The big relax.

I have to admit that I've never been much of a spa-goer. I've never had a facial, and I've only had a handful of professional massages. Decadent rub-downs with fragrant herbal concoctions has always felt outside my realm; how can people treat themselves to all that extravagance? Do they really deserve all that fuss?

As I watched our guest editor, Marla Milling, being escorted back into the dark-wood interior of the Secret Garden Spa for two hours of pampering, I felt the tension in my back and neck, and I wondered, when will that be me? Like many of us, I find it hard to give myself the luxuries of life.

To me, relaxing means an evening at home with my man, my cats, and a good book. Or it could mean a night out eating delicious organic food. Or getting into a rhythm with my crochet hook and a ball of super-soft yarn. A house-full of friends laughing and joking can rejuvenate me and take the edge off of a busy week. (Knowing that I have a dishwasher after the party is also a relaxing thought!) What does relaxing and rejuvenating mean to you?

In this issue, we explore many sides of rejuvenation: Deborah Barnett teaches us to be more positive; Dielle Ciesco helps us find our voice; Michelle Keenan explores a brand new holistic spa and retreat center; Katie Keys calms us with aromatherapy; and Melissa Stanz discovers the healing power of the horse.

You may not think of it as relaxing, but martial arts develops "the harmonization of body, mind and spirit," as our writer Derek Croley says in his article. As my friend Gail told me before our class last night, "I can have all sorts of problems in my day, but in class, I forget about them. I can only think about the class; I have to let go of the rest." It can be rejuvenating to focus on a discipline and strive to become better at it.

If cooking (and eating!) is your thing, chef Mary Lane nourishes our deep winter warmth with steamy soups. Acupuncturist Nicole Jurkovich further introduces us to the magic of winter with her article on the water element.

On another note, we hope you're enjoying our new Green Home Resource section, which is growing! We commit to expanding our coverage of green homes throughout the coming year to ensure that our readers have a corner on the latest and greatest about sustainable living.

This Sunday, I'm finally cashing in my gift certificate for the royal treatment at a spa, given to me by my staff (thanks, gals!). I'll let you know how it goes ...

Happy holidays, happy New Year--relax and enjoy!

Erin Everett

Editor/Publisher