Morning walks by the lake always inspire me. They sharpen my focus. With each step, I seem to get a little bit closer to an idea for this column – not always an easy feat. Or it may be the formulation of a compelling lead for a story I’m writing. It might even be a concept for an ad we’re designing.
As I stumbled out of bed this morning, downed some coffee and put one foot in front of the other out the door, I couldn’t help but look back on myriad mornings like these on the lake.
I’ve often compared it to being on vacation all the time. Don’t get me wrong. There’s plenty of stress in my life, but the water seems to be the cure for whatever ails a particular day – at least for a moment or two.
I’m reminded of how lucky we are to be doing life on the lake, especially when a lake newbie walks into the little shop we opened for our LakeLife 24/7 ® brand. We call it the cottage industry we started by accident. We work on the magazine in the back office, and our little shop fronts downtown Pell City’s main street, selling apparel and accessories that capture a single experience we all cherish – the lakelife.
It’s a state of mind, really. It’s an unspoken bond. You recognize it instantly from that unmistakably content smile that follows the newcomer’s opening statement, “We just moved here.”
I remember that day for me … and the decades that followed. A common thread winds its way through all of our lakelife stories – the house, the boat, friends, family, fishing, skiing, sunrise, sunset, herons, mallards, laughter – snapshots of endless memories that do indeed last a lifetime.
In the unlikely event that I ever forget, I tossed a pillow in the corner of a big easy chair years ago that reminds me. Its message is simple and never fails to evoke a knowing smile. “Heaven is a little closer in a home by the lake.”
It’s true, you know. Just ask a ‘lakelifer’ like me.
But don’t take my word for it. Ask the Lewises, who settled into their dream home two years ago on Logan Martin with a panoramic view from every room in the house. In this issue of the magazine, they share the many features of their beautiful home with us along with some of their favorite recipes and their own take on living the lake life.
Along with their story, we have all kinds of lakelife goodies to share – like “glamping” at Angler’s Pointe in tents, covered wagons and tiny homes. We step back 60 years ago in August 1965 when Logan Martin Dam opened, creating “lake of a thousand coves.”
Or, listen to some good music at The Amp, the historic amphitheater that is only a stone’s throw from Neely Henry in Gadsden, or ride along with pro angler Zeke Gossett on both lakes for tips and tricks to catch the limit this summer.
Save the date in September for Lakeside Live. This growing music and so-much-more-festival is moving to a new, bigger location at Lakeside Park. Hungry? Try a new nearby dining experience at Pell City’s Kami Sushi, Thai and Asian Fusion, which is sure to take you on a culinary adventure.
It’s all right here and more in the issue of LakeLife 24/7 Magazine®. Turn the page and discover it all with us!
Carol Pappas
Editor and Publisher
