Water sustains us and rejuvenates us. Water is the bearer of life and death, hope and sadness. Last year, we witnessed its wrath through the television images of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in New Orleans. But the same water that destroyed the city was also responsible for the area’s rebirth.

Water is both friend and foe.

Our history and our stories have been influenced by rippling waves and torpid seas. The Bible and the Koran both speak of a great flood, and legend tells of the lost city of Atlantis that now resides on the ocean floor.

The third year of LooseLeaf comes to a close with our Water issue. We’ve encouraged contributors to write about water in any manner they chose. Our invitation attracted work that expresses the duality of water; humour, sadness, truth, and destruction.

Water is a conduit that permits us to explore our psyche. When you read this issue of LooseLeaf, consider how water has influenced your life. How the tranquil, choppy, or heartbreaking memories of water have transformed you into the person you are today.

Why is water significant for you?

Summer 2006 Editorial Team

Managing Editor Vanessa Simpson

Substantive Editors Kat Code, Vanessa Simpson

Copy-editors Rita Bayer, Janice Everett

Proofreaders Kate Lancaster, Vince Yim

Website Proofreader Janice Everett

Graphic design Vince Yim

Web Design and Construction Lynne Graham

Read the editorial team's bios