The Thaw

Yes, I still have a few discoverable icicles on the underside ... but life is fast and furious, and spring is here, so before long the thaw will have absorbed the daggers that threaten to dislodge and pierce whatever lies below. 

Today? I am thankful for friends who breathe warmth into my atmosphere and inspire the flow of thought that frees me from paralyzing anger.  It sounds more ominous than it is.  But I am contemplating the value of melting rather than splintering.  That moment of a satisfying, icy shatter probably only affects my own soul.  Forgiveness is hard.  But unforgiveness is harder.

Stars and Stripes (and SWIRLS)

This year, our celebration involved children ... always a treat!  For the past few summers, my kids have been in Ohio on visitation.  Even though J is grown and living there now (and couldn't come here), M had to return for dance nationals and her dad was no longer able to attend, so she was flown in a day early.  She was just in time to be part of a birthday party for Uncle J and Miss P.  We even had a delightful accompaniment to fireworks on bongo drums!

Horizon (for Poetry Month)

Wind swept hill
Dust at my back
Horizon beckons to follow the sun

Suburban Sleigh Ride

Oh, how deep the snow!

I have more "fun" photos to share when I have some time ... but I wanted to show everyone how much snow is in our back yard in OKLAHOMA! I think I heard the official measurement from the airport was 16" of snow. I don't think we'll be going anywhere for a while. Get this - they're not even printing the Tulsa World newspaper for the rest of the week! Of course, it will be online. And since we have power and computers and such, I'm still working away from home. But I had to at least share one photo from yesterday morning!

Wind Circle of Life

Isn't this amazing? It's almost as if this little windmill had a dream about the future! 

Day one of the birthday escape held not only the wonders of a wind farm, but the secret hope of finding this scene.  My sweet K knew there was SOMEWHERE with a view like this, and I am so amazed we found it along the massive horizon of wind turbines.  AND what an interesting statement about our progress!  Finding new energy sources brings us right back to basic elements ... like wind.  What was once abandoned for more powerful resources has come full circle into a massive source of green energy. 

The Puppies Are Free Again!

We held 4 puppies for a family who has not been able to get to Tulsa ... so the pups did not go to the vet for their first check up and shots, and are still available for adoption free of charge to friends/family/blog buddies. Please send an email if you're interested! To see details of which dogs are available, visit the "puppy page" on this site (link also located to the right).

Naughty!

I caught Chunk making a hole in my green velvet chair. Good thing it's one I bought at a second hand shop to try my hand at upholstry! I've recently heard about "tethering" pups to you when they're in the house while training. I'm thinking that might be a good idea ... at least with just one (not with ALL of the pups - that's a cartoon waiting to happen)!

Now I know the pups aren't being naughty ... they're just doing what they do.  My job? Give the command, substitute something chewable, and keep moving.  One thing they love?  Helping "recycle" plastic bottles.  They chew and mash and I bring a bag full of flattened plastic to the recycling center.  Perfect!  Not to mention it makes for cheap toys.

Women's Legislative Day

It was my first trip to the Capitol of Oklahoma with the Oklahoma Women's Legislative Coalition. I was surprisingly comfortable for being out of my element! I found that the issues presented clicked with me and easily energized my thoughts. Next year, I'll be able to be more involved and hopefully generate some good press! Although, I have to admit I'm proud to say that I garnered an on-site interview for our CEO with Oklahoma Public TV.

Yep ... typical photo.

Picture of the day ... serious J and fun-finding M. Today we experienced history, science, physics, and even sports. Who can forget the treasures at the end of the day ... GO TIGES!

In Search of Fire

Amazing what freezing rain can do! Power is out everywhere (I'm blogging after the fact) and has been for several days. I feel like I have it made because we only lost power for a day. The store down the street was open for a few hours on generator power ... no lights, but they could ring you up! Normally I would stay cozy and warm but that's why I'm out and about. I'm concerned about staying cozy and warm! I need fire logs. Just about every store was closed. Thank goodness for this one! It was eerie, however, to be roll-clatter-rolling through dark, quiet aisles.

Icy Fascination

We woke up to ice today. Naturally, it's only a matter of time before the camera emerges. This little ice drop fascinates me ... it looks like miniature fireworks inside! What I love about days like today is mostly because it's a wonderful excuse to light a fire and feel cozy (even if I am still working on things in the meantime). The kids love the thought that if the weather gets worse, they might get to do this for a few more days instead of going to school!

Click on the photo below more photos from the icy storms in Oklahoma:

Icy Mornings

Time in a Bottle ... or Capsule!

As part of the Oklahoma Centennial, Tulsa created a gigantic time capsule and in addition to all kinds of contributions, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle was put into it to be opened in 50 years. Girl Scouts contributed a scrapbook (the pages of which can be seen online at www.mecgs.org) to the Oklahoma Centennial time capsule. The girls who created the scrapbook couldn't come to the event, so I brought my little one as a backup and she got to write "Girl Scouts Were Here" inside the capsule! It looks like a giant pill! Now if THIS wasn't an awesome opportunity, I don't know what is!

Lucky Girl!

My little helper was happy about being out at Girl Scout camp all weekend. Now that her mother has certain assignments that involve being out in nature, she feels pretty lucky to get in on special things ... but when you can find a REAL horseshoe? That seals it! You're a lucky girl!

Her first "real" camp!

This made me laugh for some reason ... I guess that's part of the camp experience!


Such a brave little camper ... a room full of 18 little girls and parents all making an exodus! She smiled and waved and was VERY excited about her first camp!


Only 3 days ... but boy was she worn out! She fell asleep on the way home, never really got to go to bed early, and after a late night of shooting off fireworks may have caught up a little. She slept almost until noon!

This is why I love the prairie!

Where else can you see this on your way to Wal-Mart?