A Word from the Publisher

December / January, 2012

Dear Readers

If I could use one word to describe our December/ January issue it would be ENERGY. As we move from one holiday to the next, this time of year transforms at an energetic, exciting and sometimes frantic pace.

Travel is at an all time high as families come together to celebrate the season, and Claudia's "SlopeSide" gives us the scoop on all of the holiday happenings at the ski resorts. As the mountains burst with firework displays, holiday lights and activities, a resort holiday may become your most favorite new family tradition.

Rose and David's North American travels take them to the beautiful coast of Oregon, where the peacefulness of the ocean and nature's serenity come together. They explore the natural sights, including the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area, visit local fare at the Tillamook Cheese Factory and share it all with us.

As we in SoDe look forward to the coziness of a warm house with the fireplace ablaze in the background, Claudia shows us how the residents of Alaska celebrate the winter season with The Fur Rendezvous in Anchorage. The festival also kicks off the start of the Iditarod, the most famous dog-sled race that travels over 1,150 miles of rough terrain.

One of the most fun and exciting sports of the season is hockey, and at The University of Denver we have an incredible team headed up by Coach George Gwozdecky. Hockey writer Mike Chambers introduces us to outstanding DU players who belong to the Shore family in our neighborhood--Drew, DU's co-captain, and Nick, its second line center. Younger brother Quentin will join the team next year and Baker, 12, is playing for the Colorado Thunderbirds.

With all of the excitement of the season, there seem to be few moments to relax and reflect on the past year. Eliza offers fantastic tips to stay on track to what really matters most in "A Balanced Life."

Enjoy, Celebrate and Breathe!

Publisher and Owner