Digital Cookies

 I'm apparently required to tell you that if you come and read my words here you are subject to "Cookies"  Take that as you will as a part of computer browsing and Carry On.  

My Sweet Friend Charlotte..

I was scrolling through my FaceBook friend list last night.  A few people have added me in the past few months to market to me..not be friends.  While I wish them well..I'm not buying right now. I'm just not.  As I was scrolling through to see who I could delete one name caught my eye...My friend Charlotte..who I have never actually met in person..we were just virtual friends.  But we shared a love of sewing and she actually works at the same place as one of my aunts.  I realized when I saw her name that I hadn't seen any posts from her a very long time.  FaceBook is always messing things up..its not surprising...but I clicked on her picture intending to leave her a message and was hit right in the heart with a Rememberance Message..as my sweet friend..who had gone through some pretty tough times.  We talked a few times about her terrible bad divorce.  Her ex-husband did everything in his power to turn her kids against her, wouldn't let her have her pets, kicked her out of their home and just generally turned her world upside down and sideways.  All the while it was an affair on his part that make everything so sour...but he was bitter and angry and out to make her life a living hell. We would talk about how she was going to be okay, that she seemed to be a very strong woman and would land on her feet in no time.  We chatted off and on for over a year.  She seemed to be doing well..she had started to date, it didn't work out for her.  She started eating better, taking care of herself, and her sick mom...she really was doing well.  So well in fact that her daughter moved in with her and brought her dog.  She was so happy!  It was great to see things tilt back for her.  Then for some reason..we stopped talking..I would pop in every now and then and say Hello...but it wasn't like it was.  And I guess its been over six months since we last said hi.  My sweet friend Charlotte committed suicide.   I can't begin to know her heart.  I have no clue how or why...all I know is that my world has held her memory very gently today..she will forever be brokenhearted.  But I hope somewhere she finds the Peace she was looking for..   God Speed Sweet Charlotte.

People...if you have a friend who is depressed and going through a hard time..please check on them often.  Depression is a terrible state of mind and once you fall down that cavern and can not see the light..it all seems so hopeless.  I have been depressed a time or two..I think we all have.  I can't begin to know what that kind of despair would be like that you felt the world would be better off without you.  I just want to say you were a bright spot for me Charlotte in the short time our paths crossed.  I am so very sorry for the path you felt you had to take.   God Love you and keep you my sweet friend. 

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 

 800-273-8255

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

http://www.suicide.org/hotlines

The "ORIGINAL" Pioneer Woman

This Woman right here..sometimes she gets confused with the Food Network Pioneer Woman, the lovely Ree Drummond, who by now you know about unless you have been living under Prairie Grass. She blogs, lives, eats and breathes over at www.thepioneerwoman.com

Ponca City loves the Pioneer Woman of Pawhuska..but our first love will always be the "Original Pioneer Woman" and her Museum.  What a treasure for Ponca City, Oklahoma.  But the "Original Pioneer Woman" would Love to give a shout out to Pawhuska and Food Network's very own Pioneer Woman.  "Hey There!" A sweet visitor to our museum a few weeks ago asked us if our statue was a Drummond relative and that's why the names were similar. I couldn't really say..no..but I'm guessing not..

you can read about some history here:

http://www.okhistory.org/sites/pioneerwoman

and the last time I was over to Bartlesville at the Woolroc Museum they had all of the statues on display.  THAT was quite something..

https://www.woolaroc.org/

If you are on your way to Pawhuska to see the shin digs over there and are coming from I-35, the Museum would love to have you stop and say hello.  Or if you just want to make a detour from wherever you are traveling ~ we would sure love to have you.  We don't have the cowboy butts Ree is always talking about but if any local Cowboy's would like to volunteer for that please stop by and speak to Kelly Houston, our museum Curator..I'm sure she will put you to work. Here is her info just in case..

Kelly Houston

Director, Pioneer Woman Museum 

701 Monument Road

Ponca City, OK

580-765-6108

The museum is looking for a few good people who could help out and volunteer..give Kelly a shout. 

Ponca City has a beautiful downtown so shop, eat, and wet your whistle.

Stop by for a brew at Ponca City's very own Nano Brewery..

Vortex Alley

220 E Central

Ponca City, OK 

Hours: Thur & Fri 4p - 9p and Sat Noon - 9p

They often have a food truck somewhere close. Look them up on FaceBook 

or if you would like some wine or a cocktail or a massive menu of Craft Beer stop by and say hello to Stacey at 

Astoria Blvd Bistro & Bar

217 E Grand

Ponca City, OK

They have a food menu until 9p.. look them up on Facebook too. 

IF you haven't been to the museum lately you are missing it.  I myself hadn't been through in a while so I stopped by today to soak up some lovely culture and History and take a little bit of digital detox. 

But first off..I have a history with the Lady.  This is me and my cousins back in the 1970's.  Kelly, I am so sorry for climbing on the statue.  I promise I just did it once and I promise NEVER to do it again..so sorry.

I grew up in Oklahoma City and every summer for 2 weeks we would vacation in Ponca City on my Uncle's dairy farm in Kildare.  You always knew you were almost there when you saw the Lady and my heart would always beat a little faster when the statue came into view...I've loved her a long time.

Today's visit brought me into the front door where I was greeted by the ping of the door bell and the sweet cool air inside the building.  The Gift Shop is looking especially lovely these days..

Look at all the lovely things for purchase

and this month's featured artist is:

Go buy some goods!

Did you know that the museum has a reference library?  

And did you also know that if you need a meeting room there is one available?  Give Kelly a call and get put on the Museum calendar.  

If you haven't been by to see the Otoe-Missouria exhibit please do yourself a favor and stop by.  

The woven wool turban headdress in this case above has not been on display before..

The beauty of the beading in this case is stunning!  But I won't show it all..go look for yourself!  Pictures can't capture it all.

There was a whole section of photos and video and dancing going on..if nothing else the music and chants will draw you in!  But you have to go see for yourself..

There are looms set up in the front entrance way..and if your lucky you get to see it in action.  It takes some serious talent..I am going to stop by next time and watch how this is done.

I am so in love with this Quilt ~ since the first time I saw it...I recreated it and if you would like to purchase my Quilt you can see it at the Prairie to Palate Dinner  September 27th @ 6pm

There will be a silent auction so come prepared.  All proceeds go to the museum.

The food will be prepared by Chef Jeff of TS Fork.

www.tsfork.com

Last year was my first time and it was fabulous!  I can't wait!

Here are some other pictures of my wanderings today..I hope you go take a look.  Its nice and cool inside and its an absolutely fascinating place to hang out.  Keith might even give you a tour! 

Before I go..it seems like I find bits and pieces of the Pioneer Woman Museum in unexpected places all of a sudden!  I LOVE it when that happens..

This is the July/August 2018 Issue of Oklahoma Today Magazine

And I found this while going through my Quilt Books

And here she is from this afternoon..Looking quite Lovely.

To Quilt or Not to Quilt..

That's not a question really..OF Course we quilt.  But its been so long since I have sat at my machine..I know she's lonely and dusty.  I miss her so.  I am making a promise to go in there are give her a whirl.  If nothing else just sew some squares together.  My love for quilting has taken a backseat lately..I don't like that exactly but sometimes it helps to recharge your batteries and get the creative juices flowing for when you do finally get to create again.  Life just gets in the way at time and sometimes you let it. 

 I did make MB a woobie..a small wholecloth quilt for carrying around and loving to pieces.  

Its big enough to cover her now while she is brand new and will be big enough to cart around as she grows.  Flamingos for me...Cow print for Grandma Carole ..and Polka Dots for my Grandma..lovingly called Grandma Great by my kids.  I miss her so much.  She was a quilter too. I wish I had sewn a few with her just so I could have those memories.  We did little bits here and there but not like I do now.  I would have loved to do that.  So my message for today is..don't wait.  Time is so short and before you know it all you will have is memories...make sure you have lots of good ones because regrets absolutely suck!

Baby Blessings

She's here!  And she is beautiful and healthy and I think my heart just melted.  MB made her entrance into the world in the wee early morning hours weighing 5 lbs 13 ozs.  Like 2:14am. None of my kids were born in the morning..all in the evening or night.  My daughter is exhausted 3 days out...and just Loving Life.  I send Blessings to them all and wishes for sleeping through the night..sweet baby cuddles and knowing it is all so worth it.  And I send prayers for Mom and Dad for when they deal with the first diaper blow out.  Mom's you know what I'm saying..Ha!  Love you Woob!

I Am the Prairie Cricket..

It has been a very long time between posts..I honestly had thought I would just give it up and move on, but my husband named my blog.  I have been many things in this life.  A girl..a woman...a wife..somebody's mom..I've been a girlfriend, a divorced woman ~  but never a widow ~ until now.  I've got some time under my belt with that one..its been 2 years.  But when someone says that word ~ widow~ it still sends a shock to my system.  I doubt I will ever get used to it and quite frankly I hope not.  Who knows..I may be a girlfriend again.  No rush though.  I tried the dating thing..and it just feels weird.  Its hard to wrap your head around the thought that its   "OK"....your not doing anything wrong.  But divorcing someone or breaking up is a world away from someone you love just ceasing to exist. I can't figure out the road map for this journey..its written in a language I don't yet understand.  My friends say,   get on out there and see what its like.  My kids say, online dating is where its at these days. Neither one makes sense.  And I am terrified of the thought of online dating.  I mean seriously??  Has life changed THAT much in 30 years?  Why yes...yes it has.  I think I'll just pet my Chicken. 

We have coffee on the porch you see..and she tells me stories..and I have the most ornery horse named Pete..and I know for a fact that if I would open the door...He would come right on in.  Its what he would do after I opened the door...that kind of scares me more than just a bit.

And I have more dogs and cats than I should..and somehow ducks came to be in the picture again.  Thank you dear sister in law..I hope Canada is treating you well.  By the time she gets back the ducks and I will be best friends and they will just have to stay.  This is my life..


  I am about to be a Nan for the first time..JOY to my heart for that one!  Not one but 2 this year.  2 of my daughters are blessing me with babies.  One is a girl we know and my oldest..doesn't want to know.  As much as that frustrates me at times ~ I applaud that.  There are not near enough surprises in this lifetime.  But ME....a Nana...Nanny...a Gram.. I hope to do it justice.  Its a big job being Nan...

Quilt Blocks Arriving

Quilt blocks from Ariel in Idaho, and D. Moore in New Hampshire. Please remind me of your YT names, thanks And many thanks to the contributors on this project.