While it’s currently summertime, it sure doesn’t feel like it. During a time when we’re supposed to be celebrating our country and freedom, most places are still closed to the public. Beaches are limited, parks aren’t operating under normal circumstances and other outdoor areas just aren’t the same. Most vacations have been put on hold, kids’ summer camps have been cancelled and countless outdoor activities have been deemed unsafe.

Although this year has thrown us for a loop — to say the least — the sun now greets us for more than 12 hours each day, which is one thing to be happy about. With the sun out for more than half of the day, people love to be outdoors, which is why this pandemic has been so challenging. However, we are all just trying to adapt, with hopes of a vaccine or cure in the near future.

While we try to remain optimistic, we here at TILE Magazine have been crafting some interesting pieces for you to read, especially now that there’s more time spent at home. From outdoor mosaic installations on walls and in pools to Star Wars-themed bathrooms, there is something to tickle everyone’s fancy. We also are delving into more technical aspects of tile and design, which can be seen in our detailed technical focuses each issue.

No matter the hurdle, I’m confident that we, as a country, can overcome any obstacle that is placed before us. With a positive mindset, nothing is impossible. As the great Napoleon Hill once said, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”

Sincerely,

Heather Fiore, Editor