Independence Day...a little early

Strange as it seems, I love to take pictures in old cemetaries. These were taken in the historic Oakwood Cemetary in Parsons. We will be traveling, so this will probably be my last post before the actual Independence Day, and I wanted to share some patriotic images to pay tribute to those who gave so much so that we could enjoy so many freedoms.

Obviously not in a cemetary, this one came from Eureka Springs, but it fits the theme. These flags caught my eye as we drove around the historic loop.

Horsin' Around

Our Carter/Moses kids came out today for some quality time with Papa Mike and the horses. It was great to get to spend some time with Johnny, Loretta and Josh while they are home. All the boys took a turn driving, while us girls just chilled in the wagon.

Josh gets his first driving lesson as Nick supervises.

Our New Tenant

A barn swallow has moved in and built her nest on top of the ceiling fan on our porch, right outside the kitchen door. Each morning this week as I sit at the kitchen table and drink my coffee, I've watched her working hard on her new home. I hope she stays a while. I think I'll call her Mabel.

Caught Red-Handed!

And that is how it is done.

Almost ready B!

Sorry it's taking me so long, but I've had to help Mike all week in the hayfield. Here's another peek to hold you until I get them all finished. These are some of my favorites. I'm tellin' ya...this kid should be a model!!

B's Sneak Peek

He is just so stinkin' cute!!!

What more can I say?

Street Musicians

This is what I love about Eureka Springs. It's such a bohemian kind of place. On any given day you might find musicians, artists, or who knows what else, doing their thing in the park, or on the street. These guys were just sitting on a bench on the sidewalk, playing some great bluesy music.

Evening Stroll

When I take my morning walk, I pass a hay meadow along the way. Each week it seems there are a whole new variety of wildflowers blooming, and I keep telling myself I'm going to go for an evening stroll with my camera and get some pictures of them. Today I finally did. I don't know for sure what these are, but they are all over the meadow. It is just beautiful. These photos are straight out of the camera - no Photoshop magic, just the real thing.

I passed by these guys on my way and thought I'd shoot a few pictures of them in the beautiful, evening light. But it's really hard to get good shots of them because this is what happens every time they see me coming. They like me...they really, really like me!

Signs of Summer

Random Scenes from Tulsa

I've been to Tulsa countless times in my life, but always for a specific reason, and with a list of things to get or do while there. I never realized what a beautiful city it is, and what a personality it has. Our trip last week was just for the fun of making pictures. And it was fun. Kim and I had a great time together and got some awesome shots. Here are just a few of my favorites.

This one is a view from Cathedral Square. The taller one with the beautiful green patina on its roof is the Midcontinent Tower. The one just below it with the mosaic roof is the Philtower.

The top of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church.

An archway at the Holy Family Cathedral

Another view of the Boston Avenue Church

Close up of a window in one of the steeples on the Holy Family Cathedral

More from Cain's

Time-worn beer taps

Sign inside the front door

Bob's star on the sidewalk in front of the entrance

Sign hanging above the stage

This one is for Grandpa

Anyone who knew my Grandpa knew that he loved fiddle music. Especially the music of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Gramps lacked only two songs and he would have had the entire collection of their music. And that is quite a collection. I grew up sitting on his knee, as he shared tales of he and his friends spending their Saturday nights listening to Bob and the boys at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa.
My friend Kim and I went to Tulsa yesterday to shoot some pictures. We were lucky enough to be allowed inside the Cain's to spend a little time and get some photos. It was our first visit and both of us were pretty excited to be there. I can't quite describe my feelings as I stepped through the doors and stood on that famous ballroom floor. It was quiet. The lights were dim. If you closed your eyes it was as if you could almost hear the music and feel the energy of the crowds that have filled that room, danced on that floor. And the musicians who have played on that stage. I felt....awe. I had goosebumps. I was a little giddy. I know, it sounds silly. It's just an old dance hall, right? Some of you won't get it. But those of you who do, well, you would understand. After all, it is The Cain's.

If you'd like to know more about the story of Cain's Ballroom, click the link below to a blog post written by my good friend and fellow Cain's aficionado.
http://magardner.wordpress.com/2009/06/05/a-musical-sense-of-place/

Tune in again tomorrow for more Cain's photos.