With this issue comes Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the beginning of summer. It’s a season of celebration, with longer days, warmer nights, the end of school, the beginning of vacations, cookouts and more. Mother Nature joins in on the festivities by providing us with an abundance of brightly blooming flowers, butterflies, bees and lyrical songbirds. Gardens are starting to reap what we sowed during those early weeks of spring, and all around Richmond, local farmers will be selling their fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, farm-raised meats and other homegrown and homemade goodies. Take a look at the 2015 Local Farmers’ Markets in this issue to see what’s available near you—shop local and eat healthy this summer!

This issue focuses on Women’s Wellness with articles about breast health and natural birth. I hope you will read and reflect on the many ways we can all, women and men, nurture our bodies and spirits through self-love, healthy alternatives and local resources. When I was young, my paternal grandmother, Ginnie, was diagnosed with breast cancer, making the issue of breast health one that is near and dear to me. Hummingbirds have always reminded my father of his mother, and because of that they remind me of her as well. I was, therefore, delighted to choose the hummingbird photo for this issue’s cover. Did you know that there is a lovely legend of the hummingbird?

“Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.” - Papyrus

I hope each of you embraces all that life has to offer in the coming weeks and months. I send happy wishes to all parents this Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. And a special shout out to my own parents—mom and Woody, dad and Anne—thank you for always being there for me. xoxo

Happy Reading, Jessica