Views of the Neighborhood – The Fence

~ John W. Howell

Some of you may recall on one of my tours there was a fence covered with numerous objects found on the beach. Hurricane Harvey took it and there was not enough left to take a photo.Fence Art - Port Aransas

I did have a photo of the original.

hurricane fence

I am pleased to report that the fence has been rebuilt.

Fence

Here is a shot of the one corner. The items on the new fence have for the most part been donated by residents.

Here is a longer view. That orange plastic thing on the right is a utility connection. The cover is gone, and the city ran out, and the plastic is temporary.

A close up of some of the items.

Another shot.

Pails, flip-flops, sand molds, a rake, and other trinkets that seem insignificant make up the inventory.

I love that shark shovel and the frog.

hurricane fence

Here is a photo of a piece of the original fence and the new.

A small poem.

Insignificant by John W. Howell © 2108

A fence of trinkets,

Not important to FEMA . . .

Rebuilt from the heart.

I hope you liked this essay on community spirit.

 

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Published by John W. Howell

I have been working in business for over forty years and now have the time to work in special areas of interest. My passion has always been to create compelling stories of fiction. I have authored six novels and am working on my Seventh. The first novel is still in manuscript form and being utilized as a door stop in the laundry room. The second is a contemporary fiction novel of 89,000 words and is complete and I am currently seeking a publisher. I also write poetry but have not had the guts to share any with anyone. The one time I read a piece to a person their only comment was, “it doesn’t rhyme.” I will continue to write and hopefully my blog, Fiction Favorites at www.johnwhowell.com will provide some entertainment and an interesting thought or two. I live in the Austin area with my wife Molly and an assortment of loving pets.

58 thoughts on “Views of the Neighborhood – The Fence”

  1. Oh my, this is one of my favorite posts. Your photos both capture the community spirit and provide an invaluable time capsule of treasures for residents. How beautiful. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  3. I really like the poem and the spirit in your community, John. Also, it appears beach digging equipment has improved since our daughter was a child. Dang, I wish I had some of those shovels when I was a kid. I could have made it to China.

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  8. It’s things like this fence that really give a sense of place. The original concept was great, and the restoration — not only of the fence, but of its decorations — is wonderful. It did occur to me that my beach toys wouldn’t attach so easily. My pail, shovel, and rake all were metal, in those pre-plastic days.

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  12. Love it, John! This is very cool. The original fence showed a great sense of humor from your communtity. The new one ilustrates its spirit and strength, despite the loss of so much during the hurricane.
    I love the shark shovel too 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

  15. You know, John, I can see Harvey’s taking of the original fence as a blessing of sorts. I mean, golly, look at how FRESH the new one is when compared to the old! And I’m with you on the shark shovel!!

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  21. Port A is such a wonderful community, John. And courageous, to face a hurricane and rebuild. That fence sure took a beating. It’s a fun thing, and I’m glad to see it return.
    Yes, loved the shark shovel. The “flower” made from mini shovels is cute too. Thanks for another super Sunday stroll… even if I didn’t get here until Monday. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

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