Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas. Show all posts

Thursday, August 28, 2025

The Texas Triangle - Benjamin Dane


"The Texas TriangleEverything You Need To Know About Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas!" is the most recent book in The Best Texas Series by Benjamin Dane. 


The Texas Triangle isn’t just a shape on the map—it’s the most dynamic, diverse, and opportunity-rich region in the entire Lone Star State. Covering Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth, this urban superzone is where over 70% of Texans live, work, and thrive—and now, so can YOU!


*PROCEEDS BENEFIT TEXAS FLOOD VICTIMS. 



MY REVIEW: Is big city life your natural habitat? The 2nd book in Benjamin Dane's TEXAS Series is made for you! Focused on where the majority of Texans live and work, this area, called "The Texas Triangle," covers Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas/Fort Worth. Dane's "The Best Texas Bucket List" gave a wonderful overview of the entire state, but he now shares vital knowledge of the major cities. The best food, the best music, the general "vibe" of each city, and more are covered. This guide will help anyone making a decision about moving to or visiting each location. Even locals may discover new things.

My favorite part is the NEED TO KNOW facts and links Dane provides. Things you need to know when house or apartment hunting, enrolling a child in school, transportation, and all the basics are laid out to minimize the hassle of moving. Knowing what to expect for entertainment, festivals, and more are more great tips to have in advance. Whether you are there for a brief visit ot this is now home, no more wasting time searching for answers that are found easily in this book. You have more time to explore what is really 'deep in the heart of Texas.'

One difference in the hardback and the paperback is the pictures. The softcover version uses vibrantly colored photos. The hardcover, which I purchased, contains black and white photos only. It's a matter of personal preference, and I am happy with my choice. The beauty of Texas comes through either way. This book is a useful guide for locals and visitors, and especially for those considering a move to the vibrant life of a Texas city. You'll be glad you did!

LINKS:






Benjamin Dane, a proud Texas native, brings a dynamic background in design, illustration, art direction, and film. As an author he is driven to capture and share the spirit and beauty that defines Texas. Launching his creative career early, he founded a successful boutique design agency. His deep love for storytelling naturally led him into film, where he has produced and acted in numerous projects, including the acclaimed feature, "Beyond the Farthest Star." He is currently developing the sweeping new series, "STRUCK," taking on the central role of "Noah."
Benjamin lives in Texas with his wife. 

Monday, July 15, 2024

The Best Texas Bucket List by Benjamin Dane

https://tinyurl.com/Best-Texas-Bucket-List

The Best Texas Bucket List and Travel Guide by Benjamin Dane is a MUST HAVE for 4 different groups of people:
1. Texans - Explore your home state!
2. Visitors to Texas - Texas is a big state, so this is the perfect guide to plan a vacation.
3. Potential New Residents - Whether you already have a specific area or undecided, you can make a more informed decision on where to settle.
4. Armchair Travelers - Just because you can't travel now, you can still dream. The beautiful photos and descriptions make it a pleasure to explore Texas from home.

You can subdivide to smaller categories as well. "The Best Texas Bucket List" is already #1 in Kayaking [at the time this review was written]! Whether your interest is in Biking, Spelunking, Cuisine, Music, Rodeo, ordinary or exotic, there's a chance that you will find it! Texas is vast
and varied, from the dense forests of the east to the sprawling deserts of the west. Each region presents unique wonders, challenges, and opportunities for the eager traveler.

Texas is divided into seven regions: Piney Woods, Panhandle Plains, Prairies and Lakes, Hill Country, Gulf Coast, Big Bend Country, and South Texas Plains. The geography ranges from the lush Piney Woods in the east to the rugged beauty of the Big Bend Country in the west. Each region has a distinct climate, from humid subtropical in the Gulf Coast to arid desert in the Big Bend. Dane does not touch on some areas, like famous historical spots, the Houston Space Center, or the various sports teams, but he shares many other areas that should not be missed.

One of my favorite parts of the book is that you will also get access to his interactive website! The photos, the descriptions, and all-important links to help you plan your visit. Speaking of planning, you will love the itinerary! Decide where you want to visit, and you are given the locations of each. I have ridden across Texas, and it always involved 1 or 2 overnight stays even if you aren't sight-seeing! There are also Travel Tips that come in handy.

My dad was raised in Texas, so I enjoyed learning even more about the state he loved dearly. We visited several times beside the driving through on longer trips to other destinations, but I learned so much more about areas I missed through the book and website. It's available in Hardcover, Paperback, and Kindle. I highly recommend The Best Texas Bucket List and Travel Guide: Discover Hidden Gems with Interactive Visuals and Trip Planning... and for you to explore Texas!

LINKS:
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Benjamin Dane is a proud Texan with a passion for storytelling. This book reveals the heart and soul of Texas, beyond the typical tourist spots. We'll explore hidden gems, culinary delights, outdoor adventures, and cultural heritage from East Texas to Big Bend Country.

This guide, enriched with interactive elements like QR codes and a dedicated website, is crafted for adventurers, history buffs, and families.

Join Benjamin in discovering the true essence of Texas and creating unforgettable memories. Welcome to The Best Texas Bucket List and
Travel Guide!

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Call For Prayer This September

Today, September 3, 2017, has been declared Day of Prayer for Texas, following the tremendous impact felt by Hurricane Harvey as it swept across SE Texas, leaving a path of devastation as record flooding went across the land. I know I joined a multitude of others in praying for those who lost so much more than I can imagine, including loved ones, and mourned with them. So many others have had their lives changed as well. Property is replaceable, sometimes repairable, but it's not as though we should treat these losses as trivial. This is a time to reach out to others to give them hope and help in rebuilding. This is who we are as Americans.

To hear the news reports and read social media posts, we are a country divided. To be sure, there is an anger and bitterness among many just as there are the gloaters on the "winning" side. There should not be winners and losers when it comes to our country. Shouldn't we have the same goal? Of course, there are issues that will always separate and divide us, but our words should not always belittle others. Compromise is not always possible when people completely disagree, but hatred and acrimony resolves nothing.

Hurricane Harvey did demonstrate again that we can come together as a nation when disaster strikes. Many people who were unaffected by Harvey still pulled together whether it was physically going to the distressed areas or sending money and other donations via charitable organizations. And...we prayed. 


Do you remember the days and weeks following September 11, 2001? Just as vivid as the tragic images are the ones of my fellow Americans coming together as one people in love of country and each other. And...we prayed.


Marlene Salcher
Marlene Salcher, the author of “God Speaks to Me? Tuning into the Living God” and leader of prayer groups for over 20 years, calls on Christians across the nation to follow the scriptural mandate to repent of their sins and call on God in remembrance of 911. Many Christian leaders have issued similar challenges in previous years, including Anne Graham Lotz and Michael Youssef. “I ask that September 11, 2017, be a new beginning for Christians to pray every day for our nation until we see revival and a return to our Christian heritage,” challenges Salcher.

Just as we pray today for the Texans who underwent damages by a weather event that was unprecedented with record rainfall, America is under an internal assault like any I have ever witnessed. Today I encourage all Christians to accept Salcher's challenge to let September 11, 2017 be a new beginning of prayer for our nation. America needs Revival and Restoration and a Return to our basic values and heritage. Through God, this is possible.

To read more about prayer advocate Marlene Salcher's Prayer Challenge: September 11, 2017 Prayer Challenge

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Miracles From Heaven



Miracles From Heaven’ tells the story of a child who recovers from a life-threatening illness in a manner that defies medical explanation. Based on the true story of the Beam family in Texas, this recounts the highlights of what this family went through to get Anabel Beam the needed help when she became ill. Christy Beam (Jennifer Garner) is determined to do whatever necessary to get the answers for her young daughter when Anna (Kylie Rogers) is finally diagnosed with a rare, incurable disease. Pseudo-obstruction motility disorder is the inability to digest foods and Anna was forced to receive nutrition through feeding tubes.

When the only hope for a solution is across the country, Christy and Anna make frequent trips to Boston Children’s Hospital for treatment from Dr. Nurko (Eugenio Derbez), a pediatric gastroenterologist. Kevin (Martin Henderson) remains in Texas to care for the other daughters and to keep his new veterinary practice running. With the stress of Anna’s deteriorating health, financial problems, and being apart from family, Christy does struggle to hold on to her faith at times, but a freak accident changes everything!




This is one of the better faith-based films I have seen. The story is mesmerizing, and it also feels real. There is no doubt that some changes were made to make the action flow better, but not in a way that seems overly forced as many movies tend to do. The love and support of family, church, and community is evident, but so are the stresses and flaws from those same people. The faith of the Beam family is genuine, but they did not gloss over doubts, fears, pain, and even anger. I left the theater feeling inspired and assured that God has us each in the palm of His hand...even when things don't happen according to our own plan. I give this a 4.5 star rating.

Directed by Patricia Riggen, the screenplay was written by Randy Brown, based on Christy Beam’s book. The film also stars Queen Latifah, John Carroll Lynch, Brighton Sharbino, Courtney Fansler, and ‘Third Day’ is featured as the church worship band. Produced by Joe Roth, T.D. Jakes and DeVon Franklin, with Matthew Hirsch, Derrick Williams and Zack Roth as Executive Producers.

Visit the website at miraclesfromheaven-movie.com