Cherimie Crane, www.Marine1Realty.com

It is a great time to visit! Come to one of our many wonderful events and enjoy all that the Lowcountry has to offer.

September 9^th - "Lunchtime Concert - J. Howard Duff" in Waterfront Park, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The "Bluffton Blues Man" performs danceable ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s songs. Free and open to the public. (843) 525-6644. downtownbeaufort.com

September 11^th - 12^th - Annual Bill Verity Cup Golf Tournament to benefit the Beaufort Boys and Girls Club at the Dataw Island Club's Cotton Dike Course, 11 a.m. Includes lunch, practice range, beverages on the course, reception and awards. (843) 575-5430. beaufortbgc.org

September 12^th - Military Appreciation Day at Beaufort Tri Command Communities, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Food, drinks, children's games, music and more hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. Free. 600 Laurel Bay Rd. (843) 525-8524. beaufortsc.org

September 17^th - 20^th - 16th Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival behind Town Hall. Midway amusements, food and shrimp concessions, Kiddie Parade, Lighted Parade, fireworks, Street Dance, The Mayors Dance, a Mud Run and more. 101 Town Circle. (843) 589-2565. yemassee.net/festival.htm

September 24^th - "Death by Chocolate: A Chocolate & Champagne Affair," a benefit for Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina, at the Country Club of Hilton Head, 6-8 p.m. Chocolate confections created by local chefs with plenty of bubbly. (843) 681-3646, 384-7214 or e-mail pnevs56@aol.com.

September 24^th - "Movies in the Park: Rudy" in Waterfront Park, 7:30 p.m. Screening of the uplifting 1993 film. Concessions available and pre-movie entertainment. Free and open to the public. (843) 525-6644. downtownbeaufort.com

September 24^th - Classic Car Cruise-In hosted by The Carolina Dreamers Car Club at Main Street Village, 6-8 p.m. Vote for your favorite car, meet the owners and learn about each car's unique history. For details, e-mail dragracer2@hargray.com.

October 2^nd and 3^rd - 15th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival. Presented by Main Street Beaufort, USA Downtown Beaufort Waterfront Park! Festival attendees enjoy more than 2,000 pounds of fried boiled and fresh shrimp sold directly from the shrimp boats. Includes a run and walk, plus a huge exciting celebration of the shrimping industry. Enjoy local recipes and tastings. Shop in the craft market by the bay and browse the unique shops and galleries in the downtown historic district. Free entertainment, contests and plenty of shrimp make this annual event unforgettable. http://www.beaufortshrimpfestival.com

As most everyone was coming off of a long weekend, I was working what seemed to be my 20th day in a row. Completely exhausted, moody as a female blue crab, and at the end of my frayed rope, I closed my computer, turned off my phone, and headed out to the beautiful waters of Beaufort, South Carolina.

Within minutes the salty air, the warm wind, and the sight of sea grass bending towards the river simply made my problems disappear.

**I took a deep breath, Beaufort style.**

A Boston Whaler carried my four legged best friend, my two legged best friend, and a variety of fishing equipment.

There is something so magical about being on the water. I can't imagine being anything but happy when beauty surrounds you.

Every Beaufortonian has happiness within reach, whether it is by boat, kayak, or even a good pair of boots.

It is a blessing to be able to halt all the craziness and look around at all the reasons I truly love Beaufort, South Carolina.

Looking back on my life (it doesn't take that long of a look, I am still a bit young:) it is clear that risk has always been at my side. From kindergarten to college, I didn't shy away from things that may be slightly if not certainly...well uncertain. In most cases I did just fine; in some I cursed my very existence. Either way, I managed.

Real estate is a risk. Every day, every transaction, every conversation, it is a risk period. There is no guarantee that hardwork or even ridiculously long hours will pay off. Of course, I give my self a better shot but when the day is done, no matter how long it is, it is all a risk.

I spend hours upon hours doing research that can change at the drop of a hat. Time is devoted to clients who may or may not value my opinion, my experience, or on the worst days...clients who value nothing at all.

Great expense is taken to market listings that at any time could be withdrawn. To my own demise, I freely give advice to anyone who will listen because, I actually care.

Builders, developers, even other agents spend many hours in my office asking for my help, ideas, and "secrets". I never shut them down. Never. I am frequently asked, why I share information with those seen as competition. I guess I like competition. What can I say?

I understand the risk. There is no financial guarantee.

In many ways, it is just another relationship. Real estate and I go way back. I have invested much of myself into this career with absolutely no promise of stability. As any other relationship, there are days when I question it all just as there are days I feel like I am on top of the world.

My relationships are often the same. I can't say I would have it any other way. I give, freely, faithfully knowing all the while, it may or may not be returned.

As I close out the week, I take a moment to reflect on the successes, the mishaps, the close calls, the ah ha's and the oh no's. I am the first to put my own nose in the corner when I have done wrong; however, I am learning to pat myself on the back when I have behaved well (granted not a frequent occurrence).

I am patting away, matter of fact, I may just congratulate myself.

Arrogant? Maybe. Not my intention.

The current market is difficult. The current way of thinking compounds that difficulty at a higher rate than our growing deficit (I got political, sorry). Six months ago I became Broker-in-Charge of a brand new real estate company, took over a "failing" development, and adopted a 6 week old puppy.

Today the company is thriving, the development is BOOMING, and the puppy is still alive. Not bad. Marine 1 Realty is growing by leaps and bounds. Our commitment and focus not only on our military clients, but ALL of our clients has come back to us ten fold.

Many long hours, many loyal clients, lots of research, and a little risk seems to have paid off. I must say; however, I give most credit to one simple change.

I was determined to FIND 100 WAYS. Find new ways to do everything from emailing, marketing, holding open houses, speaking with prospects and even dog walking!

Real estate has somehow been lost in time. As many other professions move forward with lightening speed many real estate offices operate as if the Flintstones will be walking in any day now. I am not just refering to the latest gadgets, but attitude toward action. Having the most high tech methods will do you no good if your attitude is stuck in the 80's! Not that there is anything wrong with that, of course.

I just refuse to be a statistic, as long as I can help it. The continual complaining and negativity about the market, the economy, the weather, yada yada... got to be a little much.

In my office we are finding 100 ways to do everything. If it can be done, it can be done better. It is a challenge that gives new energy to an often average routine.

If you are feeling down in the dumps about the market, try finding 100 ways. Find new ways to do everything from Thank You cards to Feedback forms. The energy is contagious! Refuse to do the same thing while wishing for different results!

If you have read any of my Active Rain posts, you have probably figured out that I enjoy fishing. I love to fish. Some days I down right NEED to fish. There is a fishing analogy for just about every event in life from dating, to real estate, and even dealing with family.

I have found that if you stop for just a second, and apply basic principals of fishing to even the most pickled of situations, there is wisdom to be found.

This weekend is the 2009 FISHING FOR MIRALCES KING MACKEREL tournament in Charleston,SC. Not only does the name inspire but it draws the best anglers, boat enthusiasts, and "the big one" dreamers from all over the east coast.

So....why am I working? As much as I would like to smell the fuel steaming from not one, but TWO 350 horsepower Yamahas, I am happily taking a more supportive role:).

Marine 1 Realty is sponsoring MEAN C II. Reed Weatherford, Clark Truluck, and Field Hucks are three of the best anglers around, if "the big one" is out there, she will be riding home with these fellas.

The Children of MUSC will benefit greatly from the fish tales and follies of this great event. Personally, I can't think of a better reason to support a fishing team.

So Friday and Saturday, I will be anxiously awaiting the news knowing all the while that if you are going to fish.....might as well be for MIRACLES!

Good Luck MEAN C II and GOD BLESS THE CHILDREN OF MUSC!