ZOOM Magazine started as my weekend personal project. It grew on its own, in an organic way, thriving in the rich soil of our warm, creative, passionate community.
I am thankful to everyone who supported ZOOM Magazine all these years—the photographers and artists who let me showcase their work; the businesses and advertisers who have made it possible to produce the magazine and distribute it widely and free to our communities; our readers who write words of praise and encouragement and who participate in each issue’s creation by sending their stories and photos.
I thank all the dedicated writers who have enriched the content of the magazine with thoughtful words—Brian Coxford, Natalie Findlay, Angie Ishak, Nancy Pincombe. I am extremely grateful to our tireless copy editor, Ann Harmer. Special thanks also go to Eric Hees for his expertise in guiding us through planning and in providing strategies and tools to achieve our desired results.
Most of all, I would like to acknowledge Bev Coxford, whose infectious enthusiasm and determination infused renewed energy into the magazine. She is passionate about organizations telling their stories. Through words and pictures, their vision, heart, and connection on the Sunshine Coast is celebrated. This edition would not have reached its present form if not for her immeasurable contributions of time and talent. Words are not enough to express my appreciation.
When I moved to the Sunshine Coast more than fifteen years ago, I was expecting to live like a hermit. I thought the internet would be my main contact with the outside world. Expecting abundance in the form of trees, nature, and solitude, I have been surprised and delighted again and again to find abundance, also, in a vibrant community.
There are times when I sit down and think how lucky I am that I had been led to this special place. I always joke about the things that I will do when I win the lottery. But it feels like I have already won, just by being able to live here.
I am thankful to this place for its abundance, beauty, and generosity. I am continually humbled and impressed by the gentle, considerate respect afforded to those who come here looking for a new start, a new way of living, a chance to reinvent themselves, a chance to blossom in their creative lives and find fertile soil for their families and projects. It has been ZOOM Magazine’s particular mission to encourage and celebrate this blossoming. I am grateful that I have been given the chance to document and share the unique blessings of this spectacular place and community, so that others can be inspired.
Many words have been used to describe the Sunshine Coast. Many people call it spectacular.
I am proud to call it home.
