“We can’t step in the same river twice. It’s not only the river that changes. We change, too, although we seldom notice it at the time. And we are set in our ways. So we contradict ourselves? Constantly. Don’t worry; it’s normal. Unexpected things happen, and good or evil, or both, result.”

What to do? We can panic if we choose to; we’d better adapt to the changes. Let’s try them. We may like them. If not, what can I say? The changes are here, and so are we. But we and the river are not all that change. The changes also change. Make what you will of that. Some will see it as a dilemma that leaves no hope, which may be true for them. But I think that constant change gives us good chances to grab the brass ring as we go by.

Now there’ll be changes in this magazine. I can’t judge them at present. It may get better than before, and I’m for that. So, what changes would I like to see?

For one thing, more pictures. I think that’s on its way, with five portfolios planned per issue. For another, better pictures, an iffier matter. This depends partly on judgment and partly on luck. I’ll have no opinion until I’ve waited and seen. And when I arrive at an opinion, of course I may be wrong. Everyone’s personal “better” consists of how a picture or piece of writing affects him or her, and no two of us are enough alike to allow any hard-and-fast certainty. I’ve sometimes come to dislike what used to please me, and to like what I didn’t like before. Patience and attention are called for, and I can’t predict my reactions, let alone yours.