KEEP ON KEEPING ON

Well, I think we can all agree that it’s been one “hello, where did I leave my mask?” type of year, like one we’ve never, ever, experienced before— and are now happy to see in our rearview mirror. That being said, I’d like to offer each and everyone of you my sincere gratitude and congratulations for doing your part to keep yourself, your loved ones and your community at large as safe as possible throughout the pandemic thus far, as well as your determination to “keep on keeping on” in a similar fashion until the virus is behind us for good, hopefully in the coming months if we all keep working together to get the job done.

In the meantime, it’s heartening to see that life does indeed continue in the “new normal,” as attested to by the steady stream of your incoming story and photo submissions. As you’ll soon see, that “sure thing, can do” attitude of most Canadians is alive and well, and is perhaps even growing stronger as the new year dawns. You’ll find it powering even the shorter pieces like My Hometown on page 63, “Living in the Sault” by Lloyd Hetherington and Wheels on page 63, “The Little Tractor That Could” by Alborz Moghimi. More true-life inspiration can be found in the longer pieces, too, such as “Bearing Witness,” our Showcase selection on page 28 from lifelong news and documentary cameraman Phil Pendry. Amazingly, Phil began his career at age 14 in a rural town just outside of London during Nazi Germany’s infamous WWII “Blitzkrieg” and, now 93, has not stopped since.

And fear not: there’s plenty of lighter fare and awesome photography to get your new year off to a good start. Plus, our annual photo contest is underway—which is always a wonderful diversion and a tremendous opportunity to hone your skills or try out a brand new hobby. Details are on page 23. Enjoy, stay safe—and have a healthy, happy 2021!