2024 MJ Recap
I’ll try not to be embarrassed that my last work update was last year’s recap… but let’s just credit it to a rich, lovely year of pre- and post-wedding fun and a full year in Magnolia Journal land.
2024 issues left to right: Spring: Possibility; Summer: Reclaim; Fall: Attune; Winter: Reflection
Quick Hits
March: I hit the one-year mark on the job; we brought a new teammate into the fold (s/o to Keagan); and I got to meet up with our Dotdash Meredith pals in Des Moines, Iowa.
May: Our summer ‘24 “reclaim” issue, possibly my favorite issue to date, hit newsstands. (I mean c’mon, look at that cover!)
Spring: I somehow managed to stay sane in a crazy work season while also planning a wedding…
Summer: Honestly a blur… But I remember fun was had.
Above, left to right: Keagan and I testing out Magnolia’s new garden experience, inspired by Jo’s love of pressing flowers; my boss and I working our MJ booth at Silobration; the team hard at work during our planning retreat in Fort Worth.
Summer/Fall: Lots of long (but fun) days planning future issues
October: We set up and worked our very first MJ booth to sell individual issues and subscriptions (speaking of…you can sign up for yours here).
November: Team planning retreat in Fort Worth
Personal Wins
I enjoyed lots of great collaboration with stellar writers—some regular contributors, some new to the fold.
Lots of opportunities to write design content came my way, including this piece on refreshing the surfaces in your space. Writing design is always a stretching experience for me, so I’ll always take the chance to keep working at it. (I’ve got another design piece coming in spring ‘25 that I’m excited about—stay tuned!)
In general I got to write more, which isn’t always a given in this role. As any wordsmith knows, writing atrophy is the pits, so it felt good for me to strengthen those muscles more frequently.
Overall note: I’ve heard lots of people say that it takes at least six months to a year to feel settled into a new job. I can now attest that’s true. I’m definitely not perfect (my teammates can attest!), but I feel far more relaxed and confident in this new role than I did this time last year. I’m grateful for a team that trusts me, makes me better, and is committed to casting beauty into the world. This role is a challenge in lots of ways, but I think some of the most rewarding work is the kind that pushes you.
Just for Fun…
It’s important for you to know that the MJ squad works hard… and plays hard too. And honestly, I’d be skipping out on one of our finest moments in 2024 if I didn’t mention the day we all dressed up as Bob Ross for an all-HQ “Bob Ross painting party” event. I’ll let you decide which one of us wears him best.
