Comedic Plans

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The 2022 print season is now concluded! But… we’re still here. Keep your comments + pics coming! Send to sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

Say THANKS to someone for being an amazing human. No need to explain why… just send a name to sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

Sincere thanks to all readers + advertisers — thank you for a splashy-great-fun season!

The plan to be a stand-up comic was flawless.

The audience, unhinged with uproarious delight, would clutch their stomachs + wipe away tears of laughter.

I practiced and practiced, you see. And after each rehearsal, I’d step away from the mirror, chuckling to myself. Then, I’d go outside to play. I was 10. And undoubtedly, not as funny as I thought.

No, all dreams don’t go as planned.

Like when my husband said we should get a European Doberman: “Oh, honey, they’re cute. They’re protective. They’re strong. Smart. It’ll be great!”

All was as planned except the last prediction.

Great has been a stretch. Ne’er before: • had I unearthed an inner rage so akin to Hulk. I get you, Bruce. • have I been tested with naughtiness so profound it’s actually impressive. • have I met a dog with such physical power; even her kisses exfoliate multiple layers of skin.

And this is all post-training from a K-9 policeman.

Again, not all things go as planned.

But in time, life itself tweaks our plans to clearer paths. And then plans suddenly make sense. Jagged edges smooth, and even maniacal dobies chill. It’s experiencing opposite extremes to meet in the middle, as better versions of ourselves.

The month of August, too, is a time of extremes. We begin the month in fullfun-lake-mode. Each day is celebration. Cookouts are plentiful. Watching peaceful sunsets, a nightly ritual. Then during the month’s end, school schedules return. Kids go to college. Family routines alter, and a new daily norm is born.

But really, water fun can still continue. Cookouts may commence any night. And sunsets? They’ll blaze their glory whether we make time to audience their brilliance or not. So make it a routine, year-round.

It’s about selectively celebrating the ‘best' times that bring us fulfillment—thereby creating our best lives. These are just some of the themes you’ll find within this issue.

Flip the pages to see “The Best Of LAKElife Country.” Find contest results from readers like you. Enjoy our play-on-words of ‘dog days of summer.’ Since fourlegged friends are as much a part of lake life as a cooler on a sunset cruise, we’re celebrating our pooch pals. See if your Buster, Jaxie, or Flufferbutt is in this issue.

In August, as we close the 2022 publishing season, please accept my humble appreciation for your interaction as part of our LAKElife family. This is your magazine. And I already can’t wait to see you again in spring. Until then, I’ll be making plans for next season—sans the comedy routine (you’re welcome), but with adequate fluidity for life’s own edits.

Enjoy this issue, readers. And please stay connected through social media + email. I’ll be here, right beside my dobie.

Bella

Warmly,

Sue Executive-Editor-Who-Quit-Stand-Up-In-Fourth-Grade