The Mango Vol 1 Issue 6

Letter from the Publisher

Marcel Wanders, the world-famous Dutch designer and art director at Powerhouse Studio in Amsterdam, took words right out of my mouth when he said: I collect memories. I look for opportunities to try new things, go to new places, and meet new people all the time. I tried a new thing on one of my trips to Jamaica, parasailing. More on that in a minute. My latest professional new thing is The Mango . As we wind up our first year of publishing this exciting, ad-free, 68-page, all color, high quality magazine, I reflect positively on having taken a chance to try this new thing. I am going to a new place and meeting new people very soon. What a privilege it is to be traveling to Key West for Meeting of the Minds 2021. And the most exciting part is that I will be, finally, connecting in person with so many folks who have not only been some of our most avid readers this first year, but also treasured advisors and friends. Eric Babin, Colleen Fuchs and Rob Hill to name a few. Rob was instrumental in developing and guiding our production of the MOTM 2021 Program and Convention Guide . Bob Haslett and Vinnie and Sarah LaSorsa might not be in Key West, so I’ll shake their hands virtually right here on this page. Parasailing in Jamaica was a genuine adrenaline rush. It doesn’t seem like it’s going to be that high from the ground, but once up there, oh lord. Cruise ships look like toy boats, and I was especially thankful that I was sailing and not free-falling! One big surprise is the mountainous terrain of Jamaica. I remember thinking it was akin to West Virginia have been dropped into the Caribbean. But, I knew I was definitely not very near The Mountain State when I strolled the most beautiful beaches offering the warmest, softest sand between my toes. I can’t really think about Jamaica without thinking about Bob Marley. His music

has stood the test of time. He created a sound that connected with people who often didn’t really comprehend what he was singing about. We mostly relate his music to a chill-Caribbean- beach vibe, but his lyrics were also complicated and filled with heavy subject matter about oppression and conflict. I guess those lyrics mirror the life of a Jamaican during his time. But Bob always made time for love (his 11 children proves it) and reminded us: Don’t worry about a thing….because every little thing…is gonna be alright. Thank you e.v.e.r.y.o.n.e. for a wonderful 2021, along with the enthusiasm to dance into 2022 with confidence and courage and, as often as possible, in bare feet.

Phillip Vaught

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