“Work hard, have fun, make history.”
- Jeff Bezos,
Founder and Executive Chairman, Amazon
American poet and educator Sarah Kay captured the essence of the season when she said, “It’s December, and nobody asked if I was ready.”
Indeed, it often feels as though we are never ready for this month, regardless of how prepared we vow to be. Between all the professional, personal and holiday commitments (guess who has a birthday coming up?), December can feel like one grand party filled with celebration!
“It’s five o’clock on a Wednesday
My regular crowd sleeps in
There’s a Celsius sitting next to me
(I’m) listening to tunes to keep upbeat.
I said, ‘Please, can you send me to sleep,
I’m not really sure if I will.’”
No, it’s not the opening lyrics of “The Magazine Lady,” the latest Billy Joel song. It’s me, sitting in my home office working on The Boca Raton Observer’s Special 20-Year Anniversary Issue. I can’t believe the issue is here. Twenty amazing years...two dazzling decades of community…. 218 issues of The Boca Raton Observer that we have conceptualized, created and brought to life for our readers. In many ways, I feel like I have given birth 218 times and then watched my babies brought to life, grow and blossom.
It seems like only yesterday that we embarked on this journey. The overwhelming support and love from our community over these past two decades have been nothing less than a true gift. Reading our Special 20-Year Anniversary Issue has elicited a series of emotions the last few months. It has made me feel proud, nostalgic, happy and emotional. One of my favorite Oprah Winfrey quotes, “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength,” perfectly summarizes my journey with the magazine’s creation and growth. After all, it’s 218 issues over 20 years. That’s a lot of late nights, workdays, meetings, brainstorming, change, struggle, evolution and triumph. I started writing my business plan in the summer of 2003. My first issue came out in November 2003 with my 4½ and 2-year old kids on the cover. I had no idea what I was doing. All I had was an idea and a dream.
Our talented writer, Debra Banerjee, captures this beautifully in our special feature, “The Evolution Of A Dream” (page 87), a heartfelt reflection on The Boca Raton Observer’s extraordinary journey deeply intertwined with the Boca Raton community. And as always, we’ve got an abundance of fantastic stories to share with you beyond this very special read.
For our cover story, we chat with the incredibly talented and charming Eva Pilgrim. Our story “Prime Time Kindness” (page 108) recounts her fascinating rise to stardom and the values that keep her grounded today. Her culturally diverse background resonated with me, not to mention her show-stopping wardrobe (can I get her stylist’s number, please?).
In “CORE Values” (page 120) we spotlight another powerful role model — Ann Lee — who, together with Sean Penn, founded and runs CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort), a disaster-relief charity created in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti. This inspiring read outlines the challenges and rewards she experiences in her mission to help those who are in need. I’m so taken by Ann’s drive and positive outlook, I’m sure you’ll leave the story feeling uplifted as well.
Speaking of feeling uplifted, our story “Navigating Negativity” (page 114) offers essential tips on how best to navigate a world saturated with bad news. December can be a difficult month for many, so we hope this article provides some valuable perspective on tackling life’s hurdles.
Additionally, whether you’re a fan of heartwarming classics or zany comedies (I can’t recall how many times my guys have watched “Home Alone”!) don’t miss our “Holiday Hits!” feature (page 126). We’ve got the popcorn-worthy picks for some quality holiday family time.
Of course, we also have our much-anticipated Holiday Gift Guide (page 134). This year, we’ve curated selections specifically tailored to home styles! Whether you favor a cozy cottage or prefer a minimalist aesthetic, we’ve got the perfect picks for you.
In the spirit of gift-giving, I’m thrilled to share my personal favorites on The “L List” (page 36). You’ll find a carefully selected sampling of the things I adore — and think you will as well!
“Evolution” is defined by Merriam-Webster as a process of continuous change from a lower, simpler or worse to a higher, more complex or better state. I have truly evolved in so many ways, my family has, my business has, so has our community and our world.
When I go through the pages of this issue, I am filled with pride, joy and love. Every day, I am overcome with a sense of amazement, humility and privilege that I have gotten to where I am with this book. Skeptics, obstacles, struggle, COVID-19 — none of these things matter when you learn that dreams do come true and hard work does pay off. I am blessed to love what I do. I am grateful to have a family and a team behind me to have my back at all times. Whether I am sick, out of town, having an issue, for whatever reason; I don’t do this alone. It truly takes a village, and I am extremely grateful and blessed. I would be remiss not to thank my amazing, hard-working team, marketing partners, readers, community leaders and so many people in my support system. It means so much to me to know that we are all part of The Boca Raton Observer community and that we are truly in it together, in our city, our state, our lives and our worlds.
I hope you enjoy reading our Special 20-Year Anniversary Issue as much as we enjoyed creating it for you.
May your December be filled with health, happiness and love! And to quote Jeff Bezos, “Work hard, have fun, make history.”
Happy Holidays and happy reading!
Linda L. Behmoiras
linda@bocaratonobserver.com
“Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
- Oprah Winfrey,
media magnate and philanthropist