My favorite kinds of stories to write are the ones that teach me something along the way.

About three weeks ago when I went into an interview for the cover story of Michiana Life, I thought I knew everything the sources were about to tell me. For nearly two hours, I talked with and watched moms of twins (a topic I thought I was an expert on). I was baffled by how much they taught me.

As it turns out, being a twin and raising twins are two totally different animals.

I won’t spoil the story, but I will tell you that these hilarious ladies and their children are entertaining enough to make their own reality television show.

A few pages later in issue two (which hits shelves this week and next), readers will no doubt learn a lot about the history of South Bend and some of the area’s most influential leaders during the Progressive Era. Deputy Director Brian Anderson took publisher Mike Caldwell and me on a tour of the Oliver Mansion, the centerpiece of the History Museum of South Bend.

Photos of the immaculate three-story home are paired with some history about the house and its inhabitants on pages 50 to 56.

Other stories taught me (and will undoubtedly inform readers) that there is a lot more to running a coffee shop than picking the right blends, that fresh dining is available at an affordable price in places like Rocky River Tap & Table, and that the best artists aren’t driven by professional training, but passion for their work.

Our Local Treasures feature returns in issue two spotlighting items from two Niles businesses, Niles Styles and Bella’s Gifts and Memories, as well as Whittaker Place in New Buffalo. Our Purely Michiana feature tells readers all about the winter opportunities offered at the popular Swiss Valley Ski & Resort and newly retired Southwestern Michigan College chairman Fred Mathews tells readers about why he loves Michiana.

For longtime residents and those just moving to the area, there is plenty to explore and learn about in issue two of Michiana Life. To get a copy, sign up for a subscription by calling Cindy Klingerman at (269) 687-7727, or pick one up for free at any of the locations listed at www.MichianaLife.com.

I enjoyed learning about some people and places who make our region special, and I hope you will, too.

 

Ambrosia Neldon is the managing editor at Leader Publications. She can be reached by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com, or by phone at (269) 687-7713.