From the Publisher

It All Began With a Story….
It's amazing how one little thing can have such an impact on one’s life.  People often tell me that I’m an inspiration
or an article in our magazine inspired them to…fill in the blank.  But it’s you, my readers that inspire me.  My good friend, Michael Schneiders, found a calling to help the street children in Nairobi, Kenya. I followed his journey with intrigue and awe at what he and a group of others could accomplish.  In September, 2004, I wrote an article about The Hero Next Door showcasing five Napa Valley residents helping others outside the borders of our neighborhoods and our country.  I was star-struck by these individuals whose selfless acts enriched other lives and gave hope to the less fortunate.
The following year, I helped lead a group of 100-plus teenagers to LaMorita, Mexico to build houses for the poor.  That was when I learned how simply one could live and still be happy.  For the past five years, I have been eliminating extravagant unnecessary items from life while living more simply; part because of current world economics and part because I’ve learned that Americans, in general, have way too much stuff compared to the majority of other countries.  But, it’s not all about “stuff,” it’s about the choices we make in how we live our lives.
For over two years I have wanted to devote a section of Napa Valley Life Magazine to sustainability and being more responsible to our planet. Lowell Downey and his wife Janna, who have been photographing our covers since 2002, have been trying to live sustainably all their lives.  Yes, some has rubbed off on me.  Lowell said, “To be sustainable, it takes a community to make a difference.” It starts with awareness and making the right choices. 
We have assembled an awesome group of people to create a new “Sustainable Life” section; which will be an on-going
ever-evolving arm to Napa Valley Life. Our cover girl, Diane Padoven, is a shining example of someone who wanted to leave the corporate arena and live a more simple environmentally conscious life.
You’re invited to take steps with us towards a more sustainable life for your family, work, neighborhood and your personal well-being.  Share with us what you are doing to be more sustainable in your life.  Your comments may be published in a future edition of Napa Valley Life Magazine. Enjoy!
Your Publisher,

Kari Ruel