Oklahoma City Daily Photo

the sound of wings

2010-05-10T09:54:00.002-05:00

During a recent zoo visit, I voyaged into the Epicenter of Madness - the new Children's Zoo. It's actually set up nicely... certainly better than the nearly non-existent one of the past. (Except, their "read these descriptions of the animals to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb" thing was incredibly annoying because the one I tried didn't even have the same number of syllables. Not that I wanted to try with all of them anyway.)

One of the things that delighted me actually existed before at the zoo, but it had limited hours and I had never tried it out. I bought myself two containers of nectar. I then tried out the Lorikeet exhibit. It wasn't busy at all (yay!).

I opened the nectar with careful help.

Then I was covered with birds. On my arms, on my shoulders, on my head.

Being that I'm all about prim, I was...

gleefully delighted!

Afterward, I took photos of some of my buddies -

happy mom's day

2010-05-09T10:46:00.004-05:00

I'm not someone who thinks that Mother's Day is a bogus holiday. While I don't at all think every woman has to be a mom to have a meaningful existence, motherhood is still a powerful transition. It's a big deal, so putting a day on the calendar in honor seems perfectly appropriate to me.

"Having a baby is an opportunity to transform a life, because in the moments of labor and birth all the forces of the universe are flowing through a woman’s body…" (Sister MorningStar)

In celebration of Mother's Day, two photos of my daughter, taken in May 2009 at our backyard picnic.

One of my oldest son taken then too (with his incredible eyes).

Last, but not least - our latest (and final!) addition at his first Easter (2010).

*

And finally, a poem I wrote for Ari Ella -

Ella, "Beautiful Fairy"

I can see in your eyes
that same whisper
that drives me,
that makes me sneak past the doorway
that divides here from there,
that pulls me into the greens of trees
and silvers of midnight

your eyes sparkle and cha-cha
and peer at the world through
a veil of wonder, mystery,
presence

you are a living fairy

*

Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there. And for everyone else, just remember, your mom probably really did try... it's not an easy path! ;)

spring hellos

2010-05-08T11:56:00.002-05:00

Close your eyes, place the shell against your ear, and feel the water slam into your bare feet. Okay, no. I've yet to find seashells in Oklahoma big enough to capture that experience. But these little ones are still fun to spot at the Martin Nature Center in North OKC. :)

*

I'm not sure what my reasons are for not posting here in so long. I suppose I could come up with a few. For example:

However, that would be just an excuse. I plan to start posting again regularly. So... hello! ;)

melting into the scenery

2008-10-28T21:21:00.004-05:00

Another place I enjoy in the Tulsa area is the Mary Oxley Nature Center in the NE part of the city. Meadows, forests, marsh, pond. Peacefulness, many trails, vibrant red dragonflies, fluttery sunny butterflies, and eye-gazing frogs. A good energy for an afternoon of exploration. :)

the veil of light between us

2008-10-27T08:54:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend, we traveled to the Tulsa area, about 1 1/2 hours NE of OKC. One place we visited was the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks (just west of Tulsa). This photo is of a shark floating overhead. It's a magical sensation and experience... and the dome has an amazing echo, which made me wish they rented it out for song and chant. :o :)

lost in the meadow

2008-10-26T11:39:00.004-05:00

Martin Nature Center in North OKC is a beautiful, serene retreat. These photos are from September. My daughter decided that even for a nature walk, she needed to pack up a purse. It had odd items, such as a new container of tooth powder that she took from the house on the sly. Never know when you might need that.

The nature center has a blend of scenery, but this is the heart of the meadow - grasses and flowers and creatures tangled together, soaking in sunlight.

I've, obviously, been off in la la land. The one known as life, how strange. :) September and October were quite a strong blend of bliss and stress, growth and chaos. They were also quite photo-rich, whoops. I'm finding my footing again, and will start posting here daily.

awake beneath the flora

2008-09-11T22:25:00.002-05:00

Also from the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Eyes that seem to see things, and he didn't particularly mind having random things growing all over him. Or, maybe he did and next time we'll see him eating his way out of that little tropical chaos. (Okay, or maybe not.)

sitting up high

2008-09-10T12:37:00.001-05:00

Today, I went deep into tropical forests... or, well, seeing as how those aren't too common here in Oklahoma, the closest thing: the Myriad Botanical Gardens. :)

a dance of clouds

2008-09-08T09:25:00.001-05:00

Yes, more from the lake (Hefner). I've been going with my children, and by myself, a lot. :)

I've also been a tad (only a tad?) less than daily here - I've just started kindergarten (homeschool) with my son, so we're getting settled into our rhythms.

moody lake

2008-09-02T23:04:00.002-05:00

I went to the lake tonight. This photo was taken right before it started pouring. The wind was strong and when the rain started falling, the sensation against my face (eyes closed) was amazing. However, the short walk to the car soaked my clothes, and I could barely get the car door open from the strength of the wind against it. Pure natural power, and I was in heaven. (But glad I wasn't wearing something nearly-sheer. :o) My actual house, not too far away, didn't get a drop, so I was especially pleased to have experienced the beauty right by the water's edge.

sunset

2008-08-28T20:56:00.003-05:00

Snuck away last night to watch the sunset by the lake. I always feel so connected and at peace by the water. I've decided to do this at least a couple times per week.

spiral spider

2008-08-27T11:54:00.004-05:00

I believe this is a Black and Yellow Argiope, who has made the side of my house its home. What a vibrant creature! Rather glad they like gardens and not bathroom corners though...

water bliss

2008-08-26T14:20:00.003-05:00

This morning, I took the kids to Lake Hefner. It was early, before 9, and was so quiet and peaceful. When sitting near the edge, the sky and water became one, the hues interlocking and blurring, the gentle waves having a meditative quality. I was in love.

twinkle, twinkle

2008-08-25T22:43:00.002-05:00

When we went to the OKC Museum of Art earlier this month, we had fun with the modern art exhibits. This one had knobs to adjust the twinkling lights which my son made vibrant and dim again and again. :)

My Yogi Tea message last night was, "Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light." Somehow seems appropriate for this photo.

backyard 4

2008-08-24T09:15:00.002-05:00

Grasshoppers are the totems for leaping forward, abundance, positive 'luck', taking chances. This one greeted us on our back screen.

my backyard 4

2008-08-23T23:19:00.001-05:00

My son had an incredible amount of delight spotting this little fellow (miss?). :)

rainbow glass

2008-08-21T21:45:00.001-05:00

Dale Chihuly glass exhibit at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art - I wouldn't mind having a hallway ceiling like this one... :)

my backyard 3

2008-08-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

And this? Well, it's growing in a crack in the cement. Rather ambitious. There's that popular saying, "bloom where you're planted." I suppose "bloom where the wind takes you" works too - a lesson in thriving under less than optimal circumstances - or better yet, thriving because you've allowed the circumstances to be optimal just as they are.

my backyard 2

2008-08-19T20:28:00.002-05:00

Photo from a few days ago.

So, we've had a break from the intense heat. Rain the last couple of days, highs in the mere 70s. But, summer isn't over - sunshine and 90+ return for the holiday weekend. Good thing because my cat is starting to get bummed out, and my son wants to make chalk footprints all over the back. Me? I like rainy breaks.

a silver lining of strength and renewal

2008-08-16T07:50:00.003-05:00

This is a pretend-video-reel hanging from the Oklahoma History Center's ceiling.

I'm actually not sure what the picture on the left is - anyone know?

The one in the center is the Oklahoma National Memorial. "We come here to remember those who were killed, those who survived and those changed forever. May all who leave here know the impact of violence. May this memorial offer comfort, strength, peace, hope and serenity." The website is http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/. When my Australian friend visited, she asked if it was a war memorial - so, just to clarify, it's for the April 19, 1995 federal building bombing. Yes, I remember exactly what I was doing, and no, I actually haven't been in the memorial - I find memorials, in general, to be quite beautiful, but way too sad for me.

The one on the right is tornado destruction from May 3, 1999. The bliss and horror of technology is that you get to see the huge formations (this was F5), watch their destruction, and see the path they plan to take. On the one hand, knowledge is power; on the other, it's just flat out scary - especially when few homes are built with basements. I distinctly remember its path was aimed right at my parents' home until it made a sudden move. Some of the houses rebuilt in this area - Moore, a suburb to OKC's south - were destroyed a second time a couple years later when a large tornado took a similar path. I'll stick with central / NW OKC, thank you very much. I've had to get in the closet, but only once in my life have I actually heard that Perfect Stillness, then Train Sound - and for that one, it wasn't F5, and I was in a neighbor's basement...

I suppose all places have sorrow in their histories. The sorrow also shows a place's inner strength and sense of community - which both of these events certainly did.

winged love

2008-08-14T23:46:00.002-05:00

Taken in August 2007, a delight. And, that's about all the commentary I can come up with because I'm sleepy - it's so very my bedtime!

flowers of sunshine

2008-08-13T15:05:00.001-05:00

Sunflowers at Lake Hefner's Wild Bird Reserve area, 8/2007.

spiders, spiders everywhere

2008-08-12T22:02:00.001-05:00

After a long stretch of bright, hot, dry days, we had rain! Beautiful rain! However, it seemed to displace a big community of daddy-long-leg spiders. I was outside with my children and saw a hairy lump on the side of the house. I counted 71. Ish. Wow?

lucky ladybug

2008-08-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

Miss Ladybug by Lake Hefner, August 2008. We love spotting creatures, soaking in the moment.

oklahoma brush

2008-08-10T20:16:00.002-05:00

By Lake Hefner, August 2007. Off the main (cemented) roads, there are little side-paths that get right up by the lake. Some are surrounded in simple beauty with natural Oklahoma vegetation.

modern art

2008-08-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, we went to the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. There's a large Roman exhibit from the Louvre, though photos weren't allowed in that area. (I imagine it would've made the nude statues blush a little.) However, the modern art floor wasn't bashful and liked eye-gazing. This spinning guy was quite fun to watch. And, from the side too:

dragons and vibrance

2008-08-07T07:00:00.001-05:00

The Oklahoma History Center had a lovely exhibit on the Chinese culture here in Oklahoma.

I should also mention, we have an Asian District starting around NW 23rd and Classen. From wikipedia: Today Oklahoma City is considered by many to be an Asian oasis in the South-Central U.S., as there are multitudes of authentic restaurants, nightclubs, shops, Asian supermarkets and grocery stores concentrated in the area; traditional Hong Kong dim sum and Taiwanese Bubble Tea are no longer hard to find as they predominate Asia District and metro area.

but line drying smells like summer?

2008-08-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

From the Oklahoma History Center. I would complain about the "Lady!" part, but cleaning ads today still focus on women. Oh well - there's still something rather cute about pink appliances. Sort of?

red is...

2008-08-05T08:53:00.003-05:00

More from the Oklahoma History Center. Did I have silly fun creating Ghost Dress? Well, yeah. ;)

What is red to you? For me, when I think of red, I come up with: fields of poppies (my fav flower), fragrant roses in late spring, sex appeal, romance, aggression, anger, intensity, stained glass, latin dances, dragonflies, cardinals, the root chakra (security), focused + strong eye contact, fabrics from India and China. It's a color that can certainly be beautiful (as all are), but I find it better as an accent than as a dominant color in my life.

open to the sun

2008-08-04T07:59:00.001-05:00

The Oklahoma History Center's outside garden. It was too hot to be out there long - us humans were wilting, but this big beauty was open to the sun and just fine.

to zoom or sleep

2008-08-03T06:30:00.001-05:00

From the Oklahoma History Center. I don't think my Focus, Sophie, would appreciate us doing this to her. Still, it fascinated and amused me rather considerably, and my son wanted to take it home... :o :)

*

And, in sad news, today's weather:

my backyard 1

2008-08-02T08:47:00.002-05:00

These lovely flowers are actually our neighbors' - but they trail over the fencing to greet us, which makes us all quite happy.

***

We went to the Contemporary Dance Festival last night - it was amazing. And while I dislike constant flashes from the audience, I would've loved to have taken a couple of photos, even without flash. Not allowed though (pout).

august theme: metal

2008-08-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

lake hefner: the feeling of endless water

2008-07-30T08:50:00.006-05:00

Well, my mom-in-law is now safely back in New Zealand, which erases my excuse for not posting daily, right? Sort of. Except that my outings have primarily been: outside in the back with my kids in the mornings (not that I couldn't take photos there :o) and places with a/c like bookshops. Otherwise, houseyness. Why? In part because it's dreadfully hot. We're in the stretch of weeks that goes from 95-100+. (My mil decided she'd rather not visit in July ever again!)

In the meantime, here's a photo of Lake Hefner from July 2007. Purr!

A friend from Australia will be visiting soon. She's touring through the US and will be stopping by to see us and Oklahoma. She'll be arriving Thursday night and staying until Tuesday. Expect photos from an art gallery walk, a visit south of the city to the lush nature bliss of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and a local museum. :)

more Pops + steamy temps

2008-07-22T08:48:00.004-05:00

A family portrait, though probably not one to frame and give to all the relatives (grin). Taken outside of Pops.

The blue drink sort of scared me. I stuck with an organic orange green tea. :o

And, if you are lucky and sit in the right place, with all the sunlight coming in through glass and bottles, a rainbow might even kiss you! My son, Kai, had the honor.

*

On a different topic, look at our delightful weather. Sadly, I'm a mild weather girl. Taken from News Channel 5's website (koco.com):

*

Thank you for comments. Again, I'll catch up with everyone once my mil leaves this weekend. xo.

pops on route 66

2008-07-21T07:02:00.003-05:00

My mom-in-law is interested in Route 66, so we went just NE of Oklahoma City to Pops, which houses 500+ different types of drinks. Out front was this huge 'pop' structure; at night, it has lights that brighten it up. I liked the effects the clouds had that day.

party girl

2008-07-20T08:42:00.002-05:00

In Oklahoma City yesterday, there was a huge bash. Everyone was invited. Thousands turned out. Very relevant for my OKC blog, yes? Okay, well, maybe it was actually Ari's birthday, and just family-types were there. (It was great fun with good chat and belly laughs.) Ah well, cute photos should be allowed too (grin).

ari ella turns two

2008-07-18T10:57:00.003-05:00

An extra post today to say: Happy Second Birthday, Ari Ella! My daughter was born at home just after 2pm on July 18, 2006. :)

A couple of weeks old:

About 3 months old:

One year old:

Just last month:

window to the sky

2008-07-18T10:19:00.001-05:00

Clouds yesterday formed a window - nice view too. :)

the soul of flowers + a visit

2008-07-16T08:38:00.005-05:00

Another from the gardens / park over the weekend. I know some people don't care for floral and nature photography - but I love it. Being with the flowers summons a deep calm and awe for me. It seems one can see the whole world in the simplicity and complexity of the natural world - each piece having a voice as strong as human counterparts.

*

My journal has been less than daily and my replies / comments less than prevalent because my mom-in-law is visiting from New Zealand. I'll catch up with everyone soonish, promise.

Kai (my son) with his ouma and their "fish gardens":

fading rose, vibrant rose

2008-07-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Many of the remaining roses at Will Roger's Park are no longer at their height... yet, they still have a beauty to them.

lovers in the gardens

2008-07-12T17:04:00.002-05:00

We went for a walk through the gardens - I wanted to take some photos of my mom-in-law with my kids in the pretty setting too (she's visiting from New Zealand). It was incredibly hot. These two have the right idea - frolicking in the water. However, just so you don't get too tempted to shed clothes and hop in, they've dyed the water blue. Being a smurf isn't so cool after all, I guess.

july rain

2008-07-10T09:31:00.001-05:00

July in Oklahoma means lots of intense sunshine and 90-100 degree temps. However, we received a wonderful gift of soaking rain yesterday afternoon, yum.

music trapped in collage

2008-07-06T08:49:00.001-05:00

And, yes, another collage from the Oklahoma History Center. :)

another collage

2008-07-05T08:50:00.003-05:00

This is an up-close peek at another collage from the Oklahoma History Center. These were made by highschools, by the way. :) The full view is:

Speaking of closer views, I zoomed in on a couple parts of yesterday's collage. Here they are:

oklahoma collage

2008-07-04T08:43:00.002-05:00

The Oklahoma History Center is a very neat place. You can check out their website here: http://www.okhistorycenter.org/. It states, "An architectural masterpiece, a decade in the making, the Oklahoma History Center is an 18-acre, 215,000 square-foot learning center exploring Oklahoma’s unique history of geology, transportation, commerce, culture, aviation, heritage and more..."

This photo is from July 2007, a beautiful collage about Oklahoma. Thought it was appropriate for today with the red-white-blue theme.

July Theme Day: No, No, No

2008-07-01T08:47:00.003-05:00

First photo - no alcohol in gas - becoming more popular because it's supposed to be better for the longevity of the car and gas mileage. Gas prices from yesterday.

I guess it's tempting to park by an old dumpster behind these buildings, even though I saw things like 6 inch screws strewed around, so much so that they made this official notice, ha.

No to the yucky stuff! A bag from one of the local heath food stores here, Akins.

$1? Not too far...

2008-06-26T23:42:00.002-05:00

Received this highly stamped dollar bill from a bookstore. It's being tracked on a website - www.wheresgeorge.com. So far, he had traveled around 35 miles. I put in my info and sent him on his way with a pizza delivery guy.

spray paint

2008-06-24T08:45:00.004-05:00

A different kind of graffiti, on north May, between Barnes & Noble and Zorba's Mediterranean restaurant.

bob marley

2008-06-23T08:29:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend, I saw this sign on NW 50th and Villa. I suppose someone could interpret it as "Stop listening to Bob Marley." However, I prefer to think of it as, "Stop, listen to Bob Marley" - which, I'm pretty sure, is how it was intended. Yay for good taste!

"Sun is shining, the weather is sweet, yeah - Make you wanna move your dancing feet now - When the morning gathers the rainbow - Want you to know I'm a rainbow too..."

greetings to the queen?

2008-06-22T09:05:00.003-05:00

My sister watched the kids yesterday so that Ryan and I could have a date for our anniversary and my birthday. One of the places we stopped by was Canterbury UK Imports and Antiques. They even had a South African flag up, so Ry was pleased. ;) It was a nice little shop. I ended up with a poppy art card (my fav flower) and teas. Ry chose a really junky chocolate from his childhood. He also had a drink in hand that he was nostalgic over... before putting it back when he looked at the ingredients and concluded he was surprised he'd survived (grin).

cloud layers

2008-06-21T22:43:00.002-05:00

Driving around this afternoon, I couldn't help but enjoy the beautiful sky. So - sharing. :)

anniversary

2008-06-20T09:01:00.000-05:00

"I hear the sound of those big jet engines - Shut down and fade away - The time it takes to open that door is just insane - There's someone on board I'm waiting for - It's so much more to me - Than just another plane..."

Ryan and I dealt with 1 1/2 years of distance, lots and lots of immigrations red tape (including a claim that our 20+ page file had been lost), and when he finally received his fiancee visa and landed in the USA... A Good Feeling. (Can I just say, worlds better from when I had to leave him in South Africa and endure the long and very lonely plane trip home?) We married June 20, 2000. Our 8 year anniversary is today! It's been a fantastic stretch of love, friendship, growth, children, silliness, new directions, harmony.

golden dome

2008-06-19T08:18:00.003-05:00

The Gold Dome is also on the corner of NW 23rd and Classen. A big "Save The Dome" campaign happened when the bank using it wanted to demolish it and sale it to Walgreens. You know, gaudy historical landmark for a chain - whoops.

From wikipedia: "The Gold Dome is a geodesic dome in Oklahoma City, United States, considered to be a major landmark. Located at the intersection of North West 23rd Street and North Classen Boulevard, it sits in the heart of the city's Asia District. Once threatened with demolition, it has now been redeveloped into an Asian cultural center complete with office space, retail, restaurants and an exhibit on the works of Buckminister Fuller planned for the vault of the former Citizen's Bank." And - "The dome is constructed of 625 panels, ranging in size from 7.5 to 11.5 feet in length, 60 – 70 pounds in weight each, and spanning a diameter of 145 feet.[1] The interior covers about 27,000 square feet.1 The Gold Dome bank was an approximately $1 million investment."

If I'm honest (and why wouldn't I be?), I didn't know it was an Asian cultural center at all - looking at the signs in the front, nothing triggered that. I guess I'll have to check it out more closely. There's also The Prohibition Room, a 30s-40s theme restaurant - and I see they have vegetarian options too, so yay!

a golden sky: building

2008-06-17T17:21:00.005-05:00

This is a 21 story condo building in midtown OKC, at NW 23rd and Classen. It was formerly called Citizens Tower and housed businesses. It was then purchased, revamped, given posh hotel-style amenities, and renamed The Classen. At first, they were just for sale, but now they're allowing rentals. (Maybe because while $200,000ish is cheap for some places, in Oklahoma City, that will buy a nice house? Or maybe because the other condo / apt places downtown are mostly purchase, so there's a rental market? Dunno.) Apartment.com shows their rates at $1250 to $2000 / month and describes it as:

"The wait is over, Oklahoma City's most exclusive luxury high rise apartments are now available for lease. Originally constructed in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright in 1966, The Classen is a 20 story hexagon marvel, clad in glass and marble. Its towering presence is a premier architectural icon that shines again in the Oklahoma sky. The Classen has floor to ceiling windows, with breathtaking panaramic views of the downtown skyline, the State Capitol, treescapes dotted with houses and steeples, and legendary Oklahoma sunsets. Let us lavish you in style with panoramic views, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, granite counter tops and amenities that rival a five star hotel."

(Photo is from a couple of weeks ago. Today, Oklahoma City is having a break from all the intense sunshine - rain, yay!)

water therapy

2008-06-15T10:06:00.003-05:00

Oklahoma is currently... hot. It has been for a few weeks. Last summer was relatively mild - we even had some 80s in July and rain throughout the whole span of months (gasp). (Though, my inlaws from South Africa and New Zealand still thought it was steamy, and many locals complained about the rain.) We've primarily had highs in the 90s this month, which makes me sad to say it's probably going to be a 100s kind of summer. One way to cope and flow with it? Water of course! This is my son with the water hose yesterday. :)

a tribute to dads

2008-06-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Ha! My dad, mom, and baby-me! Funny clothes, huh? But, it was 1980, so what can be said really?

This is my husband and our son in December 2006 at Lake Hefner. The water levels were tremendously low that year. The sandy "beach" was actually the bottom of the lake exposed from lack of rain. Usually a few feet of water would have been over that area.

March 2007. This is one of my favorite photos of the two of them together. (But, Kai has grown a few inches since. :o) It was taken at Will Roger's Park.

August 2007. One of my favorites of him with our daughter. Also Lake Hefner in the background.

*

Happy Dad's Day!

ants

2008-06-11T23:45:00.002-05:00

Taken back in April at Will Roger's Park (the gardeny area) in NW OKC. Even ants like pretty locations, yes? ;)

flower standing alone, standing proud

2008-06-09T08:05:00.002-05:00

Another from the Omniplex gardens, mid-summer 2007.

flowers wild and free... with borders

2008-06-08T08:46:00.001-05:00

Another view of the Omniplex gardens, this time from May 2007. :)

flower of pink sunshine

2008-06-07T07:57:00.002-05:00

Another pretty flower from the Omniplex gardens. :)

*

Thanks, everyone, for visiting - I'll be catching up on comments later this weekend. :)

flowers like crumpled sky

2008-06-06T11:56:00.003-05:00

The Science Museum in NE OKC was called The Omniplex until recently. It houses a large hands-on science center, but also art museums like the Red Earth Gallery and International Photography Museum and Hall of Fame. They have a pretty garden as well - lovely for walks and lunch. This photo was taken there last summer.

Science Museum Oklahoma

recycle

2008-06-05T07:00:00.001-05:00

OKC has a curb-side recycling program for paper, plastic, and aluminum - picked up once a week. We put out our bin each week, but many people... don't. :( The city tried to motivate people by giving away money for several weeks - anyone who sent in a little postcard with their info would be put in for a drawing - if your name was drawn and you had your recycling bin out, then tada, $100. I don't know if that raised awareness and motivated people or not - one extra person put out theirs on my street around the time. Personally, I think easing the earth's burden is worth the tiny effort of washing the containers and carrying the bin to the curb. Just one of those Human Responsibility things.

velvet monkey

2008-06-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

There's a small stretch on NW 16th, just west of Classen, that is being revamped into a new artsy, trendy area called 'The Plaza District'. This sign is above an old abandoned building - something else coming soon.

Links:
The Plaza District
The Velvet Monkey Salon

birth

2008-06-03T07:00:00.003-05:00

This is a photo of me from June 2006. I was about 37 weeks pregnant with my daughter, Ari Ella, though she wouldn't arrive for around another month. The background is Lake Hefner (North OKC). We were rain-deprived so water levels were quite low - often, the water easily up to the top of those bordering rocks - but the sailboats still had plenty for gliding along, which made it quite lovely.

I just watched The Business of Being Born (imdb info here). If you haven't watched it, please do. Women, definitely. But, men should too - I'm always surprised at how often I hear women give into fear and interventions because their husbands aren't 'comfortable' with the other choices. (Seriously, ridiculous.) It's a well-composed documentary about the shifts that birth has taken, especially within the US, away from it being viewed as a natural process of transformation and passage and into something that is better skipped for the 'end result'. Not only does that have a mental, emotional, and spiritual impact on women, but a physical toll on women and the babies too. (Yep, hospital births with doctors are actually less safe than other options.) The movie was a good blend of first-hand experiences, actual facts and research, interviews from both sides. And, I'm always relieved to see a few MDs out there who understand that birth is more than just a job for them to accomplish, even if they are still a minority within the USA.

Both of my children were natural births. My son, Kai, was born in March 2003 at a hospital with a Certified Nurse Midwife. (Our local independent birthing center closed after 20 years in business mid-way through my pregnancy.) With him, I knew no one personally who had ever went through birth without drugs, epidural, cutting, surgery, stitches, yelling profanities, etc. I researched, read, and intuitively knew that I could. But in a way, I still felt I had to "prove" myself - that I had the will-power, the strength, and the wisdom to do it. I did, and it was incredibly empowering. However, the hospital setting was far from my ideal.

So, Ari was born at home, 9 pounds 4 ounces, with a Certified Professional Midwife. My midwife described my birth as being as close to unassisted as possible - which was exactly how I wanted it. I labored on a birthing ball, listened to world music, received reiki from my husband, had the midwife come in every little bit to check on Ari's heartbeat and me, pushed Ari out in a mere 10 minutes on a birthing stool, and... was already home sweet home. Certainly 15 hours of labor wasn't a breezy walk in the park, but it was also powerful and incredible and I can't imagine it any other way. I don't plan to have any more children, but if I was going to, I wouldn't even hesitate for a 1/2-second to do a homebirth again.

My first week with Ari:

spiders and our histories

2008-06-02T07:00:00.006-05:00

This photo was taken in September 2007 at the Martin Nature Center in north OKC. However, with the heat settling into our days (welcome to the 90s), spiders are trying to nab a free corner in our house to escape from the warmth - so, it seems appropriate to share the photo now. This one had prime real estate right along the path, and was quite amazing to observe. (Though, I'm glad I didn't accidentally run into his web. As much as I like spiders, I would have probably been Pathetically Squealish.)

*

In the realm of Native American totems, the spider represents, in part, the weaving of our life story. This brings up a situation from yesterday. I posted the longer version of it in my other blog, but here's part of the post:

So, this guy remembered me, 13 years later, after spending a few Saturdays sort-of-together [at a journalism class]. Did he just recognize my face and have a good ability to place it? Or, did he have an actual memory of me? Did he really remember me?

I always find it fascinating, this thought that a stranger may know something about me, something that hasn't been retained in my conscious memory, and so in a way, this person who hasn't interacted with me in years may know a part of me or my history better than I know it myself. How many specific imprints of ourselves do we retain? How many memories exist where we can truly isolate it all and say, "This is who I was in that space of days"? Growth and time have such a flow; the past just sheds itself, and the lessons weave into the current being in such a way that it's hard for me to remember exactly who I was at 15.

(june theme day) paseo 7: shadow self

2008-06-01T08:00:00.007-05:00

I love Sean Corner's work - something about it ignites longing, reflection, an inner unraveling. His website: http://www.seancorner.com/.

*

June's CDPB Theme Day is: My Corner Local Shop. So, listing an artist at the Paseo Art Festival is a little bit of a stretch? Especially when I don't browse there regularly? Still, it's local commerce, and one of the best way to buy and explore is directly from the artists, creators, producers, I think - so, I still get to share the lovely artwork, ha. :)

*

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants
Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey by afyonblog, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Aspen (CO), USA by IamMBB, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Avignon, France by Nathalie, Barrow-in-Furness, UK by Enitharmon, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia by BgdPic, Belgrade, Serbia by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Bucharest, Romania by Malpraxis, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by agrajag, Buenos Aires, Argentina by Karine, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Cavite, Philippines by Steven Que, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Château-Gontier, France by Laurent, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chennai, India by Shantaram, Chennai, India by Ram N, Chicago (IL), USA by U R us, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Corsicana (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, Edinburgh, UK by Dido, Evry, France by Olivier, Folkestone, UK by Clare Unsworth, Forks (WA), USA by Corinne, Fort Lauderdale (FL), USA by Gigi, Gainesville (FL), USA by Leah, Geneva (IL), USA by Kelly, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hangzhou, China by Chanin, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Gerald, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Knoxville (TN), USA by Knoxville Girl, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Le Guilvinec, France by ds2944, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Los Angeles (CA), USA by Martha Perez, Mainz, Germany by JB, Manila, Philippines by Heyokity, Melbourne, Australia by John, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Misawa, Japan by misawa mama, Monroe (GA), USA by Tanya, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Nancy, France by yoshi, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Delhi, India by Delhi Photo Diary, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by • Eliane •, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Oklahoma City (OK), USA by ananda.tashie, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Owasso (OK), USA by Jennifer, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Pasadena (CA), USA by Petrea, Perth, Australia by Elevation7, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Petoskey (MI), USA by Christie, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Posadas, Argentina by Lega, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Rabaul, Papua New Guinea by Jules, Ramsey, Isle of Man by babooshka, Reykjavik, Iceland by Vírgíll, Riga, Latvia by Fotos. Riga Photos, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Rouen, France by Bbsato, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, San Antonio (TX), USA by Kramer, San Diego (CA), USA by Zentmrs, San Francisco (CA), USA by Louis la Vache, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Seoul, South Korea by Phil, Sequim (WA), USA by Norma, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, Springfield (IL), USA by Aubrey, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Sydney, Australia by Ann, Sydney, Australia by Julie, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Tel-Aviv, Israel by Olga, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Torino, Italy by Fabrizio, Torun, Poland by Glenn, Torun, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Urayasu, Japan by Zono, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

paseo 6: inner child

2008-05-31T09:00:00.001-05:00

A neat canvas painted as a cover-up, and a beautiful sign outside one of the studios.

paseo 5: cello boy

2008-05-30T08:00:00.005-05:00

We were walking along, savoring the brief stretch of shaded path, and saw this lovely cello. We stopped to lounge against the wall not far from it, to drink water, people watch, stay out of the sizzling sun for a few minutes. It wasn't too long before a boy came along to play the cello, adding a nice atmosphere to the area.

He played really well. By the end of his first song, he had quite a few dollars collected. :)

paseo 4 - yeehaw

2008-05-29T08:00:00.002-05:00

The cowboy stereotype always drives me crazy about Oklahoma. It's not that there aren't any around, but it's not quite as all-consuming as many people assume, I think. I did tech support years ago, and people from both coasts would act surprised at my location - because I don't have a slow drawl, and also because... I don't know, Oklahoma has businesses and not just dirt and farms? ;) Still, walking along, how could I resist snapping a photo of this boy in his crazy little outfit? Just doing my part in carrying on the image, right? :)

paseo 3: looking cool

2008-05-28T08:00:00.002-05:00

I love the colorful buildings in the Paseo area. This one is a pottery studio / gallery. I saw this man, a mesh of styles with a ball cap and ear piercings, standing outside it. Interestingly, his shirt says "Austin" - I don't know if he's from there, or if he'd rather be there, or if he simply likes the idea of a place that strives to keep itself "weird". ;)

paseo 2: gallery reflections

2008-05-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

A.K.A Gallery window, hints of their paintings showing through, reflecting activities of the art festival and its visitors.

paseo art festival

2008-05-26T16:03:00.005-05:00

Today, we went to the annual art festival at the Paseo District, a little stretch of creative culture in OKC. It was way too toasty to be in the sun, but we still enjoyed the beauty and energy of the art, galleries, people, Spanish architecture. This week, I'll post photos from our stroll. :)

fair trade beauty

2008-05-25T08:30:00.002-05:00

The Health Food Center, in SW OKC, has a section of fair trade items. This is a purse purchased there; it is made in Nepal from pieces of silk. In the autumn, there is also a fair trade market, with cultural awareness activities, called World Fest. It is sponsored by World Neighbors, a charity with headquarters here locally. It's nice to see little ripples of awareness.

More info about fair trade: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_trade.

another rose

2008-05-24T19:24:00.004-05:00

Will Roger's Park, in NW OKC, has a rose garden filled with red, pink, yellow, peach, orange, white. In its center is a water fountain with a statue of two people in a lover's embrace. Sometimes, people reserve the rose area for weddings; other times, geese claim it and chase people away; and other times, it is just a peaceful stroll upon gravel, beside a pond, among flowers and friendly faces. This photo was taken last month.

acai sky

2008-05-23T09:31:00.001-05:00

My husband made us some acai green tea, and placed the bags on a paper towel. The next morning, I awoke to find this beautiful staining effect. It reminded me of the rich colors Oklahoma skies often hold.

tangle of lines

2008-05-22T09:26:00.002-05:00

Lines and zig-zags from a downtown parking area. Somehow this photo reminds me of the bars in elementary school playgrounds from my childhood. I'd hang upside down, hair streaming below me, completely content, my head only a few inches from cement. Some kids would spin super-fast on them. I don't think it's allowed anymore (and I do understand why... but it sure was fun!).

dandelions

2008-05-21T08:36:00.002-05:00

I've always loved dandelions, their fuzzy magic and freedom. Mom has never been impressed with us blowing them over her lawn, even when I tell her that they're adding calcium and nutrients to her soil. ;) Much of my backyard is cemented, but we have a good patch of grass at the back and along the side of the house. We have large dandelions, strawberries, and all sorts of "weeds" that are actually wild herbs. It gives the kids something to explore, and adds nature to our lives. Plus, I like how it looks.

dirty hands

2008-05-20T08:42:00.003-05:00

Going with yesterday's theme, a photo of my daughter in March, in the middle of outside play with dirt covering her hands, collecting pebbles.

*

... We need for the earth to sing
Through our pores and eyes...
- Hafiz

nature saturation

2008-05-19T08:58:00.003-05:00

My son was quite delighted to find ladybugs lounging in our yard this weekend. Me too - not only are they rather cute, they're also useful to the yard, and they're a symbol for positive luck, protection, and wishes coming to realization.

I'm currently reading Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. I find the topic very fascinating, though also acknowledge that the need for its publication rather absurd and startling.

My childhood was certainly filled with running after lightening bugs at twilight, tunneling through tall grasses surrounding a neighborhood creek, hanging out on my branch in the front yard tree, creating imaginary worlds in the backyard for hours with friends, lemon-aid stands on warm summer mornings. (And, I wasn't even what people would call a tomboy, though I did rip my favorite dress climbing a fence! :o)

My own children have a natural connection and reverence for nature. Surely all kids are born with it, and it only needs some basic nurturing? We started journeying out into the sunlight and breeze at young ages, letting them feel the textures of the world, taste the air, explore. Now, my son (age 5) would never in a million years want to stay inside (for tv or anything else) over the opportunity to go outside - run, collect pieces of nature, pretend walnut shells are frogs or freshly hatched chicks, make a bowl of potatoes out of rain water, dirt, and leafs, discover a patch of snails, blow dandelions, plant seeds, zoom on his bike while sunlight collects in his hair, walk through gardens or the nature center, pretend the arches of junipers are homes, feel worms and protect them from the too much light, make buildings from sticks. My daughter (nearly 2) is developing the same delight for the simplicity and joy that come from that state of being, the suspension of everything else, expansion of self, connection to the whole wide world. It's solace, but it is also incredible joy and delight.

And
For no reason
I start skipping like a child

And
for no reason
I turn into a leaf
That is carried so high
I kiss the Sun's mouth
And dissolve
...
- Hafiz

about OKC

2008-05-18T09:12:00.007-05:00

Messing with my one-per-day format this weekend to answer Brooklyn's question, and for anyone else interested.

Sometimes OKC makes me feel like this:

And, sometimes this:

Oklahoma City it truly a "mixed bag" - a lot depends on what you make of it (and what it is an individual wants in the first place).

OKC has low cost of living, well below the national average. (This is often paired with lower pay, but maybe that wouldn't apply with a company relocating.) Real estate and land are especially reasonable (cheap even) compared to other places. Many houses here are actually appreciating, a trend opposite that of many places. There is a sales tax (near 9%) on everything, including food, and also annual income tax.

Commute time is a lot lower than many places - it's not impossible to get from one side of the city to the other in a reasonable amount of time. Cars are more of a necessity than a luxury here though. Public transportation consists of slow buses. There aren't bike lanes. It was voted the worst of 500 cities for walking (based on numbers of parks, people who walk to work, practicality, etc). It is very spread out, but also has a stigma against walking to places. When attempting to walk (unless at a park with a specific walking path), one either gets looks of pity (you don't have a car?) or honks / stares / hollers (gee, tasteful!).

Oklahoma is a predominantly "red" state; it goes Republican for national elections (though Democrat for some local) - all the candidates boast "family values" and "conservative" when campaigning here. There is a a predominantly narrow world view among the average people. My husband has commented that even at work, the pro-republican, anti-gay comments are surprisingly open. And, he even walked into work one day to spot signs, in honor of someone's retirement, about killing deer. (We're vegetarian, whoops. Management did remove them promptly though...) It reminds me of an incident that happened quite a few years ago when I was in school and working retail. The other worker looked at me and expressed extreme distaste for lesbians, eying two women walking in the building, and said she could spot them from a mile away. She had "Jesus loves you" buttons all over her shirt. (The Very Funny part of this is that I was interested in primarily females at the time. I guess her Radar was a little "off" after all. Stereotypes, anyone?)

There are at least pockets of people who are progressive in mind / spirit, open-minded, creative, and not fundamentalist Christian. If you are not conservative, then finding your personal niche can make it seem much more like "home", I think. There are still groups that meet with the focus of peace and tolerance / acceptance, groups for gay support and pride day, independent art studios that do innovative shows (though, the Individual Artists of Oklahoma charges to get into its annual Biting the Apple because they have trouble getting corporate sponsors during the year since place don't want to be (gasp) associated with an erotic art exhibit...) There is a UU church (which tends to have programs for various beliefs, and has a program specifically for gay acceptance) and Buddhist temples (and, actually, a mosque and hindu temple too), among the numerous churches. There is an art district, yoga studios, nice museums, theaters, various clubs and music venues.

The downtown area has gone through a revitalization, particularly an area called 'Bricktown' with a canal and river walk area. It looks a lot better, but on a recent walk, it seemed to mainly be a couple of clubs and average restaurants. There is also a Midtown revitalization effort happening, which is spawning potentially a second artsy area, and more availability of housing close to the city's center.

Neighborhoods are more sprawl than independent culture. One could be another could be another could be another, except one might be closer to Walmart (which we have several of, thank you very much :( ) or have bigger houses or be in better schools.

The city isn't that attractive when just driving through. (My mil from New Zealand always finds the abundance of trees appealing, but a lot of the city is just flat with mass retailers). However, there are quite pretty places to go at various locations throughout the city - lakes, nature center, gardens, zoo, etc. And, a drive outside of OKC leads to many enjoyable, pretty state parks. We have multiple eco-regions, ranging from open farmland to forests with small waterfalls to rolling hills to desert.

The weather is a play of extremes. In winter, we have mild stretches mixed with frigid wind and mixed precip; lots of ups-and-downs. We tend to get ice a lot more than fluffy snow, last year breaking a record with damage, causing electricity to be out for us a whopping 10 days (near the center of the city). The autumn is beautiful with all the rich colors; the spring is pretty, but usually with some tornado scares, and most homes don't have underground shelter. (However, central OKC rarely gets harsh direct hits. South, the suburb of Moore, is a completely different story...) Summer is very hot with mid 90s to 100+ very common. We have beautiful thunderstorms and gorgeous skies.

People like their sports. There is huge competition between the state unis. The voters extended a penny sales tax to lure the Sonics here. This makes people animated, and the news was all over it. Added culture, added revenue. I'm not a sports fan. But then again, I'm also not a frequent visitor of 'Toby Keith's I Love This Bar And Grill' so my ideal is different than some people's.

Oklahoma is rough on allergies / sinuses, and we were officially voted one of the top 20 worst places in the USA for it.

I saw on your blog that you had a concern for racial harmony. There is a range of various cultural festivals throughout the year. There are events that promote appreciate for world cultures (and social integrity), like Worldfest, a fair trade event. In the autumn, we attended an annual cultural dance event that was fantastic called 'Dances of Passion'. There are restaurants to represent many cultures. The population is quite diverse. There is still some division - there is an Asian district, an area of the city that is mostly in Spanish, and a whole section of the city that is primarily African-american. I think deep acceptance depends on who you're interacting with, and partially the socio-economic backgrounds. Most people are at least okay on the surface, but I can't really analyze what buried issues each segment of society holds or doesn't hold. Growing up, I always had friends of multiple races without tension. Inter-racial couples openly show affection in public, but if they get grief over it, I don't personally know it. In my extended family, which holds its share of backwards-types, I would say there is some racism, but more repressed than openly expressed. So again, OKC has a large population so you'll likely discover a mix. Maybe talking to people of similar family dynamics who have experienced things first-hand can lend better understanding. (I reconnected with an old friend who is in a Caucasian / African relationship, if you'd like me to ask.)

People, in general, tend to be more openly friendly than reserved. (That doesn't mean it's always sincere, but sometimes it is.) If you break down, need help, or want to chat to someone in line, people are there. If you want to ignore someone or be rude, usually someone will be there to meet that challenge too (grin).

Some links (though, in no way extensive):
Travel Oklahoma: http://www.travelok.com/
The Peace House: http://www.peacehouseok.org/
Bricktown: http://www.bricktownokc.org/
Paseo Art District: http://www.thepaseo.com/
Wed on Western: http://www.visitwesternavenue.com/
Individual Artists of Oklahoma: http://www.iaogallery.org/

fresh food

2008-05-18T08:36:00.004-05:00

When I was a kid, I thought eggs were just white. My children know that they are also various shades of brown, and even green, with yolks that look like a thick afternoon sun. This is a batch of local eggs from a farm that treats the animals with respect - better for the creatures, better for us.

Oklahoma doesn't have the fresh daily markets some places are accustomed to. But, we do have weekly farmer's markets with friendly people, and a monthly food coop (with a passionate president) that has products from farmers, individuals, artists, etc around the state (website here).

summer

2008-05-17T08:39:00.003-05:00

This glimpse of Oklahoma City is straight from my living room, an art piece created and given to me by my sister. Still, it seems appropriate as we transition from season to season. Butterflies are, of course, a symbol of transformation, joy, and soaking in the light. I know summer doesn't officially arrive until the solstice later in June, but we have 90s in our forecast this week. That heat draped across the body certainly feels like summer. And, summer always started mentally and emotionally for me at the end of the school year, which was often the final days of May (and is even now for many local schools).

*

"I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, to remember the limitations of being human." - Oriah Mountain Dreamer

kissing at the water's surface

2008-05-16T09:34:00.004-05:00

This photo was taken last weekend at the downtown Myriad Botanical Gardens. These fish often come near the surface, especially in mild to warm weather, and come up for the lure of snacks. They are huge carp (I think?) that always look like a swirling sunset reflected onto the rippling water. In this photo, they're both after the same piece of bread, so they look like they're kissing.

*

...

When someone mentions the gracefulness
of the night sky, climb up on the roof
and dance and say,

Like this.

If anyone wants to know what "spirit" is,
or what "God’s fragrance" means,
lean your head toward him or her.
Keep your face there close.

Like this.

...

If anyone wonders how Jesus raised the dead,
don’t try to explain the miracle.
Kiss me on the lips.

Like this. Like this.

- Rumi

a rose is a rose

2008-05-15T08:51:00.002-05:00

I guess it wouldn't be an accurate representation of spring around here without sharing some flower photos. :) Roses started to bloom in April; this photo was taken at the downtown Myriad Botanical Gardens last weekend.

*

Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you. - Richard B Sheridan

storms

2008-05-14T09:01:00.001-05:00

May is our #1 month for severe storms (ie. tornadoes and such). I don't have any pretty, up-close photos of recent storms. But, I thought it'd be appropriate to share one of a gorgeous rainstorm during this stretch. This photo was taken in July 2007 at Lake Hefner in north Oklahoma City, as the front was moving over the area. The contrast between (+ blurring of) clouds, sky, rain, and water ripples was stunning to see.

*

from "The Rain" by Robert Creeley

...
Love, if you love me,
lie next to me.
Be for me, like rain,
the getting out

of the tiredness, the fatuousness, the semi-
lust of intentional indifference.
Be wet
with a decent happiness.

influx of water

2008-05-13T07:33:00.004-05:00

A ledge of splattering water to keep the pond from being stagnant at the downtown Myriad Botanical Gardens. Something about the sound of flowing water, in any of its forms, makes the world feel a little bit more entrenched in calm, a little more connected.

I drink stream water and the air
becomes clearer and everything I do.
I become a waterwheel,
turning and tasting you, as long
as water moves.
- Rumi

a mother's day wish

2008-05-12T08:05:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, we pulled into pulled into a parking lot, stepped out of the car to get movies. Awaiting on the ground, a bundle of flowers, a mother's day bouquet from the universe.

*

by ee cummings

when faces called flowers float out of the ground
and breathing is wishing and wishing is having-
but keeping is downward and doubting and never (...)

when more than was lost has been found has been found
and having is giving and giving is living-
but keeping is darkness and winter and cringing
-it's spring(all our night becomes day)o,it's spring!
all the pretty birds dive to the heart of the sky
all the little fish climb through the mind of the sea
(all the mountains are dancing;are dancing)

carnality ball and other events

2008-05-11T09:18:00.001-05:00

Photo: spread from a local weekly paper, Oklahoman Gazette. This highlights some events this week. The best, I think, was the fundraiser by Rampage Artists called "The Carnality Ball" - an exhibit of gorgeous and sexy art, music, dance.

redbud

2008-05-09T09:52:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken in March. It's a redbud, our state tree, which colors the landscape purple, pink, deep rose, especially in early spring.

*

"beneath the redbud" by ananda.tashie

through the blush
of blossom and breeze

through tangle
of spring and transition

through the kiss
of separation

through the breath
of return

i find you there, again,
and discover your hand
while the petals take root
in our hair.

rain, rain

2008-05-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

Oklahoma City starts being teased by 80s in April, with a high frequency of them in May. By summer, 90s and 100+ temps settle into the air here for suffocating heat. Lately, we've had our share of sunshine and thick warmth. However, for two nights, we had heavy pouring rain, a dance of pitter-patter, whooshes, and gentle rumbles. Yesterday, it rained all day - so soothing. In the afternoon, tornado sirens did their eery song while heavy wind and small tornadoes moved through the city. Still, the change was a nice break from constant sun.

Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.
- Langston Hughes