Coast Monthly always has been about people. It’s about the people who graciously open their doors to editors, writers and photographers and who allow us to share with the world their beautiful homes, kitchens, artwork, books, fashions, ideas, parties and more.

Each month, when I sit down with a new issue, I am greeted by the faces of old friends and the new ones we make through creating Coast Monthly.

Laura Elder

Putting together Coast Monthly with limited access to people is a challenge. We understand everyone is facing personal challenges — many bigger than ours — and we’re not going to complain. But it was obvious we needed to pivot. As most of you know, Coast Monthly works far in advance on planning and producing the magazine.

May is always our beach/outdoor issue. But with beaches closed during the pandemic and logistical issues about entering homes, we had to adjust quickly. Our new theme for May this year? Seaside serenity. I think we could all use a little more of that these days — a focus on the beauty around us.

Coast Monthly, like everyone else, needed a break from the tense news, the masks, the restrictions and all the worry. We chose in this issue to reflect on what makes us all love living here.

Luckily, just days before social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines took effect, the Root family, of Galveston, allowed us into the beautiful home they own on English Bayou. These past few weeks have been about family time, and Roots were perfect for this issue.

ON THE COVER: Sunset in the wetlands off Interstate 45 near mile marker 5. Photo by Ed Ferrin

Our writers and contributors — Alicia Cahill, Barbara Canetti, Shannon Caldwell, Sue Mayfield Geiger, Esther Davis McKenna, Mark G Hanna, Phil Newton, Capt. Nate Skinner and Angela Wilson — continued their work, shelving some regular features while bringing us stories that offered comfort and diversion in times of isolation.

We want to thank everyone who submitted photos for features we would, under normal circumstances, have taken ourselves.

Of course, our readers never disappoint. Many captured the beauty of seaside living and shared it with us in our popular Shutterbugs feature, which we expanded in this issue. For that, we thank you.

We hope you find some diversion and comfort in this issue. Soon, we’re not sure when, the calendar of events, many pages of galas and the familiar features will return, as will all the people who make the upper Texas coast what it is.

Until then, stay safe and enjoy this issue.