Greetings

LISA HOLTHOUSE Executive Publisher

I LOVE THE summertime in Houston — coming and going.

By “going,” I mean that I’ve been on the go a bit for CityBook, and it’s been wonderful.

For the second year in a row, we hit the road to produce our always anticipated “Sexy Issue” fashion shoot. With a cast of thousands — OK, it was just nine in the cast and crew, but it seemed like a lot! — we took over San Antonio’s spectacular, justifiably beloved La Cantera Resort & Spa for a couple days of swimwear, sunsets and seasonal swelter.

For some reason, the sexy shoots never get old. It’s amazing how, even after a few decades in this magazinemaking game, hanging out with gorgeous models in beautiful places is still fun. Ha! (I joke, but I’m usually amazed at how warm, professional and friendly models from these parts usually are. Texas produces some solid young folks, pretty inside and out. It pays to be raised well.)

’CAUSE A LITTLE bit of summer is what the whole year is all about. So sang John Mayer. There’s a spirit about summer that is undeniably magical. Whether you’re a kid in school waiting for that final bell to ring, or whether you’re a middle-aged woman like me — summer is met with much anticipation and has so much meaning and depth to offer. The season brings great nostalgia in every little activity. It’s a time of freedom and effervescence. It’s a time for barbeques and swimsuits, longer days and brighter sunshine, ripe fruits and gorgeous flowers. It’s when “rosé all day” is an acceptable pastime. I agree wholeheartedly with Henry James, who said it best: “Summer afternoon, summer afternoon — they may be the two most beautiful words in the English language.”

I was also privileged to visit the Rosewood Miramar Beach resort in Montecito, Calif., near Santa Barbara to report a travel piece for this edition. The resort, you might recall, was on the “second cover” of our last issue, too. Managing Director Rick Fidel has family here in Houston, and I met him the last time he was in H-Town. His setup out there is over-thetop fabulous. I appreciated the opportunity to visit, and I hope you like my story.

But, of course, the best part is always coming home to an active summer showcasing the best of Houston. CityBook had a great bash to inaugurate its new “Cool 100” feature at the Four Seasons Downtown, and you’ll see that covered in this issue, as well. Also, pool parties abound; Restaurant Weeks is here; the World Champion Astros are captivating us.

Call me crazy, but I’ve always loved spending the dog days of the hottest season in the world’s most fascinating city.

Lying still in the grass on a summer day is not considered idyl. It’s actually a respectable and wonderful activity — not so in any other season. Summertime dressing is easier and casual. Generally, people take their jobs a little less seriously as they slow down, take longer lunches, leave a little earlier from work, take off on Fridays and just largely enjoy their lives more. And that’s not to mention the vacations we are all fully committed to again.

Summertime is special, and I hope as you slow down your pace, you truly revel in all it has to offer so that your soul will be well fed.

JEFF GREMILLION Editor-in-Chief