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pring. A time of transition and transformation — to new tasks and new directions.
Take a drive through Tulare County and you will see it often, farmers pulling out old crops and planting new. Right now, cool weather is giving way to warmer temperatures and, like a change in seasons, this year has challenged us more than ever to reimagine ourselves and, like those farmers, dig deep.
As many of you may know, my career has taken an exciting, unforeseen direction and, along with it, a change for DMI Agency and Lifestyle Magazine. It has been my pleasure to be at the helm of both for nearly 17 years, but like the farmer who says goodbye to one crop to make room for new growth, I am thrilled to announce the purchase of DMI Agency by Topograph, LLC.
Both DMI Agency and 4Creeks Creative have merged under the newly formed Visalia based entity, Topograph.
My career in marketing began at Kaweah Delta, now Kaweah Health, and I feel especially honored to return after nearly 25 years as director of marketing and communications. I will continue for a time as Lifestyle’s editor but, as of this issue, I would like to introduce you to the new publisher, Eric Riley, and the talented team at Topograph.
When the idea of finding a new owner/publisher entered my mind, I have to admit that it was a bit unsettling. It had to be someone who would take great care of advertisers, clients and staff, but also someone who would understand and care deeply about our community. Enter Topograph. I am confident that you can expect the same inspirational insights into the local food scene, great recipes, home tours, literature, gardening, community and local lore.
You are going to love this month’s issue as it takes us to Monet’s Wine Bistro in Exeter, with a Mother’s Day tribute in the form of a Peach Bourbon Brisket recipe and side dishes. Having worked with my own daughter, Taylor Johnson, one of Lifestyle Magazine’s photographers, I think you’ll enjoy Natalie Caudle’s The Magic of a Mother Daughter Duo.
This month’s home feature is a unique garden tour of the George residence, complete with a pond, a train, and an endearing look at how high school sweethearts built a life together. Also in this issue, Terry Ommen recounts a time when a giant milk bottle dominated the landscape west of Visalia.
It takes a village to produce and publish a magazine, and I appreciate and value each of you who has made Lifestyle Magazine what it is today. Our homeowners, culinary contributors, talented staff of writers, photographers, editors, advertisers and readers … all enable Lifestyle Magazine to be the premier publication in the South Valley.
This is not goodbye, but rather hello to new opportunities, and I cannot wait to see what great issues Topograph will produce.
Until next month,
