Launch month, as it will forever be known in my household, is behind us. It was a month of weekend events, parties…
…and much excitement as we saw the magazine in public for the first time. My 3-year-old can now spot the cover from a mile away.
“Look Mommy, your magazine!” he proudly shouts as we walk into Ukrop’s. “I like the purple… it’s the prettiest book up there!” (I am NOT making that up!)
Sadly though, he had to witness a bit of odd behavior from his mother during launch month. In one grocery store, I looked on in horror as one family walked past the free publication rack, with nary a glance toward that beautiful cover. “Wait!” I whimpered from afar.
“You forgot your magaziiiiiiiine!” “Who are you talking to, Mommy?” my son said, bewildered as he looked around.
Then there were the three trips we made to the pediatrician’s office last month. (Don’t ask.) Anxiously observing the unsuspecting parents in the waiting room, I watched to see who picked up a copy of the magazine… what pages they lingered on, if they chuckled, nodded in knowing agreement at the right times, seemed to be genuinely enjoying the issue. “Mommy!” shouted my son, snapping me back to reality, “Did you hear me? I need to go potty! Why are you watching that lady?!” Fabulous, month one, and I can see the Tweets now (that’s a Twitter posting, I’ve recently learned): “The publisher of Richmond Family Magazine just stalked me in the doctor’s office.” As you’ll soon read on page 7, we know now that, “YES, Virginia!
Richmonders like it.” In fact, you seem to like it very much. You like the articles; you like the recipes; you like the calendar (okay, you LOVE the calendar); you like the vibrant color, and the quality paper.
One reader actually wrote, “Finally, a magazine that doesn’t turn three pages when I want to turn just one!” I really think we’re on to something here.
This month’s cover is sure to be a favorite for my son – his favorite color is blue and he loves football. And be sure to check out the article on page 10, so you can explain strangers like me to your children!
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
Fondly,
Margaret Thompson
