Many of you, dear readers, decked all the halls months ago. Hark, the herald angels sang on August 1st and all things merry and bright were pulled from the attic. With family gatherings, festive programs, Christmas music, and holiday baking, it is easy to bring joy to the world in simple ways. This season shepherds a thrill of hope.

We are excited to bring you this special edition of Focus magazine, our first regional issue to co-publish! These writings illuminate pioneers who paved the way in the rugged terrain of Southeast New Mexico. It was anything but easy and demanded grit that was anything but glamorous. In a day of ordinary enjoyments such as grocery stores and indoor plumbing, we often forget that these modern comforts are luxuries made possible because of previous generations who embodied the cowboy spirit.

The cowboy spirit was the heartbeat of the Wild West. Vital to our history, it carries an unassumed strength and unending perseverance. With few days off and no off-season, this spirit is the bedrock of a legacy. A legacy cannot be forced or bought but is simply the outcome of a life well-lived, one full of meaning and service to friends and strangers alike.

While many people settled and preserved the land, there were also residents who, through art, painted strokes on the canvas of history, allowing us a snapshot of historical days. Art gave color to feelings and words, portraying experiences in pictures long before the advent of the camera. Art is woven into the fabric of every culture and preserves history for future generations.

In modern America, we may not traverse new lands but with every choice, we can positively impact the future of people we may never even meet. Today, this is done by exploring an innovative idea or working hard to restore a relationship. It is bringing the timeless values of respect, integrity, humility, and strong work ethic to the forefront once again. And it is creating a culture worth preserving through art and stories while applying the cowboy spirit to everyday encounters, making it simply the Spirit of Southeast New Mexico.

To you, our friends and neighbors, your love for our community through support as advertisers and readers does not go unnoticed. You are living the stories worth telling and meeting community members’ needs. We cannot overstate the importance of your role in this publication, and we are grateful to you.

As we walk through this holiday season and soon ring in the new year, we hope you will remember the legacies captured on the following pages. Let us also remember that our actions tell stories that will impact people today and tomorrow. May we always be a part of creating a culture worth preserving for the coming generations.