How often do we look at someone and wonder what their life is like? Do we even have the reserve mental energy or motivation these days to pause and consider other people’s origin, religion or culture? During a recent train ride from Toronto to London, I marvelled at how almost every passenger was slickly hooked up to a laptop, an iPod or the latest cell phone, yet was completely tuned out to the presence of fellow travellers. It made me think about what’s being lost with every gain in technology.

So it’s particularly refreshing to feature a story this month about a day in the life of a Mennonite family. Reading about Joanna Steckle and her family’s life on their farm in Wellington County is like turning the clock back to a time that was simpler, calmer and, well, just quieter (the Steckles don’t have a TV or radio). I may be too young to fully appreciate what it was like when life was more about community and working together with friends, family and neighbours to carve out a life, but I think our mainstream culture could take a less or two from the Steckles.

We can all use input and perspective at times. And what better perspective is there than that of both sides of the coin? This issue marks the debut of a new forum (page 70) that will offer input and advice from the male and female viewpoints, according to Lisa Brandt and Jim Alexander. It’s our way of bringing Mars and Venus a little closer to earth.

If you’re looking for a natural remedy, you may not have to go any farther than your kitchen pantry. New this month is “Did you know?” (page 43) which features tips from Nanda MacNeil about the little-known healing properties of apple cider vinegar. We’ve also re-introduced “Legal Briefs” (page 60) and this month, London lawyer Erin Reid gives the straight goods about the legal rights of people in common law relationships.

A lot of people get excited when March arrives. It’s a month that marks a safe distance from the brittle cold temperatures of January and it’s so close to the month when we can all start singing “April showers bring May flowers” (okay, maybe not out loud but don’t deny you’re thinking it) As a gardener, Janet Atkinson (“Outdoor Spaces” page 64) knows what it’s like to lie in wait until the ground yields to the force of her spade. In the meantime, she’s got some great ideas for bringing a little bit of spring indoors until the outside temperature catches up.

You may notice that our magazine is a little heavier this month – yes, we’ve gained a few grams, but it’s all in the interest of offering our readers more by re-formatting as a regional magazine. Now 55,000 households in and around the London and Kitchener-Waterloo areas will have a little more Real Women in their mailboxes. Diet is definitely not in our vocabulary.

Enjoy!

Shelley Vandermolen - Editor

Letter's from our Readers

I just have to write a note. I discovered Real Women magazine through my work as a hostess for Welcome Wagon. I’m thrilled every time I read it and am so excited to bring a copy to each new person I meet.

The articles are uplifting and give the women of today recognition for new and intuitive thoughts and possibilities. I find this gives me courage to get out there and give it a shot. Certainly, not like the old days for women of any age.

I even like the advertisements. Usually, when looking through other magazines, I lightly peruse the ads, seldom taking the time to really look at what they’re about. But I’m interested in almost each one in Real Women, even if it’s just to know what’s available in the London and surrounding areas. 

Anne Campbell ~ London, ON

I love your magazine. Please keep up the good work. Thank you for offering this long overdue women’s connection.

Carolyn Buchanan ~ Mitchell, ON