Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Oklahoma Standard...a Memorial Day Tribute

"First things first...We are truly blessed to have the means to set a pretty table and invite our friends to join us for good food and fellowship. I am mindful that many are not so fortunate. My daughter has a passion for the work of the Food Bank. As a singer-songwriter, she has written and recorded a song that is the anthem for the world wide Crop Hunger Walk project. Her song, "Raise Your Voice" is featured in their video. I've included a link in the side margin of my blog. I hope that it will encourage you to support projects in your community that contribute to the effort to overcome hunger.
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Normally, when I write about home in my blog, I refer to 'out here on the prairie'. Tonight I want to be more specific...

Oklahoma is a unique place on God's green earth.  I was born here, educated here, married and gave birth here.  When Sweet Mister and I lived in assorted spots while he was in the service, it didn't take us long to know that when all was said and done with his obligation to Uncle Sam, we wanted to come home to Oklahoma.  As my sweet KC sings in one of her songs, "And you've never seen a sunset 'til you've seen one from a red dirt road."  I absolutely love this special land and its magnificent people.  

This week many of you are highly aware of the devastating tornado that blasted through Moore, Oklahoma.  Oklahoma is no stranger to tragedy, and it is during these hard times that Oklahomans exhibit the very nature of their character.  When disaster strikes, Oklahomans run toward the disaster, not away from it.  After the 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, this response from the people of Oklahoma came to be known as The Oklahoma Standard.  The Oklahoma Standard is in action once again. 

 The media covering the aftermath of the tornado have reported that officials have almost been overwhelmed because of too many volunteers showing up to assist the people of Moore.  At times like this, the Oklahoma Blood Bank always has to ask the citizens of Oklahoma to not donate any more blood.  They have more than they can possibly use.  If officials put out a request for work gloves, Gatorade, diapers...you name it...truck loads of the requested items will show up the next day. And on and on it goes.  Oklahoma will come up underneath the citizens of Moore; we will hold them up and be there to lend them a hand as they travel the long, hard road to restoration.  And, yes, Moore will recover.   My heart is about to burst with love for the hard working, humble, beyond generous people of Oklahoma.  These are my people.  Oklahoma is my beloved home.  My Memorial Day table this week is in honor of Oklahoma and its people.

In Oklahoma, we are known for the red clay of our earth and startling blue skies with billowing white clouds that stretch as far as the eye can see.  I've always referred to Oklahomans as "Sky Watchers".  Tidbit:  Did you know that our Grand Lake in the far northeast part of our state is known to be one of the best places in the world to study the Milky Way?  Sitting on a boat in the middle of the lake, late at night, is absolutely spectacular.

Amber wheat fields dot the countryside...

beneath glorious blue skies ...

...represented in the blue of our state flag.

The pair of metal containers stand strong, side by side...just like Oklahomans stand along side each other in times of joy and in times of trial.  I chose the mixture of herbs to represent my fellow Okies...modest people...yet, always able to add just the right flavor.

Hearts that beat true....a people worth more than gold...

...strong and true...American Eagles...

...That's my Oklahoma.

If you've never had an opportunity to visit Oklahoma, I encourage you to come...get to know us.  You'll be welcome to pull up a chair at the table.  Let me know if you pass our way.

Wednesday is the 63nd edition of Cuisine Kathleen's meme, "Let's Dish".  This week she has issued a Memorial Day Challenge.  I'm excited to be a charter member.  Pop over (pun intended for the Chef Supreme Kathleen) and join the fun!

Lots of great ideas to be gathered when you visit Yvonne at Stone Gable for Tutorials, Tips, & Tidbits.  Don't waste another moment...hurry on over!  

                                                                
Thank you, yet again, to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting her magical meme,  "Tablescape Thursday."   Hop on over and check out the myriad of marvelous tablescape designs, after 10:00 AM on Thursdays.  You'll be glad that you made the trip...it's a wonderful adventure.

May...the time of year when we keep a watchful eye on our skies.  With thankfulness for her dedication and efforts, I'm joining the multi-talented Tablescaper for her fabulous meme  Seasonal Sunday.  Hope to see you there! 

  
You can check out KC's music at www.kcclifford.com, on iTunes, and on YouTube.  I hope that you'll take a few minutes and give her a listen.  You'll also enjoy reading back through her blog on this site.  The girl can really write!  Her latest CD is called "The Tag Hollow Sessions""  It is available on iTunes or through her website.  I hope that you'll give her music a chance.  I know that I have zero objectivity where she is concerned, but I think that you'll fall in love with her music and her!  






Entertaining Women
Entertaining Women

Hello, I'm Cherry Kay I was 40 before I realized that I am an artist. I love to paint, work in clay, rubber stamping, design tablescapes, entertain, and share ideas. I'm an interior designer wanna-be...no credentials, but lots of experience.

25 comments:

  1. A very pretty table. Yes, Oklahomans are strong. Midwesterners are strong! So sorry for the folks in Moore and especially those families who lost loved ones. But they will rebuild again.

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  2. So glad you are safe! Lovely table as always, but especially touching as a tribute to your state! I will check out your daughter's music!!! No table for me this week because my younger daughter is graduating from college this week - busy times!

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  3. Don't know if my first comment went through (Grr!) BUT I am glad you are safe! Your table is lovely as always, but especially as a tribute to your state! I will check out your daughter's music! (Forgive me if I posted twice!)

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  4. You don't know how glad I was to see your post on FB after the tornadoes. I do have a fondness for OK, as Norman was the first place I lived after coming to the states. Love love your table. It hit all the right notes in your tribute to a beautiful state filled with warm, kind and welcoming people. Have a very blessed Memorial Day! xo marlis

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  5. What a lovely table, and tribute to your home, Cherry Kay. I have good reason to remember the kindness of the people of Oklahoma - as a young, first-time mother, wife of a foreign officer, I was embraced by wonderful neighbours and welcomed by strangers who remarked on my accent or the strangeness of my big English pram. It is, indeed, a warm and special place with kind and generous citizens.

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  6. A pretty table, Cherry Kay, and I too am glad you are safe. We are so very sorry about the tragedies in your state and have sent support to our own Springfield-based Convoy of Hope for their efforts in Oklahoma. A peaceful Memorial Day to you,

    Francie

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  7. Oh how beautiful writeen Cherry Kay. The heart fills with pride when we see people work together and it sounds like your State is full of it.
    Dan's cousin's live but a mile from the school in Moore that took the big hit. Their home was damaged but only cosmetically. They hunkered down in a cellar and three men held on to the door because it was being pulled open. So scary. I'm grateful they are okay and that you are too.
    Your table is perfect and your sentiments are heartfelt.
    Have a blessed Memorial Day, Hugs, Liz

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  8. I am happy to see that you are safe, Cherry Kay...my prayers to those less fortunate who have lost loved ones, homes and everything they owned.
    Beautiful table, as always.

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  9. Cherry Kay, your post and beautiful table are each a fitting tribute to the kind and generous people of OK. My only time in OK was in Tulsa many years ago. I would love to visit your state, see the prairie sunset, and visit with my friend, Cherry Kay. ~ Sarah

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  10. We are all glad you are safe. Your Patriotic Table is perfect with your use of red, white and blue and a lovely tribute to Oklahoma.

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  11. What a beautiful tribute to your state, Cherry Kay! From all that I've seen, I believe every word is true. Our hearts go out to all those affected by the storms.

    Your table is quietly subdued & elegant...very fitting.

    I hope you have a safe & meaningful Memorial Day.

    fondly,
    Rett

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  12. You are our neighbor to the west/southwest.

    We've wept and prayed and prayed and wept, all week. This is a beautiful tribute.

    When the storm happened we knew things would be just the way you describe. There is just something about folks out here. I don't know what it is, strong and reliable come to mind and those words seem inadequate. Suffice it to say, I know what you are talking about because I've seen it in action.

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  13. What a moving story, thank you for sharing that and the Oklahoma Standard really made me tear up. You must be so proud to say that's where you are from. Your table is perfect, absolutely perfect.
    Jenna

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  14. The blue plates..SWOON!!! I am smitten with the elegant blue plates, which you are using to honor your state. Lovely tablecloth too. Yes, how sad about Oklahoma, my prayers are going that way! I'm happy all is well with you, my friend.
    Blessings,
    FABBY

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  15. Thnak goodness you and your family are ok. I never realized you lived in Oklahoma. How silly of me. My heart and prayers are with the victims and their loved ones. How heartfelt your post. Such a touching tribute.. I hope someday I can make it there.

    Blessings,

    Janet
    rosemary-thyme.blogspot.com

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  16. God bless you for the featuring the town of Moore,Ok|K! The town has seen an unusal amount of damage with so many tornadoes
    destroying homes and businesses in that lovely area. We stay there most of the time when we are going to Oklahoma City for it is on southern outskirts toward Dallas.
    We are rivals with all the football but are hearts and prayers are always with yall.
    Your tablescape is wonderful and represents all things great about Oklahoma but the best part is the people. Your dinner plates are beautiful and the red, white and blue linens accent the theme beautifully! Thanks for sharing this lovely tablescape and God bless all there and the area south of DFW for they have sustained damage for this past days of tornadoes!

    Psm

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  17. Cherry Kay, I love your table and such a tribute to the great state of Oklahoma! I know how people fall in love with Oklahoma, I was born there but, family moved away when I was in grade school but, I will never forget the smell after a rain and all the wonderful people. I do remember being carried to the cellar but, I loved the calm when we would come out. Thank you!

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  18. Cherry Kay:

    I am so happy that you and your family are safe. Your post gives me chills to think of the devastation.It is wonderful to think of the support of all of Oklahoma.

    Your table is a perfect tribute.

    - The Tablescaper

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  19. Very well said Cherry Kay. My hubbie and I have lived here for 30 years and so it's home now. Two of our sons were born here and we all graduated from college here. I was an Air Force brat and lived all over the world...but of all the places I've lived Oklahomans have the most incredible spirit I've ever seen...especially in a crisis. Our church is a block from the devastation...it's still standing but has no electricity. A group of us from church are going down to feed residents and workers in the am...we just can't be still ...have to do something to help! So proud to live in our great state!
    Miss Bloomers

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  20. Cherry Kay, I have thought about you so often this week and I am to read your words and know that you are O.K. My thoughts arevwith you and the brave and generous people of Oklahoma. Thank you for his post. It was very moving. I dud visit your state almost four years, ago!

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  21. A veritable statement for the ages, Cherry Kay! Yes, I know Oklahoma. My sister's first husband is from OK. When she and Kenny got divorced, my parents declared, "Just because you two couldn't get along doesn't mean we're cutting the family out!" He and his family have, therefore, been a part of OUR family for the last 40 years despite the divorce! The reason? Salt of the earth, truly GOOD people. We'd be crazy NOT to love them!!! Our families have traveled back and forth between OK and MO many times, and it is, in essence, our 2nd home. Like you, we stand strong WITH the people of Oklahoma in this time of tragedy and heartache.

    As for your table, I have almost no words. To say it is "beautiful" does not begin to describe it. Its beauty exudes not only in visual content, but in the emotions it evokes.

    Well done, Miss Cherry Kay! Y'all stay strong now, ya hear?

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  22. Cherry Kay, what a lovely tribute to your home state! I'm happy to hear that you are safe and sound. My heart and prayers go out to those that have endured the devastation and lost lives.

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  23. What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute, Cherry Kay. I can feel the pride you have for your home state -- and with good reason. I continue to hold the people of Moore close in prayer ... and the rest of you as you discern how to be God's hands in that place.

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  24. I could have cried after reading your heartfelt tribute to the people of OK. I think when disaster strikes all people ban together. I am so proud of our country when I see this! Thank you for the touching insight of the people of OK. Your tablescape represented the warm, caring and helpful people in your state.
    Blessing to you and your State during this Memorial Day,

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  25. I agree with you that Oklahoma is the place to live! I've always been here since birth and am so proud to be an Oklahoman!

    Glad you all are okay!

    Judy

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Thank you for spending your time to leave a comment. I read each and every one of your generous thoughts. They encourage me in so many ways.

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