. . . is the theme of our fall wedding feature in this month’s issue. It’s based on the tradition of incorporating an Old English rhyme into wedding plans: Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue . . .. This custom is intended to add a personal touch to the celebration. Those outward displays of significance most often come from those closest to the couple as they embark on their new chapter of life together.
This verse reflects my own new chapter as editor-in-chief since joining the Insite Brazos Valley team at the end of last September. I believe it was a match made in heaven! My relationship with Insite Brazos Valley Magazine has been a perfect marriage of my passions for all things lifestyle and community driven. It’s timely that my first anniversary falls during the very month when we honor traditions, celebrate fresh starts, and plan for new directions.
“Something old” is the considerable legacy I inherited when I said yes to the position. I’m proud to follow the path of prior editors whose shoulders carried this magazine through the years, all of whom cultivated a publication of quality and a solid base of community support that has stood the test of time. I join them in their efforts to create a magazine that is among the best of its kind.
If you’re a longtime devotee of Insite Brazos Valley, then you have likely noticed lots of “something new” lately. Most are subtle changes in branding, design and structure, including an updated Table of Contents, a Calendar of Events (whose QR code will lead you to many more happenings listed online), and a list of racks (also online) where you can pick up complementary copies of the latest issue. Check out our masthead on page 5 too. In the past few months, we’ve added more staff and built an incredible go-get-‘em team that I couldn’t be more proud of. We’ve upped our social media and are in the process of revamping the website, so look for that in the coming months.
Something borrowed? Well, that may be the many good ideas, generated by our editorial staff and interns and from community members’ suggestions, that develop into stories. The loan of something borrowed comes with the expectation of its eventual return. We do hope you feel you receive a worthwhile return for the investment of your time as you peruse our pages and the content that fill them.
“Something blue” is easy — our mast! While our logo’s color may vary to match the cover, it will always be blue on our official masthead. I love the many shades of blue — a metaphor for the vibrant Brazos Valley and its infinite source for inspiration, which we do our best to bring to you with every issue.
There’s a less familiar line to the rhyme that rarely makes it to the time-honored wedding tradition: “A six-pence in your shoe.” (Perhaps limping around all day with a coin underfoot explains why!) This last line represents prosperity and an investment in the future. To me, this line speaks to our advertisers: We couldn’t do without them, and we thank them for their continued support that is integral to our success. This line also speaks to our parent company Integ that welcomed me into the family nearly a year ago. I am grateful for the company’s faith in me, for embracing both what Insite Brazos Valley is and what we can be, and for providing the resources to get us there.
Perhaps I’ll start carrying around a coin or some other talisman for good luck and good fortune as we plan into the future. Looking back at the last year, I am proud of what we have already accomplished and where we are headed. As I go about the business of being Insite Brazos Valley’s editor-in-chief, I always carry that vision close to my heart.
Best,
Ellen
Comments, questions or suggestions? I’d love to hear from you! Reach out to me at editor@insitebrazosvalley.com.
