Our world is incomplete until each of us discovers what moves us–our passion. No other person can hear our calling. We must listen and act on it for ourselves. To hear it, we need a positive environment that supports deep listening and truth telling. ~ Richard J. Leider

While interviewing people for various stories in Cascade A&E and Cascade Business News over the past few months, I have been struck by a common thread in the lives of the artists and small business owners: passion as a driving force.

The number of people in our area trying to make a living around their passion (or not making a living but doing it anyway) is a testament that we are living in a thriving and dynamic community. Passion, defined as a powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, can supersede the sluggish job market, the starving artist stereo type and the thought that following your interests will only result in an expensive hobby.

In this issue you will read about Brad Hills of Innovation Theatre Works who continues to create professional theatre in Central Oregon despite difficult odds. Matthew Bade, our cover artist this month, has recognized that in expanding his awareness (and helping others to do the same) his passion can take the form of music, yoga, art and writing. Both of these men are not driven by money, but by a need to create and stay true to their passion. I venture that in each of the stories you will read this month, passion plays pivotal role.

If we can continue to cultivate the type of environment where artists, businesses and individuals feel free to use their passion as the driving force in their lives, I believe we will have a flourishing and exquisite place to live.