Evolving is like a puzzle. Each person who helps with the magazine is a piece in that puzzle. No piece has more value, or weight, than another. If just one piece is missing from the finished puzzle, then it just doesn't work. So, the people I am acknowledging are in no special order, as each carries the same weight in our ability to create a perfect picture.

     I would like to thank the readers of Evolving. You are who this publication is for, and you are so very appreciated.

     Our advertisers are the lifeblood of this publication and we are all eternally grateful for your support.

     Our writers and artists are phenomenal. Each month, Bethany Klug, Carmelita Davis Beets, Jude LaClaire, Aluna Michaels and Jayana DeWolf share their wisdom. Our feature writers and the artists who provide the cover art continue to astound me with their creativity, as well. We have the best, and we are blessed.

     My team of workers involved with the magazine on a daily basis include Judy Kirkpatrick, Connie "Crash" Humiston and Karen Cowdry. Judy has been with me for seven years doing anything and everything, as needed. Connie "crashed in" the second month after I started Evolving. She is active in the community and has shown that you can be successful while doing what you love. And sweet Karen came to me and told me that she willed Evolving back into publication so she could work for me. She juggles many responsibilities, but is always there for the magazine. I am so blessed to have these women on my team.

     A very special thanks to our sponsors, the Cornerstone Foundation and Unity Temple. Words can't express how grateful I am for their support and enthusiasm for Evolving. Christine Garvey went out of her way to make the party a stellar event. She is such a joy to work with. Two others, always helpful, are Jamie Rich and Liz Brown. They both are always willing to lend a hand. And I would like to thank Eden Alley for providing the delicious food!

    Aneal Vohra provided the photography services at the event. Aneal is an extremely talented photographer and I am so grateful he was there to document it.

     I'd like to introduce my new brain child, Eating Well in Kansas City (www.eatingwellkc.com). Like Evolving, I can't pinpoint exactly when or where the idea came. It is another ah-ha moment that came to life. I had worked up a prototype for the concept years ago and the time to come out is now. Yay! Please pick up a copy, free, at many of the Evolving sites!

    My daughters, Chrissy and Tara, are an integral part of the new magazine. It is so exciting to have the chance to work with my girls on this new endeavor. Chrissy is handling the advertising and she did a fantastic job, especially considering she only had two weeks for getting the first issue ready. And Tara will be helping with layout and design. So thank you, girls!

     I would also like to thank all of our volunteers, who go out of their way to deliver copies of the magazine, help with proofing and more. Thank you!

    And the person who is the entire reason I am who I am, and able to do what I do: my mother, Janet Dutton. My mom is one of those rare souls who can instill power and courage in others. As a child she exposed me to new and exciting things: backpacking through Europe, plays on Broadway, mime and acting classes. She taught me to love the uniqueness of individuals, but yet see we're all the same. Her enthusiasm for life and adventurous spirit and giving nature are why I am here. She has always believed in me. Thank you, Mom.

     Sark said, "Invent your world. Surround yourself with people, colors, sounds and work that nourish you." And I have. When something is right it just clicks and is effortless. That's the way the past year has been, and for that, I have my creator to thank.

     When I published Evolving woman, someone told me once that Evolving Woman was by Jill, for Jill. And it was somewhat true. I put my heart into that magazine and it soothed me in return. Evolving, however, isn't just about me. It is by the community, for the community. Every person involved takes and makes it their own. I am so honored to be involved. Thank you all for being a vital piece of the puzzle that is Evolving magazine.