An Oklahoma Landmark

Hello, Gorgeous!

It was a beautiful morning and we decided to take a few hours away.

But it's also so hot, there's no place close by where you won't melt by noon.

So we took a short convertible ride north to Lake Oolagah and enjoyed the scenery. We passed a "landmark" sign and realized, we've lived here over 30 years and have never seen ---

---the birthplace of favorite son, Will Rogers.

What a gorgeous place! That dude was so fortunate to grow up here! It sits on little rise overlooking the lake.

That's not actually accurate. Apparently the house was built where the lake is now. It was moved to it's present location on the sprawling ranch when the lake was created. (Most lakes here are engineered).

There was a glorious, cool breeze so we just sat on the bench in the garden and enjoyed the view. So peaceful. Especially after the drama of last week.

Will Rogers certainly had a lot to say about politics; much more than I realized. I wonder what he would say today? From what I found on this page, I have a feeling most of his observations would still be relevant!

"This country has gotten where it is in spite of politics, not by the aid of it. 

That we have carried as much political bunk as we have

and still survived shows we are a super nation."

Will Rogers, Nov. 1, 1932

"...but the greatest of these is love."

What a week.

Our country is an absolute mess, divided on all fronts.

You know what I'm talking about so I don't have to list it. There is not one decent American, of any color or political leaning, who isn't horrified, shocked, heartbroken and grieved at the senseless violence we saw this week. The conventions are still to come and I really fear the worst. 

Yet...

Thursday, we laid to rest a wonderful human being. This man made a positive and eternal impact on thousands of lives in this community. Didn't matter what color you were, what ethnic culture you celebrated, or what gender you identified with. Didn't even matter if you were Christian, although by the time you left his presence you very likely would be. All that mattered to him was that you were in need of help, whether it be food, prayer, encouragement, or the answer to eternal life.

In the early 80s, he felt the call of God on his life and enrolled in a Bible school. Upon graduation, he said he sensed God's direction with two simple words, "help them." Leaving behind a successful career and comfortable income, he started Loaves & Fishes Ministry.

In 1986, with my little boy in school and my husband earning a good salary, I didn't need to work. It was time to serve somewhere and this ministry tugged at my heart strings. I was new "in the Word" as we say here in Tulsa, new to church life, new to the idea of ministry. I was in awe of people like Milo & Marian and young enough that my sense of social justice still burned with innocent passion. I began volunteering with L&F, at first doing simple tasks in the warehouse and soon using my skills in data processing in the office. My husband worked in tech support management at a computer company. When L&F had some computer issues, like any good wife I volunteered his services to help. My goodness, that's how it all began...

Milo & Al were kindred spirits from the git-go, but between then and now, our lives interwove in many ways. There was even a stretch of time where life took us in directions that our paths didn't cross. The love & friendship was always there, but duties were different. I don't remember the year, but Marian & Milo came back into our life and the friendship was rekindled. Looking back now, it's evident that three years ago God set Phase Two in motion of His plan for Milo & Al, but that's another story.

And so here we are, thirty years after a young mom volunteered her husband to fix a computer, we are now tasked with ensuring that Milo's mission to "help them" continues.

Milo left behind an amazing legacy and example of how to walk the talk. He didn't do it with lectures, social media rants, snarky memes, violence or street protests. He simply obeyed two simple commands: 

Help them. 
Love one another as I have loved you.

Wow.

After the turmoil of the week nationally and emotions of the week personally, I'm encouraged by some other scriptures and maybe they will speak to you, too:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

 "Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

The Beauty of Age

Last weekend, a little town next door had an outdoor flea market called "Vintage Down South."  I'm hoping it will turn into something like Round Top in Texas, or The Polka Dot Flea in Florida.

They had a great location for a starter show, with lots of big, shady trees.

Converted trailer for selling t-shirts. Cute!

Don't we all love our outdoor chandys...

...and old pickups?

And now we get to one of my favorite things to photograph -

RUST!!!

I'm thinking out loud now, why do I love to photograph rusty objects? Maybe it's what they represent - wonderful and useful things of bygone days. Days that were simpler, safer, at least in my memory. You know how in our mental photo album, childhood memories are gaussian-blurred & bathed in that warm light that Steven Speilberg uses? Maybe photographing them preserves them in some way, gives them respect; a redemption of sorts.

I also love the texture of rust. Most definitely the color! Rust is the color of October, my very favorite month of the year. While we're strolling down memory lane, I'm reminded of my senior year Homecoming outfit - a rust colored body suit worn under rust-plaid hot pants with matching jacket! It was quite an original ensemble and to my knowledge, no other Court member had ever worn hot pants before or since :)

My brother & I had little cars just like this when we were kids. My grandparents' house had a porch that ran the whole length, with honeysuckle vines climbing one section. We would pedal like mad up & down the porch, stopping at the bank to get "money" (as far as we were concerned, money did grow on vines!) Then we would pass each other, wave & shout "Hi Pal!!"  It became a game called Let's Play Pal.  We still call each other "pal."  Mmmmm, one of those warm, glowy memories. Makes me smile just to write about it.

I did buy a couple little things for future crafting (not pictured).

I liked how the sunlight played on this array of bottles.

And these baskets. Makes you want to pick apples, right?

There was live music all day, both days. I really enjoyed the mournful mountain sounds of local band, "Bandelier."  [I am shocked that this Pink Floyd/Bowie girl is liking this particular sound lately. Never saw that one coming!]

I have to applaud musicians who will provide background music while people shop, eat, talk, etc. You know everyone is enjoying it but it must feel like playing to an empty hall. These repurposed church pews made a neat display & seating area, but they were right in the sun. I hope in the evening they were filled.

Here I merged two photos and will leave you with a fabulous quote I just found last night:

More Art

This weekend was Tulsa's MayFest & Blue Dome Art Festivals. I went to both two years ago since they're conveniently close together downtown. Yesterday was a pleasant weather Sunday, so I thought I'd hit up Blue Dome for some artsy pix.

I prefer BD over MayFest. It's grittier and, I think, more interesting. This end of downtown just gets cooler every year!

Nice weather brought out huge crowds. Pretty much shoulder to shoulder.

This converted little bus was just too cute. They sold t-shirts & accessories.

He caught me lining up the shot and was so sweet to toss this big smile my way. I would've preferred to show him intently weaving, but still appreciate his good humor.

There were tables set up for visitors of any age to participate in the creative process.

And a whole street intersection dedicated to chalk art.

Love these colorful bird feeders.

Another artist at work.

This guy was so groovin' to the live music with his own harmonica. The two bands I heard were quite good, especially Daniel Jordan.

Tons of artists' booths, food trucks, and people!

My only disappointment - I missed the Art Cars. They were on display Saturday. Note to self: check the website next year. If you wonder what an "art car" is, click here to see the photos I took last time I was there.

I think my next post might feature some of Tulsa's architecture. Check back soon :)