The Tree Sculptor: Restoring Galveston One Tree at a Time
Galveston, Texas is certainly filled with unique places and fascinating people, but the Tree Sculptor James Phillips rises right to the top of the list. This talented, outgoing and entertaining artist creates one-of-a-kind masterpieces that you absolutely must see. Believe it or not, his artistic journey all started with a dead tree in his front yard.
Coastal Couture: I Want – and Need – Tara Grinna for Sure
ARE YOU THERE YET?
I have reached the stage in life where I needed to upgrade my wardrobe from cut-offs to couture. You could say that I am a consummate shopper. It’s a gift and a curse, but I do know my stuff. I’m that friend that you call on when you need to know where to get what you want. You want high-end style and quality at a reasonable price. And you do not want to see 3 other women wearing the same swimsuit either. Relax. I’ve got you. For coastal couture, there’s only one name you need to know: Tara Grinna.
Island Art: It’s From Her Heart and Soul
Island art emerging from the Bahamas is truly rousing. For Alice Lambert, it’s more than a hobby. It’s “part of her being,” and it is beautiful.
Good Comes from a Hurricane – She Can Paint!
We recently introduced you to our friend Norvell, the accomplished sea glass jewelry guru. Through her, we have met another incredible talent. It is just another example of how the coastal lifestyle does something to you, something amazing. We want to introduce Lisa Sylvester Sausen, who also lives in the Bahamas. Sadly, her home was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 as well. They remained on the island for as long as possible, but despite her wishes, her husband insisted they flee in the middle of the night. The storm had stalled and just kept growing. It turned out to be a wise decision…
Along with everyone else on the island, Lisa and her husband began to rebuild. After helping with mold and debris removal, Lisa realized she could best help her “MacGyver” type husband by getting out of his way. Overall, they were without electricity for 456 days, so she started painting.
I Want to Age Like Sea Glass…
I want to age like sea glass. Smoothed by tides, not broken. I want the currents of life to toss me around, shake me up and leave me feeling washed clean. I want my heard edges to soften as the years pass- made not weak, but supple. I want to ride the waves, go with the flow, feel the impact of the surging tides rolling in and out.
When I am thrown against the shore and caught between the rocks and a hard place, I want to rest there until I can find the strength to do what is next. Not stuck-just waiting, pondering, feeling what it feels like to pause. And when I am ready, I will catch a wave and let it carry me along to the next place that I am supposed to be.
Coastal Scents: The Vacation Collection by Bella Vela
Are you one of those people who opens and sniffs all the candles while standing in line to check out? I am.
There are some pleasant smells, but none just exactly “it.” I put them back, disappointed.
I want to walk into my home and be immediately welcomed by a beautiful scent – something fragrant, yet clean. I want to be greeted by the scent of being stretched out on an island somewhere, anywhere. Is this too much to ask? You know the scent. There’s a little floral sweetness to it, and maybe orange? Coconut? Definitely some sea.
Well, I found it and I’m happy to share. You can thank me later.
Introducing South Pause Island Girl – Sea Glass Jewelry
I could hardly wait to introduce you to my friend, Norvell. Known as “South Pause Island Girl” on Tik Tok, she makes exquisite jewelry from Bahamian sea glass. From Virginia originally, she is fortunate enough to have a home on Guana Cay, part of the Abacos Islands in the Bahamas. We LOVE catching her “lives” online every morning as she shares the breathtaking views of the sun rising from her wraparound porch while enjoying her coffee. (She’s also been known to share the gorgeous sunsets with a cocktail and a concert right there on her deck!)