I have been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. And it fits into what I do with our magazines.  Actually, if we stop to ponder what kind of information we want to impart, there are many choices.

"Just the facts" is one objective in communication. "The Truth and nothing but the Truth" reaches for more information. Then, my desire for "color" fits in at length.
 

I always want to share the "color."  For instance, when we write stories about our clients and neighbors, my goal is to leave our readers with as pertinent a description as possible. 

Here is as good an example as comes to my mind: Jon Pittman is the owner of the Moyock Farm Market. I could communicate just that to you very quickly.  But I think your picture of who this man is becomes more full when I write that Jon is following in his grandfather's footsteps.  Even more of the picture develops when I add that Jon is a part-time deputy sheriff married to a beautiful soul, Jamie, and they have a son and daughter.

Knowing who someone is, and not just what they do, gives us more information about whom we trust in our business dealings, our homes, and even our lives.

There is even more to consider than good business dealings. Sometimes, even often, we form friendships with those who appear in our lives.  Doctor Brian Midgette entered my life in 1989 and became a man I admired.  Midgette Family Dentistry in Western Branch is one practice I have always been proud to share with our readers. The Edinburgh Dentistry group I go to on this eastern side of Chesapeake also projects a long-time, friendly feeling.

I want my magazines to be personal enough to give readers a true and accurate picture of who our clients are. 

By now, Barry Hobbs of Addition Associates is someone I have been proud to introduce to our readers for twenty-five years. Barry is a true gentleman and calls me "Dear Heart."  I have always loved that compliment. One of his happy clients told me years ago, "We were so sorry when his men finished our kitchen job!  We missed  them coming every morning!"  WOW!

Have you ever heard, "The proof of the pudding is in the details?" I believe in that concept.  Telling too much information can be boring and time-consuming, but all relevant information should be shared.  I am in the information business and believe it is in your best interest for me to share it.
Shopper reader, meet Shopper client.  Neighbors like to do business with neighbors!