You may have noticed that Lakestyle has four issues each year. These issues mirror the seasons of the year, and the seasons of our lives. We have chosen this approach to better celebrate life, whether you live on the water or not. This past autumn and winter I, like many, was forced to watch several close friends of mine struggle with serious illnesses. As the seasons turn I look forward to the cheer that comes with spring. Melting ice, foggy sunrises on the lake, running streams, leaves beginning to bud, and the return of the birds bring the excitement of rebirth. This year, I am particularly looking forward to the hopeful feeligns that come with spring. As the ice melts off the lake, I hope the troubles melt off of my friends' shoulders.

As I watched them struggle during the long, dark hours of winter, I often found inspiration in the following words of Mother Teresa that are posted on my refrigerator door:

"Do It Anyway"-- Mother Teresa

People are often unreasonable,
Illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse,
You of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will
Win some false friends and
Some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
People may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spent years building,
Someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,
They may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people
Will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
And it may never be enough;
Give the world the best,
You have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
It is between you and God;
It was never between you
And them anyway.

Even if it doesn't seem like enough, even if their troubles won't melt off their shoulders and get whisked down-stream by the strong spring current, these poetic words challenged me to take risks, reach out and continue to try and help. They encouraged me when I made mistakes or was too tired to do more. These words inspired me to try new things. May her words inspire you too, and may spring bring you hope eternal.

I would like to introduce to you a newer member of our Lakestyle staff. Her name is Barbara Cross and she is a Landscape Architect. She has taken over the Lakestyle Gardening section, and comes to us with a lot of new and inspiring ideas. Check out her articles and begin dreaming of the many ways you can plan your lakescape and how to bring beautiful spring flowers to your lake home a little early. What a great way to usher in the spring.

I'd also like to call your attention to an article featuring Jeff Passolt of FOX News 9. His history of seasons at the lake and what they mean to him echo the thoughts and feelings most have about our own lake time. This is a side of Jeff Passolt we don't get to hear about on the nine o'clock news. Our thanks to Jeff for sharing his story with us!

To me, spring at the lake is a special time. The many signs of its arrival bring with them the hope of new beginnings. It's a chance to wipe the slate clean, start over, and make changes for the better. It offers the opportunity of rebirth.

Whether our tasks are large or small, life changing or repetitive, it can get tiresome and difficult to do the right thing. But at the end of the day it is a wonderful feeling to know that you have. Spring is a reminder that it is never too late to make a good choice, to reach out to someone, to live life to its fullest.

As your lake opens, the days warm and new life begins to blossom, may the season find you taking new risks, trying new things and connecting with others in everyday ways. Enjoy the bloom that will certainly follow!

Nancy Henke, Editor

By Nancy Henke