Postcards
Landon Bryant
Isaiah 117 House
Abby Gray
Lake Conroe
Publisher’s Post
Connecting and “Being Nice”
One of the greatest joys of publishing Postcards Magazine is the incredible people we get to meet—and then share with you. Our pages have introduced you to folks from all walks of life, each with a unique story that inspires, entertains, or makes us think. Sometimes all three!
In this issue, you’ll enjoy meeting Landon Bryant, an influencer from Laurel, Mississippi. Landon never set out to “go viral”—his wife just wanted him to take a break from talking to her! (That’s not a story you’ll ever hear from me, since I’m married to one of the quietest men on earth!) With his humorous and heartfelt glimpses into Southern life, Landon has earned a devoted following. And after spending time with him, I can say he’s every bit as genuine in person as he is online.
We’re also catching up with a few of the remarkable people and organizations we’ve featured in past issues—their journeys, passions, and the lasting impact they continue to have on our community and beyond. It’s a reminder that the good in the world is worth celebrating and sharing.
The internet has made our world so much smaller, connecting us with people we might never have crossed paths with otherwise. Yes, there are those who fuss and act ugly online—but Landon offers a simple reminder we could all take to heart: “Be nice.”
As we celebrate this Easter season, may we be mindful of the One who did the nicest thing of all—loving us enough to give His own life for us. Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter filled with hope, love, and grace.
Until next time,
The good in the world is worth celebrating and sharing.
HOUSTON METHODIST LEADING CARE
Feedback
Thank You
On behalf of the CASA Board of Directors and staff, THANK YOU for making the decision to support CASA’s Parade of Playhouses Raffle! Parade of Playhouses helps provide funds to ensure that every child placed in the foster care system in our three counties has an advocate representing them on a daily basis. Our advocates travel to visit their assigned children regularly, show up at court hearings to represent the needs of the child, and keeps in touch with attorney, caseworkers, teachers, counselors, doctors, and more throughout their case. They couldn’t do what they do without YOU!
Thank you for your generous support. Every Child Deserves a Chance… It’s you!
Kim Weiser, Executive Director
Love One Another
Whispers and Shouts by Karen (Altom). Excellent article concerning "Love for One Another." I am afraid love and kindness are being replaced with rudeness and hate.
Edward Woodfield
Expanding
Thank you for expanding your Postcards mailing routes. It keeps me from having to hunt one down every month. I enjoy everything in it every month. Y'all are great!
Linda Unger
Navigating the Landscape of Modern Financial Scams
In today’s digital age, financial scams are increasingly sophisticated, leveraging technology to exploit unsuspecting individuals. As financial literacy becomes a priority, it is crucial to understand the types of scams currently targeting people. Below are a few examples of the most prevalent:
• Phishing remains one of the most common tactics used by scammers in recent years. Emails or messages that appear to be from legitimate financial institutions or well-known companies trick individuals into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details. These messages often create a sense of urgency, prompting victims to take immediate action without verifying the sender’s authenticity.
• Personal relationships are also a target. Scammers will call or text, from a random number, posing as a friend or family member in need of money due to a dire situation. Always hang up and try calling the person, at a known number, requesting the money or even other close family or friends that know them to investigate whether it is a scam.
• In a world increasingly reliant on technology, tech support scams have become rampant. Scammers often pose as representatives from major tech companies, claiming that your device has been compromised or infected with a virus. They typically ask for remote access to your computer, allowing them to steal personal information or install malware.
• Scammers also will pose as government entities or even law enforcement. Saying you missed jury duty, or owe the IRS money, overdue bills etc. You can easily hang up and call or go online to find out the validity of these claims but never give them personal information over the phone or computer.
To avoid these scams, remember that legitimate companies or government agencies will never ask for remote access to your computer, phone or accounts. NEVER click a link from a text message or email, instead go to the government or company website and further investigate the claim.
Financial scams have evolved in tandem with technology, becoming more intricate and harder to detect. Awareness and vigilance are your best defenses against falling victim to these scams. Stay informed, educate yourself and others, and trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. By taking proactive steps, you can help protect your financial future from scammers lurking in today’s digital landscape.
Here at Global Financial Partners, part of our job is to educate our clients and the public about how to protect your finances. Please never hesitate to reach out to us, so we can help you “Enjoy More, and Worry Less.”
Submitted by: Brian B Smith, CFP®, Bryan M Masten, CFP® & Riley W. Smith, CFP®
Dr. Hinojosa earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Texas Chiropractic College. Throughout her rigorous training, she gained invaluable hands-on experience through diverse clinical rotations. At Moody Health Center, she treated patients of all ages, addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
During her neurosurgery rotation, she honed her skills in performing neurological exams and deepened her expertise in interpreting brain and spine MRIs. Additionally, she completed a rewarding rotation at The Bridge Over Troubled Waters, where she provided compassionate chiropractic care to women and children recovering from domestic abuse.
Driven by her passion for conservative care, patient education, and optimizing the body's natural ability to heal and thrive, Dr. Hinojosa is dedicated to empowering her patients to achieve lasting health and wellness.
Landon Bryant of "Landon Talks" Southern art teacher turned viral influencer because he talks…a
BY KAREN ALTOM | SUBMITTED PHOTOS
lot!
The first time I heard Landon Bryant speak, I thought: I love this guy. When I finally met him, I really did love him. In fact, we’re both convinced we must be long-lost cousins from way back—there’s just no other explanation.
Landon Bryant is as genuine as they come. Sitting down for this interview in Laurel, Mississippi felt exactly like
watching one of his videos—except better, because it was like catching up with an old friend who wouldn’t know how to be “stuffy” if he tried.
Whether settling the great pecan pronunciation debate, schooling nonsoutherners on funeral procession etiquette, or bravely moderating the ageold cornbread-and-sugar controversy, Landon has a way of making you laugh,
think, and maybe even learn a thing or two. Like just how naked (or nekkid) a person can get—because, yes, there are levels!
Landon is one of my absolute favorite people because he’s the real deal—a real Southerner, a real family man, and just a genuinely kind soul. I’ll admit, I’m still a little bitter that his hair is better than mine, but I suppose I’ll survive.
How in the world did this all start?
I talk too much. I always have. My papa was a talker. I see so much of myself in him, and I’ve always enjoyed conversation.
My wife and I grew up together since second grade. So, basically, she’s been there for all the stories. One day, I was talking about something, and it was probably the 90th time she had heard it. She said, “What if you told your stories to the internet?” So, I did! I started talking to the internet. She got a break. And I just got to talking.
Like about your experience with Walmart High School?
We really did go to Walmart High School. Our school got blown away by a tornado. Nobody was hurt. It was on spring break, so nobody was there. So the best and brightest minds of this town got together. We had just gotten the new super Walmart, and their brilliant solution was to put us in that old empty Walmart for the last nine weeks of school. The 7th through 12th grade all in one Walmart. In cubicles, literally, plywood cubicles. It was a maze. It was a mess. The class under the Baby Department sign didn’t think it was as funny.
And I can talk about it all day long. So, I talked about that on the internet. And that went nuts, viral. In the comments, people were saying things like, “What do you mean you were ‘fixin’ to’?” And I was like, “How do you not know what that means?” And they said the same thing about “might could.” And so, the next video I did was “Let’s Discuss Fixin’ To.” And “Let’s Discuss Might Could.”
“Let’s Discuss” was born from there. So, it was like a total accident, but it quickly turned into a celebration of things I love. Each of us live in a culture, but you often don’t realize it. It’s hard to turn a lens inward and see it from the outside. This whole thing has helped me see Laurel, Mississippi from a different perspective. And now I celebrate it.
How long have you been married?
Kate and I have been married for 13 years. And we’ve been together for 15, but we were best friends growing up. I just wasn’t eligible. I hadn’t grown into my ears yet. We were
driving back from Orlando, and her grandmother said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if you could marry your best friend?” And I thought, “Hold on. I didn’t know I was in the running.” And then like two weeks later, we were dating.
So, what were you doing before?
What was your real job?
I was an art teacher. I was even teacher of the year for the state of Mississippi. And I really loved it. I never expected to do anything else.
There’s a school in our town that is really special, Laurel Magnet School of the Arts. It uses art to teach academics.
So me, the dance teacher, the music teacher, and the PE teacher--every Friday, we would teach whatever grade we would get assigned. Whatever students learned that week, we would have to teach it with art, with music, with dance, with exercise…and we would. It was a creative way of thinking, and I’m really glad to have done that. I did that for 10 years.
I started teaching my son Charlie when he was in 4-year-old kindergarten there. I got to kind of grow up with him. Now he’s in 6th grade there. It was a great time.
This blew up in February of 2023. And it just was so nuts, so fast.
Do you still do art?
I think you never “not” do art. I feel like probably you always do art. But I don’t have to teach. I really like collage. I like multimedia stuff. I like to throw everything at the canvas and see what sticks, and my wife is a portrait artist.
How has Charlie adapted to all of this?
He’s mostly mad that I’m not at school with him anymore. They’re a different generation, though. Me being an influencer is not cool to them; what I do is cringy and embarrassing.
Do you find your audience is primarily women?
I looked at that, and it’s like 89% women, 11% men. But you know what surprised me with analytics? My largest city, where I have the most percentage of my followers, is New York City! I’m just so thrilled by that. That’s fascinating. What are y’all doing in New York?
When people come up to me, the man in the family usually has something to say, too. And I like that a lot.
But I’ve always gotten along with all the ladies in my life. I grew up waiting around at the beauty shop. Now, people go to daycare all the time. When we were growing up, we just stayed with my great-grandma. We were always around family, and they were always at the beauty shop. Some of my earliest memories are listening to them there.
Is that how you decided you wanted to have great hair?
I never decided. Honestly when I went to college, I was lazy and didn’t get it cut. Kate’s stepdad is a stylist. He just cuts it good. People ask me about my hair routine. There’s not one. I don’t do anything. I don’t even brush it. I just run my hands through it.
How did you start doing stand-up comedy?
I didn’t tell the truth one time, and I ended up doing stand-up comedy. Seriously.
This lady, Heather Land, is a comedian on the Internet. She messaged me, “I’m having a show in Columbia, Tennessee. I heard that you do stand-up. Do you want to come?” I don’t know who told her that, but I was like, “Yeah.” And I had never done it. I just stand-up and talk. I have a list of topics, and I know how to segue between them. I get up there and story tell. At the end, it was a great show, and I loved it.
It’s so different from doing it for a camera, with no reaction. But if I think about it, family lunches are stand-up comedy because everybody practices our material on each other every Sunday. You learn real quick what you can and can’t say, and what’s funny and what’s not. So, I feel like I’ve been doing stand-up my whole life. Now, I’m just actually on the stage doing it.
Tell us about your new book. It’s called Bless Your Heart, A Field Guide to All Things Southern. And it is just that. I got it done and turned the manuscript in. Then all the editors got hold of it. None are Southern. Some are not even American. My manuscript, when they sent it back to me, was just covered in red “what is” questions, and
“this is wrong.” We spent two months arguing, with me saying, “No, that’s how it is; I understand it’s not grammatically correct. This is how it has to be said.” So, it was very fascinating.
They had no concept. It turns out we had to put in cross references and footnotes. It turned into this very scientific thing.
Was Instagram your initial social media platform?
It was and it’s still my main one. I’m most comfortable there. My audience is just the best people. Honestly, if you’ve never seen my account, go watch my videos, sure, but the comment section is the gold. It’s so good.
When I started this, I was actively teaching four-year-olds every day. I think I speak to four-year-olds the way I’m speaking on the internet. Kindness has been at the forefront of the whole thing. It’s built a kind community. So, I love Instagram.
TikTok is similar. It’s just a little more unhinged. They’re sillier over there. And Facebook can kind of get scary sometimes, people are really serious. And YouTube is the wild west!
What is it you think people relate to best?
People are looking for a place that’s not ugly, where they can say stuff and not be attacked in the comments. There’s plenty of division. People are looking for more community.
It’s turned into this table we’re all at. I think it’s very important we’re at
this table arguing about mayonnaise... or cornbread. Then maybe later we can learn to argue about even bigger things. But right now we’re here, and we’re going to argue about pear salad, and learn to be kind.
It’s very easy on the Internet to be a keyboard warrior. People wouldn’t say those things to people’s faces. The Internet has turned into this insane thing that, in real life, people wouldn’t act that way. We just have to recultivate the way we act on the Internet.
And people are looking for authenticity. The younger generation can sniff out fake so quick. If you’re acting or copying a trend, they know immediately. This is all I know how to be. So that’s what I’m going to be on the Internet. And I love to make my videos.
What’s ahead?
Kate and I have a new podcast. I’m also pitching a television show that’s set in Laurel. I can’t believe they would even listen to me for that. It’s called Cousins Basically, cousins coming back to live with their mom on Fifth Avenue. And shenanigans ensue from there.
But we’re going to let the Lord lead. Whatever happens happens. I’m not going to be disappointed if things don’t pan out. I am very grateful for everything. If it stopped right now, I would be like, “Wow. What a ride.”
For more information on Landon and his videos, his book (release April 2025), or his new podcast “LandonTalks with Kate,” visit linktr.ee/landontalks
Scan code to watch Landon's explanations of the levels to "nekkid" and why it's important to label them appropriately!
Kate, Charlie, & Landon Bryant
Dear Gabby
DEAR GABBY
You seem to have lived through a lot of April Fool’s Days. What were some favorite pranks you’ve seen?
JOKER
DEAR JOKER
I’m not admitting to which ones I pulled personally, but here are some good ones. Did you know that if you pick an apple sized onion, place a popsicle stick in it and dip it in red sugar syrup, it looks just like a candy apple? If you save your empty Amazon boxes for months and stack them all on the porch on April Fool’s, your significant other may faint when they drive up. Another good one is to bring a toaster to the work breakroom and turn the levers to the wall. A little “voice activated” sign is all you need for a day of giggles.
Gabby
DEAR GABBY
Some of my friends are so rigid about their diets that they won’t vary them one iota. This drives me crazy, and I eat lunch alone many days because of it. They may be thinner, but I’m happier.
FOOD FLEXIBLE
DEAR FLEX
Here’s my theory… Some days you eat salad and go to yoga. Some days you eat cake and refuse to put on pants. It’s called balance! If you ever need an honest, disinterested third-party opinion about your weight…intoxicated people, children, and leggings always tell the truth.
Gabby
CONFIDENTIAL TO “MISINFORMATION”:
Yes, I am older than the internet. So, I do remember…before the internet, people thought the cause of stupidity was the lack of access to information. Apparently, it wasn’t that.
Welcome back to the Dear Gabby advice column. April showers bring… nope, allergies. April Fool’s Day is on the first, and tax day is the fifteenth. There must be some correlation there. Ironically, April Fool’s is the only day of the year when people properly analyze news articles to see if they’re true. Good Friday is April eighteenth, and Easter is on April twentieth. Life is full of Easter eggs; you just have to find them! I won’t say my memory’s bad, but I can hide my own Easter eggs! Easter advice: it’s still not a good idea to put all your eggs in one basket. Send me your questions by clicking on Dear Gabby at www.PostcardsLive.com/share MAY THE MIRACLE OF EASTER BRING YOU RENEWED FAITH, HOPE, AND STRENGTH. WISHING YOU A JOYFUL AND BLESSED EASTER.
Texas Remodel Team replaced all 30 of the windows in our home. They finished the project ahead of schedule and the price quoted was what we paid. Additionally, with the exception of beautiful new windows, we couldn't tell they had been there - there was no trace of a mess! Thank you Tim and team. You are beyond professional! Please feel free to use us as a reference.
Glorious Grandchildren
Grandchild of Catherine Pina
Grandchildren
Grandchild of Roy & Sabrina Castleberry
Great-grandchild of Gayle Metcalf
The Garden Post
Create Your Own Tropical Escape
As summer approaches, many of us begin dreaming of a tropical escape. You can create a tropical look by adding a few beautiful blooming accent plants such as hibiscus and bougainvillea or go all the way and create your own “tropical resort look”. Do not be afraid…go for color, and lots of it. If you want the whole deal (outdoor cantina bar, outdoor kitchen, waterfalls, lanai, pool, and lush landscape), create exactly what you want. Professional landscape design ers can create amazing outdoor spaces, all ranges of budgets.
If you would like to add a few tropical blooms, consider the following plants for hardiness, heat resistance, and “wow” factor.
Chinese Hibiscus - a personal favor ite of mine. The large, colorful blooms only last a day, but the profusion of blooms is amazing. Hibiscus range in size from 2’ max. on the miniatures to 6’, depending on the variety. Hibiscus, like other tropical plants, grow well in containers that can be easily moved when the threat of freezing weather occurs. I prefer to plant in raised beds around the lanai, prune all back to 12”, and cover with freeze cloth when temperatures approach 35 on a consistent basis. Leave the freeze cloth in place (it is water and air permeable) until spring, and your plants will be beautiful. Hibiscus do best when fertilized with hibiscus food that has a very low phosphorous level. Never use super bloom, miraclegrow, or other very high phosphorous fertilizers on hibiscus. This can prove deadly.
Bougainvillea – consider if “watering” is not your favorite activity. Bougainvillea are evergreen, thorny, desert vines that redeem themselves in the broiling heat and drought by displaying hundreds of brightly colored brachts that resemble blooms.
Kim Bius President, Kim's Home & Garden Center
They love being rootbound and just enough water to keep the leaves from drooping. As a matter of fact, bougainvillea need to be rootbound to bloom. Overwatering will stop blooming, and no amount of fertilizer will force bougainvillea into bloom. My kind of plant!
Ixora – These lush evergreen shrubs bloom large clusters of orange/red blooms throughout the year. In the tropics, ixora are as common as boxwoods and used as low maintenance “hedges.” In our area, they make great accent plants, grow well in containers, or can be grown as a great hedge around a pool. Ixora are fairly cold hardy, can withstand temperatures into the upper 20s, reach 4’ x 3’ at maturity, and grow well in half sun to full sun. Considered deer proof. Plumbago – These hardy, sun-loving perennials have all the traits we love. Beautiful blue blooms, deer proof, and super low maintenance, plumbago grow “freeform” in large, arching branches. A splash of sky blue gives any landscape a cool, tropical feel.
Monstera Philodendron – The large tropical, Swiss cheese foliage will vine and grow over 20’. These are more cold tender than other tropical plants, but can be mulched heavily, covered with freeze cloth, and survive many winters. I plant these vining philodendrons at the base of arching palms to create a rainforest look. Philodendrons will need afternoon shade and will not tolerate direct summer sun after 1:00 pm.
Plumeria – the queen of the tropicals. Plumeria have a cult following, and many gardeners have risked customs to smuggle an exotic variety back to their garden. The neat trick about plumeria is only a 4” piece of stalk is needed to start your own plant.
Plumeria love a sunny location, with good water, excellent drainage, and plumeria food.
Summer is well on the way, so have fun and enjoy the lazy days to come.
Hibiscus, Bouginvillea, and other tropical offerings
Chilled Peach Soup
INGREDIENTS
1 cup dry white wine
1 cup peach schnapps
½ cup sugar
1 tsp chopped fresh mint leaves
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
2 cups half-and-half cream
10 fresh peaches, sliced
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Place white wine, peach schnapps, sugar, mint leaves, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl. Stir in halfand-half and mix until well blended and sugar is dissolved. Add sliced peaches, and transfer to a saucepan.
Step 2: Cook over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently and reducing heat if necessary to prevent scorching cream. Remove from heat when peaches are tender. Cool to a safe temperature for blending.
Step 3: Process in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve chilled.
Abby Gray
Abby Gray Releases Inspiring True Story in New Book
In 2022, Huntsville native Abby Gray published a children’s book, Clayton Sparks Leaves His Mark, and we shared the heartfelt story inspired by the gift of life they received from her husband Reid’s liver donor, Clayton Sparks. Clayton, the 24-year-old son of Beth and
Larry Sparks of Willis, Texas, lost his life following a ski accident in Colorado. This gift of life through organ donation forever joined the two families with a special bond.
In February, Abby released another book, Impatiently Waiting for Miracles, an adult read which is a raw and inspiring account of the couple’s journey through adversity, hope, and triumph. Just two months after their wedding, the couple’s life was upended when Reid was diagnosed with two chronic illnesses. The illness ultimately led to the need for a liver replacement. (According to the United Network for Organ Sharing [UNOS], over 11,000 people in the U.S. are currently on the waiting list for a liver transplant, with an average wait time of over 150 days). Simultaneously, Abby struggled with infertility, a condition that affects 1 in 8 couples in the U.S., according to the CDC. Abby and Reid persevered, ultimately experiencing life-changing miracles they never imagined.
Abby began writing in 2017 as a therapeutic outlet, sharing her struggles in a blog that resonated with readers facing similar challenges. Driven by her personal experiences with infertility, organ donation, and mental health, Abby is now an advocate, author, and
storyteller. Her writing and public speaking is a beacon of hope for those navigating life’s toughest challenges, offering encouragement and support through her authentic voice.
Impatiently Waiting for Miracles is available wherever books are sold. For more information, visit: www.abbygraywrites.com
DECEMBER 2022
(written by Claudia Kirkwood)
Abby, Reid, and their twins Kaylee and Oliver.
Isaiah 117 House
Home Now Open to Serve Montgomery and Walker Counties
In fall 2022, we shared the story of Isaiah 117 House, an organization providing comfort and care for children while they await foster care placement. At the time of that writing, there were 8 such centers open in the country, with numerous more in the works, including one to serve our area.
The Montgomery and Walker County Isaiah 117 House celebrated their kickoff event on April 30th, 2022. Krista Patton and her core team of 9 individuals from both counties and all walks of life hosted the event to raise awareness about the foster care system, Isaiah 117 House, and their mission.
After much work, planning, prayer, and construction, the Montgomery/Walker County, TX Isaiah 117 House is complete and is the 30th such facility to open! For more information or to find out how you can help, visit facebook.com/ isaiah117housemontgomerywalkertx.
The Purpose of Isaiah 117 House
When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their safety, they are usually brought to a child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can be a few hours to several days. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.
Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.
The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold:
• reduce trauma for children awaiting placement
• lighten the load for child welfare services
• ease the transition for foster families Isaiah 1:17 says, "defend the cause of the fatherless." That is what God was calling me to do. I saw a team of volunteers on call to greet "the least of these" when they need love most. I saw a place always ready to take in children in their time of need and lavishly love on them on one of their worst days. This was
AUGUST 2022
(written by Libby Rogers)
the dream for the Isaiah 117 House in February of 2017.
I believe these homes have the potential to positively affect the children who are coming into custody in ways far beyond what we could ever imagine, as well as support the caseworkers and future foster families who are a part of their journey. I believe these homes change the way foster care begins.
- Ronda Paulson, Founder and Executive Director
Laura Nelsen, Krista Patton, & Emily Miller
Journey Pool Services
BY LAUREN SWONKE | PHOTOS BY TOM MILLER
WhenBlake and Deb Loke moved to a home on acreage near Montgomery in 2018, they planned to do their own swimming pool maintenance. They quickly discovered, however, there were many other tasks that demanded their attention. “We had all of these big plans, and it quickly got overwhelming,” Deb says. So, Blake looked online and contacted Geddy Baker, who came to the Loke home. “He was so personable,” Deb says. “They had just started their business, and it was a perfect fit for us.”
Blake and Deb are still customers of Journey Pool Services today, and they have recommended the company to several neighbors. They have found Geddy and his team do much more than “Throw chlorine tablets in the pool,” Deb says; they thoroughly clean and maintain it, and also keep a watchful eye on the pool’s mechanical components. They helped winterize the pool during the deep freeze of 2021, and on another occasion, they averted a disaster by noticing a leak that was hidden beneath a decorative rock. They even helped clean up the mess—without complaining—when Blake and Deb’s two ducks decided they preferred the swimming pool to the nearby pond.
Pooling resources
Krystal, who has lived in Montgomery since she was 10 years old, worked for years as a property manager. Meanwhile, Geddy came to Texas to find work in the oilfields. In 2008, however, Geddy, along with 90 percent of his company’s workforce, was suddenly without a job.
“I had a lot of plumbing experience and nothing to do with it,” Geddy says, so he began to explore the idea of maintaining swimming pools. He found a job with ABA Pools, and is thankful the owner of the business, Alex Stringfellow, mentored him.
Geddy and Krystal, however, liked the idea of working for themselves. They envisioned a company that would allow them to connect with their customers and provide honest, reasonablypriced services, and they knew a pool service company would have manageable start-up costs and overhead. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we take his knowledge and my knowledge and put it together to do our own thing?’” Krystal says.
In 2017, Krystal mentioned to a group of people that she and Geddy were thinking about starting their own company. A few days later, one of them contacted Krystal. She had discovered an acquaintance who owned a small pool service company and was considering selling the business. Would Geddy and Krystal be interested?
Geddy and Krystal had been saving their money, but were thankful for additional funds in the form of a loan from the grandfather of Krystal’s high school friend, Jerry Hoffpaur. “The only thing he asked was for us to work hard and be successful, and of course we paid him back in full,” Krystal says. “He has passed now, but we hope he was proud of his investment in us.”
The couple purchased the small company and began doing business as Tex Haven Pools, inheriting about 12 clients. “We still have over half of those customers today,” Krystal says. They also began finding other customers, while Geddy, who still had another full-time job, coached Krystal on the proper techniques of pool cleaning and maintenance. The hardest part for Krystal was cleaning out skimmer baskets, which always seemed to have wolf spiders in them, Geddy says with a chuckle. (Over the years, Geddy and Krystal have found frogs, rats, turtles, and lots of snakes—usually venomous—in their customers’ pools. Once Krystal rescued two baby squirrels. On another occasion, Geddy found a dead bat in a pool. Barbie dolls are not a rare find, either.)
A new Journey
Everything changed, however, in 2019. Krystal was riding with Geddy’s brother Kyle Baker on his motorcycle for a short jaunt when they were struck by a vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver. Both Krystal and Kyle were seriously injured, and Krystal was hospitalized for several weeks before having to endure months of physical therapy. During this time, Geddy balanced his full-time job with Krystal’s duties as pool technician, working about 90 hours in a typical week. Geddy realized something had to go and decided it was time to focus solely on growing their business.
Another major event occurred the following year, but this time, it was a happy one. To their surprise, Geddy and Krystal discovered they were going to become parents. Journey, their daughter, was born in 2020, and Geddy and Krystal were overjoyed. “Journey is the very air in our lungs,” Krystal says.
Journey became Geddy’s and Krystal’s motivation. They wanted their business to succeed so they could provide for her; furthermore, they wanted to grow the company so it
The Business Focus is chosen each month by random drawing from among Postcards contract advertisers.
can one day belong to Journey. So, they decided to rename their business Journey Pool Services. “She is the face of the company, and she is who we do this for, so we gave it her name,” Krystal says.
Family owned and operated
From the start, Journey Pool Services was a family business, and as the company grew, it began to include more family members. Today, Krystal serves as office manager, while Geddy handles pool equipment repairs. Geddy’s brother Kyle and Kyle’s son Gauge Baker serve as technicians, and lately, Geddy has been teaching the trade to Krystal’s son Johnathan Jones.
Geddy and Krystal think of their customers as part of their family, too, and they know each one by name. “We treat them like family. We even know their dogs,” Krystal says with a smile. She is pleased that they have made “genuine connections” with many pool owners. “We have one customer who gives us farm eggs from their yard,” she says. Journey Pool Services also welcomes its family of Postcards readers and is offering new customers 20 percent off their first month’s fee.
Pools in Texas, Krystal explains, need to be serviced weekly because the heat and the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause chlorine and other pool chemicals to break down
quickly, reducing their ability to sanitize pools. “We come out and clean the pool, vacuum if needed, empty the skimmer baskets, check all the pool equipment, make sure everything is working properly, and skim for leaves and debris,” Krystal says. “We make sure everything is in tip-top shape.”
While Journey Pool Services offers one-time deep cleanings of pools, most customers utilize the company’s noncontractual service agreement. “It does not lock anybody in,” Krystal says. “We understand more than anybody in this world that things can happen.”
Geddy, Krystal, and the entire family take pride in their work. They know people have a lot of choices when they select a pool service, so they promise fair prices and honest treatment. “What we are not is a careless company,” Krystal says. “We care not only about the customer, but also the integrity of our company—one that we can one day leave to our daughter.”
It gives Geddy and Krystal joy to know they make their customers’ lives easier, allowing them to spend more time with their families. “We make it beautiful and relaxing,” Krystal says, so customers can come home after a hard day’s work and enjoy spending time in the water. Perhaps the company’s motto says it best: “Find joy in the journey.”
For more information, visit journeypoolservices.com.
Geddy, Krystal, Kyle, Dave, Gauge, & Johnathan
Dr. Lane Aiena Family Practice
TMedical Matters Understanding Measles and the Importance of Vaccination
exas experienced several measles outbreaks in 2024, primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals, and we are currently experiencing another outbreak in West Texas.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that primarily affects children, but can also impact adults. The measles virus spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and it can remain in the air for up to two hours, making it incredibly easy to contract in crowded places. Before the vaccine, measles was one of the leading causes of death in young children worldwide.
Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure, and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days into the illness, a red, blotchy rash will appear, starting on the face and spreading to the rest of the body. This is often how doctors make the diagnosis.
Some people may experience more serious complications like ear infections, pneumonia, or even brain swelling (called encephalitis), which can be life-threatening. The virus is most dangerous for the very young, for the
older population, pregnant women, and immunocompromised patients.
The best way to protect yourself and your family is through vaccination. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR vaccine) has been used for decades. Vaccination has dramatically reduced the number of measles cases in the U.S., and it is one of the most successful public health interventions in history. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the measles vaccine is 97% effective when both doses are administered.
Extensive research has shown the MMR vaccine is both safe and effective. Side effects are generally rare and are usually mild—such as a low-grade fever or a slight rash. Serious side effects are extremely uncommon.
The MMR vaccine does not cause autism. This misconception originated from a discredited study in 1998, which was later retracted. The overwhelming body of scientific evidence supports the safety of the MMR vaccine.
Children should receive two doses of the MMR vaccine: one at 12-15 months and another at 4-6 years. Adults who have not received the vaccine should
talk to their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated, especially if they are at higher risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers or international travelers. For adults vaccinated as a child with only one dose or unsure of their vaccination history, a second dose may be recommended.
For certain populations, such as pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems (e.g., individuals undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV), the MMR vaccine cannot be given. In these cases, discuss alternative ways to prevent measles exposure with your healthcare provider. While measles was once considered a disease of the past, outbreaks still occur in areas where vaccination rates have declined or where people travel from regions where the disease is more common.
As a physician and a father, I understand family healthcare decisions can sometimes feel overwhelming, but vaccinating your child and yourself is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and the community. The MMR vaccine is vital for preventing the spread of measles.
April 2025
Thru 5
HUNTSVILLE
Walker County Fair & Rodeo walkercountyfair.com
Thru 6
BRENHAM “Embraceable Me” unitybrenham.org
Thru 6
PALESTINE
“The Sound of Music” pctboxoffice.com
Thru 6
ROUND TOP Spring Antiques Show roundtop.com
3
CORSICANA
John Conlee corsicanapalace.com
3-5
HUNTSVILLE “O and Company” shsu.universitytickets.com
4-5
LIVINGSTON Piecemakers Quilt Show lpqgtexas.org 5
Greater Conroe Arts Alliance Film Festival owentheatre.com 5 SPRING Canadian Brass cypresscreekface.org
5 - May 6
WAXAHACHIE Scarborough Renaissance Festival srfestival.com
8 - 13
HOUSTON “Mamma Mia” thehobbycenter.org 8
SPRING Chelsea and Chloe de Souza cypresscreekface.org
10-13
HOUSTON Disney on Ice nrgpark.com 10
HUNTSVILLE Sundown at Sam’s samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
10
SPRING “A Night in Nashville”: MOW Benefit mowmc.org 10 - 12
TOMBALL Art League Spring Art Show tomballartleague.com
11-13
ENNIS Bluebonnet Trails Festival bluebonnettrail.org
11-13
GRAPELAND Bluegrass Fun Pick slpbluegrass.com
11-13
POTEET Strawberry Festival strawberryfestival.com
11-13
THE WOODLANDS Waterway Arts Festival thewoodlandsartscouncil.org
12
BRENHAM The Isaacs thebarnhillcenter.com
By Linda W. Perkins
Mustard Seed Moments Staying Close to Jesus
How do we change our attitudes and actions? By staying close to Jesus.
There is a lot in the Bible: stories, songs, proverbs, instructions and laments. Where do we begin in seeking truth and goodness? For me, it is an easy answer: Jesus. He is the only incarnate Son of God; the only one who has seen the Father and knows His heart; the only one who can save us from our sins. He is the Word incarnate, in whom all truth is found.
Years ago, there was an expression, “What would Jesus do?”
The Bibles back in those days often had the words of Jesus printed in red in order to easily identify them and to set them apart from the words of the men and women who authored and/or were featured in the Bible.
In today’s world, we may find ourselves confused as to what is right and wrong. It seems like the world’s ideas are always
changing. But God stays the same. Jesus said He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Find His words in your Bible. Look at the life He lived, as a model for us to follow. Find Him, and you will find goodness and life.
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
- John 8:12
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- Matthew 6:33
Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps.
- I Peter 2:21
