Dear Friends of eMerge,

Happy 2022! I am thrilled to put the first issue of the year in your (digital) hands. eMerge continues to grow and reach readers all across the globe because of the incredible support of the staff and Board of Directors at the Writers' Colony at Dairy Hollow. Additionally, our community of readers and writers offer their support in a myriad of ways, creating space for wonder, wisdom, and connection in this publication. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to you all. Finally, I want to thank Charles and Sandra Templeton, and Cat Templeton, who have exhibited an extraordinary amount of thoughtfulness and patience in helping me learn the ropes.

Throughout 2021, Charles Templeton nurtured and developed eMerge in exciting directions. The release of the Dairy Hollow Echo in September was met with great enthusiasm, and soon the Dairy Hollow Echo climbed to the top of Amazon's #1 Best Seller Lists in both Poetry Anthologies and Short Story Anthologies. The website data shows that eMerge has continued to grow it's outreach, with readers now being well into the thousands and climbing. We are so thrilled you are all here with us on this incredible journey, and look forward to seeing how we can continue this forward momentum in 2022.

The Winter 2022 Issue features a wealth of diverse voices, perspectives, and insights into the mysteries of existence. Here you will find musings on what it means to love another, how nature reflects us back to ourselves, and the resiliency of the human spirit amidst illness and oppression. The pieces selected are often contemplative and carry layers of hidden meaning, which I find perfect for reading and rereading on cold winter nights. But there are also a few lighthearted gems sprinkled in to offer a delicate counterpoint, like adding a little honey to a warm beverage.

I hope there's something in here that feels like it was written just for you.

Until next time,

Joy Clark