Editor’s Note

This time of year beckons reflection. As I survey my path’s direction, I am grateful. Ladies, indulge me in this open thank you letter: I offer heartfelt thanks our community of readers. Thank you for your support through the years. For each of you who have taken the time to share how the stories of 5ive have touched your lives, I thank you. Your encouragement keeps our mission on track. Please keep it up! Thank you to my 5ive team! I count myself blessed to work with this small crew who makes possible putting out this amazing piece of love. …

A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself. Maya Angelou Ladies, here we go. Ready or not, October is here, and November is right around the corner. I am so excited to share our Healing and Harmony issue with our readers. Creating this magazine has given me the gift of getting to know the women of the Chippewa Valley. I am inspired by their character and in awe of these courageous women who are willing to share …

As summer winds down, it’s tempting to get a little melancholy. Yet, I smile as I think of all the adventures, big and small, we crossed off our summer bucket list. The Northern Wisconsin State Fair was a much-anticipated tradition. I can almost still taste those famous Wisconsin cheese curds. It’s probably a good thing the Fair comes to town only once a year! We celebrated birthdays, beach days, and beautiful days on Lake Wissota. Catching a flick at the Gemini Drive-In Theater was a nostalgic treat. Our annual week in the Wisconsin Northwoods on the Chippewa Flowage is always …

As I write this, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy” plays in my head. I love summer! The Theisen household welcomes the sweet, slowed-down pace of summer with arms wide open. June is for graduations and weddings, and we get to celebrate both. Our eldest, Joe, graduated from college—we are beaming with pride and it’s a joy to watch him go! We’re also ecstatic to see our sister move into a new and exciting season as she marries her best friend. It may be summer, but the livin’ isn’t always easy for everyone. Yet, Angela Meyer would never let you …

This issue is dedicated to my amazing, strong, beautiful mom. If not for her, I would not be the woman I am today. There were not many days Mom got to relax and take time for herself, so cheers to you Mom along with all the other mothers out there! Happy Mother’s Day and happy spring. Wow! Spring has sprung. There is so much to be excited about as we move into this new season. Only in Wisconsin can you find kids walking around in shorts in 45-degree weather. We’re pulling out our grills, hitting the trails like ants coming …

In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. Ladies, welcome to February—the perfect month to roll out the Love Your Life issue! We’re delighted to feature articles showcasing ladies embracing life. It is our hope that this issue will offer a new perspective to help you love your life through any season. No matter the length of the to-do list, the seemingly never-ending responsibilities, and the crazy schedules we all face—it is possible to love your life now! It is possible to thrive, even when life feels like an impossible, …

Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties. Helen Keller Whew! We made it to December, and I am not wearing a stocking cap to bed this year. The Sorels, however, have been well worn already this season. Wisconsin women know how to remain fashion-forward even in bulky boots and big parkas. I am so excited to share our article on how we women can keep cozy and cute in the frozen tundra. As our adventure in chaos draws to a close, my family and …

You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do. Eleanor Roosevelt Fall is here! Only yesterday it was a sunny 80 degrees. Today, I sit with a fresh cup of coffee as the wind whips and temperatures plunge. The chill in the air reminds me just how quickly seasons can change, in nature and life. Often, the change …

I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.  – Mother Teresa What the heck happened to summer? I am not sure how you ladies feel, but it seems like we got cheated. I am not ready to let go. Snow days causing a late summer start and then the polar vortex of July nearly pushed me over the edge. The Theisen crew has been running fast and furious to get in our summer activities. Shocking, I know. Memories will be made regardless, so we’re making the best of it. …