THE BEAUTY OF BRINGING BACK

I am trying to revive my beloved green velvet couch. It holds all the good stuff: the great price I paid because of the flaw on the back corner, the pop of color it brings into my room, the naps it has inspired, the conversations it’s propped up, the babies who have touched its soft texture, the small children who have hidden behind its cushions, and the puppies that have snoozed on it.

When considering restoring versus replacing something, I first question, “Is it worth the effort?” both in quality and in memories. Then, I must consider what the restoration will bring to my life.

And although I am talking about a couch, the idea of restoration can be applied to much more important things. What needs restoring in your life? In your family? In your community?

In this issue, we meet some people who believe in the power of restoration.

Look at Bob Jennings, who restores cars that are both fantastic and impractical while inspiring people everywhere (p.8).

Or Gerry Masse, who preserves memories by lovingly applying art to furniture restoration (p.42).

Barb Brewster saw the decreasing population of Monarch butterflies and decided to do what she could to help restore the species (p.14).

Explore ways to restore your body through both wonderful technology (p.32) and ancient methods (p.28), or discover restoration in a town that has held onto history (p.36).

Whether it’s reviving your family sofa, or rebuilding strength, or planting a seed — or an idea — the possibilities are endless. — Anita Oldham, Editor-in-chief