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!

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.