Poetry by Joy Beth

🕰Moments In Life Moment by moment we live in our own dynamic of the world around us; interacting with people and circumstance.Sometimes we yield, or push, or avoid, or take a chance, or hate, or cry, or laugh, or create, or destroy, or love, or even dare to dance. Those moments are at times fleeting … Continue reading Poetry by Joy Beth

Advertisement

More broken shells

This post was originally published in June of 2017. Three years later, many of us may feel broken following months of added stress and anxiety due to COVID-19. Revisit "Broken shells" for it's positive message. Broken shells Walking along the beach, most people pass by the broken shells as they look for the perfect ones. … Continue reading More broken shells

Red, white and blue or BBQ

Memorial Day weekend will soon be announcing the unofficial beginning of summer. Whether the holiday weekend begins on a Friday or Saturday, it will end on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day, May 25, 2020. Typically, patriotic programs are held at cemeteriesmemorials, parks and other public locations on Memorial Day as family, friends and … Continue reading Red, white and blue or BBQ

Have a nice day

Photos by Randy King As Randy King arrived to begin his normal workday on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, it was a nice morning on the Port Aransas beach as daylight broke through the night sky. A slight breeze promised another pleasant morning along the Mustang Island coast but In a short time that promise would … Continue reading Have a nice day

Surviving a pandemic

Linda MacIsaac LPC, LCDC, CDWF Rockport, Texas LindaMacIsaac.comMy Coastal World welcomes Linda MacIssac as a guest author. As a professional counselor with her office in Rockport, she experienced the fury of hurricane Harvey and the stress of living and rebuilding homes and businesses in our communities. Now Linda offers advice as we live through the … Continue reading Surviving a pandemic

Full speed ahead

Almost four months ago many of My Coastal World followers were left wondering what changes would be taking place after reading “Changing Course”, October 19, 2019. The wait is over. My first thought was to say goodbye and allow the website to disappear in May 2020. Then over the past few months several new readers … Continue reading Full speed ahead

Where were you? What were you doing?

Certain occasions cause us to remember details and our reactions as though they just occurred. Harvey is one of those events with unending accounts…those who evacuated, those who rode it out, those who were miles inland, those who were unexpectedly flooded, those who lost everything, those who volunteered their help, those who still are trying to recover…

What is your plan?

The 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season is here! June 1 was the official beginning date but there have not been any tropical developments yet as June ends. Those who lived in the path of Hurricane Harvey in the North Bay area in 2017 know the devastation caused by the winds, storm surge, tornadoes and flooding and may have adjusted their personal evacuation plans as a result.

Diagnosis Day, Ahh, yes, I remember it well’ish

As April ends so does Parkinson’s Awareness month. My Coastal World is pleased to welcome a guest author, Johnny Parky. Johnny Parky is known to others who have a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease as a poet, DJ Johnny on Radio Parkies_uk and a humorous writer. Living in Leeds, United Kingdom with his family, Parky’s writings include many British terms and style of humor.

Spring cleaning on the coast

Spring weather usually inspires mere mortals to clean their homes inside and out. Windows are washed and opened, winter grime is removed from walls and floors while closets and drawers are rearranged. Trees and bushes are trimmed, flower beds are prepared for new growth and gardens are tilled and planted. Piles of unwanted items and debris appear along city curbs and country roads. Throughout the country, local governments and volunteer groups then begin their community spring cleaning. Our coastal communities have the added concern of keeping the waterways clear of trash to protect the marine environment and provide safe and pleasing surroundings for the many guests who enjoy spending time at our beaches and on our bays.

Spring 2019

Spring has sprung in my coastal world, the North Bay area of the Coastal Bend. Texas is well known for its spring bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush with well-publicized Bluebonnet Trails. But there are many lesser known places to explore.  Look for the other spring flowers and enjoy listening and watching the birds.

Doing it their way

You might be at a jazz festival, a concert in San Antonio, an upscale store opening in Dallas or a private party. The entertainment may be billed as The Band Kara, Trio Kara or Duo Kara but the sound will be original with the partnership of renown jazz pianist Mark Little and former rock vocalist Kara Stevens.

Step back in time

Spring days in the North Bay area may be sunny and warm, overcast and mild or even rainy and cold. When weather can change quickly in a 24-hour period, a backup plan for a day on the water fishing or at the beach may be needed. The choices are many, especially if places within a short drive are considered. One alternative is within a two-hour drive for lunch in a Texas Historical Landmark hotel.  

Make someone smile

Begin with a scavenger who loves to walk on the beach or in a park as he searches for treasures. Add a gypsy who adds her creative touch to these treasures, so they become prized possessions. Together Sandy and Mike Ley are bringing smiles to residents and visitors in the Coastal Bend and Colorado.

Broken hearts

As February 14 arrives, cards, candy, flowers and special gifts have been purchased to give to a friend, sweetheart or soul mate. This modern day celebration in the middle of February began as a celebration of the beginning of bird mating season in the western world and evolved into what it has become today - a celebration of love between a couple.

Who is the mentor?

As students at Charlie Marshall Elementary School in Aransas Pass listened to the morning announcements on Friday morning, they received a challenge, “Learn something new this weekend!”. Ten-year-old Emmadacie O’Campo was excited about going to the Fulton Mansion to paint on slate, Saturday, January 26. Although, she knew how to paint, she had never seen the mansion and did not know what slate was so Emmadacie was sure she would be able to tell her teacher she learned something new.

Fertility, murder or love?

Whether it is called the Christmas season, the festive season or the holiday season it generally is considered to begin in late November and end in early January. City streets, businesses and homes announce the season with decorations and lights, but even without illumination, pine trees, poinsettias and even the lowly mistletoe add their touch.

‘Twas the night before Christmas…

As a child in the early 1950’s, Christmas Eve was full of anticipation as my sister, brothers and I pinned the stockings to the back of the couch before pouring a glass of milk to set beside the homemade cookies we chose for Santa Claus. We chose the largest socks in the house – our father’s socks.

The Gifts Before Our Eyes🎁

Christmas is coming; it’s almost here.
Most people and places are filled with holiday cheer.

Folks bustling around shopping for family and friends.
The ever-present gift buying and the playing of “Jingle Bells” never seems to end.

Maybe we should all just stop and reflect on the gifts before our eyes.
The most beautiful and valuable of any kind of prize.

A thousand points of light

As the nation remembers, honors and says a final farewell to President George H.W. Bush, we were reminded of the phrase “a thousand points of light”. Used first in his speech at the 1988 Republican National Convention, President Bush repeated it in his 1989 inaugural address as he compared America's clubs and volunteer organizations to brilliant stars in the sky.

November 11,1918

It was 100 years ago on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month the Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice which ended the fighting of World War I. Even though the official end of the war occurred when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, November 11, 1918, was considered the end of “the war to end all wars” and became known as Armistice Day.

An adventure on stage

History comes to life on the stage of the Rialto Theater in Aransas Pass for the next three weekends. But, Men On Boats is not a documentary even though theater goers may learn about the Powell Geographic Expedition of 1869. Aransas Repertory Theatre’s cast of ten women adds the comedic twist. Can you imagine how women would react and what they would say while exploring the Colorado River and seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time?

Are you ready?

Do you love spending quiet time with a line in the water, enjoying the Gulf breeze while waiting for a bite? Maybe you’ve thought about meeting other anglers or even fishing competitively.

Nature+media+framing

The Davilas returned to their Bahia Bay home in Rockport after Hurricane Harvey to see utter destruction. After salvaging what they could, they began the process of rebuilding their lives. Their pieces of art which they had enjoyed seeing in their home were stored for the time being.

The birth of a relief camp

With Mermaid’s Kitchen gone but their home still standing, J.P. and Samantha McCrary and their family switched into recovery mode. As a young couple, the McCrary’s came from different religious backgrounds, but they agreed they were to show Christ to others through their actions or simply stated, “show love”.