From Your Publisher


Welcome to the month of February and our spotlight on civic and community organizations who “from the heart” give immeasurable hours to their respective citizens. By loving their neighbors close by and across town, they enhance the quality of life so that all in the community benefit. While these organizations may have a social side, their purposes and goals are serious; for as part of national and international organizations, they raise funds and promote efforts to assist an array of age groups and to support various local non-profit programs. We salute these involved and selfless citizens and their year of activities that remind us that reaching out to those in need, because we have the means and the methods to do so, should be everyone’s goal.
We also are reminded this month of the “from-the-heart” celebration of Valentine’s Day, as well as the celebration of carnival time, Mardi Gras, prior to our Lenten season that sees us through the last month of winter. This month boasts Valentine gift-giving and often engagements and weddings on the rise along with revelers’ partying and parades rolling as onlookers shout out, “Throw me something, mister.”
Last month during the production of the February issue, I was in the New Orleans, Louisiana, area, welcoming two new additions to our family: Mary Tucker Devereaux was born January 5 to my younger daughter, Caroline, and her husband, Matthew Devereaux. Her 19-month-old big sister, Stella, had me, her CheChe, running all over the place. My older daughter, Mary Catherine Moffett, brought Ann Frances into the world on January 9. Her husband David and 4-year-old daughter Millie have been preparing for her arrival with the renovation of their 1890s duplex in historic Algiers’ Point. To say our lives have been pretty full is an understatement. And, surely, it also has been a time full of blessings as both families adjust to their new additions and to even more love to share and enjoy.
Last month also brought us the disappointment of our favorite football team—the New Orleans Saints—falling to defeat in the playoffs. Though I regret their loss, I will remember the event through the blissful recollections surrounding the births of Mary Tucker and Ann Frances. What stories we can tell about their entries into the world as they grow older! While our Saints were not able to pull out the win over the 49ers, we viewed this game packed in one room at Mary Catherine and David’s home, cheering and shouting throughout the afternoon; dining on cheese and fruit appetizers, oyster and artichoke soup, and king cake; and snapping photographs of our five grandgirls—such memorable moments with all of our family together, though missing MiMi, Anne Elise, and Palmer; and such a celebration of love.
  While in New Orleans area, I could not have possibly put this book together without the assistance of Adam Blackwell managing the office, the phone, and the glue between sales and graphics. His keen skill of organization, mature mannerisms, and knowledge of technology are skills that will take him far as he continues his education at Ole Miss. I am indebted to him for his weeks at Bluffs & Bayous during his holiday break from college.
May your February bring you and your family celebrations of love as well in your life along and beyond the Mississippi.