My “leditors” in Lotus were always deliciously personal, pontificatory pieces (alliteration!). They were my opportunity to reach out to our readers, and judging by the fact that even the staff members who didn’t like my style of rambling wisdom had to admit that everyone read the Note, I would say they were successful.

The only thing I’m contributing to the upcoming issue is my Last Note From Lotus. Damn this shit was hard to write, and I turned it in a full three weeks late. Luckily the new managing editor was understanding. The situation reminded me of when my father forgot about his divorce hearing … on some level I didn’t want to write this goodbye, because I didn’t really want to say goodbye. Convenient how your mind helps you deal with pain.

Anyway, here it is, The Last Note From Lotus.

My Beloved Readers,
Lotus Magazine changed my life the first time I read it: the first dance culture magazine I’d seen that more than informed and entertained — it motivated, stimulated, encouraged, and educated. My goal in the four years since has been to pass some of that inspiration on, keeping dancer’s views of culture, health, spirituality, activism, and our community positive, fresh, and honest.

Editing Lotus has always been much more than just a job. It’s been a delicious blending of work and play, learning and teaching, service and hedonistic glory. Anyone who’s been my friend these past years has been convinced to work for Lotus, and anyone who’s worked for the magazine has become a friend. The writing staff has been an extended family, a network of likeminded revolutionaries and thinkers from as far away as South Africa, and as nearby as my roommate.

Finding content has been an organic process: if an idea or article inspired me, I assumed that it might inspire others, and printed it. Many readers wrote letters in response, regaling their own revelations, fueling my optimism and dedication to our community. The process seemed to create a loop of energy and excitement between the magazine and its readers… I can only hope you feel that as much as I do. The feedback I’ve received from readers has been my soul juice, and I thank each of you who took the time to tell me how you felt.

Lotus is its own entity, and one I adopted as my firstborn. When it stumbles, I’ve gasped and given it the little lift and pat on the butt it needs to toddle onward. When it grows (expanded distribution, more pages), I get that prideful glow and lean over to my neighbors, boasting “that’s my baby — look at how big she’s gotten!” Ok, ok, maybe the child metaphor is weak, but if you only knew how many nights I’ve lain awake worrying…

But, like all babies, Lotus has grown up. It’s ready for the next phase of its life, and it’s ready for me to let go. I feel like my dad, who stood at the airport sobbing into his sweater as I flew off to my first semester of college. I know it’s time, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I leave the magazine in the capable hands of Rich Thomas, who I’m sure will be a good boy and bring Lotus back to the dorm by midnight, while I wring my hands and perfect my empty nest syndrome.

And now, onward! Despite my departure, I’ll always cherish the relationship I’ve had with this publication. Many thanks to each of you who contributed, read, or have appreciated the magazine. Your role in Lotus’ existence is more important than you know, and you’ve all made a blessed, delicious impact on my life. An impact that I won’t soon forget.

Dance harder, think more, and love always
Ariel Meadow Stallings
PS: Don’t forget to keep in touch! ariel at lotusmag.com
…happiness and health to you on whatever path you chose…