Letter from the Editor

As most everyone knows, I live on the east coast of the U.S. in New York where the month of May is a very beautiful, mild month. The weather is cool but comfortable. April showers have washed away any remains of snow. Leaf buds and flower buds begin to peek out as the earth gently makes it’s yearly transformation from freezing cold hibernation to the warmth of Spring again. Sluggishly, the groggy earth awakens and then, with the surprise, and energy and happiness of a child, pastel-colored life pops-up from the wet brown earth. Cherry trees burst into blooms of pink and white. And the robin red-breasts reliably returns, true to his promise of another season of life.

Liz Winterstorm’s photography reminds me of this transition. It is surprising and subtle with a wistful wave to the graying past, an appreciation for the golden treasure of the present, and a wonderous but watchful approach to the blurry, unknown future.

This issue also features Umshlanga Barbosa. He’s become a fixture at TSFTG and FOCUS, as moderator and contest judge. He’s a unique Liverpudlian man of many surprising talents, and we learn a bit more about him in this issue.

You will notice that Mahogany’s column is missing in this issue. Her busy RL took precedence, but she will be back in the June issue. We’ve also begun a new column called “Kitten’s Korner” that you are sure to enjoy!
.