Dear Readers, 

I hope your start to this magical new year has been wonderful so far! As they say, “time flies” and with the holidays becoming an already distant memory, our staff is looking forward to an exciting month here, in Arizona. 

With the WM Phoenix Open kicking off in Scottsdale on February 9 and the Super Bowl’s return to Glendale on February 12, we thought it only appropriate to dive into all things sports for this latest issue. Throughout these pages, you’ll learn about the efforts that WM is taking to continue to make the Greenest Show on Grass even greener, and what measures the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee and NFL Green are taking to ensure that the Big Game has a positive impact on the environment in our state. 

And while sustainability is a key tenet here at Green Living, the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion are equally important to us. This month’s cover story from editor Shelby Tuttle touches on the journey of openly gay drag racer Travis Shumake, a Phoenix native who began his career in the NHRA in his late 30s, but began dreaming of his time in the sport as a teen at the Valley’s only outdoor karting venue, Phoenix Kart Racing Association. As one might imagine, his storyline is dotted with various encounters with bigotry, hatred and homophobia, but is ultimately driven forward by resilience in the face of adversity. 

Of course, no issue would be complete without in-depth features dedicated to both food and travel. This month, our own Rebecca Rhoades explores the history of the Sonoran Desert’s heirloom crops at Tucson’s Mission Garden, and featured contributor Misty Milioto takes readers on a boot scootin’ trip through Nashville, where you’ll explore every bit of greatness Music City has to offer. 

Finally, the month of February reminds us to focus on all things love. Whether it be with a romantic partner or exploring the values of self love, as written about in “Learning to Love (Again)” by Deborah L. Monroe, I hope you’ll be inspired to reflect on what love means to you. For some, it may be an exercise in gratitude to appreciate all the ways in which you love those around you, or exploring how you receive love and allow it into your life. 

Whatever your journey, may it be filled with love this month and always, 

Dorie