< Previous10 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2024 H urricane Beryl was spinning across the Gulf of Mexico as we got into the final editing for this issue. Beryl or no Beryl, we had a deadline, a spot reserved on a huge press that never sleeps. It was your typical unstoppable force meets immovable object situation. It was enough to make a reasonable person ask whether it’s all worth it. “All” in this case, of course, is life in hurricane alley on the upper Texas coast. Is it worth it? Clearly it is for many. People here are more attuned to and more commit- ted to the idea of place than most elsewhere, or so it seems. And more join those ranks every month. So, a better question, perhaps, is what makes life along the upper Tex- as coast worth it? I thought a lot about that question as everyone involved with Coast Monthly and its big brother, The Daily News, struggled to publish without electricity and many of the digi- tal tools we typically rely on. And we posed it to our readers. It’s perhaps a testament to that sense of, and commitment to, a place that so many took time out from a minor catastro- phe to reply. You can read many of those answers in Shorelines and on Coast Monthly and my personal Facebook pages, but one struck me as nearly perfect, or at least nearly exactly my own thoughts. It was from Holly Hopkins, owner of MOD Coffeehouse in Galveston and longtime community champion. Here’s what our friend Holly had to say: “It’s the people, Laura; it’s the people, the comrades we all are to each other. It’s the multitude of cultures that exist and coexist here. “Those along the Texas coast have a sense of shared humanity, grit and grace unlike anywhere else I’ve ever traveled. “I moved here a mere three months before Hurricane Ike. I was offered my old job back in Austin. I turned it down. Being here for Ike, the recovery, it wedded me to our island and its people for- ever. “It’s the people, Laura. It’s the peo- ple.” So there you have it; a whole lot of it anyway. As I write this, the power is still out at home and work. It’s the same for thousands of people across the county. Also the same is the people all over the county. Like always, they’re digging in, cleaning up and helping each other. As always, in this issue that’s dedicated to exploring ways to find bliss on the coast we’ll introduce to some of those re- markable people — a self-taught bladesmith, a woman who might have a slight plumeria obsession and a designer facing her biggest challenge, to name a few. Unlike most, this editor’s note has to move by email through a somewhat patched-together network of colleagues holed up wherever they can find power. The deadline is here. I have to send it. Enjoy the issue. We’ll see you next month. LAURA ELDER Coast Monthly Editor FROM THE EDITOR THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE408 25th Street Hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, 11 am - 4 pm Lunch! Local! Enjoy! Repeat Weekly! •Fresh, healthy lunches cooked to order •Homemade soups and desserts •Dog-friendly sidewalk cafe •Locally Owned and Woman Owned •A multitude of vegan & gluten-free offerings Call 409-762-0803 www.eatceteratx.com Available for private events and catering. Free 2-Hour Street Parking Fresh Gulf Shrimp with Spicy Vegetable Stir Fried Rice and Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette12 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2024 SHORELINES WE ASKED ON FACEBOOK: What makes it all worth living on the upper Texas coast? Our little house in Sea Isle and the nice neighbors who always check on our place for us after a storm. Such kindness! It’s like stepping back in time! We love the West End and our “weekend retreat!” Cindy Kasparian Griffis The sound of the waves and the smell of saltwater air. Loyal local friends and family. Stacey Gottlob October in galveston. The tourists are gone, the cooler weather, the seawall is nice to walk on, and no lines at the Spot and Miller’s. Helen Saldivar There are several components about beach living that brings me bliss — waves, people, salty air, sunrise, sunset, birds, smell, etc. The one part that truly brings me bliss is knowing I am home. Exactly where god wants me to be. On another note, every home I have ever owned on the beach has “bliss” in the name. Rexene Treadwell I don’t know that I’m able to put my love of coastal living (galveston) into words. Perhaps it’s all been said by others. But for me, it is the vibe, friendly but not intrusive, that provides the opportunity to connect when desired, but also to be solo on the beach to think and heal. The easy access to surf and sand, seeing beautiful birds, and the endless gulf. Holly Thorson My whole life I’ve wanted to live at the beach. Twenty-four years ago, I got the opportunity and I relish every moment. It is bliss. Phil Newton Walking on the beach with my hubby of 58 years and enjoying the beautiful view from my balcony. I love galveston! Patricia Forbes Tewksbury Sunset over the water and the people before tourists come. Kathy Whatley Fresh seafood. Amy Folse-Miller This is my home. I know very little else. I guess it’s true what they say about that sand between your toes. Tommy Forester Meditation on the beach! It doesn’t get any better than that. Natalie Fox Maisel Being able to lie in bed at night and hear the surf four blocks away. To smell that fresh salty air just by walking outside. The ability to just drop everything and go to the beach at any time. Rita Forness I think the best thing is the people who live there – BOI or IBC. I have more galveston friends than I’ve ever had anyway! Judy Peterson-Fowler The sense of community, always running into a friend no matter where you go, and utmost, if you say you have nothing to do or are bored, it is your own fault because there is always something to do on our island. Nita Andrews Reid The local small businesses and restaurants, and the community support for them. Danielle Barker Alvarado Being born here, you grow to know your neighbors, community. The peo- ple here become family, something you don’t get in the big city life. Gale Hightower Peace, tranquility, palm trees, sand, ocean breeze and community spirit. Chriss Sendejas Beachcombing! The thrill of what I might find and what I have found! Katherine Pollock Despite the tourist traffic, not hav- ing to commute in a big city. And the locally owned restaurants make it heavenly. Kristen Carlson The community 100 percent. There is no place like galveston, and no place like home. Heather MacBeth Estrada We always want the best for our children. I grew up fishing, surfing, boating and being able to smell the salt air and listen to the waves crash whenever I wanted. I couldn’t imagine raising my son any other way. Living on the island is an easy decision for our family. Taylor Wilson PHOTO: ELISHA COYLE Photographers share what they love about living on the coast. See more on Page 86.LEADING CANCER CARE in Clear Lake Willowbrook Sugar Land The Woodlands Texas Medical Center Cypress Baytown Clear Lake Katy-West Houston At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, our dedicated oncologists are working to stop cancer using the latest innovations in research, treatments and technology. From genetic screenings and clinical trials to advanced imaging and robotic surgery, our cutting-edge cancer care is available in Clear Lake. That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it. houstonmethodist.org/cancer-clearlake | 281.333.8899In these parts, locals find their bliss by birding, kayaking, fishing, shelling and so much more THEIR PLACE Happy COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2024 15 ‘SPECIAL PART OF MY LIFE’ Lauren Kenney-Hughes still finds time to hit the surf and ride the waves on Galveston beaches, where she grew up. “Once I got my wheels and could get around, it was to the beach,” she said. She remembers seeing some photos of a surfer in her father’s friend’s home and it spurred her to learn more about the sport. “I was at a very impressionable age and I wanted to learn more,” she said. Kenney-Hughes, a registered nurse, Realtor, short-term and long-term property owner and interior deco- rator, grabs her surfboard whenever the swells are big enough to ride. Her husband, Lee Hughes, joins her and the couple also travels to distant locations to surf, including a recent trip to the beaches in southern Mexico in Salina Cruz. She has been surfing since she was 16 and over the past 18 years she has won the Texas Women’s Long Board title, among other honors. She still is active in the local surfing community. “I would be out there — rain or shine — if I had more time,” she said. “Surfing has always been a special part of my life. I am happy to keep at it; I have never lost the desire or ability.” – Barbara Canetti PHOTOS: ST u ART VILLAN u EVA (LEFT), ED FERRIN (ABOVE) Galveston resident Lauren Kenney-Hughes finds happiness riding waves on her longboard. She has won many honors through the years, including the Texas Women’s Long Board title.16 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2024 FEATURE PEDALING, PADDLING WITH PUPS Life on the coast is much more fun with furry friends. Islander Autumn Knight finds happiness pedaling and parading her dogs around Galveston Island. Knight and her small rescue dogs, Bradee Perrin and Schatzee von Eisenlohr, attract attention wherever they go in their “Pi- rates & Puppies” rig, a tricycle that Knight attached to a trailer and decorated in a beach/pirate theme. “We ride along the seawall, and we love the pet parades,” Knight said. “Each year, we promote pet care and pet wellness. My dogs really enjoy being such a valid part of our community, and I love sharing them. The smiles and laughs are so rewarding.” East End Historic District resident Sarah Rain and her rescue dog, Dolly, hit the beach several times each week. “Dog paddling” is a real thing for Dolly and Sarah. “I received a doggie life jacket for my birthday last year,” Sarah said. “After some practice at home, we tried it out at the beach near the seawall. Dolly had a fantastic time swimming and attempting to follow me in the waves. I watched her confidence in the water increase as she became familiar with (From top) Autumn Knight pedals her dogs, Bradee Perrin and Schatzee von Eisenlohr, in the 2023 Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade at Mardi Gras in Galveston; Sarah Rain and her dog, Dolly, stroll along the beach near 17th Street in Galveston. The pair hit the beach several times each week. PHOTOS: JENNIFER REYNOLDS her life jacket. Dolly and I are absolutely ‘beach happy’ when we swim together.” – Laura Pennino SEASHELLS, SEA GLASS BY THE SEASHORE Lots of locals enjoy collecting shells and sea glass on the shores of Bolivar Penin- sula, Galveston Island, Surfside, Texas City Dike, Seabrook and Kemah. “I have a connection to the water,” said Sonya Schiwart, who lives in Galveston. “It’s like the water brings me gifts to let me know it feels that connection as well. I love even the ‘unloved’ shells. I look specifically for the corkscrew shells that are basically the inside of a broken shell. I collect sea glass because the mix of different colored glass worn smooth from tumbling in the ocean makes an amazing visual when all together in a jar.” Seabrook resident Bre’Anna Walker thinks seashells are natural works of art that all have their own untold story, which makes them interesting. COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2024 17 “I love finding unique shells and re-pur- posing them into new works of arts and crafts. Sometimes, I get surprised and turn one over with a special friend still inhabit- ing it. Sometimes, I get lucky and find sand dollars, which is also a nice surprise.” Cyndi Hood always has enjoyed collecting seashells, she said. “Growing up on the Texas coast, I cannot recall a time when I did not walk the beach and pick up treasures washed ashore from the sea or Gulf,” said Hood, who lives in Galveston’s East End Historic District. “The beach in the early morning is a great way to clear your thoughts and de-stress. You can walk for miles before you realize how far you have traveled.” – Laura Pennino CO u RTESY TERRI CANTERB u RY18 COASTMONTHLY.COM | AuguST 2024 FEATURE ‘WE NEED MORE OF THIS’ Texas City resident Robin Wright jokes she is a “fishaholic,” especially in the summer months when she loves to fish from sunup to long past sundown. “My husband loves to fish, too, but he is a catcher and I’m a fisher. Catchers go home after they catch a few fish, but fishers are out there for as long as they can be enjoying nature and chatting with other fishers. “I’m a Black woman and I’ve been known to stay out in the heat until I get sunburned,” she said. “Carl will say it’s time to go home, but I’ll say get me a hamburger and fries and I’ll be fine. I’m going to catch the big one.” Originally from Nebraska, the cou- ple moved to Texas in 1997 and it was a steep learning curve discovering the differences between fresh and saltwater fishing, including adjusting for tides and waves and differences in bait, reels and lines, she said. Early on, they caught a lot of hardhead catfish. Wright jokes it took them a while to work out it was a “trash fish.” They still like to catch and eat it but prefer “The Texas Three” of red drum, speckled trout and flounder, along with shark. “You can cut up shark like tuna steak,” she said. “Bleed it first, then cut it up like tuna steaks, leave the skin on, rinse and grill in lemon, garlic and butter. It puffs up like a baked potato and is delicious.” The Wrights lived on Galveston Island for many years and have plenty of favorite fishing spots, including from the beach at the end of the seawall, Galveston Island State Park, the Texas City Dike and Highland Bayou Park in La Marque. Surf casting is a favorite along with kayak fishing. “I wish more women fished,” she said. “It is such a stress relief to be out in the peace and serenity. It rejuvenates your spiritual and mental health. We’ve been through so much as a country with Covid and different presidents. When you are fishing, people don’t care about that. If you need a net or a hook, they will give it. You come together with tolerance and love. We need more of this outside fishing, too.” – Shannon Caldwell (From top) Robin Wright and her husband, Carl, are avid anglers. They can be found fishing everywhere from the Texas City Dike and Mac McGaffey Highland Bayou Park in La Marque to numerous spots in Galveston; the Wrights fish from a pier at the Texas City Dike. Robin was hoping to pull in a 5-pound fish to put her on the board in the 60th annual Tackle Time Fishing Tournament. “I wish more women fished. It is such a stress relief to be out in the peace and serenity. It rejuvenates your spiritual and mental health.” ROBIN WRIGHT PHOTOS: JENNIFER REYNOLDSExquisite Homes Laffite’s Cove, Galveston TX 13527 Windlass Circle | $1,298,000 14454 Spyglass Circle | $1,850,000 13303 Binnacle Way | $925,000 13526 Windlass | $800,000 For Sale For Sale For Sale For Sale 281.773.3477 bjennings@greenwoodking.com Chase Jennings, Associate chasejennings@greenwoodking.com BET JENNINGS 2022 & 2023 Real Trends America’s Best Real Estate Pros in Galveston & TexasNext >