Summer 2019 Letter from the Editors

Jessica Weible, Executive Editor of The Watershed Journal

Dear Reader,

In the warm rays of the summertime, we escape the confines of our homes and offices, we shed our layers of clothing and insulating footwear, and we make ourselves vulnerable to one another in the collective effort to rejuvenate our bodies and spirits.

Within this edition of The Watershed Journal, you will see the fruits born of the resplendent moments of summer. Flowers and wildlife make their appearance. Waterfalls and swaying trees are in their glory. And many writers and photographers attempt to capture the magic of a brilliant sunset or warm summer night under the stars. 

Yet, the risks that we take in opening ourselves up to the beauty of summer also brings to mind the threat of a fast-moving thunderstorm, the ominous presence of a predator in the wild, and the dangers we confront when searching for connection with forces we cannot control. 

It’s the beauty, the vulnerability and even the risks we take in summer that make it such a memorable season for all who give themselves over to every moment of it. 

The poems, essays, fiction, photography and original artwork in this edition all tell different stories, emphasizing the variety of experiences we have in response to the land we live on, the people we encounter and the change of season. However, they all contribute to our understanding of this unique place and the people who choose to make a home here. 

As always, thank you for supporting regional storytelling.