Each month when I sit down to write this editorial, a million thoughts go through my mind as to what to include. Sometimes, the words flow easily and quickly, and from start to finish it’s an effortless task. Other times, it’s like pulling teeth, and I wander here and there, each paragraph disjointed until suddenly - hopefully - it all clicks.

As the New Year begins, I find myself pondering the nature of love. Although some say love is elusive, fleeting and ephemeral, when it’s real, there’s no mistaking it. Then, the tangible existence of that depth of feeling and connection is solid, undeniable and oh-so-real. Yet when we’re without it, it can become difficult to imagine or even remember.

M! opens its pages this month to the animals and pets of Mazatlán: whether brought from afar, rescued from the streets or adopted from our friends and neighbors, they are dear to our hearts. There are many – too many, sometimes - for us to help, and so organizations like Amigos de los Animales, PAC and others have sprung up to fill the gap and provide care and referrals. Our special pull-out-and-save center section gives you information about some of these groups and contact info, too, should you want to donate time or money, adopt a pet, or assist in some other way.

Happy Birthday to M! Happy Birthday to M!

Yes indeed, this month marks the first anniversary of M! - November, 2008 was our premier issue, and we were as full of excitement then as we are now, albeit perhaps for different reasons. Since then, we’ve shared so much of Mazatlán with so many of you - in print, online and in person – but still it seems like there are never enough pages to get everything in each month. Sometimes it’s a juggling act, and necessarily (oops) some balls are dropped; but we do our best to keep you all entertained, informed and happy.