I'm a cover girl!

The N-Town issue that I was in has hit the stands! So exciting!

Here's the link to the online issue:

http://normantranscript.com/ntown

Witchy Woman

Guys, I had one of the most fun weekends I've had in a long time!
You wanna hear about it?
I knew you would.

One of my greatest friends, Hannah, is the editor for the Norman Transcript's arts and entertainment section, N-Town. And she recently contacted me to drive down to Norman for a Halloween themed photoshoot. Of course, I was ecstatic, especially when I learned that my home-girl, Benita of BRC Photography, would be our photographer!

I drove down Friday evening, and after a few hours of sleep, arrived at the salon doing our hair and makeup. Can we just pause to talk abut this salon? It's the Andrew Freeman Creative Studio, located on Main St. in Norman. And it is fabulous. The salon has a really cool atmosphere, the staff is professional and friendly, and the talent is outstanding! I almost wanted to move back to Norman just to work there.

The fab folks at Andrew Freeman worked their magic, and we got our costumes from Queen of Hart's Costumes and Dancewear, who were also wonderful! They came down at the crack of dawn, fitted all the models, and even drove around to each site and designed the shots.

I was a witch, and I was in heaven. My hair was cool, my makeup was cool, my costume was cool, I looked, well, really cool! 

Awesome, right? 

The Halloween issue of N-Town hits the stand this Friday, so if you live in Norman, go grab one and check it out!

Country Living

I've never been much of a country girl. I grew up in the city.

I know what you're all thinking: Is there a city in Oklahoma?

The answer to your question is Yes. Yes there is. Several, in fact. I grew up in Broken Arrow, a suburb of Tulsa, which had a population of 100,000 people. Then, after getting married, we moved to Norman, a suburb of Oklahoma City, which has a population of 113,000.

See? Cities.

Anyway, I've always been a bit of a city girl. I'm used to driving 5 minutes or less to the grocery store, Chinese restaurant, and the movie theater. I'm not all that opposed to sitting in rush hour traffic. I find the sound of cars passing on a busy street oddly, soothing. (This may be from growing up next door right off of one of the busier streets in town.)

Actually, up to this point, I loved being a city girl. I loved going to a big high school, and not knowing everyone in town.

But recently, we've move to Claremore (population 18,000 in case you were wondering), to a country neighborhood. We don't have a Target nearby, I hear cows lulling me to sleep instead of cars, and there are bugs everywhere. But I love it!

Claremore is an awesome town! We are 15 minutes from Oologah Lake, there are 2 museums in town, and even a haunted manion. Whaaaat!

the Belevidere Mansion

But the best part of living here is our neighborhood. Everyone in the neighborhood are friends, there's always someone out working in the yard or walking their dog, and everyone stops to chat with each other. 

There's an acre lot for Portia and Margot to run and play, and boy have they ever! We got a swingset, a little trampoline, and a pool, and the girls are playing hard! They've never slept so hard in their lives! Two days this week, they slept in till 10. 

10!!

I'm quickly becoming a country girl.

theres a sidewalk there for a reason...

I have no issue with bicyclists.

I understand wanting to stay fit while enjoying the outdoors.

And here in college-town USA, there are a lot of bicyclists.

More power to ya folks!

Here's my problem.

Norman is a very busy place. Any time of the day, driving down Lindsey or Main St. can be time consuming. And with all the college kids using bikes as their only mean of transportation, there are plenty of sidewalks and bike racks throughout the city, so that everyone can get where they need to go safely.

Except for one little hitch.

The cyclists don't use the sidewalks! They still ride in the street! And not only do they ride in the street, but the middle of it! (Yes, "they" is a generalization. Obviously, there are some cyclists that use the provided sidewalks. But, as Brandon and I have not encountered many of those model bike-riders, I use "they.")

What's the deal? Is there some vendetta against all us "4-wheels," that you insist upon sticking it to us every chance you get? Was there some secret bike-lovers only meeting where the decision was made to do everything in your power to screw us up? Or maybe you are all just too cool for safety. Either way, I'm not a fan of having to drive into the oncoming traffic lane on a busy street during rush hour to get around a dude and his 10-speed.

Listen. If you want to ride your way to health and happiness, pedal to your hearts content. Just do it where my 2 ton machine has less of a chance of hitting you.