From the Editor: My Dream Job

by Jan LeBlanc Murphy

For six great years, I’ve worked as Inside Northside’s editor, partnering with Stacey Rase and her predecessors as the magazine’s resident wordsmiths. We have shared the ups and downs, successes and failures, more laughs than tears—and many panicky moments as deadlines drew closer.
I have—somewhat deviously, I admit—avoided one part of the editing job, however: writing the letter that fills this space in each issue. With Stacey’s changing her role from managing editor to contributing editor, I can avoid it no longer!

To tell the truth, I relish sharing about my work at IN. I have “retired” to my dream job, which is my tenth or twelfth or fourteenth “career.” (I stopped counting long ago.) With no young children and only a small condo, I have the luxury of time and energy to do work I love with people who are—and others who have become—my family.

That family has grown. Karen Gibbs, one of our readers’ favorite writers, is now a member of our editorial staff. Renee Pellissier is our new Peek coordinator—don’t be surprised if she asks for pictures when you see her at an upcoming event! And we are fortunate to have Rebekah Sylvest, from Mandeville High, as a part-time intern. Her first assignment, IN the Street, appears on page 46.

For me, putting out each issue of Inside Northside is a process of giving birth. Forgive me if I say that I always feel a sense of pride in our baby! This latest one is again large (with a delivery to match!), filled with features whose spirit will lead you gently into the holiday season. You will want to give yourself adequate time to consider the article on healthcare technology on the northshore, page 196. The information it presents may benefit—maybe even save—you or someone you love. And as you begin making out those lists Lori spoke of in her note, you’ll find lots of help in the amazing collection of gift suggestions throughout the pages.

May November and December bring you peace, and all things good.

Congratulations to Michael Espersen of Slidell,
our Word Search winner for September-October.