The Great Unfurling

In a New Light

There is a unique pull to an epiphany—a realization so clear that it requires you to see things differently at once. The phrase “in a new light” originates from the 1680s; it combined metaphors for clarity, deep understanding, and intellectual insight. This phrase describes the exact instant a new truth becomes clear to you.

As the Spring season arrives, we lean into a collective sense of renewal—a time to focus on making healthy choices, seeking goodness in our actions, and intentionally embracing positive changes. Keeping the world beautiful and inviting remains central to our vision of storytelling, and this issue continues that pursuit. From breathtaking buildings across the globe to interiors arranged with inspiring touches, residences have rarely looked as impressive as they do now.

This harmony is obvious on our cover, featuring a home in the gated community of Paradise by the Sea on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The home showcases local architectural styles from the firm A BOHEME and unique interior designs by Melanie Turner Interiors, built by Earthbuild construction. What makes this house special is the detailed custom woodwork by E. F. San Juan, a family company celebrating its 50th anniversary. Our editor, Jordan Staggs, known for her attention to detail, tells the story of this fourth-generation millwork business.

On a more personal note, I am entering a time in my life when new opportunities seem possible, and I am letting go of past disappointments from missed chances. Many people, myself included, want to move away from the fast-paced, always-on work culture common in America. Instead, we aim to work smarter, prioritize living life, and find meaning in what we do. Personally, I find a sense of purpose when I am at sea.

Though a luxury yacht is ideal for an escape, my nostalgia is rooted in the rustic lobster boats of my New England youth. Almost any nautical vessel will suffice. I fondly recall early sunlit mornings on the high-speed ferry from Hyannis to the quiet chic of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. There is profound peace in sailing at first light, before the sea has fully stirred. I am presently in a state of “utter abandonment,” ready to unfurl sails and fly across the water.

This season, I encourage you to cast off your worries and seize the goodness that daily life offers. Find your thrill, do the things you’ve long deferred, and remember: you are the only one with the power to make it happen.

To Life!

—Lisa Marie Burwell

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