We’re planning a party!

When my alarm sounded at 5 this morning, I mumbled to myself, “This is what you wanted, Jill.”

My comment refers to my career choice. You see, six years ago when “corporate America” essentially decided that I was “costing them too much” and I was “too old”, I wasn’t ready to part ways with my newspaper career here.

Hence, Brandon Valley Media Group was born.

That’s essentially the Reader’s Digest version of how the Brandon Valley Journal came to be, and it’s still one of my favorite stories to tell.

Next month, Brandon Valley Media Group begins its sixth year of publishing the BV Journal and our shopper, the Brandon Valley Trader. While it hasn’t been easy every step of the way, it surely has been rewarding.

I’ll admit that it never gets old when readers stop me at the grocery store or pull me aside after church services and tell me, ‘I sure do love your paper!’ or ‘I learn a lot about the community in the paper.’

I smile inside when readers tell me that the first page they turn to is this page. They’re eager to know what this ol’ gal is up to, which I often share in this space. I’m told they “feel like they know me.” And that’s my goal in this space, it gives you a peek inside my world.

Take for instance, the time I locked myself out of my apartment, at night and in my PJs, and I had to call Fred the Fixer to get me back inside. I’ve shared some of my most embarrassing moments, like falling down in Friday night’s performance of a high school play I once had a role in. (Hence, Hollywood hasn’t called – yet).

I’ve shared the journey our family took after my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer last year, feelings of heartache and loss. And you, readers, helped ease the pain through kinds words, cards, emails and hugs. Yes, lots of hugs.

The Journal, however, is more than just ramblings on my life. Each week, we try to do our best to bring you a solid news product, an exciting sports section and some of the greatest feature stories on the great people and events taking place right here. 

That’s our job. And it’s one we take big pride in 52 weeks a year.

On Aug. 4 and 5, we’ll be celebrating the start of our sixth year, and many of you know exactly what that means. It’s your opportunity to renew, subscribe, and have some cake and conversation with us. And it’s our opportunity to thank you for subscribing or picking up the Journal at one of our newsstands in Brandon.

I’ll admit that when the ol’ alarm goes off at 5 a.m., I’m not always excited about rolling out of bed. But then again, it’s what I asked for.

So thank you, Brandon and Valley Springs, for giving me a reason to set the alarm.