Issue link: https://nest.uberflip.com/i/1070492
R inging in a new year is always bitter sweet for me; feel- ings of excitement for the possibilities of the year un- known, but also a sort of melancholy of having to let the old year go. This year has been a change of environment for my daughter and I. We lived in a two bedroom apartment while we waited for our Pulte home to be built, and before that we lived in downtown Seattle from the time that she was born. To say that the slower pace in Tehaleh was welcome would be an understatement. My daughter is at the stage that I was able to pare down on the holiday gifts. Starting last year she received a need, a want and a surprise. Last year's surprise was our new home. Keeping it a secret for more than 7 months was a real challenge, but it was worth it. For a gal that had lived all of her nine years in 2 bedroom apartments it was the biggest surprise of her life. She could now ride her bike in a real neighbor- hood, one brimming with laughing children and watchful eyes, a neighborhood where kids ask "can so and so come out and play" and put up lemonade stands in the sum- mertime. It is a little slice of Norman Rockwell's world, right out our front door. As I reflect over this past year I am so grateful to be in a community where my neigh- bors watch out for each other, celebrate (and commiserate) together, and overall strive to create a real community full of block parties, 'Boo Bags' and holiday lumi- naries that line the sidewalks. Even the simplest of tasks such as sharing a ladder or helping to refill the lawn mower gas tank so that you don't have to go "down the hill", is steeped in a genuine feeling of community. I am also astounded at the talent we have here among us—designers, decorators, pho- tographers, lifestyle mavens, painters, and furniture makers. I have been lucky to have a few of these talented folks along for the ride while providing insight into their spe- cialties. In this issue Nikki Martineau from This Robin's Nest, shares her tips and tricks for storing dinnerware and entertaining pieces, it was beautifully photographed by Rachel Rumph of Rachel Rumph Photography two uber talented women from Tehaleh. I have so many design ideas and questions with regards to making my house a home. Who to call, where to look, what to do next. I hope to uncover the answers to these needs as I develop this community magazine. Keeping it local with an eye toward a bigger picture as far as design elements and practical needs. Each issue will feature a community feature highlighting decor and design, a builder spotlight as well as life- style and organizational articles that will hopefully inspire and enlighten along the way. Here's to our inaugural issue of Highlands Masion, here's to a new year, here's to living in beautiful Tehaleh! Wishing you all the best in 2019! Nicki Callahan, Editor Highlands Maison Nicki