who connect to support one another through life-threatening times; and a man named Andre Agassi, who discovered that his real grand slam in life had nothing to do with tennis.

“I felt it shelter to speak to you.” ~ Emily Dickinson

It is not just the visual of a man holding an infant that women find attractive. Men who possess heart, passion, and conviction exude their truth in how they live their lives … thus, bringing us back to sexy. So gentlemen, whether you are holding a baby, making dinner, or volunteering in behalf of a cause that’s close to your heart, we love the connection!

After the heat has subsided and the intensity of the sun has given way to a simple warm glow, the arid desert becomes this amazing wide open space just waiting to be enjoyed. Much like a playground infused with the history of a museum, the southwest in the winter time provides the opportunity to be outside even in the coldest of months. Whether you are hiking around in a state park or playing nine holes of golf, spending the holidays in the desert will truly make it the most wonderful time of the year.

Take a moment and recall what holiday celebrations stand out in your mind. Certainly those embodied with service would be at the top of my list. But close behind would be a myriad of memories that capitalize on our glorious surroundings. One year our family spent Christmas Eve in the middle of the Dumont Dunes. Without a single soul around, we honored the solitude while exploring every inch of the otherwise busy recreational area. The excitement of creating an experience for your family or with your friends that’s ‘different’ leaves an indelible memory and our desert climate provides an array of options from which to choose from.

The holiday issue of Élan Woman celebrates a simpler way of life during the season in order to get out and enjoy the southwest. You can take a ride on the Polar Express, or stay home and decorate your outdoor living space; toss food into the crock pot for easy entertaining or slip on an LBD and spend an evening shopping through the countless charming art galleries and quaint boutiques.

In the end, it’s about time. It’s about loved ones. It’s about feeling good in the moment and knowing you are alive. It’s about allowing the child in you to come out and play.

Dr. Seuss explains it well in, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas:

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ‘till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

From all of us at Élan Woman, get out and let your season sizzle!

The early morning torrential rain showers at the final round of a national motocross series altered the race track conditions from dust to mud, creating new challenges for the youth riders. Parents of these young racers were called to a meeting to discuss how  to proceed as a few of the children were competing for points which would determine their year-end ranking. With the kids standing by their sides, the parents of the children who were leading in points strongly lobbied to not race, citing unsafe track conditions; others argued for the race to continue providing their child the opportunity to acquire more points; interestingly, the majority stood in silence, allowing the stronger, somewhat unruly voices to be heard.

One of the greatest gifts we can give to our kids is the motivation to be an active part of the life’s political process. If we taught the value of asking for the opinion of others, engaging in healthy debate, and working diligently to comprehend both sides of a controversial issue, we would also be teaching children how to express themselves, listen to opposing views, and to be open to change when the concluding information presented is in the best interest of all.

My brothers have long dubbed me, “The Governor.” Maybe because I had a smooth way of negotiating what I wanted with my dad, or because I simply would use my age advantage to veto anything they wanted to do that didn’t appeal to me. However, any real political aspirations I may have had were tested during my tenure on a state board. I vividly recall my first year at the legislature when, at the midnight hour, votes swung on an issue. An array of heated discussions took place in effort to understand why the last-minute switch in position. The wife of an elected official set me straight saying, “If you don’t learn to play the game, you will never get anything accomplished.” Ten years later, that same statement runs through my head every time the loudest of voices shout redundant rhetoric that prohibits anyone from making a move.

The fall issue of Élan Woman celebrates those who are living life in full color; women who have literally fought for their life, women who have been labeled ‘moderate’ for their courage to stand alone, and individuals whom have flown over the red tape for the sake of humanity.

I’ve decided that I cry too much to ever be governor. As for the motocross meeting? A parent who had stood in silence slowly rose his hand. “Could we wait a few hours and re-evaluate the track conditions?” – a reasonable solution. Life doesn’t have to be black or white. Contention disrupts the opportunity to achieve accomplishment. Want to  discover the joy of resolve? Consider closely your next move.

When my alarm clock goes off each morning it is a reminder that I have been given yet another day to embark on my earthly journey. Some days are spent researching and writing, some days are dedicated to cleaning and laundry, while others are designed for family and friends. Each day provides for an adventure, regardless. I am frequently asked, “When are you going to slow down?” I can’t help but think to myself, “Why?” I must concur with the late actress and First Lady of American Theater, Helen Hayes, who said, “If you rest, you rust.”

I like being busy. It’s my free spirited nature that keeps me moving. My time was once filled with PTA meetings, wrestling matches and soccer games, and trips to the river. Today I find myself working late hours on a story; cheering my ATV riding family on at the races; traveling to a recovering nation and feeling the pain of a people; or pulling an all-nighter with my grandchildren. As time advances forward, I realize how each experience, great or small, has caused me to learn and grow. To have slowed down might have resulted in missing an opportunity for my own personal evolution.

I believe that the key to savoring life is to make sure that you are present to take in each moment and commit it to memory. There is much to see and do. To forego venturing out of your norm is to miss a day. This issue of Élan Woman is all about getting out and experiencing life…getting out of your comfort zone, getting out and traveling, getting out and experiencing something new. Get out with a friend, a lover, or all by yourself. There really is no better place to do this than in the exquisite setting of the southwest.

Oprah Winfrey said, “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” When your alarm clock goes off in the morning, rejoice. You’ve been given another day. Get out and make the most of it.

Relationships. Each are unique. Some take work. Others are as Lionel Richie said, ‘easy like Sunday morning.’ Regardless, relationships are at the core of every possibility in life. In business, they are the key to creating new opportunities or the end of possibilities.

I am the first to admit I am not a relationship expert. I do have my Bachelor’s in Communications as well as Secondary Education (Speech and Drama Emphasis – note: I’ve since eliminated the Drama Emphasis in my world) and feel that I have a fairly solid pulse on how a relationship may or may not evolve. What I do know is the value to which they have in my life. A relationship must be two-way. Give and take. Share and receive. Talk and listen. Through various times in life, our levels of engagement shift depending upon circumstances.

What is worth celebrating are those relationships who endure the shifts. I honor those who have been in my life for years…like my friend Deb, whose presence since 2nd grade makes her the key holder to everything I have hid in a closet. Or my high school classmates from the small town of Parker, Arizona – a graduating class of 125 students whom together we morphed from irresponsible, fun-loving, teenagers into productive, successful, fun-loving adults who remain closely connected. I honor my sorority sisters from Northern Arizona University (go Tri-Delta) who have discovered each other on Facebook (bless technology). Then there are our neighbors whom we’ve raised our children together and now celebrate our grandchildren.

In families, relationships are often taken for granted because of the depth of love and security they possess. I acknowledge publicly, my husband and children are the foundation of my soul. They are my confirmation that God does provide gifts wrapped in beautiful packaging.

In business, we at elan have discovered that relationships with our supporters are both fulfilling and enduring. We assist each other as we venture through this journey together. We find ways to elevate ideas. We collaborate to make things happen.

Launch Your World, elan woman’s 5 part series of events that begins April 22nd, is a result of amazing collaboration. Our partner, the law firm of Jones Waldo, along with our incredible sponsors have come together with an experience to inspire and empower women with the endless opportunities available to create a sustainable business. It literally took less than 72 hours to build a $40,000 professional prize package for those who may choose to compete at the end of the series. Why so easy? Because we have built two-way, meaningful relationships with partners who, like elan woman, put the needs of others at the forefront of our efforts.

So with a heart filled with gratitude, I have been thinking of the relationships in my life. I honor those who get what I’m about, and those who continue to hang in there trying to figure me out. If you want to see just what kind of people elan woman has come to celebrate our association with, join us for Launch Your World!

It has now been four years since élan woman made its debut in the southwest, a testament to the fact that time does indeed pass quickly. As I stop and think of the weeks, months, and now years spent creating the content that has danced across our pages, I marvel at the process and how we’ve evolved.

The mission of élan woman has always been to provide a unique venue for passionate and creative women to share their stories. We celebrate the accomplishments of women who dare to be different and strive to empower others with the courage to discover their own strengths and talents, while honoring their core values and rich history. It is clear that we have not wavered from this commitment. Despite the difficult times imposed on our economy, and the toll this has taken on our society, we have remained true to our mission, even deepening our commitment. We have flourished to embrace the challenges as opportunities to reach out and connect with our communities and each other. We get that we are all in this journey together. Our own grassroots origin honors the true entrepreneurial spirit that we so deeply advocate.

In celebration of this journey we share, and to inspire others to pursue their dreams, élan woman has teamed up with the law fi rm of Jones Waldo to present, “Launch Your World; Learn – Link – Launch,” a yearlong series of educational and social components designed to assist women in creating new possibilites. All culminating with a huge surprise which we will announce during our fi rst event in April (see page 15). Our March/April 2010 Anniversary issue continues to introduce you to the most fascinating individuals who have the heart to assist others; people with a social conscience beyond cause and commerce; women who inspire; and pay tribute to a few of the families who have paid the ultimate price for securing our freedom.

Dr. Maya Angelou, the remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature said, “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.” Rather than nestling down, allow the vibrant spring to inspire you to chase
your dream. We’re beside you all the way – you go, girl!