Sanibel Island on Florida’s gulf coast is known worldwide for its beach shells and laid back lifestyle. The beautiful island is one of the most sought out places for periwinkle and other sea sea shells in North America. I visited the Sanibel Island Lighthouse a few years ago, so I was interested in how the city fared during Hurricane Ian. I was saddened to learn that the causeway to Sanibel was damaged and that islanders are stranded. Search and rescue efforts are still underway. I also thought about Tampa because I also had visited the Tierra Verde Lighthouse and had family in the area. I was shocked to learn that the Tampa Bay Estuary had been drained by the storm. It’s Florida’s largest estuary. Hurricane Ian caused a reverse storm surge. This happened during Hurricane Irma. Thankfully the water will return. Hurricane Ian was destructive and unpredictable. Forecasters could not accurately determine its tract. Despite the usage of drones for the first time to fly into the hurricane the data did not help forecasters predictions. Five thousand state National Guardsmen and 2,000 from other states have been activated. Forty thousand electrical workers are ready to help once it's safe. People rallying together can reverse the damage caused by Ian.
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One of the hardest parts of life is to deciding whether to walk away or try harder - Hispanic saying9/23/2022 When Joseph Andreu fell 60 feet to his death white washing the St. Augustine Lighthouse, his wife Maria Andreu became the light keeper. Juan Andreu was the first head light keeper of St. Augustine Lighthouse and the first Hispanic American to serve in the Coast Guard and command a federal shore installation. Maria Andreu was the first Hispanic American female to serve in the Coast Guard and command a federal shore installation. St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida had several Hispanic American Head Lighthouse Keepers. Juan Antonio Andreu was the Head Lighthouse Keeper of St. Augustine Lighthouse,1824-1849, Juan Carreras 1849-1853, Joseph Andrue 1854-1859, Maria Mestre de Los Dolores Andreu, 1859-1862, Jerome Lopez was an Assistant Lighthouse Keeper 1888-1890. Summer is the rainy season in Florida. Tourism is often down in Florida during the summer because of the heat and rain, Snow birds typically come to Florida during its short winter. They can’t stand the summer heat.
Floridians accustomed to the heat and rain typically travel to various areas in Florida during the summer. Those who love Florida beaches come year round even during the rainy season. They realize” Even paradise sees its share of storms. In the end it is still paradise.” I painted the Cape Florida Lighthouse after a week of rain. I drove to Key Biscayne to see the lighthouse. Standing behind a canopy of palm trees, the beautiful lighthouse towered against a clear blue sky. It rained almost every day when we were in Hawai’i. Yet we maneuvered around the rain. We eventually realized that the storms were temporary. We drove across a mountain range in the rain, only to discover calm on the other side and one of the most beautiful and iconic beaches with a few overcast clouds. One of our favorite outings was Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail. Despite getting soaked and enduring harsh winds, when we talk about Makapu’u the breathtaking views are what we recall. It is through Art we will prevail and we will endure. It lives on after us and defines us as a people. Rita Moreno
I love this quote by Rita Moreno. It speaks to life giving power and endurance of the arts. Rita Moreno is a trailblazer. As a performer, Moreno broke race and gender barriers that opened doors for others. Whether through the culinary arts, performance arts, visual arts, or high fashion, Hispanic American like Moreno have changed the world. Hispanic Heritage Month now through October 15, is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans. They have fought every war since the American Revolution. They also served valiantly in the Coast Guard as Lighthouse Keepers. No matter what their profession, Hispanic Americans shine as beacons that bring more light into the world. I visited the New Canal Lighthouse during an overnight stay in New Orleans. I realize the typical tourist in New Orleans doesn’t visit a lighthouse but I was surprised when the Concierge had no knowledge of any lighthouses in the area. However, there were two nearby.
Undaunted, I used my GPS to find the first lighthouse. I arrived a few hours before the lighthouse opened. I sat on the grass and looked at the levees. I now understood the importance of the levees and the outrage over the failure of the levees during Hurricane Katrina. The levees are a safety valve protecting New Orleans from massive bodies of water surrounding it. New Canal Lighthouse in New Orleans suffered severe damage during Hurricane Katrina and also Hurricane Rita in 2005.The pilings were destroyed but the lighthouse remained mostly intact. However, the lighthouse was dismantled and a replica built by Pontchartrain Conservancy. The wood from the 1890 lighthouse is incorporated into the present lighthouse. (www.saveourlake.org) Pondering all this, I became fascinated with the lighthouse’s reconstruction. It resembled a peaceful home, not a lighthouse. I had seen many cylindrical lighthouses; this was my first time seeing a cottage-style lighthouse. Thinking about its construction, the new pilings and the destruction from the hurricanes, I included streaks of blue color and faded dashes of yellow in my painting to symbolize its watery misfortune. Labor Day Parade
New York City Labor Day parade, September 2 at 10 am celebrates Caribbean Culture. In its 50 year the parade is one of the city’s most colorful and popular events. It’s one of the biggest Caribbean Carnivals in the world. Summer Fireworks Enjoy Chicago Summer Fireworks at the Navy Pier Labor Day Weekend. Soundtracks featuring popular music make this spectacular show. Laser Show St Simons Lighthouse in Georgia celebrates 150 with a free laser show September 2-5, Labor Day weekend. St. Simons Island Lighthouse is located on a part of a chain of popular barrier islands called the “Golden Isles.” Barrier islands are nature's way of protecting the mainland from storms. |
AuthorWhen I am not traveling to or painting lighthouses, I am writing or researching lighthouses. Archives
December 2022
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