When I first decided to publish Shore Secrets Magazine, I was a little reluctant. No, that's not quite true. I was terrified. As excited as I was, and as eager as I was to share my love of the Shore with anyone willing to listen, the simple fact of the matter was, I had absolutely no belief in the notion that anyone would be interested in reading anything I had to say.

But here we are, working on our fourth publication and getting ready to celebrate a year of continued and growing success, yet I still find myself shaking and a nervous wreck each time we go to press. And frankly, I know that feeling will never go away, because as a former employer once told me: "Anything worth doing, is worth being nervous about."

Back before we went to press with our first publication. I was sitting down talking to a prospective advertiser. They were browsing through the information I had put together, commenting on this idea or another, and when they were done, they handed me back the notebook, and said "It's a good idea, but, why now? The economy is horrible, I honestly can't think of a worse time to start a new business?" I thought for a moment, the truth is, I honestly hadn't even considered that aspect of the magazine. I only knew that it was something I had dreamed of doing as long as I could remember, and something my better half not only believed in with all his heart, but supported and encouraged unfailingly. Looking at the man in front of me, I said simply "Why not? If we put things off that we want in life, we'll never get them. You can't be afraid to take the risk, you just have to do it and move forward, and hope for the best." And isn't that really true about everything in life? If we wait until we have enough money, or the right job, or are where we want to be - then would we ever really feel "comfortable" enough to make that jump? I don't think so, I think sometimes you just have to close your eyes and leap, knowing that wherever you land is exactly where you're meant to be.

My love affair with the Eastern Shore began way back in 1980, when I first discovered this amazing area that I now call home. We had literally been here less than a day before I confidently said "This is where I want to live. I don't care about a job, I don't care about a house. I am moving here, this is home." I had been here oh maybe five years, before I received what I have come to consider to be the very best compliment one could ever receive in life. I was sitting down at the local drug store, enjoying a cup of cherished coffee, when an elderly gentleman, born and bred right here on the Shore, looked at me and said "You ain't a come here .. you're a belong here." I still swell with pride every time I recall those words. For the Eastern Shore is more than a 70 mile stretch of land. It is more than the ocean, and the bay and the salty marshes. The Shore is more than the little towns that dot it's landscape, it's more than sunsets and the crisp salty breezes. The Eastern Shore is a lifestyle, a way of life not found in the hustle and bustle of the cities. It's tranquility and beauty, a sense of community and friendships that run deep and true. It's history and heritage and ties and bonds that have withstood the test of time and not just survived, but thrived. It's home, and in my heart, it always has been.

The stories you will read in Shore Secrets are written from our hearts. They are not intended to promote a business nor a person, they are our personal perceptions of places and people that we meet in our travels. The goal of the magazine is as it has always been - to share our love of the Shore with those who are interested in the hopes that they too, will come to appreciate this little area that we call home. We are a small publication, and we intend to stay that way. Myself, my daughter, and of course, the inspiration behind all of my dreams - Jay, make up the main staff, each of us equally dedicated to the commitment and goals of the magazine. We have grown much more rapidly than any of us ever envisioned. In three publications we have tripled our circulation, and are excited and eager to see where the next year will take us. We are not afraid to express our opinions, and we welcome feedback, both positive as well as critical. If you agree with us, we are always happy to know we've found a kindred spirit. If you think we're way off base, then by all means let us know. Your compliments give us encouragement, your criticism helps us grow and improve.

The beauty of the Shore truly lies in it's people, the communities and neighbors, all of which are just stories, waiting to be told. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share them with you.

Shore Secrets is published 4 times a year, in April, June, September and December covering Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter on the Shore. For subscription information, please visit our subscription page.