A Letter from the Editor

Daniel Breen

2016 we took a vacation to Venice, Italy with family and friends. I will never forget the grand beauty of Saint Mark’s Basilica and Dodges Palace. I will cherish a trip down the Grand Canal sharing wine with my wife in the back of a water taxi. My mother-in-law, Marjorie, and I are early risers. Each morning I walked out before Venice woke eager to see the city apart from the fondamenta crowded with tourists. One morning Marjorie joined me on my early adventure. We found ourselves visiting churches we found along our path. The paintings, gold, and decorations in even the simplest church were inspiring. We did not have a plan. We wondered where the twists and turns of Venice led our steps. 

Venice is a labyrinth of allies, streets, squares and dead ends. It is easy to get lost. About mid-morning we decided it was time to return to the apartment. I thought I had kept track of our turns and wandering. But I found my memory of the return route lost. We met a Venetian who spoke English, and was able to give direction back the Rialto Bridge where our apartment was near. The man said pointing down an ally, “Go left because you can. Then go right because you should. You will find your way.” We did find our way. We were delighted at the simplicity and poetry of his direction.  

We are attempting to capture the story of an artful life in Michiana. There is so much art, music and poetry to see. Our journey at PAN-O-PLY Story & Art Michiana has been similar to that morning in Venice. We go left because we can. We go right because we should. We find art in life as we make our way.

For our second digital magazine release we bring you the petroglyph inspired art of Dorothy Graden. We introduce you to the carvings of Tim Micinski, The Mustachioed Woodworker as the featured craftsman.  We were blessed to have several poets submit to our second issue each a unique talent. At Art Beat I met Essel Pratt who generously provided our first short story. We hope you enjoy reading the stories of the Tumbleweed Jumpers and the origins of Timbredio’s roots. Please look for the Inspired photo by Emily Allison. Read the story of Stephen Merriman.

I want to thank our team at PAN-O-PLY Story & Art Michiana, Brea Persing our web magazine designer, Cynthia C. Davis PH.D. our Poetry Editor and contributing writer, Hannah Muratori our Politic-A cartoonist, and joining our writing team Christina Clark. Thank you to Beth Kane a contributing writer on our Facebook page. 

We invite you to join us on our journey to discover great writing and art. We hope our magazine will delight, inspire and spark your imagination. 

Thank You for visiting PAN-O-PLY Michiana. Please, take the time to browse the entire magazine. 

Daniel Breen

Our Vision

PAN-O-PLY magazine publishes stories, poetry, articles and art by the residents of Michiana. PAN-O-PLY seeks to discover Story & Art in the life of Michiana. PAN-O-PLY features articles about the craft of life and those who live well. We want to highlight the everyday excellence of people in our communities. We strive to explore the unique heritage and diversity of our region. PAN-O-PLY desires to provide an outlet for respectful thought and conversation. We encourage creativity, adventure and a lust for living an artful life.