
Natalie Strom
natalie@coastalbreezenews.com
In Goodland, we like to paint, adorn and decorate our homes. We choose homes here for a reason – the “Old Florida Feel” of living in cottages that were built in the 1920’s and the sense of friendship, camaraderie and individuality. My dad calls it, “living on a commune.” But it’s nothing like that. We’re just an artsy community of individuals that have all found this special place that allows us to be who we are; and often, the outside of our homes reflects that.
At first, I had second thoughts about putting photos of peoples’

Jay McMillan’s old trailer gets brand new life AND puts a smile on every face that sees it. PHOTOS BY NATALIE STROM
As annoying as the five-mile-per-hour driver may be on a day when I’m in a hurry, I’ve given some real thought to the situation. In the

What a great way to represent an old fishing village. The house is even the color of the sea – kind of.
This recollection has really shifted my viewpoint on the “gawkers of Goodland.” I now see the difference. I like that all of our houses are painted with bright colors, have beautiful flower beds and that pieces of art and old crab trap buoys adorn the exteriors

Island Woman’s mermaid mural draws visitors right into the store. Its funky colors express what you’ll find inside – in October.
Our local one-stop-shop for clothes, postcards, jewelry and gag gifts that’s closed until October but ships orders online – The Island Woman – features a mural across its entire front wall. There’s even a whole lot in town that’s been turned into a “toilet garden.” Old toilets fill the space with flowers planted in and around them. Other pieces of art and big beautiful trees shade the porcelain pots. It’s quite beautiful
Goodland’s own Denise Santos, a sign artist and muralist, inspired this story as she recently turned a rusty, old white trailer into a beautiful

I just love the butterflies and the fact that even the air conditioner is painted blue.
I don’t know the homeowners or artists of the rest of the photos featured, but they are here because I liked them. As I. myself, rolled through the streets

I’m not going to lie. This is my garden. It’s been a year in the making, and I didn’t really know what I was doing. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s on its way.
So, here’s to Goodland and all of it’s “home artists” who express their individuality through their homes. You should actually be proud that you promote the “Goodland Gawker” activity. Goodland really is something to see.
Natalie Strom has lived in Goodland for five years and has worked in Goodland for over eight years. She was crowned Buzzard Queen at Stan’s Mullet Festival in 2009 and is a founding member of the Goodland Arts Alliance. Natalie is a graduate of the University of Iowa and Editor of the Coastal Breeze.[/author]
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