We’d like to welcome our newest contributor, CarolinaMama. Her first post comes from the heart. Welcome aboard, CarolinaMama! ~ CajunMama
This weekend I received a very significant package from New Orleans.
Care packages from home have always represented my heritage. Cafe du Monde, Community Coffee, Zatarain’s Cooking Necessities, Laura’s Pralines. Not to mention my Mother’s homemade cookies, candy and real coffee that made their way to my dormatory at the University of South Carolina during my college days.
Today, this package was different. This package represented a cause - the cause representing a specific problem to, be exact: The thing called the Oil Spill. Hand written were the words, “Come Visit Soon!”
Opening the package, my heart melted seeing the “Save Our Coast!” Tee Shirt from home. I could feel the pride and love in the offering. It represents everyday folks seeking ways to Save their Coast and continue to thrive in their land.
A long five years ago, Katrina blasted our homeland. The recovery was still cranking along. Then came “the Oil Spill.” Now, the waters were tainted greatly. And this tee shirt… a cotton tee shirt said it all.
The Spirit of the Gulf Coast. The “Joie de Vive!” Love of life that so embodies those who live and love there. It’s the spirit of the people that love their land. And that spirit comes through on the face of a tee shirt across the miles.
Yes, I shed a few tears opening up the tee shirt and reading the inscription “When I Fall, I shall Arise.” Micah 7:8 That’s just the thing, the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast may fall or have a set back, yet they will rise again!
My mind wondered back to the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Yes, the Gulf Coast has a white sand that even the South of France can’t compete with on a good day. The beauty of the Azure Blue Seas is breath taking and the contrast is amazing! A little of heaven on the Coast!
The Traveling Mamas is a travel blog concept created by travel writer Shannon Hurst Lane to inspire women to get out there and explore the world — whether that means vacations with the kids, “soul-oh” trips, girlfriend getaways or romantic escapes.
Today we want to inspire you to get out there and “Save Our Coast!” Reach out and explore this most amazing part of our country especially at a time when a hand from a friend means the world. It’s sure to be an inspirational travel time and helps Save a Coast one hand and one hug at a time.
Warmly,
CarolinaMama
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I am so excited to say that I will be down there soon. It’s an area of the country I’ve always wanted to see; I hear the beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world! Really looking forward to it.
There isn’t a good link to buy t-shirts.
Barbara – Can’t wait to see you. This area really needs travelers to come visit.
Maureen – I think the link is to the store that sells the shirts.
It makes me so happy to see this here and be a part of the Traveling Mamas especially in this formate to “Save the Coast!” Yes, Maureen, CajunMama is correct, they sell the tee shirts from their Book Sack store. They would be fine if you called too.
A big thanks to both Carolina Mama and Cajun Mama for writing such positive posts about Gulf Region travel and spreading a message of hope. As you know, some people are hesitant to travel to the Gulf. I am so glad you so poignantly stated, now is the time when the region needs our support the most.
There is a lot of misinformation in the news media and in the blogosphere, so I’m working with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau to distribute the and highlight the wonderful city of New Orleans.
We recently launched a new site, http://www.thisjustinneworleans.com to keep people abreast of all the great things that NOLA still has offer.
One concern that I’ve seen is about the safety of local seafood. Here is a video were top NOLA chefs John Besh and Edgar “Dooky Chase, IV set the record straight – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b8IZLl0LAg
Thanks again!
Kam
Bealls department store and Guy Harvey are helping the Gulf, too. Bealls has a goal to raise $150,000 for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation “Save our Gulf” fund. Buy a t-shirt and the proceeds go to the fund: http://bit.ly/SaveGulf