(55,1,'2008-08-06 16:26:00','2008-08-06 16:26:00','After several days of three-digit temperatures in Tulsa, and after being told by our AC guy that our air conditioner is doing what it can to cool our home to 80 degrees, we bought these:<br /> <a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnQ2pGMc4I/AAAAAAAAAUo/vV2aW2uOxLs/s1600-h/DSC02040.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnQ2pGMc4I/AAAAAAAAAUo/vV2aW2uOxLs/s400/DSC02040.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231442079330890626\" border=\"0\" /></a>We installed the first one in the baby\'s room last night. I must admit, I wasn\'t a believer in ceiling fans. I had one in my room growing up, but I turned it on for the white noise at bed time; I never noticed a difference in the temperature when it was on. But this new fan we installed - whew, doggy. It\'s likely to ice over in the nursery.<br /><br />We\'ll probably not have to run the air conditioner nearly 24/7 now that we\'ll have three new ceiling fans in the house. That\'ll be nice for the pocket book, given the way <a href=\"http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?articleID=20080720_49_E1_hUtili499651\">the price of electricity</a> (oh, and everything else) is headed nowadays.<br /><br />Another break will come in the form of <a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/global/story.asp?s=8795964\">a cool front that just moved in</a>, which will put daily high temperatures in the mid- to low-90\'s for the next several days.<br /><br />It\'s funny that I just described temperatures in the mid- to low-90s as a break. What can I say, except, \"Welcome to August in Tulsa!\"','Fans, Y\'All','','publish','open','open','','fans-yall','','','2008-08-06 16:26:00','2008-08-06 16:26:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=55',0,'post','',3),(56,1,'2008-08-09 04:15:00','2008-08-09 04:15:00','Being new parents as well as an American family squeezed by the rising price of everything, Aaron and I plan a date night once per month.<br /><br />Tonight was one of the most fun we\'ve had, mainly because we didn\'t plan a thing.<br /><br />We dropped Baby Man off at his great-grandmother\'s and headed toward Cherry Street for some dinner. Here\'s how the rest of the evening unfolded, play-by-play:<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">7:00:</span> We arrived at <a href=\"http://www.palacetulsa.com/\">Palace Cafe</a>, a cozy little venue with a dining room that gets moody and beautiful after sundown. There was local art on the walls, knowledgeable wait staff and just enough company to make the restaurant buzz.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">7:10:</span> Aaron ordered the <a href=\"http://www.palacetulsa.com/dinner.asp?nav=menus\">Grilled Atlantic Salmon</a>, I ordered the <a href=\"http://www.palacetulsa.com/dinner.asp?nav=menus\">Vegetable Tagliatelle</a>; we both ordered wine, and we snacked on fresh bread and butter. Okay, yum.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">7:45:</span> Aaron was slumped over in his chair, and I was snoring with my mouth open, fork still in hand. Just kidding. We did feel like going to sleep after dinner, though. After being on the prowl for many months for a dinner out that hit the spot in my heart that itched for that ideal dining experience, we arrived tonight. After such a hard journey, we deserved a little shut eye.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">8:25:</span> Then <a href=\"http://www.palacetulsa.com/dessert.asp?nav=menus\">dessert bentos</a> and french-pressed <a href=\"http://www.topecacoffee.com/\">Topeca</a> coffee happened. Then we died. Then we came back to life. But it was only for another bite of that mini creme brulee. I thought Aaron was going to lick the ramekin.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">9:00: </span>Aaron wrote, \"No...thank YOU\" on the ticket.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">9:15:</span> We drove by <a href=\"http://www.uticasquare.com/\">Utica Square</a>, just wasting time. I love to drive by Utica Square after dark. Even in the summertime, =it looks like one of those Christmas villages my grandma collects.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">9:35:</span> Drove by <a href=\"http://www.utulsa.edu/\">The University of Tulsa</a>, just to make sure it was still there. It was. Headed north in search of Whittier Square (I know, a pox on me for not knowing exactly how to get there by now). I\'d heard of this new place, <a href=\"http://www.aliseemomo.com/\">Alisee Momo</a>, a little coffee shop and cafe and entertainment venue between <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">Circle Cinema</a> and <a href=\"http://www.zieglerart.com/\">Zeigler</a>. It looks lovely from the outside. We didn\'t stop in, since we had to hurry to QuikTrip. I\'m starting to think my bladder will never realize we\'re not pregnant anymore.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">9:45:</span> The <a href=\"http://www.quiktrip.com/aboutqt/aboutqt.asp\">QuikTrip</a> off of 412 at Gilcrease is yucky. The yuckiest. I washed my hands twice, and then I used hand sanitizer in the car, just in case.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">10:00: </span>I got on the highway and headed toward my Meme\'s for Little, and Aaron tells me to get off at the next exit. I thought we were going to get to neck or some such crazy, disgusting thing, but instead we watched this:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJ0o896k7KI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/n1B9d_raRBg/s1600-h/DSC02046-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJ0o896k7KI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/n1B9d_raRBg/s400/DSC02046-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232383369951898786\" border=\"0\" /></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJ0pCRzKj8I/AAAAAAAAAVY/-U915wTIQyI/s1600-h/DSC02047-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJ0pCRzKj8I/AAAAAAAAAVY/-U915wTIQyI/s400/DSC02047-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232383461188865986\" border=\"0\" /></a><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size:78%;\" >Completely off the ground in this one.</span><br /></div><br />It is my new professional aspiration: to become a wrecker girl. I would wear heels and pin curls and talk with a New York accent and do my darnedest to personify Rosie the Riveter as I pull your jalopy out of a pickle.<br /><br />Well, maybe. I only own one pair of heels, and I broke them at a birthday party at The Summit Club last weekend. I get insanely large hair if I even think the word \"curl\" (think Julia Roberts in Steel Magnolias), and my New York accent sounds just as bad as my Okie one. Fuhgeddaboutit.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">10:30:</span> I thought we should find some more wine, but we decided to drive by <a href=\"http://tashadoestulsa.blogspot.com/2008/01/saturday-lunch-at-sand-springs-station.html\">Sand Springs Station</a> instead. It\'s also still there. We saw this <a href=\"http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;channel=s&amp;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&amp;hs=lGM&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;q=BMX+and+Cyclery+sand+springs,+OK&amp;fb=1&amp;view=text&amp;latlng=1795661784795328595\">neat looking bicycle shop on Main</a> - anyone know anything about it?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">10:45:</span> Time to pick up our automatic drooling machine. He was sound asleep. He\'s got the prettiest eyelashes. And toes. And lips. I love the way his fingertips stick out from his swaddling blanket.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJ0qFYMyR7I/AAAAAAAAAVg/mxxIZu9hVds/s1600-h/DSC01973.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJ0qFYMyR7I/AAAAAAAAAVg/mxxIZu9hVds/s400/DSC01973.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232384613958174642\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />The kid is getting ready to grow out of his swaddling blanket, but he won\'t go to sleep without it. Looks like I need to get the sewing machine out. I just hope I won\'t be making a swaddling blanket with his high school\'s mascot patch on it someday, especially since I can\'t sew a patch very well. Once I sewed the American flag on Aaron\'s BDUs backward. Then none of the Army wives talked to me at the Christmas dinner, which was catered by Rib Crib...just like the year before...and the year before.<br /><br />Army folks love Rib Crib. Thought you\'d like to know that, just in case.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">11:55:</span> I\'ve gotta get up and walk some of this baby weight off tomorrow morning, and I\'m sitting here using time that should be spent on getting my beauty sleep to write to you lovely blog readers out there.<br /><br />I\'m also boiling water and sterilizing nipples. How\'s that for a wild Friday night? Now I\'m gonna go howl at the moon with my crazy neighbor, The Colonel.<br /><br />More about him later.','Friday Night (High)Lights','','publish','open','open','','friday-night-highlights','','','2008-08-09 04:15:00','2008-08-09 04:15:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=56',0,'post','',2),(57,1,'2008-08-14 02:10:00','2008-08-14 02:10:00','I just took an office poll, and here, in no order, are five romantic destinations in Tulsa:<br /><br />1. <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Utica Square</span>, especially during the holidays. It feels so ritzy and glittery and full of love.<br />2. <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">The Palace Cafe.</span> The atmosphere will make lovey-dovey pudding of your brains.<br />3. <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">The Melting Pot</span>, with its lover\'s lane. I have no idea what this means, but my boss suggested it, so I\'m putting it.<br />4. <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Ambassador Hotel</span>. I don\'t know much about this place, cough cough, because I\'ve never been there, hint hint, but I would really like to sometime, ahem ahem (Aaron, if you miss this clue, I\'m feeding you rice and beans for a month).<br />5. <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Woodward Park</span> and <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Tulsa Rose Garden</span>, especially with a sturdy blanket and a nice bottle of wine. I think. Is that legal?<br /><br />I\'d like to know your go-to list of romantic places in Tulsa, especially if it\'s a little-known spot. So, shoot.','Five Romantic Places in Tulsa','','publish','open','open','','five-romantic-places-in-tulsa','','','2008-08-14 02:10:00','2008-08-14 02:10:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=57',0,'post','',7),(58,1,'2008-08-20 22:17:00','2008-08-20 22:17:00','Hi. I\'m Natasha, and I\'m a food-aholic.\r\n\r\nSo much so, when I get a hankerin\' for pork shoulder roast tacos with cilantro cream sauce, I don\'t care one lick that my oven will be on for six or seven hours on a late-August day. I just kick it up to 300 and say, hey, anything for my temperamental taste buds.\r\n\r\nOn my more sane days, I like to go here:\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnWP3i2QeI/AAAAAAAAAU4/qBGsjgp0d7M/s1600-h/DSC02033.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231448010264035810\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnWP3i2QeI/AAAAAAAAAU4/qBGsjgp0d7M/s400/DSC02033.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>I had the misfortune of just discovering Kolam at 4844 S. Memorial about a month or so ago, and I\'m pretty sure I\'ve been missing out on this place for at least a couple of years. A friend and I had been meaning to try it, but she up and moved to Texas, and, well, I don\'t really have any excuses.\r\n\r\nAaron suggested we order some take-out from there a night not so many moons ago. See, when Aaron was in Afghanistan and had the choice of the spaghetti-with-ketchup-like-sauce dish they served at the base or food from the street vendors, he invariably chose to dine out.\r\n\r\nThe man still won\'t eat spaghetti, much to my chagrin.\r\n\r\nApparently Afghan street vendors serve a lot of Indian-like food. Disclaimer: I am totally ignorant about Indian and southwest Asian food in general. All I know is that it\'s good, okay? Back to my story. Aaron ate every curry he could get his hands on, those immensely varied rice concoctions got him every time, and...naan. Between long, lonely hours in a guard tower and his deepening take-out budget (there were no sports cars, stereos or telescopes for sale at the PX), the man was afraid his brain would turn to perfectly moist, tandoor-oven-cooked naan at any moment.\r\n\r\nHe could probably say a lot more about Indian/Afghan food than I could. After all, he ate it for none months straight. He eagerly gives Kolam his seal of approval.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnWWjRxppI/AAAAAAAAAVA/OwH5qoCvuiI/s1600-h/DSC02034.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231448125082805906\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnWWjRxppI/AAAAAAAAAVA/OwH5qoCvuiI/s400/DSC02034.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>Here\'s chicken curry, this incredibly aromatic basmati rice and traditional naan from Kolam.\r\n\r\nPlease disregard the baby bottle apparatuses. My home is under attack.\r\n\r\nI wish the plural of apparatus was apparati. I would love that more than the sun and the moon.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnWc8tIzXI/AAAAAAAAAVI/OuNSWKZDP6Y/s1600-h/DSC02035.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231448234987670898\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SJnWc8tIzXI/AAAAAAAAAVI/OuNSWKZDP6Y/s400/DSC02035.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>I love Tulsa, but this chicken curry tempts me to give it all up and move to Calcutta. And learn to sing like that lady in The Namesake. And buy lots and lots of saris - orange and pink ones.\r\n\r\nCheck out the entire menu <a href=\"http://kolamiic.weebly.com/menu.html\">here</a> (besides Kolam\'s signature chicken curry, I also recommend the veggie samosas, Kolam\'s signature naan, and the chili chicken), and put your take-out orders in to (918) 270.1445. Kolam is open for dinner 5-10 p.m., and I hear there\'s a lunch buffet to take you away from your workday worries.\r\n\r\nWhen you ditch these Oklahoma plains for India\'s urban vendor-lined streets, even if it\'s just for a food-cation, send me a postcard. I\'ll stain it with a tear of jealousy and hunger.','Kolam, Where Have You Been All My Life?','I love Tulsa, but this chicken curry tempts me to give it all up and move to Calcutta. And learn to sing like that lady in The Namesake. And buy lots and lots of saris - orange and pink ones.','publish','open','open','','kolam-where-have-you-been-all-my-life','','','2011-02-10 15:39:14','2011-02-10 20:39:14','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=58',0,'post','',11),(59,1,'2008-08-21 16:02:00','2008-08-21 16:02:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.tulsadowntown.org/imgUL/DevourDowntown_SummerLogo.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;\" src=\"http://www.tulsadowntown.org/imgUL/DevourDowntown_SummerLogo.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.tulsadowntown.org/index.cfm?pageid=59\">Devour Downtown</a>, a <a href=\"http://www.tulsadowntown.org/indexNew.html?CFID=647638&amp;CFTOKEN=38559936\">DTU</a>-sponsored event that spotlights downtown Tulsa eateries by featuring discounted lunch and dinner plates, is happening RIGHT NOW.<br /><br />Oh, hi. You\'re still here. Thought you\'d be downtown by now. Not really - you\'ve got some time. The event ends Sunday.<br /><br />Earlier this year during the inaugural Devour Downtown week, Aaron and I ate at <a href=\"http://www.lolasatthebowery.com/\">Lola\'s at the Bowery</a> (I don\'t see that they\'re participating in Devour Downtown this time, but who cares - eat there anyway, because it\'s fantabulous). We had:<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SK2UoAV_1qI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Fir26j4zlbA/s1600-h/LolasShrimp.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SK2UoAV_1qI/AAAAAAAAAVw/Fir26j4zlbA/s400/LolasShrimp.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237005356709697186\" border=\"0\" /></a>Bacon-wrapped chipotle grilled shrimp...<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SK2Uf-80q5I/AAAAAAAAAVo/KomiCXWSeqc/s1600-h/LolasPizza.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SK2Uf-80q5I/AAAAAAAAAVo/KomiCXWSeqc/s400/LolasPizza.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237005218896718738\" border=\"0\" /></a>Margherita pizza...<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SK2UtAHeY5I/AAAAAAAAAV4/867NXxEEbVg/s1600-h/LolasBabyCake.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SK2UtAHeY5I/AAAAAAAAAV4/867NXxEEbVg/s400/LolasBabyCake.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237005442548130706\" border=\"0\" /></a>A baby cake! Because I was pitifully pregnant at the time. Lola\'s a great gal, I tell ya. Anyway, we ended up spending about $35 for a very, very nice dinner downtown. That\'s pretty easy on the pocketbook, if you ask me.<br /><br />Click <a href=\"http://www.tulsadowntown.org/index.cfm?pageid=59\">here</a> for a list of participating restaurants and specials, but put a drool cloth over your keyboard first.<br /><br />Wait. You mean, I\'m the only one who has three dozen of those?','Devour Downtown','','publish','open','open','','devour-downtown','','','2008-08-21 16:02:00','2008-08-21 16:02:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=59',0,'post','',2),(60,1,'2008-08-23 16:53:00','2008-08-23 16:53:00','Though temperatures haven\'t cooled and leaves aren\'t falling, fall is in the air. I can tell.<br /><br />Some of my richest memories live in the autumn months. I was born in the late fall - that was a pretty good memory, I\'d say. My little sister was born two weeks after my fifth birthday, and I think she\'s pretty good, too. I learned to drive when the leaves were turning; I fell in love for the first time after a Friday night high school football game; I ran away with Aaron to get married in a gazebo in the middle of my next-to-last fall in college:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SLBKs53mWRI/AAAAAAAAAWA/rqQuTJ4p0J0/s1600-h/aarongazebo.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SLBKs53mWRI/AAAAAAAAAWA/rqQuTJ4p0J0/s400/aarongazebo.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237768501940607250\" border=\"0\" /></a>Well, that\'s the gazebo, and there\'s Aaron. Thing is, this picture was taken on our first anniversary, and I\'m not in it because I\'m taking the photo. We ran away to get married, remember? And then we went to the movies and saw Team America.<br /><br />Hey, I had midterms the following week, okay?<br /><br />I also found out in the falltime that our little baby would be a bouncing boy:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SLBMn93CJzI/AAAAAAAAAWI/1PvbeF9GSxI/s1600-h/Manhood.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SLBMn93CJzI/AAAAAAAAAWI/1PvbeF9GSxI/s400/Manhood.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237770616135886642\" border=\"0\" /></a>I fully expect him to put my hand in warm water while I\'m sleeping when he finds out about this.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SLBOHM6qiuI/AAAAAAAAAWY/5OYp9JC_uyo/s1600-h/DSC02068.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SLBOHM6qiuI/AAAAAAAAAWY/5OYp9JC_uyo/s400/DSC02068.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237772252265220834\" border=\"0\" /></a>There. That\'s better.<br /><br />All of this to say, what\'s your favorite thing to do around town during this time of year?<br /><br />I\'ve gotta admit, my absolute, No. 1 favorite thing to do in the fall is to go to my high school\'s football games and watch the marching band. Or maybe I\'d rather go to the fair. Or maybe I\'d rather eat chili. Or maybe I\'d rather do the Tulsa Run. Or maybe I\'d rather flit through pumpkin patches. Or maybe I\'d rather go on a hayride.<br /><br />Or maybe I can\'t pick a favorite. I should just accept that and move on. And eat more sausage pancakes.<br /><br />You\'re pulling your sweaters down from the attic (okay, maybe you don\'t have that on your calendar until late October...work with me here), you\'re putting the boy who rakes your leaves on speed dial, and your kids are hiding their homework from you again. We\'re coming up on falltime - what\'s your favorite thing to do around Tulsa at this time of year?','Fall','','publish','open','open','','fall','','','2008-08-23 16:53:00','2008-08-23 16:53:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=60',0,'post','',2),(61,1,'2008-08-25 18:54:00','2008-08-25 18:54:00','From the latest <a href=\"http://www.tulsanow.org/\">Tulsa Now</a> e-newsletter:<br /><blockquote><br />Come see the official Grand  Opening of the BOK Center, and enjoy a free open house at the new arena.  Everyone is invited! Take tours of the entire building, sample concessions for  $1, sign up for giveaways, meet representatives from upcoming shows, and listen  to live local music.<br /><br />The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at the  Grand Entrance located at 3rd Street and Denver Avenue. Once inside, guests can  enjoy music from popular local acts such as: Midlife Crisis, Rebecca Ungerman  and the Frank Brown Orchestra, Dave and The Wavetones, City of Tulsa Pipes and  Drums, and local high school bands. Also enjoy a live performance from the Tulsa  Symphony Orchestra.<br /><br />A FREE commemorative poster will be given to  everyone who attends the Open House.<br /><br /><b>WHAT:</b> BOK Center Grand  Opening<br /><b>WHEN:</b> Ribbon Cutting at 10:00 AM;<br />Open House from 11:00  AM – 4:00 PM<br /><b>WHERE: </b>BOK Center<br /><b>MORE INFO:</b> <a title=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\" href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\">www.bokcenter.com</a></blockquote><a title=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\" href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\"></a><br />Yeah, what they said.<br /><a title=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\" href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\"></a>','BOK Center Grand Opening This Weekend','','publish','open','open','','bok-center-grand-opening-this-weekend','','','2008-08-25 18:54:00','2008-08-25 18:54:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=61',0,'post','',0),(63,1,'2008-09-21 20:07:00','2008-09-21 20:07:00','I got this great e-mail from a reader, Chris, awhile back: <div><br /><div> </div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">One crazy question for you: for a tourist with one day (really more of a half-day) to see something distinctly Tulsa and/or Oklahoma, what would you recommend? </span></div><div> </div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\"><br /></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">I am trying to visit all 50 states before I turn 40, and am rapidly running out of time! Oklahoma is one of the 4 states I have left to visit before December...the opportunities [for daytrips] do not present themselves very often as I am mother to 3 kiddos under the age of 6...Any advice/suggestions are welcomed and much appreciated!  </span></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>First, I must say: People who have more than one child amaze me, but folks who have multiple kids under 12 defy logic as I know it. I have a seven-month-old son, and it\'s all I can do to hold down part-time work, get a few meals on the table and maybe bathe once per day. If you\'re someone who has more than one small child running around the house, please send me your minute-by-minute daily schedule so I can send it to scientists. You and your ability to bend the limits of patience and love should be studied.</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Okay. I considered Chris\'s question for several days before I decided how to advise her. I was surprised by how difficult I found it to narrow a place like Tulsa down to an attraction or two for an out-of-towner looking to glean the essence of this city in a single, short visit. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Always the brickhugger (to borrow a phrase from the <a href=\"http://sochey-jazzcafe.com/\">SoChey</a> kids), I told her she\'d have plenty of options to \"get Tulsa\" if she planned to spend an afternoon downtown. I\'m not so sure I gave her the right advice. Unless she scheduled one of those art deco or tunnels tours or had a specific event to attend, downtown may not be such a great destination for someone in town for just a few hours. Maybe better destinations would be Brookside or Cherry Street, Gilcrease of Philbrook, Tulsa Zoo or Oklahoma Aquarium. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn\'t get very far along this line of thought before I started to feel, well, kinda stupid. I thought, I have a blog on things to do in Tulsa, and I can\'t come up with a quintessential Tulsa experience?</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Then I realized that Tulsa just isn\'t a one-destination kind of town. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Go ahead and try to think of just one, single thing that would provide a visitor with the Cliff\'s Notes version of Tulsa. Take your time; I\'ll wait. I bet that you could come up with several lists of things to do in Tulsa - something like ready-made Do Tulsa handbooks or something. One for food, one for history, one for architecture, one for art - you could fill any of those lists with dozens of things to see and do in the Tulsa area. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Not ever sane enough to think about something for five minutes and then move on to something else, I thought of a few cities that immediately bring to mind a certain tourist destination, or vice versa: Seattle (Space Needle), St. Louis (the arch), San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge), Paris (Eiffel Tower), New Orleans (the French Quarter), Orlando (Disney World)...</div><div><br /></div><div>Tulsa: HA! No. </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>It\'s easier to get a feel for Tulsa via a set of experiences rather than by visiting one attraction or one area of town. Plus, I don\'t think you and I would come up with the same set. I\'m sure everyone has his or her own opinion about what a visitor should take the time to see here.  </div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>If you could write a Do Tulsa handbook that details, say, five things to do in T-Town, what would they be? Chris, I hope you\'re reading... </div><div><br /></div></div>','Quintessential Tulsa','','publish','open','open','','quintessential-tulsa','','','2008-09-21 20:07:00','2008-09-21 20:07:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=63',0,'post','',6),(64,1,'2008-10-07 22:58:00','2008-10-07 22:58:00','Guess what I\'ve been doing for the past six months.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SOvvxw8i0kI/AAAAAAAAAWg/UFcGDNAstY4/s1600-h/tulsarun.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SOvvxw8i0kI/AAAAAAAAAWg/UFcGDNAstY4/s400/tulsarun.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254557028489286210\" border=\"0\" /></a>That\'s right. Running my hiney off.<br /><br />Literally! Since I started (re)training after my my baby\'s six-week birthday, I\'ve lost nearly 25 pounds. I\'m back into the jeans I wore last spring, and my calves are lookin\' amazing, y\'all. Almost as good as they did back when I was in marching band.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SOvx1NsLl3I/AAAAAAAAAWw/g2Lj9ck96Yo/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 277px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SOvx1NsLl3I/AAAAAAAAAWw/g2Lj9ck96Yo/s400/scan0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254559286768146290\" border=\"0\" /></a>Don\'t ask.<br /><br />I knew since I missed the race last year that I definitely wanted to make this year\'s <a href=\"http://www.tulsarun.com/\">Tulsa Run</a>. I wasn\'t sure if I could train up quickly enough to run the 15K - in the end, that was too much to ask of my body, which has been through oh-so-much during the past year - but I have been able to get ready for the <a href=\"http://tulsarun.com/course_map.asp\">5K</a>.<br /><br />Plus, I hit a milestone yesterday: I ran for 33 straight minutes. Though I\'ve been an on again, off again runner for the past four years, I don\'t think I\'ve ever run more than 20-25 consecutive minutes (because - and I\'ll admit it - I am a wimp. W-i-m-p.). They may not be the fastest minutes a girl has ever run, but kids, I\'m gonna give myself serious credit for that little accomplishment. It may be in the form of <a href=\"http://www.kupcakz.com/\">Kupcakz</a>, but I can\'t think about that right now. If I do, I\'ll go crazy. I\'ll think about that tomorrow.<br /><br />The clock on the TR site says there are 17 days, 13 hours, 17 minutes and counting until race time. You have until the 21st to register without paying the late fee. If you\'re ready to commit, go to the <a href=\"http://tulsarun.com/register.asp\">TR registration site</a> now.<br /><br />Go on. Make your mother proud. Or, at least, this mother. Because I look extra runner-esque when I\'m proud of you.','Running Rules.','','publish','open','open','','running-rules','','','2008-10-07 22:58:00','2008-10-07 22:58:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=64',0,'post','',3),(65,1,'2010-09-27 10:30:00','2010-09-27 15:30:00','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2199\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/pumpkin-patch-7-ways/dsc07432/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2199\" title=\"Carmichael\'s Pumpkin Patch\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/DSC07432-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"Carmichael\'s Pumpkin Patch\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a>\r\n\r\nTo whet your appetite for the updated TDT directory of Tulsa-area pumpkin patches, here\'s a little how-to I wrote in my early days of blogging on how to conduct your own perfect pumpkin search.\r\n\r\nBe warned, however, that should you employ this search method, your friends\' and family\'s social calendars will become suddenly and mysteriously full. I may or may not speak from experience here.\r\n\r\n<strong>1. Feel an intense urge to find a pumpkin patch at 5pm on a Sunday afternoon.</strong>\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[adrotate group=\"1\" banner=\"8\"]</p>\r\nBefore you leave, tell your family, especially any and all young children, what\'s about to happen. Make sure the kids get good and excited about your journey - maybe even help them dream about what they\'ll get to carve into or draw on their pumpkin later that very evening - that is, after you get home from the pumpkin patch, which is surely still open tonight because, well, it\'s fall now. Duh.\r\n\r\n<strong>2. Don\'t bother to use the Internet or other resources to look up stories on or directories of pumpkin patches or farms in the Tulsa area.</strong> Daylight, it\'s a-wastin\', and you can\'t be bothered with research.\r\n\r\n<strong>3. Drive \"strategically\" through the rural areas of the metro in search of a good patch.</strong> Meaning, flip a coin to decide whether to turn right or left at intersections.\r\n\r\n<strong>4. After one hour of hunting, interrupt friends\' and family\'s evening plans</strong> with phone inquiries as to the location of their \"favorite pumpkin patches - you know, the kind where you can pick your own?\"\r\n\r\n<strong>5. Stumble upon a real pumpkin patch - finally!</strong> Discover the operation closed 15 minutes before your arrival. Hold the youngest of your children up to the windows of the retail area, looking in vain for straggling staff people, chiming, \"We\'ve got a baby out here lookin\' to pick his first pumpkin!,\" hoping to guilt someone into opening up.\r\n\r\n<strong>6. Stare wistfully at off-limits pumpkin patch.</strong> Consider making off with one measly little pumpkin. Remember that a rural area plus stealing usually equals a sawed-off shot gun three inches from your hiney.\r\n\r\n<strong>7. After two hours and no freshly harvested pumpkin</strong>, drive home listening to the musical stylings of the famished and disappointed offspring in the back seat.\r\n\r\n<strong>8. Assuage bad-parent guilt</strong> by making three batches of <a href=\"http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-muffins/Detail.aspx\">chocolate chip pumpkin muffins</a>, made from scratch using pumpkins purchased from good ol\' <a href=\"http://www.reasors.com/\">Reasor\'s</a>.\r\n\r\nOr, if you\'re a superstar like me, used canned pumpkin and say you used fresh. Your secret is safe with me.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2202\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/pumpkin-patch-7-ways/dsc02510/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2202\" title=\"Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/DSC02510-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a>\r\n\r\nFinally, after you stuff your kids with pumpkin and chocolate until they succumb to the sugar crash of a lifetime, feel like a pretty good parent after all.\r\n\r\n<em>Originally published Oct. 14, 2008.</em>','7 Ways to NOT Find a Real Pumpkin Patch','Step one: Feel an intense urge to find a pumpkin patch at 5pm on a Sunday afternoon. ','publish','open','open','','pumpkin-patch-7-ways','','','2010-10-04 15:53:26','2010-10-04 20:53:26','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=65',0,'post','',12),(2204,1,'2010-09-21 08:16:30','2010-09-21 13:16:30','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2199\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/10/7-ways-to-not-find-real-pumpkin-patch/dsc07432/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2199\" title=\"Carmichael\'s Pumpkin Patch\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/DSC07432-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"Carmichael\'s Pumpkin Patch\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a>\r\n\r\n1. Feel an intense urge to find a pumpkin patch at 5pm on a Saturday afternoon.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--more-->[adrotate group=\"2\" banner=\"8\"]</p>\r\n2. Don\'t use the Internet or other resources to look up stories on or directories of pumpkin patches or farms in the Tulsa area.\r\n\r\n3. Drive \"strategically\" through the rural areas of the metro, flipping a coin to decide whether to turn right or left at intersections.\r\n\r\n4. After one hour of hunting, interrupt friends\' and family\'s evening plans with phone inquiries as to the location of their \"favorite pumpkin patch - you know, the kind where you can pick your own?\"\r\n\r\n5. Stumble upon a real pumpkin patch! Discover the operation closed 15 minutes before your arrival. Hold the youngest of your children up to the windows of the retail area, looking in vain for straggling staff people, chiming, \"We\'ve got a baby out here lookin\' to pick his first pumpkin!,\" hoping to guilt someone into opening up.\r\n\r\n6. Stare wistfully at off-limits pumpkin patch. Consider making off with one measly little pumpkin. Remember that a rural area plus stealing usually equals a sawed-off shot gun in your face.\r\n\r\n7. After two hours and no freshly harvested pumpkin, drive home listening to the musical stylings of the famished infant in the back seat.\r\n\r\nAssuage bad-mommy guilt by making three batches of chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, made from scratch using pumpkins purchased from good ol\' <a href=\"http://www.reasors.com/\">Reasor\'s</a>.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2202\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/10/7-ways-to-not-find-real-pumpkin-patch/dsc02510/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2202\" title=\"Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/DSC02510-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd feel not so bad after all.','7 Ways to NOT Find a Real Pumpkin Patch','Step one: Feel an intense urge to find a pumpkin patch at 5pm on a Saturday afternoon. ','inherit','open','open','','65-revision-2','','','2010-09-21 08:16:30','2010-09-21 13:16:30','',65,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/65-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(66,1,'2008-10-25 15:45:00','2008-10-25 15:45:00','<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Starting line:</span> \"Dude, it\'s, like, cold.\" The temperature hovered at about 40 degrees for the duration of the race, forcing many to don less-than-flattering exercise wear. Sparkly leg warmers, acrylic (a.k.a. plastic) mittens and a variety of unfortunate head gear were in wide use.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">1K:</span> \"Count the number of people you pass and subtract the number of people who pass you, and we\'ll compare scores at the finish line.\" I don\'t see how this could have been doable, given that the race was probably two dozen racers deep from curb to curb. I guess it could have been a fun mechanism to employ to forget the chill, but then you would have missed the scenery.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://tulsarun.com/course_map.asp\">The course</a> began at 3rd and Boulder, stretched south to 15th, turned west to Denver, south again to Riverside Drive, east to the 23d Street Bridge, west back to Denver, up what I heard someone call \"Murder Mountain\" toward the BOK Center. Who would want to miss a chance to see all the parking lots - I mean, historic buildings - along the way?\r\n\r\nPerhaps the more challenging game would have been to see who could count the most empty parking spaces on the south part of the course.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">2K:</span> \"I wouldn\'t exactly call that motivational music.\" A band of kilted men playing bag pipes cheered us on about half way through the race. While it quickened my Irish blood, lots of folks were jonesin\' for some rock and roll.\r\n\r\nTwo years ago, the last time I ran Tulsa Run, speakers blaring the Rocky theme were set up a little before the half-way mark. I was laughing so hard I could barely keep up with my friend Sarah, who picked up and moved away earlier this year and left me to run this year\'s race by myself. Alone. And cold. And sleepy.\r\n\r\nI don\'t think she would have wanted to join me this year, anyway. I ditched her last year because I was too busy rounding out my second trimester, and she\'s doing just about the same thing this year. We don\'t think a fetus takes well to jostling - at least, not the first fetus. Maybe by the time we\'re pregnant with our third children, we\'ll be good and over all of that.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">3K:</span> I don\'t remember hearing anyone say anything interesting during this part of the race, but Tulsa county commission District 2 candidate <a href=\"http://www.karenkeith.org/\">Karen Keith</a> gave me a cup of water. Thanks, Karen.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">4K:</span> \"Oh, crap.\" *puff puff* \"Maybe if this hill had been at the beginning of the race, I could have done it.\" *wheeze wheeze* \"Without this hill, maybe this would actually be a run.\"\r\n\r\nWimps. If I made it up the hill on Denver between Riverside Drive and 15th Street, anyone can. Seriously. I had a baby earlier this year, an event for which I gained a cool 50 pounds, and though it\'s all off now, I\'m by no means a lean, mean, running machine. Still, I can definitely see why the racers heading up the hill were gasping, \"Good luck on the hill!\" at the slower among us gliding down toward the turnaround at the bridge.\r\n\r\nYeah, so I saw spots and leprechauns in the parking lot at QT, but I made it up the hill, dang it.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Finish:</span> \"Natasha Ball!\" \"waaaahhh!\" When the announcer said my name, Aaron cheered for me from the sideline. It was all too much for our baby boy, who screamed his head off with fear rather than excitement.\r\n\r\nThat\'s fine. His punishment is that he has to run with me next year, and I\'d better not hear any nonsense about shorter legs, smaller lungs, just having learned to walk earlier in the year, blah blah blah.\r\n\r\nThis year\'s race was great. Lots of fun, lots of excitement. It\'s definitely a great way to show off downtown.\r\n\r\nI\'ll post my results later. I was too busy grabbing bottles of water and a half-dozen candy bars, all free to the runners, after the race to check my official race time.\r\n\r\nHey, at least we can say I never made my motivation a mystery.','Overheard at the 31st Tulsa Run','','publish','open','open','','overheard-at-31st-tulsa-run','','','2010-10-26 17:56:47','2010-10-26 22:56:47','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=66',0,'post','',4),(3290,1,'2010-10-26 22:55:57','2010-10-27 03:55:57','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-3291\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/running-lobster-mustaches-and-all-things-fall-tulsa-blogs-this-week/dsc07873-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-3291\" title=\"Memorial Park Cemetery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC07873-500x375.jpg\" alt=\"Memorial Park Cemetery\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a>\r\n\r\nFrom inspiration for hitting the trails to how to cook a live lobster to growing a mustache for a cause, it\'s all in Tulsa blogs this week.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[adrotate group=\"2\" banner=\"8\"]</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Run, Tulsa, Run</h2>\r\nDid you hear? It\'s running season here in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During the months of October and November, there\'s a major run nearly every weekend, starting with <a href=\"http://www.tulsarun.com/\">Tulsa Run 2010</a> this Saturday.\r\n\r\nContrary to what you might think, many of us bloggers know how to peel our butts off a computer chair, lace up a pair of sneakers and pound the pavement to the beats coming through our iPods. Some of us are even training for long-distance runs this fall - 15K or, in a few cases, even longer. Check out these recent posts from Tulsa-area bloggers on that sport that seems to capture the hearts of so many Oklahomans at this time of year.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Marriage of an Undomestic</strong> - <a href=\"http://thereallt.blogspot.com/2010/10/molasses-and-other-running-rambles.html\">Molasses and Other Running Rambles</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Running on Empty</strong> - <a href=\"http://fat-ass-to-fit-ass.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-i-run.html\">Why I Run</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>Hollyhouse Studio</strong> - <a href=\"http://hollyhousestudio.blogspot.com/2010/10/whys.html\">The WHYs</a>\r\n\r\n<strong>The Fitness Adventures</strong> - <a href=\"http://thefitnessadventures.blogspot.com/2010/10/decisions-questioning-my-choices.html\">Decisions &amp; Questioning My Choices</a>\r\n<h2>It\'s Fall, Y\'all</h2>\r\n<strong>The Art of Manliness</strong>. Been looking for an excuse to grow a sweet \'stache? Look no further - November is right around the corner, and <a href=\"http://artofmanliness.com/2010/10/22/fight-prostate-cancer-by-growing-a-mustache-the-2010-movember-contest\">men are being encouraged to grow mustaches to raise awareness for men\'s health issues, from prostate cancer to male depression</a>. Blogger Brett McKay makes the case in that trademark AoM style:\r\n<blockquote>Now I’m all for saving the world’s wonderful tata’s, but men have a cancer all of their own, and it unfortunately doesn’t get quite as much attention (I guess nobody wants to think about a guy’s junk when they’re peeling off the top of their yogurt.)</blockquote>\r\nReady to get growin\'? Join the mo-growing contest at AoM. Not only will you have a brag-worthy mustache to show for it at the end, but you could also end up with some sweet prizes that will have you declaring, \"I am all that is man.\"\r\n\r\n<strong>Young and Rentless</strong>. In case you didn\'t know, Fall is the season for tree planting here in Tulsa. <a href=\"http://youngandrentless.blogspot.com/2010/10/fall-season-for-planting.html\">Caitlin at Y&amp;R has some tips and an account of her first experience shopping and planting her very own tree</a>. Which is not as easy as it sounds, actually. And who doesn\'t love trees, especially at this time of year?\r\n\r\n<strong>The Red Dirt Chronicles</strong>. Three words: <a href=\"http://reddirtchronicles.com/2010/10/24/oversleep-y-silent-sunday-102410/\">It\'s persimmon season</a>. That is all.\r\n\r\n<strong>Real Food Tulsa</strong>. <a href=\"http://realfoodtulsa.blogspot.com/2010/10/foodie-friday-great-pumpkin-episode.html\">Penni at RFT has a recipe for pumpkin cookies with caramel icing, as well as for a creamy pumpkin pie with gingersnap crust and vanilla whipped cream</a>. The best part? There\'s no cooking involved. Penni\'s all about raw food, and she really knows how to pimp the stuff. Give it a shot - my bet is that with recipes this yum, you won\'t miss turning on your oven.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Errant Cook</strong>. Some people just can\'t wait for Thanksgiving to have a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. <a href=\"http://errantcook.blogspot.com/2010/10/happy-not-yet-thanksgiving.html\">Jennifer at TEC is one of them</a>. And why do we wait, anyway? Especially when one can whip up a pumpkin pie with fall leaves cut from pastry for the crust and have each piece topped with a dollop of homemade whipped cream like at Jennifer\'s house? Yowza.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hot off the Haywire</strong>. Have you heard about Clean Food Tulsa and the Oklahoma Food Coop? It\'s the locavore\'s answer to maintaining a diet derived as much from food grown and raised locally as possible even now that the farmers\' markets are closed, <a href=\"http://thehaywire.typepad.com/hot-off-the-haywire/2010/10/farm-fodder-page-26.html\">and the folks at Pork &amp; Greens, a local pork producer, has the scoop</a>. Plus, shopping for food online is kinda fun - and maybe a little addictive, too, especially when everything you order online is trucked in and dropped off at the same place and at the same time each week. See? Knowing where your food comes from can be convenient, even during the dead of winter.\r\n\r\n<strong>Tulsa Food Blog</strong>. <a href=\"http://www.tulsafoodblog.com/extras/tulsa-food-events/oktoberfest-bratwursts-beer-unity\">The TFB kids wax poetic about community in their recap of the 2010 OktoberFest Tulsa</a>. When there\'s that much beer and bratwurst and chicken dancing on the table with people you\'ve never met involved, it\'s kinda hard to blame \'em.\r\n\r\n<strong>Minivan Momma</strong>. Hey - get off my lawn! <a href=\"http://www.minivan-momma.com/2010/10/just-call-me-linus.html\">This story from Minivan Momma is exactly why I yell at passersby near my house like an 82-year-old man, especially when I have pumpkins on the porch</a>. But, all\'s well that ends well in MM\'s world, even when a rotting pumpkin turns into a pumpkin vine which produces blossoms that survive only long enough to be plucked by her kiddos in celebration and anticipationi of having home-grown pumpkins in the fall. Seriously. This story had me rolling on the floor, you guys.\r\n\r\n<strong>Knitting in the Wild</strong>. Denise at KitW notices how, after the rush of farmers\' market season, <a href=\"http://www.lostcityknits.com/2010/10/autumnal-settling-in.html\">the fall encourages her slow down and embrace the changes that surround her</a>. I\'ll always take a reminder to slow down, Denise - thanks for that.\r\n\r\n<strong>Hollyrocks</strong>. <a href=\"http://hollyrocksjewelry.blogspot.com/2010/10/its-about-that-time-again.html\">Holly has news - Indie Emporium is this weekend</a>! This is not your grandma\'s craft show, people. With a handmade fashion show (starring Holly as one of the models), make-and-take tables that offer you the chance to be a fabulous craftista and enough vendors to supply you with gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list, IE is sure to capture the imagination of the crafter and the shopper in you that, now that fall is here, is just begging to be set free. It all gets started just outside of downtown Tulsa this Friday night - you can count on finding more details on this event in the weekend rundown here at TDT first thing Friday morning.\r\n<h2>There\'s Always Room for Randomness</h2>\r\n<strong>Tulsa Gal</strong>. Did you know that the Golden Driller, the Tulsa and oil boom icon that stands guard at the south entrance to the fairgrounds, is the most photographed landmark in this town? <a href=\"http://www.tulsagal.net/2010/10/golden-driller.html\">According to Nancy at Tulsa Gal, it is</a>. As per her usual, Nancy has several historic photos that explain how the Golden Driller came to exist, as well as a grab bag of interesting facts about one of our most quirky monuments.\r\n\r\n<strong>Crawdads in My Sink</strong>. Heather made me laugh again. First, <a href=\"http://crawdadsinmysink.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/major/\">there was her account of being in the gynecologist\'s office during the Oklahoma earthquake earlier this month</a>, featured in the last edition of Tulsa Blogs This Week. Now she\'s showing off <a href=\"http://crawdadsinmysink.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/im-not-a-redneck-you-are/\">the self-dubbed redneck TV antenna she and her husband fashioned out of the junk in their yard</a>. I\'m beginning to think this blog is going to become my new first stop for when I need a good, Okie-style laugh.\r\n\r\n<strong>Oklahoma Women\'s Network Blog</strong>. Did you know that the Oklahoma Department of Tourism includes a section on its website for fun trips for the ladies? Yeah. It does. <a href=\"http://oklahomawomen.blogspot.com/2010/10/chick-trips-in-oklahoma.html\">And what would this section be called but Chick Trips</a>, which features Oklahoma\'s vineyards and wineries, spas and shopping options. Now we\'ve just gotta get <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Gilbert\">Elizabeth Gilbert</a> to notice...\r\n\r\n<strong>Global Table Adventure</strong>. <a href=\"http://globaltableadventure.com/2010/10/21/recipe-boiled-lobster/\">Ever wonder how to cook live lobster? Sasha at GTA shows you how</a>. With photos. And maybe a few deep breaths and a tear or two.\r\n\r\n<strong>Tulsa SPCA</strong>. <a href=\"http://tulsaspca.blogspot.com/2010/10/if-you-are-looking-for-companion-that.html\">\'Tis the season to bring a new, fuzzy member home for the holidays - and for happily ever after, too</a>. This TSPCA blog just kills me. I wish I could buy a farm and adopt every single last one of those darling pups and kitties. But I\'m hoping that you all will help me spread the love instead. Because I\'m pretty sure my husband would be a little upset with me if I bought a farm and adopted all the animals at the TSPCA. Even though the cuteness overload with be of major proportions, but still. Throw a girl a bone here.\r\n\r\nWhat Tulsa blogs have you been reading this week?','Running, Lobster, Mustaches and All Things Fall: Tulsa Blogs This Week','From inspiration for hitting the trails to how to cook a live lobster to growing a mustache for a cause, it\'s all in Tulsa blogs this week. ','publish','open','open','','running-lobster-mustaches-and-all-things-fall-tulsa-blogs-this-week','','http://reddirtchronicles.com/2010/10/24/oversleep-y-silent-sunday-102410/\nhttp://www.tulsafoodblog.com/extras/tulsa-food-events/oktoberfest-bratwursts-beer-unity\nhttp://globaltableadventure.com/2010/10/21/recipe-boiled-lobster/\nhttp://crawdadsinmysink.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/major/\nhttp://crawdadsinmysink.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/im-not-a-redneck-you-are/\nhttp://crawdadsinmysink.wordpress.com/2010/10/13/major/\nhttp://crawdadsinmysink.wordpress.com/2010/10/21/im-not-a-redneck-you-are/','2010-10-26 22:58:44','2010-10-27 03:58:44','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=3290',0,'post','',0),(67,1,'2008-11-20 14:55:00','2008-11-20 14:55:00','I received an interesting note from a reader yesterday about the Tuesday night Metallica concert at the BOK Center:<br /><br /><blockquote>We arrived at 7 walking from McNellies ([we wanted to take <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/general.asp?id=127&amp;siteuse=\">the shuttle</a> over to the BOK Center from there, but] we never saw a clear shuttle stop in front of the restaurant.) The show started at 7 with the opening act and we figured we’d miss a bit of them.<br /><br />We get there and there is a line a mile long. TO GET IN. People with tickets got extra screwed because the line was even longer to get in. They were metal detecting everyone and you had to empty your pockets and get wanded. That’s fine but it was so slow and inefficient. They had teenagers running it. It wasn’t professional. They banned several items ( cameras, spiked jewelry) but they don’t tell you until you get to the front. They could have saved a  bunch of time if they had people going through the line telling people the rulz. Fortunately, we didn’t have anything.<br /><br />Anyway, it was FREEZING outside and we were in line to get in the door with tickets for over an hour with frequent harassment from drunk guys ( to be expected) but the police were just standing there doing hardly nothing ( well, they did arrest a drunk kid.)<br /><br />Okay, so we are almost to the doors and the SPRINKLERS come on on us! We had to move fast!<br /><br />Then, we get in and needed to pee. The men’s bathroom line was forever long…took my husband about 30 more minutes. Took me about 10 minutes to get through but they only had the front bathrooms open, ½ the stalls wouldn’t flush, no toilet paper or towels, no attendants or workers to be found. The bathrooms have two openings to it was all confusing as to who was next in line which really didn’t speed up the process, either.<br /><br />Also mad that we were one of the first ones to order our tickets and got the furthest back seats. We were told they were best available but people were buying groups of tickets and getting better seats than us. In fact, where we sat, it was all sparse. I don’t understand how that happened. The seats weren’t bad though…I don’t think there is a bad seat but still the worst of the good seats.<br /><br />Fortunately, Metallica didn’t come out until 9 so we didn’t miss a minute of them. Got there just in time. The no smoking rule really cut back on the smoke…. I could actually breathe! Last Metallica concert I went to, I got second hand high and coughed up some nasty crap for a week.<br /><br />McNellies was great. They gave us a reservation and were very quick with everything. We could stay parked there all night, too.</blockquote><br />Sounds to me like McNellies was the best part of this evening. Anyone else have these types of experiences with shows at the BOK?','A Frustrating Night at BOK Center','','publish','open','open','','frustrating-night-at-bok-center','','','2008-11-20 14:55:00','2008-11-20 14:55:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=67',0,'post','',9),(68,1,'2008-11-27 17:07:00','2008-11-27 17:07:00','Thanksgiving is here! As I sit here waiting for my <a href=\"http://bread-and-honey.blogspot.com/2008/10/country-crust-bread-and-love-of-old.html\">country crust bread</a> to rise and my <a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/recipe.php?recipeId=2350\">herbed spaghetti squash</a> to roast, I\'d like you to help me rustle up some places to see some Christmas lights.<br /><br />The first that comes to mind is the <a href=\"http://www.uticasquare.com/now_showing/now_showing_lights.asp\">flurry of white lights at Utica Square</a>, which comes on tonight at 6:30. The second is <a href=\"http://www.rhemabiblechurch.org/christmas/\">Rhema\'s larger-than-life light display</a>, which went live yesterday.<br /><br />We can\'t wait to swing our baby boy by both. The kid totally zones out when he sees lights, and though his current favorite are the track lights at <a href=\"http://www.loopsknitting.com/default.htm\">Loops,</a> I have a feeling Christmas lights will open an entirely new corner of his eager little mind.<br /><br />Where do you go to gawk at Christmas lights?','Turkey Day Light Trolling','','publish','open','open','','turkey-day-light-trolling','','','2008-11-27 17:07:00','2008-11-27 17:07:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=68',0,'post','',3),(69,1,'2008-11-29 15:29:00','2008-11-29 15:29:00','For the first time ever, I ventured out of my house on the morning of Black Friday. Unshowered and dressed mostly in what I wore to bed the night before, I loaded up my little brood and headed for Tulsa\'s mid-priced retail mecca: 71st St. and Memorial Drive.<br /><br />Our first stop was Toys R Us, where the checkout line wrapped around the inside perimeter of the store. Though we managed to find a few things we liked enough to buy there, we didn\'t feel especially excited about them. We sure weren\'t looking forward to buying enough batteries to keep them flashing and sounding off until little man moves on to bigger and better things in, oh, three months.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://greentulsa.blogspot.com/\">Holly</a> told me about <a href=\"http://www.lundebys.com/\">Lundeby\'s Eco Baby</a> a few months ago, and I have always wanted to have a look. I am so glad I finally did. My only regret is I didn\'t go there before I spent $70 on plastic toys at a non-local retail big-box.<br /><br />I\'ll tell you what we bought. Just don\'t spill the beans to our baby and spoil the surprise, okay? We\'re pretty good at doing that ourselves without your help. We couldn\'t help but give this to the little guy right away:<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/STFr54bLvBI/AAAAAAAAAcs/-y1Nmgz8sXw/s1600-h/hm-main2.png\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 213px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/STFr54bLvBI/AAAAAAAAAcs/-y1Nmgz8sXw/s400/hm-main2.png\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274115280770677778\" border=\"0\" /></a>Little guy loves to chase this thing. I\'m sure he\'ll really love it when, once he begins to walk, he realizes he can pull it behind him. We love it because it\'s not plastic and because it\'s a simple, classic toy. It\'s a pleasure to behold, and it makes this great clacking sound when it\'s pulled along.<br /><br />Know how to tell if a toy will be a five-star hit? If your husband can\'t stop playing with or talking about it. Heck, I can hardly get Aaron to even look away from the darn thing. I can\'t talk trash, though, since I\'ve taken it for a few spins down the hallway during naptime myself.<br /><br />We also scored these:<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/STFvvRE825I/AAAAAAAAAc8/IL_wdQ06BpY/s1600-h/64052_3_preschool64052oval03.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/STFvvRE825I/AAAAAAAAAc8/IL_wdQ06BpY/s400/64052_3_preschool64052oval03.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274119496456264594\" border=\"0\" /></a><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/STFvqg1kFnI/AAAAAAAAAc0/NI3Hb1c6aYQ/s1600-h/6404_3_preschool6404solid03.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/STFvqg1kFnI/AAAAAAAAAc0/NI3Hb1c6aYQ/s400/6404_3_preschool6404solid03.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274119414787348082\" border=\"0\" /></a>We could hardly get our baby to stop playing with these long enough for us to buy them. He loves to beat on things, and with these toys, his efforts are rewarded with \"music.\" Mom and Dad are happy, too, since we don\'t have to hear the ever-loving ABC song every time he barely touches it, unlike some of the other toys he has. Plus, neither requires batteries.<br /><br />Lundeby\'s is situated in a smart, easy-to-access little space at 3638 S. Peoria Ave. Park along the street in front or in the lot behind the store. Lundeby\'s owner <a href=\"http://lundebys.com/blog/\">Tiffany</a> will chat you up as you browse organic cotton baby clothes, eco-friendly diapering, breastfeeding support goodies, and her extensive stock of toys. I noticed she called nearly each customer by name, and by the time we headed out the door, she pretty much knew our life story. She\'s likable, to say the least.<br /><br />Though I wouldn\'t dub us as a green family, we do try to limit our consumption of everything from gasoline to food packaging to water. Even from that perspective, it\'s easy to appreciate a shop like Lundeby\'s. For me, it\'s about the thought and consideration behind green products, which generally produces a better design on the other end. Though I\'m willing to pay for good design, I can\'t normally spring for everything I\'m nutty about. Lundeby\'s delivered again: I was surprised I could get out of a Brookside boutique with an arm-full of stuff for less than $60.<br /><br />If you have a baby on your Christmas list - especially if it\'s our baby - make sure to stop by Lundeby\'s. I dare you not to go there and accidentally spend an hour playing and chatting and cleansing your soul of the big-box shopping experience.','Sweet Find on Black Friday','','publish','open','open','','sweet-find-on-black-friday','','','2008-11-29 15:29:00','2008-11-29 15:29:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=69',0,'post','',5),(70,1,'2008-12-20 21:18:00','2008-12-20 21:18:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SU1hdmVpzNI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_hPzkhmtmD8/s1600-h/DSC02909-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SU1hdmVpzNI/AAAAAAAAAdM/_hPzkhmtmD8/s400/DSC02909-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281985099110927570\" border=\"0\" /></a>From <a href=\"http://www.kupcakz.com/\">Kupcakz</a>, 71st and Mingo. We came out of the bakery with four cupcakes but, well, you know, things...happen, especially around here, and <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">particularly</span> when cupcakes are involved. What was left: Boston Dreamer (inspired by my favorite birthday cake, Boston cream pie) on the left, and the ones on the right are the Morning Buzz (chocolate and coffee - what could go wrong?) and My Peanut Buttercup (the chocolate and peanut butter combo done right) cupcakes. I can\'t remember which was which, but they were both gone about 2.5 seconds after I took this photo. Because they were delicious and sinful and said my name and fives lines from <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Love_Song_of_J._Alfred_Prufrock\">Prufrock</a>. Unlikely but true, maybe.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SU_5pbJDE3I/AAAAAAAAAdU/_trn8BUgrdQ/s1600-h/Santa0001.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SU_5pbJDE3I/AAAAAAAAAdU/_trn8BUgrdQ/s400/Santa0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282715377984541554\" border=\"0\" /></a>Our little (?) man visiting <a href=\"http://www.uticasquare.com/now_showing/now_showing_holiday.asp\">Santa at Utica Square.</a> Can you believe it? He didn\'t cry! He didn\'t even wimper. He was more stone-faced than is usually typical of him, but I don\'t blame him one iota. The whole concept of a giant man dressed in red hanging out in a miniature house with a lady armed with a camera and photo printer makes me feel a tad uneasy, too, and I probably look stone-faced when I\'m thinking about it.<br /><br />For more Christmas fun, later my family and I will head out in hopes of making a commemorative Christmas ornament at <a href=\"http://purpleglazestudio.com/\">Purple Glaze</a> on Brookside, since we heard they have several available. But, I just realized this morning that even if we make the ornament this evening, it won\'t be available for pick-up until well after Christmas is over. We might be headed to the mall (dun dun DUN!) instead. Blast.<br /><br />If we don\'t talk before Thursday, have a merry one!','Two Weekend Photos','','publish','open','open','','two-weekend-photos','','','2008-12-20 21:18:00','2008-12-20 21:18:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=70',0,'post','',2),(71,1,'2008-12-23 14:20:00','2008-12-23 14:20:00','<span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">UPDATE: Dec. 31/</span>/If you\'re still making plans for this evening, here are a few links to check before you head out: <div><a href=\"http://www.tulsafoodblog.com/blog/dinner/new-years-eve-tulsa\">Tulsa Food Blog</a></div><div><a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A18851\">Urban Tulsa Weekly</a></div><div><a href=\"http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/blogs/weblog.aspx?column_id=29#3838\">Jennifer Chancellor at TW</a><br /><div>//</div><div><br /></div><div>Because I love my TDT readers, I\'d like to offer you a distraction from the short work week, holiday plans, gift wrapping and obligatory casserole baking.<br /><br />Answer me this: What do you do for New Years Eve in Tulsa? Spare me the dud plans, which include staying home and chewing twizzle sticks while you boast that watching the ball drop on TV is much better than being stuck in the crowds at Times Square.<br /><br />I\'m talking about the New Years Eve goings on that are worthy of a resolution the next morning, over black-eyed peas for extra luck.<br /><br />I think we all deserve to know about the most fun New Years parties in town, even if some of us will be caught in what <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Naptime-New-Happy-Hour-Toddlers/dp/1416954139/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1230042672&amp;sr=8-1\">Stefanie Wilder-Taylor</a> calls \"the black hole of childcare.\" I want to be able to smugly say to my husband that evening, \"Hey, at least we\'re not at one of those loud, happy, glittery, wild parties - being here is much better than being stuck in a sea of sun-shiny, smiling faces somewhere,\" even though I\'ll have to say it really quietly, lest I wake the little man who has decorated our guest room in elephants and Dr. Seuss books and who wouldn\'t exactly be down for a game of airplane as the ball drops on TV. Early to bed, early to rise, as he would say.<br /><br />Tell me what you\'re going to do to make me \"glad\" the evening of Dec. 31!</div></div>','New Years Eve in Tulsa','','publish','open','open','','new-years-eve-in-tulsa','','','2008-12-23 14:20:00','2008-12-23 14:20:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=71',0,'post','',2),(72,1,'2009-01-04 00:01:00','2009-01-04 00:01:00','<div>As a fifth-generation Tulsan and a wannabe cheeseburger aficionado, I have a confession to make. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before today, I had never eaten a <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Location?Location=oid%3A22496\">Claud\'s</a> burger. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAu2LpOKmI/AAAAAAAAAe8/23gY3LTRGLM/s1600-h/DSC03009.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAu2LpOKmI/AAAAAAAAAe8/23gY3LTRGLM/s400/DSC03009.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287277470906460770\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><div>The photo above is the (entire) dining room at Claud\'s today at about 1 p.m., where customers dined on $2 burgers and crispy fries, all made fresh to-order, right before their blessed eyes. </div><div><br /></div><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 207px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAunaCITuI/AAAAAAAAAe0/NEe4yC8iorw/s400/DSC03024.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287277217070993122\" border=\"0\" /><div><br /></div><div>I don\'t think the dining room at Claud\'s, which has seating for just 12, ever looks much different than it does above. I\'ve never driven by and seen the place any way but packed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sure, I\'d heard of Claud\'s. I\'d heard Midtowners talk about their cravings for the burgers, and I\'d heard lots of Brookside shoppers begging on their cell phones with friends staged at Claud\'s for a milkshake. Somehow, though I have lived in this city for more than 25 years and have driven by or heard about Claud\'s probably hundreds of times, I have arrived seriously late to this party. </div><div><br /></div><div>Better late than never, as I always say. </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAuKOIevdI/AAAAAAAAAek/5Rl7gelcGww/s1600-h/DSC03036.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAuKOIevdI/AAAAAAAAAek/5Rl7gelcGww/s400/DSC03036.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287276715660197330\" border=\"0\" /></a>Tardiness never tasted so good...and juicy and fresh and like it could save my very soul. </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAs-k0pERI/AAAAAAAAAec/FGomXtJJf9M/s1600-h/DSC03052.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAs-k0pERI/AAAAAAAAAec/FGomXtJJf9M/s400/DSC03052.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287275416080945426\" border=\"0\" /></a>To seal the deal, here\'s the ultimate proof that a Claud\'s burger lives up to the raves of the burger proficient in T-Town: take-out orders are written on the bag. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don\'t ask why this validates a burger joint, because I don\'t know. It\'s just one of those constants of the universe. My lunch today, which I will probably dream about tonight, only added to the pile of proof for this theory.  </div><div><br /></div><div>After I was pulled kicking and screaming from the little green-and-white burger stand at 3834 S. Peoria, I ended up sniffing through the coffee selection at Mecca Coffee Company. </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAszz7IaMI/AAAAAAAAAeU/lTubLP73kh8/s1600-h/DSC03037.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAszz7IaMI/AAAAAAAAAeU/lTubLP73kh8/s400/DSC03037.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287275231156136130\" border=\"0\" /></a>And proceeded to purchase several obscure cooking gadgets that I hadn\'t been able to find anywhere else in town. Behold: </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsodl7OMI/AAAAAAAAAeM/q8suqX7fo98/s1600-h/DSC03041.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsodl7OMI/AAAAAAAAAeM/q8suqX7fo98/s400/DSC03041.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287275036183050434\" border=\"0\" /></a>My husband and baby boy stand guard at the gate of my happiness and the source of why I have to spend so much of my time running around the block huffing and puffing, burning calories like a madwoman. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then we mosied over the Purple Glaze, a new favorite hangout of ours. Given the times, we thought our little man could use one of these:</div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsZYRBGTI/AAAAAAAAAeE/z94D6K3O5po/s1600-h/DSC03048.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsZYRBGTI/AAAAAAAAAeE/z94D6K3O5po/s400/DSC03048.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287274777055140146\" border=\"0\" /></a>Is it gender programming that we painted the piggy bank blue? Does the piggy bank look as if it got hold of one of those everlasting gobstoppers with the blueberry pie at the end? Or does the piggy bank just look really surprised and I\'m overthinking all of this? </div><div><br /></div><div>Answer: all of the above. Sorry. </div><div><br /></div><div>We\'re not very good at cruising Brookside without stopping in at <a href=\"http://www.lundebys.com/\">Lundeby\'s</a>, even if it is past a certain someone\'s nap time. </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsLqw74lI/AAAAAAAAAd8/Y2xvBxMNKI8/s1600-h/DSC03054.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsLqw74lI/AAAAAAAAAd8/Y2xvBxMNKI8/s400/DSC03054.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287274541502685778\" border=\"0\" /></a>After Christmas brought an onslaught of walker trucks - four (!) - and toys, books and puzzles, we hit the market for some type of storage solution so our little guy doesn\'t mistake our den for the game room at Incredible Pizza. </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsArSVSnI/AAAAAAAAAd0/-tXYItobQLg/s1600-h/DSC03065.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWAsArSVSnI/AAAAAAAAAd0/-tXYItobQLg/s400/DSC03065.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287274352664201842\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /></div><div>We didn\'t find anything like that at Lundeby\'s today, but don\'t think we made it out of there empty-handed. </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWArw84TxNI/AAAAAAAAAds/xkjsyYeNA7M/s1600-h/DSC03059.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWArw84TxNI/AAAAAAAAAds/xkjsyYeNA7M/s400/DSC03059.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287274082508981458\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Or straight-faced. Actually, straight-faced really hasn\'t been part of our state of being since our baby boy came along. </div><div><br /></div><div>Awww! </div><div><br /></div><div>Want some fresh, earthy, texture-rich bread with that mush? </div><div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SV_9N_84VmI/AAAAAAAAAdk/lY-gFfXlKc8/s1600-h/DSC03068.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SV_9N_84VmI/AAAAAAAAAdk/lY-gFfXlKc8/s400/DSC03068.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287222904503162466\" border=\"0\" /></a><a href=\"http://www.tulsagreatharvest.com/\">Great Harvest Bread Co.</a>, in Tulsa at the Farm Shopping Center on the southeast corner of the 51st and Sheridan intersection, would be a great place to start that search. We stopped by there today and ended up with two loaves of a bread called Dakota, which is chock-full of seeds and nuts. Also try the Cheddar Garlic, and don\'t forget to add the jalapenos. It\'s what any self-respecting Tulsan would do.  </div><div><br /></div><div>After a full and unusual winter day of mild weather and temperatures in the mid-seventies, we\'ll be back to hovering at freezing tomorrow. From what we saw in the outdoor patios lining Brookside and Utica Square, a lot of you got to get out, de-thaw, and enjoy the day as much as we did. </div>','Forgive Me, For I Have Sinned','','publish','open','open','','back-to-brookside-again','','','2009-01-04 00:01:00','2009-01-04 00:01:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=72',0,'post','',9),(73,1,'2009-01-07 15:32:00','2009-01-07 21:32:00','I started college as an architecture major. I\'ve always had a sweet spot for buildings, and I decided as a middle schooler that I wanted to be the mastermind behind at least a few of some really great ones. And, I came from an architecturally inspiring city. Sounds like a recipe for a future architect, right?<br /><br />Well. Once I got into the studio, I quickly realized I\'d have absolutely no time for writing. In fact, I had little time for sleeping, eating and, unfortunately, bathing, let alone writing. Even though in the end I elected to graduate with a degree in <a href=\"http://www.theasa.net/\">American Studies</a>, I still harbor a love of all that is the built environment. I\'m grateful I live in an area where I can still gawk at wonderful structures without having to travel far at all.<br /><br />While I was still a zombified architecture student, my first sketching assignment required I pick three structures from my hometown to pair with three structures on campus and present them on some ever-loving, God-forsaken Strathmore board, which soaks up pencil lead like a devil-sponge and cannot be erased. It has to be very carefully shaved off with an Exacto knife, and if your professor notices what you\'ve done, you can bet you just lost a letter grade.<br /><br />Sorry. Flashbacks.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTT6Gi_wCI/AAAAAAAAAfU/-FIpEKFLEHg/s1600-h/sshouse0001.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 210px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTT6Gi_wCI/AAAAAAAAAfU/-FIpEKFLEHg/s400/sshouse0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288584857583075362\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />This house is in old Sand Springs on the north side of the river. Rumor has it that a husband built it for his wife who, shortly after the house was complete, passed away. I\'m not sure who owns the house now, but I would love to learn more about it and its history. In my opinion, it\'s the most beautiful house west of downtown.<br /><br />Of course, I had to draw <a href=\"http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.travelok.com/graphics/siebel_photos/Activities/1%2B5U%2B6381.jpg&amp;imgrefurl=http://www.travelok.com/toDo/attractionsDetail.asp%3Fid%3D1%2B5U%2B6381&amp;usg=__ZlItJUw-XEIc1gZ5juj7o3WoyD4=&amp;h=375&amp;w=500&amp;sz=38&amp;hl=en&amp;start=4&amp;sig2=41jEnuHgGaHocgBx8cVvig&amp;tbnid=tEtVu0hV3Q11qM:&amp;tbnh=98&amp;tbnw=130&amp;ei=9NhkSeLdGZqctweR3PSCCQ&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dspotlight%2Btheater%2Btulsa,%2BOK%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DG\">this</a>...<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTXrkCi3II/AAAAAAAAAfc/GkvegGbCqBw/s1600-h/spotlight0001.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 205px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTXrkCi3II/AAAAAAAAAfc/GkvegGbCqBw/s400/spotlight0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288589005848501378\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />...at night. I was fearless in college. I was also a good sketcher, apparently, because I got the highest grade in the class on the assignment, whcih was nice since it was pretty much the only assignment I got during architecture school on which I made a grade higher than 79 percent.<br /><br />Even so, I still make a sketch from time to time, especially when I\'m downtown and see things like this:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTMyydwedI/AAAAAAAAAfM/t1edGRbjaII/s1600-h/PhiltowerSmallGrating.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTMyydwedI/AAAAAAAAAfM/t1edGRbjaII/s400/PhiltowerSmallGrating.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288577035351914962\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTLmLwIRhI/AAAAAAAAAfE/sC60jusIrwo/s1600-h/AtlasCeiling.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 358px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWTLmLwIRhI/AAAAAAAAAfE/sC60jusIrwo/s400/AtlasCeiling.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288575719289931282\" border=\"0\" /></a>It\'s images like these that make my fingers itch. Then I start longing for the bright, chilly mornings spent in that architecture studio, working alongside some incredibly talented friends and exercising my creativity and cutting off the tip of my left index finger and splaying blood all over the parts of my final project I\'d already built in <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">Strathmore board</span>.<br /><br />Then I remember that architecture school is for people who eat nails for fun.','My Sordid Past in Sketching','','private','open','open','','my-sordid-past-in-sketching','','','2011-11-14 15:39:28','2011-11-14 21:39:28','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=73',0,'post','',2),(74,1,'2009-01-10 03:36:00','2009-01-10 03:36:00','Today was the perfect day to go to the park.<br /><br /><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWgY7WnCzcI/AAAAAAAAAfs/5VfCryoa_Us/s400/DSC03136.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289505170307337666\" border=\"0\" /><br />The temperatures were mild and clouds kept the sun from glaring down on my little boy\'s head, which, as you could surmise from the many photos of him that I post here, is a second-degree sunburn waiting to happen. Though the parking lot is heinous thanks to construction, the <a href=\"http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/LaFortune.aspx\">LaFortune Park</a> playgrounds (more than half a dozen on the west side of the park) at 51st and Yale are the best picks for play dates in that weird not-quite-Midtown, not-quite-South-or-East-Tulsa zone.<br /><br />As I write this, though, the winds are changing - howling, actually. The high temperature tomorrow should be in the upper 30s.<br /><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWgYN_RcRzI/AAAAAAAAAfk/G8Gu1YcDzwM/s400/DSC03138.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289504390948603698\" border=\"0\" /><br />No play time at the park tomorrow for our little man. Don\'t worry, he\'ll recover.<br /><br />While the weather won\'t be good for swings and sandboxes, it will be perfect for fluffy, hearty, piping-hot pizza.<br /><br />If you haven\'t had a chance to get downtown and give <a href=\"http://www.joemommas.com/\">Joe Momma</a>\'s a try, make a point to do it this weekend while it\'s chilly and your innards need warmin\'.<br /><br />I\'m sorry I said innards. Really, my Papa is the only man cool and Oklahoma enough to use that word.<br /><br />When you get settled in at the uber-urban digs of Joe Momma\'s (112 S. Elgin), make sure to try the Bacon Cheeseburger pizza. It completely disarms the question, \"If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, would it be pizza or cheeseburgers?\" Joe Momma\'s has created a world in which we don\'t have to choose.<div><br /><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWggQuqfBQI/AAAAAAAAAf0/Rl8rMlmh2ms/s400/DSC_0018.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289513234122867970\" border=\"0\" /><br /></div><div>That I don\'t ever have to worry again about making that choice deserves the cheesiest thumbs-up I can muster.<br /><br />Happy weekend, friends! Make sure to get your own photo taken in the big, gold throne at Joe Momma\'s soon.<br /><br /></div>','The Winds, They Are A-Changin\'','','publish','open','open','','winds-they-are-changin','','','2009-01-10 03:36:00','2009-01-10 03:36:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=74',0,'post','',3),(75,1,'2009-01-11 22:08:00','2009-01-11 22:08:00','Last night, rather than collapse into bed and fall asleep on the way down, Aaron and I watched the newest show by <a href=\"http://tulsafilms.com/\">Jack Frank</a>, Tulsa Deco. <div><br /><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 197px; height: 282px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SWpvtDKLqcI/AAAAAAAAAf8/yrhC1S81YX8/s400/img_deco_slip.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290163532032879042\" /><div>Rather than bore you with a minute-by-minute rundown of what you\'ve probably already seen of it on local TV, I\'d rather list my favorite moments. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>I loved the shots of the praying hands that are part of the Boston Avenue Methodist Church building at 13th and Boston. I didn\'t know they were there, and I definitely didn\'t know there were 66 of them. I also didn\'t know the tower of the church was full of workable office space. You can bet I\'ll be doing double-takes all over downtown for the next several months.</li><li>All the snippets of commentary about the Tulsans of the Art Deco era, who built buildings not because they needed space, \"but because they liked to see buildings go up.\" I love hearing about these people who were \"dripping with oil money\" and how their buildings were \"a record of their aspirations and achievements.\" You know, back when most buildings were built to last long enough to do that sort of thing. </li><li>Every time I return to look again at Art Deco architecture, I\'m amazed all over again at the level of detail in the design, especially in office building lobbies. I was glad Frank found an architect who made a specific point about that. Also, so many details featured in the video were new to me. I\'m looking for chances to see in person the ones I\'ve missed.</li><li>To hear the <a href=\"http://philcade.com/\">Philcade</a> had 28 retail stores on its ground floor during the Art Deco era and that downtown Tulsa was considered a huge shopping draw during that time was encouraging and daunting at the same time. I was happy to see <a href=\"http://www.kokoachocolatier.com/index.php\">Steven Howard of KoKoa Chocolatier</a> was featured in the film. I only wish Mary Beth Babcock\'s <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/47\">new Dwelling Spaces mini-boutique</a> had opened a little sooner and could have been featured, too.</li><li>The collection of clips of people Frank talked to about the connection between the <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/index.asp\">BOK Center</a> and Tulsa\'s Art Deco structures were, um, interesting. Several were plainly reaching, saying that the name-brand building brought attention to Tulsa\'s body of architecture as a whole and that the oil barons would be proud of such an architectural marvel. You mean, the same oil barons who built buildings just to see them go up? Who, as someone in the film said, were always trying to prove to the world that they weren\'t just a bunch of Okies? An architect at the end of the segment said, \"As a sculpture, it [the BOK Center] certainly moves your eyes, and it\'s very exciting - as are our art deco buildings. So, there is a connection.\" That was the best guess I heard. I suppose we\'ll keep trying to convince ourselves there\'s a connection for as long as we\'re still trying to convince the world we\'re not just a bunch of Okies.  </li></ol></div><div>Pretty much every time anyone eluded to the notion that modern buildings aren\'t built to the same standard of quality or craftsmanship as were older buildings, Aaron would loudly \"UH-HUH\" or \"HMM\" or \"SEE?!!!\" <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The quality of modern buildings is an especially sore subject for him right now. He has spent his entire winter break from school calking drafts in our half-century-old house while mumbling nasty things about industrialization and urban sprawl and its impact on the quality of structures and that we should just pack up and move <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">right now</span>. But, when a woman who had lived in <a href=\"http://www.tulsapreservationcommission.org/artdeco/buildings/index.pl?id=51\">Westhope</a> came on-screen last night and talked about how Frank Lloyd Wright couldn\'t build a flat roof and that the roof leaked badly in the house, Aaron didn\'t utter a peep. I guess it\'s harder to complain when you live in a drafty, mid-priced house that looks exactly like the one three doors down when you know a Frank Lloyd Wright house that had wet floors and watermarks on the ceilings. </div><div><br /></div><div>Accessibility is what I liked most about Jack Frank\'s Art Deco show. Sometimes architecture may seem easier to appreciate than, say, a painting or an abstract photo because it\'s art we can literally walk through  - it\'s experiential. But, it\'s not always that easy. An onlooker stands back from a painting or a photo and experiences it at once, within the confines of a frame. With architecture, that\'s not possible. A building wraps around whoever enters it, eliminating that ability to stand back to sense and evaluate the piece as we might with images that hang on a wall. </div><div><br /></div><div>See? It gets heady. Frank keeps it real. </div><div><br /></div><div>The video is available for purchase online at <a href=\"http://tulsafilms.com/\">tulsafilms.com</a>, at Steve\'s Sundry, Bank of Oklahoma branches, Walgreens and Quiktrip. </div></div>','Jack Frank Keeps It Real','','publish','open','open','','jack-frank-keeps-it-real','','','2009-01-11 22:08:00','2009-01-11 22:08:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=75',0,'post','',1),(76,1,'2011-01-11 22:15:00','2011-01-12 03:15:00','<object width=\"496\" height=\"304\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/tWNxdpyceEk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/tWNxdpyceEk?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"496\" height=\"304\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\n\"When more than 10,000 spectators walk out the door on the fourth and final night, they are so amazed at what they have seen that they cannot wait to return.\"\r\n\r\nThat\'s just one of the curious things I learned on <a href=\"http://www.chilibowl.com/home.asp?uUrl=1/12/200969724.42\">the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals website</a>, the clearinghouse for info on the event that opened earlier this week at <a href=\"http://www.exposquare.com/\">the QuikTrip Center in Expo Square</a>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[adrotate banner=\"8\"]</p>\r\nBefore we go any further, it\'s time for another one of my infamous confessions. Until I started this blog nearly four years ago, I had no idea what the heck this event was all about or, frankly, why it was so darned exciting. My husband simply explained, \"It\'s like go-cart racing - the dudes from my old unit <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">have</span> to go every year.\"\r\n\r\nNope. Still not getting it.\r\n\r\nBut then I read more on the Chili Bowl site:\r\n\r\n\"...these Nationals are known simply as the Chili Bowl: racing\'s winter answer to football\'s Super Bowl.\"\r\n\r\n\"The Chili Bowl\'s key ingredient is the clay which once covered the adjacent fairgrounds. Without sun or wind to harm it, the indoor garden (roughly a quarter-mile circle) is heavily saturated so that the boldest dirt track artists of our time can truly shine.\"\r\n\r\n\"...thousands and thousands of methanol-starved fans are ready to call Tulsa, and the QuikTrip Center\'s Tulsa Expo Raceway in particular, home for a few days.\"\r\n\r\nAnd then I hopped on YouTube:\r\n\r\n<object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AXAAaHa4-kg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AXAAaHa4-kg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object>\r\n\r\nThat? That\'s pretty rad, right there.\r\n\r\nI am totally out of touch when it comes to racing. I have to admit, though, that I\'d get pretty riled up seeing nearly 300 Sprint Cars, Midgets, Late Models, Modifieds and Drag Racers speeding around a quarter-mile clay track <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">all at the same time</span>.\r\n\r\nThey do all race <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">at the same time</span>, right, guys?\r\n\r\nRight? Just say yes. I need a yes on this.\r\n\r\nPlus, the economic impact of this event to Tulsa is pretty huge - we\'re talking an estimated $15 million in direct spending, <a href=\"http://www.chilibowl.com/pr011110update.asp\">according to Congressman John Sullivan and Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett</a>, putting Chili Bowl on the short list of the most meaningful annual events hosted by our city to Tulsa\'s bottom line.\r\n\r\nQualifying races started last night, and it all ends with the Chili Bowl Championship feature events on Saturday, Jan. 15. Hundreds of race cars aside, the Chili Bowl also features a 20,000-square-foot trade show, which is open each day free of charge. Check <a href=\"http://www.chilibowl.com/\">the Chili Bowl site</a> for times.\r\n\r\nAnd be sure to check in at <a href=\"http://www.chilibowl.com/\">ChiliBowl.com</a> as the week progresses for nightly race results.\r\n\r\nAlso be sure to take pity on me and my heretofore methanol-free existence.\r\n\r\n<em>Updated from a post that appeared here on TDT in January 2009.</em>','Chili Bowl Midget Nationals: I Am Methanol-Starved','Be sure to take pity on me and my heretofore methanol-free existence.','publish','open','open','','chili-bowl-midget-nationals-2011-tulsa','','','2011-01-11 23:25:14','2011-01-12 04:25:14','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=76',0,'post','',2),(77,1,'2009-01-15 14:31:00','2009-01-15 14:31:00','It\'s snowing in Green Country this morning. I\'m not sure if it\'s the first snow this winter, but it\'s the first one since our little man has been old enough to notice something is...<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SW9I0_VFbKI/AAAAAAAAAgM/UD6T-qp3UsU/s1600-h/DSC03152.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SW9I0_VFbKI/AAAAAAAAAgM/UD6T-qp3UsU/s400/DSC03152.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291528162373889186\" border=\"0\" /></a>...different.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SW9I7Ob6DII/AAAAAAAAAgU/tfSIkLelrSo/s1600-h/DSC03155.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SW9I7Ob6DII/AAAAAAAAAgU/tfSIkLelrSo/s400/DSC03155.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5291528269508250754\" border=\"0\" /></a>Just wait until March, little man. You ain\'t seen a real Oklahoma snow yet.<br /><br />Not that Oklahomans know much about snow, but we\'ll claim what we can get.<br /><br />There\'s no need to pull out the chains yet, folks. Have a good one anyway!','Baby\'s First Snow Day','','publish','open','open','','babys-first-snow-day','','','2009-01-15 14:31:00','2009-01-15 14:31:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=77',0,'post','',3),(78,1,'2010-10-19 11:00:00','2010-10-19 16:00:00','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-3104\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/gardners-used-books/3319910577_e97c07b4af/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3104\" title=\"Gardner\'s Used Books\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/3319910577_e97c07b4af.jpg\" alt=\"Gardner\'s Used Books\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThere\'s a place, just south of the B.A. Expressway on Mingo, that is a weird-yet-wonderful capital of all things pleasing to book, music and movie lovers, and to collectors, too.\r\n\r\nThe place I\'m talking about is <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page266.htm\">Gardner\'s Used Books and Music</a>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[adrotate group=\"2\" banner=\"8\"]</p>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKZH-CiJNI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ciy63EPnamM/s1600-h/DSC03330.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292460874305512658\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKZH-CiJNI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ciy63EPnamM/s400/DSC03330.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe store boasts a collection of nearly two million gently used books, all shelved by category and sprawling across a space of about a half-acre.\r\n\r\nThe two photos above are of just one shelf in the literature section and the section of books on local topics, respectively. There\'s so, so much more.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYp4U8fnI/AAAAAAAAAhU/_puwxWGsYl4/s1600-h/DSC03335.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292460357376048754\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYp4U8fnI/AAAAAAAAAhU/_puwxWGsYl4/s400/DSC03335.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWant paperbacks? Head to Gardner\'s, where you can stock up on everything from Stephen King to naughty romance novels for next to nothing.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-3105\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/gardners-used-books/3320740080_620fdfb732/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3105\" title=\"Gardner\'s Used Books\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/3320740080_620fdfb732.jpg\" alt=\"Gardner\'s Used Books\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCalling all comic books fans! And fans of CDs, DVDs, Blu Ray and a variety of collectibles, including dolls and bells.\r\n\r\nYes, bells. Thousands of them.\r\n\r\nIt\'s a lot to peruse, and it could take all day - several days, in fact. But the only reason you\'ll have to leave is if you get sleepy; breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and snacks and basically all of the sustenance you\'ll need for rooting around through miles of bookshelves are available at <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page527.htm\">Gatsby\'s Grill</a>.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-3103\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/gardners-used-books/dsc00669/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3103\" title=\"Gatsby\'s Grill\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/DSC00669.jpg\" alt=\"Gatsby\'s Grill\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/hungry-check-out-gatsbys-for-breakfast/\">Which is best at breakfast, in my opinion</a>. That\'s when you can get this giant breakfast sandwich and this mound of thickly grated hash browns and a cup of coffee for less than $5.\r\n\r\nNo, really. Under $5. I wouldn\'t kid you about such things.\r\n\r\nJust when you\'re coddling your coffee and you think you\'ve seen all there is to see, this opens up from a dark corner in the cafe:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYSJpk-RI/AAAAAAAAAhE/y-El9AOBA9c/s1600-h/DSC03338.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459949709130002\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYSJpk-RI/AAAAAAAAAhE/y-El9AOBA9c/s400/DSC03338.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe gateway to a heaven of obscure and often hilarious books on everything from accounting to weight loss.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYJsOKPxI/AAAAAAAAAg8/NkG23r33WZE/s1600-h/DSC03339.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459804370550546\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYJsOKPxI/AAAAAAAAAg8/NkG23r33WZE/s400/DSC03339.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is the section of books on food and cooking, where I found titles such as \"Woman\'s Day Encyclopedia of Cookery Vol. 5,\" copyright 1966, and \"Whirlpool\'s Micro Menus Cookbook,\" copyright sometime during the days when microwaves the size of my conventional oven were going to save us all from the treachery of the kitchen.\r\n\r\nGardner\'s runs specials on books, music, movies and other do-dads all the time. <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page377.htm\">Be sure to check here for the latest deals</a>.\r\n\r\nAnother thing? Gardner\'s isn\'t just a place to buy stuff. It\'s a place to sell stuff, too. <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page463.htm\">Check out their book trade and sell policy</a> - who knows, you might have a valuable jewel you\'d be willing to part with in exchange for cash or, even better, more books.\r\n\r\nAnd remember Gardner\'s when you\'re shopping for gifts this Christmas, too. <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/12/tdt-holiday-gift-guide-gardners-used/\">Here are some good (and weird, though nonetheless convincing) reasons why</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXrRsqwkI/AAAAAAAAAgs/vSd37A9tHrY/s1600-h/DSC03347.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459281854677570\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXrRsqwkI/AAAAAAAAAgs/vSd37A9tHrY/s400/DSC03347.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI love children\'s books. I promise I\'ll never write one, though. The children\'s book section at Gardner\'s proves the world needs not more by anyone still living. The best ones were written (and illustrated) when my parents were kids.\r\n\r\nBut, that\'s just one blogger\'s opinion.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXcZWfV6I/AAAAAAAAAgc/wdGLD6ZT18E/s1600-h/DSC03351.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459026211100578\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXcZWfV6I/AAAAAAAAAgc/wdGLD6ZT18E/s400/DSC03351.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nEven so, when our little one was 11 months old, he found a late model at Gardner\'s he just <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">had to have</span>. So, he threw his first-ever public fit in the floor of the children\'s book section.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXjTk-gxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Y8NckSI4iSw/s1600-h/DSC03354.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459144920335122\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXjTk-gxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Y8NckSI4iSw/s400/DSC03354.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd he won.\r\n\r\nAnd we lost. Forever.\r\n\r\nBut if it means being begged for more trips to Gardner\'s Used Books, where children\'s books are always buy one, get on free, then that\'s one battle I\'m willing to lose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gardner\'s Used Books</strong>\r\nWhere: 4421 S. Mingo Road\r\nWhen: Monday-Friday, 7am-8pm; Saturday, 8am-8pm; Sunday, 12-6pm\r\nCall: (918) 627-7323\r\nWeb: <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page266.htm\">GardnersBooks.com</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Revised from the original post on Jan. 18, 2009.</em>','When I Need to Be Around Millions of Books','There\'s a place, just south of the B.A. Expressway on Mingo, that is a weird-yet-wonderful capital of all things pleasing to book, music and movie lovers, and to collectors, too.','publish','open','open','','gardners-used-books','','http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/hungry-check-out-gatsbys-for-breakfast/\nhttp://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/12/tdt-holiday-gift-guide-gardners-used/','2010-10-19 12:18:44','2010-10-19 17:18:44','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=78',0,'post','',14),(3107,1,'2010-10-19 12:17:10','2010-10-19 17:17:10','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-3104\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/01/when-i-need-to-be-around-millions-of/3319910577_e97c07b4af/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3104\" title=\"Gardner\'s Used Books\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/3319910577_e97c07b4af.jpg\" alt=\"Gardner\'s Used Books\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThere\'s a place, just south of the B.A. Expressway on Mingo, that is a weird-yet-wonderful capital of all things pleasing to book, music and movie lovers, and to collectors, too.\r\n\r\nThe place I\'m talking about is <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page266.htm\">Gardner\'s Used Books and Music</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKZH-CiJNI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ciy63EPnamM/s1600-h/DSC03330.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292460874305512658\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKZH-CiJNI/AAAAAAAAAhk/Ciy63EPnamM/s400/DSC03330.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe store boasts a collection of nearly two million gently used books, all shelved by category and sprawling across a space of about a half-acre.\r\n\r\nThe two photos above are of just one shelf in the literature section and the section of books on local topics, respectively. There\'s so, so much more.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYp4U8fnI/AAAAAAAAAhU/_puwxWGsYl4/s1600-h/DSC03335.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292460357376048754\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYp4U8fnI/AAAAAAAAAhU/_puwxWGsYl4/s400/DSC03335.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWant paperbacks? Head to Gardner\'s, where you can stock up on everything from Stephen King to naughty romance novels for next to nothing.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/01/when-i-need-to-be-around-millions-of/3320740080_620fdfb732/\" rel=\"attachment wp-att-3105\"><img src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/3320740080_620fdfb732.jpg\" alt=\"Gardner&#039;s Used Books\" title=\"Gardner&#039;s Used Books\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3105\" /></a>\r\n\r\nCalling all comic books fans! And fans of CDs, DVDs, Blu Ray and a variety of collectibles, including dolls and bells.\r\n\r\nYes, bells. Thousands of them.\r\n\r\nIt\'s a lot to peruse, and it could take all day - several days, in fact. But the only reason you\'ll have to leave is if you get sleepy; breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and snacks and basically all of the sustenance you\'ll need for rooting around through miles of bookshelves are available at <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page527.htm\">Gatsby\'s Grill</a>.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-3103\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/01/when-i-need-to-be-around-millions-of/dsc00669/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3103\" title=\"Gatsby\'s Grill\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/DSC00669.jpg\" alt=\"Gatsby\'s Grill\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/hungry-check-out-gatsbys-for-breakfast/\">Which is best at breakfast, in my opinion</a>. That\'s when you can get this giant breakfast sandwich and this mound of thickly grated hash browns and a cup of coffee for less than $5.\r\n\r\nNo, really. Under $5. I wouldn\'t kid you about such things.\r\n\r\nJust when you\'re coddling your coffee and you think you\'ve seen all there is to see, this opens up from a dark corner in the cafe:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYSJpk-RI/AAAAAAAAAhE/y-El9AOBA9c/s1600-h/DSC03338.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459949709130002\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYSJpk-RI/AAAAAAAAAhE/y-El9AOBA9c/s400/DSC03338.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe gateway to a heaven of obscure and often hilarious books on everything from accounting to weight loss.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYJsOKPxI/AAAAAAAAAg8/NkG23r33WZE/s1600-h/DSC03339.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459804370550546\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKYJsOKPxI/AAAAAAAAAg8/NkG23r33WZE/s400/DSC03339.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is the section of books on food and cooking, where I found titles such as \"Woman\'s Day Encyclopedia of Cookery Vol. 5,\" copyright 1966, and \"Whirlpool\'s Micro Menus Cookbook,\" copyright sometime during the days when microwaves the size of my conventional oven were going to save us all from the treachery of the kitchen.\r\n\r\nGardner\'s runs specials on books, music, movies and other do-dads all the time. <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page377.htm\">Be sure to check here for the latest deals</a>.\r\n\r\nAnother thing? Gardner\'s isn\'t just a place to buy stuff. It\'s a place to sell stuff, too. <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page463.htm\">Check out their book trade and sell policy</a> - who knows, you might have a valuable jewel you\'d be willing to part with in exchange for cash or, even better, more books.\r\n\r\nAnd remember Gardner\'s when you\'re shopping for gifts this Christmas, too. <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/12/tdt-holiday-gift-guide-gardners-used/\">Here are some good (and weird, though nonetheless convincing) reasons why</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXrRsqwkI/AAAAAAAAAgs/vSd37A9tHrY/s1600-h/DSC03347.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459281854677570\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXrRsqwkI/AAAAAAAAAgs/vSd37A9tHrY/s400/DSC03347.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI love children\'s books. I promise I\'ll never write one, though. The children\'s book section at Gardner\'s proves the world needs not more by anyone still living. The best ones were written (and illustrated) when my parents were kids.\r\n\r\nBut, that\'s just one blogger\'s opinion.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXcZWfV6I/AAAAAAAAAgc/wdGLD6ZT18E/s1600-h/DSC03351.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459026211100578\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXcZWfV6I/AAAAAAAAAgc/wdGLD6ZT18E/s400/DSC03351.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nEven so, when our little one was 11 months old, he found a late model at Gardner\'s he just <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">had to have</span>. So, he threw his first-ever public fit in the floor of the children\'s book section.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXjTk-gxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Y8NckSI4iSw/s1600-h/DSC03354.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292459144920335122\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXKXjTk-gxI/AAAAAAAAAgk/Y8NckSI4iSw/s400/DSC03354.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd he won.\r\n\r\nAnd we lost. Forever.\r\n\r\nBut if it means being begged for more trips to Gardner\'s Used Books, where children\'s books are always buy one, get on free, then that\'s one battle I\'m willing to lose.\r\n\r\n<strong>Gardner\'s Used Books</strong>\r\nWhere: 4421 S. Mingo Road\r\nWhen: Monday-Friday, 7am-8pm; Saturday, 8am-8pm; Sunday, 12-6pm\r\nCall: (918) 627-7323\r\nWeb: <a href=\"http://www.gardnersbooks.com/index_files/Page266.htm\">GardnersBooks.com</a>\r\n\r\n<em>Revised from the original post on Jan. 18, 2009.</em>','When I Need to Be Around Millions of Books','There\'s a place, just south of the B.A. Expressway on Mingo, that is a weird-yet-wonderful capital of all things pleasing to book, music and movie lovers, and to collectors, too.','inherit','open','open','','78-revision-2','','','2010-10-19 12:17:10','2010-10-19 17:17:10','',78,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/78-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(79,1,'2009-01-19 14:01:00','2009-01-19 14:01:00','Does anyone else feel particularly energized this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day? We do. What historic two days lie ahead for us. <div><br /></div><div>Sadly, we can\'t make it to kick things off at the <a href=\"http://www.mlkgrandeparade.org/\">MLK parade</a> through the Greenwood district this morning. Thankfully, <a href=\"http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/0109/586858.html\">KTUL Channel 8 will be broadcasting it on the tele-tube</a>. Tune in or set the DVR for 10 a.m. Yes, you can! </div>','Happy MLK Day!','','publish','open','open','','happy-mlk-day','','','2009-01-19 14:01:00','2009-01-19 14:01:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=79',0,'post','',1),(80,1,'2009-01-19 16:27:00','2009-01-19 16:27:00','As I sit here watching <a href=\"http://tashadoestulsa.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-mlk-day.html\">the MLK Jr. Day parade in Greenwood</a> on <a href=\"http://www.typros.org/events.asp?id=398&amp;eventsid=971&amp;tempdate=1/1/2009\">KTUL Channel 8</a>, I\'m already thinking about the inauguration tomorrow. <div><br /></div><div>For those who will be watching from Tulsa, here is a list of local inauguration events and watch parties: </div><div><ul><li><a href=\"http://tulsainauguralball.wordpress.com/\">Inaugural Watch Party and Inaugural Ball</a>, hosted by <a href=\"http://greenwoodculturalcenter.com/\">Greenwood Cultural Center</a><br /></li><li>Free, live broadcast of inaugural events in D.C. at <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">Circle Cinema</a>, complete with concessions<br /></li><li><a href=\"http://www.typros.org/events.asp?id=398&amp;eventsid=971&amp;tempdate=1/1/2009\">Inaugural breakfast and watch party at Leon\'s on Brookside</a> with <a href=\"http://typros.org/\">Tulsa\'s Young Professionals</a><br /></li><li>UPDATE/Inauguration Watch Party at <a href=\"http://www.okeq.org/\">Dennis R. Neill Equality Center</a>; festivities begin at 8 a.m.</li></ul></div><div>If you don\'t see your favorite event listed here, please leave details in the comments. I\'ll update this post until go-time tomorrow. Televised ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. Tulsa time. </div>','Inauguration Events in Tulsa','','publish','open','open','','inauguration-events-in-tulsa','','','2009-01-19 16:27:00','2009-01-19 16:27:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=80',0,'post','',0),(81,1,'2009-01-22 13:12:00','2009-01-22 13:12:00','Know what gives me cold sweats? The prospect of waking up one day to realize we haven\'t saved a penny for our son\'s college education.<div> <br /><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhyK7b6daI/AAAAAAAAAjk/W2zkCNJzvdk/s400/DSC03427.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294106894053045666\" border=\"0\" />Thanks to this piggy bank Aaron and I have spent three weekend afternoons at <a href=\"http://purpleglazestudio.com/\">Purple Glaze</a> painting and perfecting and casting fertility spells over, we worry no more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Figuratively speaking, that is. This little guy doesn\'t even take quarters.</div><div><br /></div><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhyAj8HQwI/AAAAAAAAAjc/JxlBQAyHi34/s400/DSC03428.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294106715946959618\" border=\"0\" /><div> But, I\'m pretty sure he\'s the cutest college savings plan <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">ever</span>.</div><div><br /></div><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhx1QRsuSI/AAAAAAAAAjU/zjLpFm4xQ5E/s400/DSC03429.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294106521690224930\" border=\"0\" /><div>This piggy bank, made by his father and me with love and striving for a hard-working, frugally minded child, is a gift for our not-so-baby man for his first birthday. May he never bust it open to buy dirty magazines or cigarettes or...or...ugh, I\'m ready to stop thinking about this. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were hardly done birthday shopping for the evening, so we headed downtown to:</div><div><br /></div><div><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 273px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhxqiqPbII/AAAAAAAAAjM/ZCAQT1YAMqU/s400/DSC03430.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294106337646439554\" border=\"0\" /><a href=\"http://dwellingspaces.net/\">Dwelling Spaces</a>, our shrine of all that is local and handmade and just plain cool stuff. It\'s no secret that Dwelling Spaces, at 119 S. Detroit downtown, ranks in the upper echelon of hip Tulsa retailers. Even so, and somehow, it was Aaron\'s first time in. </div><div><br /><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhxXX0r44I/AAAAAAAAAjE/6Rn7jtwLGWE/s400/DSC03431.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294106008319943554\" border=\"0\" /><div>I love to just be in this store. The lighting and all the colors give me that happy, I-want-to-buy-everything-in-this-ever-loving-place feeling. </div><div><br /><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhxIFeDEwI/AAAAAAAAAi8/3PFsc_DqDWg/s400/DSC03433.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294105745695118082\" border=\"0\" /><div style=\"text-align: left;\">For all you dudes and dudettes who need a little help with Valentine\'s Day gifting, Dwelling Spaces has made it easy. Just visit the table of red and pink stuff at the front of the store. <br /></div></div><div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">While we wanted to blow a couple of Benjamins on some of the <a href=\"http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendID=325280289\">Okie Grown</a> and <a href=\"http://www.alessi.com/en/\">Alessi stuff</a> (total stock 20 percent off right now!) we saw on this table, we settled on Ice Bat, the doll from <a href=\"http://www.uglydolls.com/\">the Uglydoll collection</a> we\'ve been meaning to snag for our little one for quite some time now.</div><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhw4NTPhrI/AAAAAAAAAi0/Ka_-KiUlWMg/s400/DSC03434.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294105472919373490\" border=\"0\" />Think he likes it? <img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXhwyOfmSJI/AAAAAAAAAis/qXtBD0Fm3yg/s400/DSC03435.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294105370160416914\" border=\"0\" />Maybe just a little. He\'s been dragging Ice Bat (In Baby Man language: \"AAAYYYEEEE!\") all over the house since we got home with it. </div><div><br /></div><div>See, we\'re in this bad habit of trying to be in the good habit of shopping early for his presents and then buying everything so early that we can\'t wait until whatever holiday we\'re supposed to be stashing for to give them to him. Such is what happened with Ice Bat.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wish someone would go to Dwelling Spaces and buy this early as a Valentine\'s Day present for me and then not be able to wait to give it to me, like, right now: </div><div><br /></div><div><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 316px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXiGJGdC2tI/AAAAAAAAAjs/5aO4ukoc-Us/s400/316.png.jpeg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294128852883397330\" /></div><div>Not that this is a hint for a certain someone or anything. Did I mention it\'s 20 percent off? I did? Okay. Just making sure. </div><div><br /></div><div>While at Dwelling Spaces, I also managed to procure my first-ever <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/45\">I Heart Tulsa shirt</a>. I <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">know</span>! How the heck have I gotten by without one? Rather than bother ourselves with that little quandary, let\'s ask, <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">\"Why hasn\'t anyone gifted me one?\"</span> Punks. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, I know you love me. If you didn\'t, then why would <a href=\"http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/index.html\">this blog have been nominated again this year for an Okie Blog Award</a>? TDT is in the Best Culture Blog category again (we won it last year), as is my other blog, <a href=\"http://mylifeastoldbyfood.blogspot.com/\">My Life As Told By Food</a>, which I started just before Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>We here at TDT and MLaTbF know you have a choice when you\'re looking to distract yourself at work, home and in the car (shout out to the RSS subscribers on iPhone!), so thanks to all for choosing to distracting yourselves with these blogs. Congratulations to every Okie blogger out there nominated for an award this year! </div><div><br /></div></div>','DIY and Indie Gifting, 1st Birthday Edition','','publish','open','open','','diy-and-indie-gifting-1st-birthday','','','2009-01-22 13:12:00','2009-01-22 13:12:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=81',0,'post','',5),(82,1,'2009-01-24 14:38:00','2009-01-24 20:38:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"156\" src=\"http://krmg.com/MARKET/images/resized/hgslogo-200_200.jpg\" width=\"200\" style=\"border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; \" /><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">My favorite thing about the Green Country Home &amp; Garden Show is the price of parking and admission: $0. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I\'m not a big home fixer-upper type, and when I think about gardening, I can only lament my inability to grow even the most user-friendly plants and herbs. A free home and garden show is perfect for someone like me with a low comprehension of all that is pretty dwellings and \"outdoor living spaces,\" as well as for anyone with a tight home improvement budget (read: every homeowner who has managed to stay in a home - who cares if the lights are off and the air is a bit chilly?). </div><div><div><br /></div><div>The 2009 show got its start yesterday afternoon and opened for the weekend at 9 this morning. The 6,000-square-foot Exchange Center at Expo Square, at 4145 E. 21st St., is filled with more than 100 exhibitors displaying and demonstrating the newest and hottest services for home improvement and repair, remodeling, gardening, landscaping, lawn care, home insulation and energy conservation, home security, home furnishings and more. Look also for coupons and giveaways throughout the event, including a drawing for a $5,000 Lowe\'s gift card. </div><div><br /></div><div>Festival hours are today, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and tomorrow 11 a.m.-5 p.m. See <a href=\"http://krmg.com/markets/tulsa/homegardenshow/exhibitorslist.html\">a list of the 2009 exhibitors here</a>. Event information from Tulsa\'s own <a href=\"http://krmg.com/\">krmg.com</a>. </div><div><br /></div></div></div>','Free Fun: Green Country Home &amp; Garden Show','','private','open','open','','free-fun-green-country-home-garden-show','','','2011-04-15 06:06:36','2011-04-15 12:06:36','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=82',0,'post','',0),(83,1,'2009-01-24 17:11:00','2009-01-24 17:11:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXtT9oAQhII/AAAAAAAAAj0/jKITrJKBtiA/s1600-h/DSC01893-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SXtT9oAQhII/AAAAAAAAAj0/jKITrJKBtiA/s400/DSC01893-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294918105079776386\" border=\"0\" /></a>At about this time of year, I begin to long for those succulent, juicy, home-grown peaches for which this part of the country is famous. I can\'t help myself. The weather has been gray and cold for months. The thought of how the juices drip down my chin when I bite into a soft, ripe peach gets me through the days when the wind chaps my cheeks and the thought of having to bundle up in scarves and boots for one more day makes me <a href=\"http://tashadoestulsa.blogspot.com/2009/01/when-i-need-to-be-around-millions-of.html\">whine like a baby in a bookstore</a>.<br /><br />I\'m glad to know I\'m not the only one who daydreams about fresh (I mean, <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">really</span> fresh) produce during the last leg of winter.<br /><br />From the <a href=\"http://www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com/\">Cherry Street Farmers Market</a> newsletter, dated yesterday: <div><br /></div><div>The winter weather moving in this weekend may make farmers\' market season seem a long time away, but the Cherry Street Farmers\' Market vendors are thinking spring, spring, spring!...<br /><br />Our market is participating, along with many other organizations, in a first annual \"Local Foods Week\" June 15-21, sponsored by <a href=\"http://www.kerrcenter.com/buy-fresh.htm\">Buy Fresh Buy Local Oklahoma</a>...<br /><br />We hope to see each and every one of you at our first market. Here are the opening dates - mark your calendars now:<br /><br /><u>Saturday Market</u><br />15th and Peoria<br />Opens second Saturday in April<br />Closes first Saturday in October<br />7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.<br />Opening day: April 11<br /><br /><u>Wednesday Market</u><br />41st and Peoria<br />Opens first Wednesday in May<br />Closes third Wednesday in October<br />8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.<br />Opening day: May 6<br /><br /><img src=\"file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Husband/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"\" /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarking/display/608047a3-6fb8-4fe1-8cbd-a20928a53f6a.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarking/display/608047a3-6fb8-4fe1-8cbd-a20928a53f6a.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />The events advertised in this first Cherry Street Farmers Market e-mail of the year - including a local food forum later this month, a Tulsa County OSU-Extension Canning Class next month and a market gardening class at the OSU-Extension - will be posted on the TDT calendar in the sidebar.<br /><br />Have a look and pick an activity or two. Everything we do to support Tulsa\'s farmers markets enriches them and helps them to grow in this really yummy and healthful version of the old adage, \"What comes around, goes around.\"<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style: italic;font-size:85%;\" >Second photo from <a href=\"http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMQMD\">waymarking.com</a>.</span><br /></div>','This Just in From Cherry Street Farmers Market','','publish','open','open','','this-just-in-from-cherry-street-farmers','','','2009-01-24 17:11:00','2009-01-24 17:11:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=83',0,'post','',5),(84,1,'2009-01-27 01:49:00','2009-01-27 01:49:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SX55Q8itpUI/AAAAAAAAAkU/xQRgZLGnFeo/s1600-h/Icestorm07_corner.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SX55Q8itpUI/AAAAAAAAAkU/xQRgZLGnFeo/s400/Icestorm07_corner.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295803543870874946\" border=\"0\" /></a>It\'s Ice Storm 2009, so I thought some of you out there might need a few ideas on how to spend the next couple of days, which threaten to be a bore from h-e-double hockey sticks.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">1. Go to work against all good advice.</span> Travel the treacherous roads home for lunch. Mid-way through your grilled cheese sandwich, notice your car has slid from the driveway out into the middle of the very busy street on which you live, looking very innocent and lost and wanting. Not that that has actually ever happened, because it has. <div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">2. If the power goes out, make plans to spend the </span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">night at the office.</span> Bring Family Guy box sets and a tent. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">3. Go to Wal-Mart.</span> Buy canned soup, frozen pizza, oatmeal, kitty litter, sidewalk salt and ice scrapers - that is, if there is still an inventory of these items. Get trampled by a crowd scared witless of being stranded or without power for a few days. Or, just hang out, especially if the power is out at your place. I recommend the spontaneous Guitar Hero tourneys in electronics. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">4. Drive like this guy:</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>\"If you don\'t know how to drive in bad weather, then keep your butt at home. YOU ARE THE REASON ACCIDENTS HAPPEN! Snow, rain, and ice are one thing, but dodging idiot drivers that don\'t know how to drive in it and are going way too slow is almost impossible. I\'ll give you a hint the gas pedal is on the right side and you push on it with your foot. Roads were not made to go 5 mph on. Learn how to drive or don\'t drive at all. That\'s why we have public transportation. It\'s for idiots that don\'t know how to drive.\"</div><div><br /></div><div>From an actual Myspace bulletin. No, seriously. These people exist. Worse, they share the roads on which our kids travel in school buses. God help us all.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">5. Thinking it\'ll be all sexy, sleep next to the fi</span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">replace.</span> Wake up with the mother of all headaches and stumble around for awhile, unable to process any thought. Call 911 immediately, because you have carbon monoxide poisoning. </div><div><br /></div><div>I\'m not making fun of carbon monoxide poisoning; I mean, I don\'t really mean to. It\'s the silent killer, and it could happen completely without your knowing. If you have a detector, give it a test tonight before you turn in. If not, <a href=\"http://www.tulsaredcross.org/redcross/Carbon_Monoxide_Safety.asp?SnID=8737\">follow these precautions</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">6. Don\'t bathe for three days.</span> Better, use wet wipes.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Wait. I just went three days without bathing, and I got started on that before I even heard this ice storm was coming. But hey, don\'t get all mad - I didn\'t come up with the benefits of being a work-at-home mom. Did you know that if you routinely go 2-3 days without washing your hair, it stops getting greasy? Fun fact. Hire me! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">7. Burrow in that friend from work\'s apartment with some of their friends and also some of </span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">their</span></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\"> friends, because that apartment is the only dwelling within a 15-mile radius with electricity. </span>Inadvertently poison everyone with a giant vat of chicken chili that sat in a non-functioning refrigerator for longer than you thought. Then don\'t feel as bad about it because those friends of your friends are probably the worst people ever, and there\'s nothing wrong with giving these types of people a little stinky chicken. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">8. Anticipate the yard work</span>, which in some cases will keep everyone in a large family occupied until August.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SX54mHOiiUI/AAAAAAAAAkM/YrfatNou_gg/s1600-h/DSC00239.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SX54mHOiiUI/AAAAAAAAAkM/YrfatNou_gg/s400/DSC00239.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295802808004675906\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SX54XMy0WiI/AAAAAAAAAkE/cwcy25vHhA8/s1600-h/DSC00240.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SX54XMy0WiI/AAAAAAAAAkE/cwcy25vHhA8/s400/DSC00240.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295802551800977954\" border=\"0\" /></a>See the dented hood on that classic, irreplaceable car? It was smashed by a snapped tree limb during the 2007 ice storm. See the piles of limbs and twigs? And the forest of split trees and downed limbs over yonder?<br /></div><div><br />It all has to be cleaned up for the springtime yard party season, and that\'s reason enough to encourage your kids to get jobs in Tulsa. Find ways in which to scare your junior-in-college offspring out of the bright lights of Houston or Dallas - mention the crime rates or pollution or something. You\'ll need those bodies for moving tree limbs after these winter ice storms. The closer the little birds live to the nest, the easier they are to con into performing manual labor while you \"delegate.\" </div><div><br /></div><div>Don\'t say I never offered up a way to stop Tulsa\'s brain drain.We need more people to stay here who don\'t write things like \"over yonder.\" And we do love our springtime yard parties.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">9. Compare stories from last year\'s ice storm with other victims.</span> Endlessly. Everywhere you go. At every turn. Did I say endlessly? Endlessly. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">10. Ask unwitting souls what they do for fun during an Oklahoma ice storm.</span> Aaron has this theory about what most people do when it\'s icy and the power fails, but he hasn\'t gotten around to charting 2008 births to see if there was a surge in late summer and thus proving his hunch. I prefer to hop on Facebook and <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tashadoestulsa\">Twitter</a> than to theorize.</div><div><br /></div><div>\"Amuse myself with the overreaction of the general public.\"</div><div>\"Clean the house! Yep, it\'s actually fun for me since I don\'t have time to do it too often.\" </div><div>\"Light a fire, pour some wine and blast the stereo (while saying prayers over and over that the huge birch tree in my backyard doesn\'t fall on the house).\"</div><div>\"I sit and shiver in the dark for 13 days.\" </div><div>\"Curl up in bed under as many covers as possible with all my animals (and fiance) and read and sip hot tea or other beverages.\"</div><div><br /></div><div>Hm. I think I prefer to trick myself into thinking there might be substance to my husband\'s theory. It\'s certainly more exciting than picturing all of you shivering and house cleaning. Not that you don\'t look good doing it. I\'m just sayin\'.<br /><br /><br />Yet another thing to do on your break from battening down the hatches is to check to see if the events for the next couple of days on the TDT calendar are still on. Do it before you brave the roads, not on your iPhone en route. Okay? Be safe, and stay warm. And sexy.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>UPDATE//<a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/2009/01/ice-storm-2009.html\">Another ice storm post</a>. The photos are pretty much unbelievable. </div><div> </div>','Ten Things to Do During an Oklahoma Ice Storm','','publish','open','open','','ten-things-to-do-during-oklahoma-ice','','','2009-01-27 01:49:00','2009-01-27 01:49:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=84',0,'post','',8),(85,1,'2009-01-28 16:14:00','2009-01-28 16:14:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYCZmsOOf1I/AAAAAAAAAkg/kKwnpNjZ4jM/s1600-h/DSC03508-1.JPG\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296402051772612434\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYCZmsOOf1I/AAAAAAAAAkg/kKwnpNjZ4jM/s400/DSC03508-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>I\'m still burrowed in here at the house, thanks to the snow and ice. Not that today is different from most days, since I tend to be a burrower no matter what\'s going on outside, but still.\r\n<div>As a result, I\'ve had some time to really comb through the <a href=\"http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/index.html\">2008 Okie Blog Award nominees</a>, and I want to let you TDT readers know about a few blogs I really like but have somehow flown under my radar - until now.</div>\r\n<div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Oh, the mommy blogs. </span>Because I need (a lot of) reassurance that I\'m not crazy and that I\'m not doing everything absolutely, totally, completely, 100-percent wrong.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/\">Rocks in My Dryer</a>, nom\'d for best overall blog, best family blog and best writing blog. Duh.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://mariawj.blogspot.com/\">A Piece of My Mind</a>, nom\'d for best writing. I love crunchy hippie chick moms.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://blitherevival.blogspot.com/\">Blithe Revival</a>, for best family blog. Great writing.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://emeryjo.blogspot.com/\">moms are for everyone</a>, for best family blog. Lots of new baby love happening in this woman\'s house. Ah, those are some great days. Plus, I love that the bloggers at moms are for everyone and Blithe Revival are buds. Maybe one day my blogger buddies (<a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/\">here</a>, <a href=\"http://isaacsmomhw.blogspot.com/\">here</a> and <a href=\"http://greentulsa.blogspot.com/\">here</a>) and I will be pitted against each other in what would promise to be a grandiose battle to the death for an Okie Blog Award. Heh.</div>\r\n<div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">There are a few left-wing blogs in Oklahoma.</span> They exist! And, surprise, they\'re way decent.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.okiefunk.com/\">Okie Funk</a>, nom\'d for best overall blog and best political blog (I wonder what would happen in a dueling blog match between my favorite hometown blogger Michael Bates at <a href=\"http://batesline.com/\">Batesline.com</a>, also nom\'d for best overall blog and best political blog, and Kurt Hochenauer. It\'d be fun to watch, anyway.) and <a href=\"http://peacearena.org/\">Peace Arena</a>. Also, <a href=\"http://alternativetulsa.blogspot.com/index.html\">Alternative Tulsa</a> and <a href=\"http://www.blueoklahoma.org/\">Blue Oklahoma</a>. Maybe one day a bleeding heart Tulsan with a laptop and an equally encyclopedic knowledge of this city and its people will take MB to task. Someday? Maybe? No? Okay.</div>\r\n<div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Hilarity! </span></div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://theredneckdiva.com/\">Redneck Diva</a>, nom\'d for best humor blog. I <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">get </span>this woman. Is that bad?</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/\">Irritated Tulsan</a>, nom\'d for best humor blog and best unusual blog. I love the Photoshoppy goodness happening on this blog. Check out <a href=\"http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/all-time-top-10/\">the top 20 posts</a>, but not at work, unless <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/article.asp?aID=09270477.98730702.629200.4198223.3421987.735&amp;aID2=48391\">you work someplace that\'s cool with you laughing your hind-end off and not acting like an android all day long</a>.</div>\r\n<div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Other faves.</span></div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.irokradio.com/\">IROK Radio</a>, nom\'d for best audio blog. IROK is the handiwork of the folks behind the always-awesome <a href=\"http://dfest.com/\">Dfest</a>, Tulsa\'s landmark music festival. Lend thine ear.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/\">Confessions of a Pioneer Woman</a>, for best overall blog and best looking blog. Do not visit this site unless you want to be sucked into the all-consuming vortex that is the world of <a href=\"http://reedrummond.com/\">Ree Drummond</a>. At first <a href=\"http://www.google.com/search?q=drummond+ranch+oklahoma&amp;ie=utf-8&amp;oe=utf-8&amp;aq=t&amp;rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&amp;client=firefox-a\">she was just rich</a>, but <a href=\"http://2009.bloggies.com/\">now she\'s rich </a><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\"><a href=\"http://2009.bloggies.com/\">and</a></span><a href=\"http://2009.bloggies.com/\"> famous</a>. A huge Osage county cattle ranch and a catchy blog will do that for ya.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.twoheadedblog.com/\">Two-Headed Blog</a>, for best commentary. I love the concept of the two-headed blog, and the little two-headed-type person on the masthead makes me laugh. And, there was <a href=\"http://www.twoheadedblog.com/?p=1755\">a great post about the Price Tower Arts Center posted there recently</a>. I dig.</div>\r\n<div>Rather than leave the house only to trudge around in the snow, give these blogs a read today. Local blogs are kinda like farmers markets and public transportation - the more they\'re patronized, the better they get. And that\'s good for all of us.</div>','Okie Blog Award Nominees to Add To Your Feed Readers','','publish','open','open','','okie-blog-award-noms-to-put-on-rss','','','2011-11-14 15:40:46','2011-11-14 21:40:46','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=85',0,'post','',9),(86,1,'2009-01-30 17:24:00','2009-01-30 17:24:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYM4ud7DC7I/AAAAAAAAAlI/QJA_ba6gUOU/s1600-h/DSC01814.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYM4ud7DC7I/AAAAAAAAAlI/QJA_ba6gUOU/s400/DSC01814.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297139957675264946\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Maybe it\'s because I haven\'t been out of my house for five days. Or, it could be because I ate beans for breakfast. Either way, I feel like connecting with you folks today.<br /><br />Now that the <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/index.asp\">BOK Center</a> has been open for awhile, I wonder about its impact on the community thus far.<br /><br />Have you been to an event at the BOK Center? Was it everything you thought it would be? If so, why? If not, why not? What has the BOK Center done for Tulsa\'s \"cool\" factor, if anything?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Has the BOK Center improved the quality of life in the Tulsa area? </span><br /><br />Discuss. See you in the comments.','Is the BOK Center Everything We Thought (or was told) It Would Be?','','publish','open','open','','is-bok-center-everything-we-thought-it','','','2009-01-30 17:24:00','2009-01-30 17:24:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=86',0,'post','',12),(87,1,'2009-01-31 15:00:00','2009-01-31 15:00:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYRfya5f38I/AAAAAAAAAlo/HkCHdfA5eMU/s1600-h/DSC03521.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYRfya5f38I/AAAAAAAAAlo/HkCHdfA5eMU/s400/DSC03521.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297464381513129922\" border=\"0\" /></a>Mmm. There\'s nothing quite like a big pack of onion rings and a cherry limeade from Sonic Drive-In on a Friday afternoon.<div><br /></div><div>If you get to Sonic during Happy Hour (between 2-4 p.m.), all drinks and slushes are half-price.<br /><br />The thought of having paid just $.75 for a medium cherry limeade made it taste even better.That is, until I realized the ticket total and was all, \"SIGH, they overcharged us!\" and pushed the little red button on the menu board, all prepared to correct someone.<br /><br />Then I noticed: </div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYRfOm7vfTI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Nx8YAPq4ORE/s1600-h/SonicReceipt0001.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 285px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYRfOm7vfTI/AAAAAAAAAlg/Nx8YAPq4ORE/s400/SonicReceipt0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297463766268476722\" border=\"0\" /></a>And drove away before the high schooler operating the menu board got a chance to school me on how to tell time.<br /><br />Ever since, I\'ve been trying to come to terms with the fact that I\'m \"one of those people\" who pushes the red button at Sonic to nab a chance to start the weekend by barking at someone when, in fact, I am a knuckle-head supreme.<br /></div>','Doh!','','publish','open','open','','doh','','','2009-01-31 15:00:00','2009-01-31 15:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=87',0,'post','',8),(88,1,'2009-02-01 15:00:00','2009-02-01 15:00:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYTPL2RVG9I/AAAAAAAAAlw/09VRlR4ZP44/s1600-h/DSC03563.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYTPL2RVG9I/AAAAAAAAAlw/09VRlR4ZP44/s400/DSC03563.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297586864148257746\" border=\"0\" /></a>Yesterday we were stocking up at my home away from home, Sam\'s Club, when, in the salad dressings and canned meat (?!) isle, I overheard the following conversation: <div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Woman A</span>, as she caresses a giant bottle of Kraft Ranch Dressing: \"Wouldn\'t this be a nice birthday present to myself?\" </div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Woman B:</span> \"Get yourself one. It\'s only $7.88.\" </div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Woman A:</span> \"I would, but it\'d be gone in a month anyway.\" </div><div><br /></div><div>I feel ya, honey. While I\'m not a fan of anything Kraft, I could eat homemade buttermilk Ranch dressing on pretty much anything but ice cream. No matter how stuck up about food I try to be, it\'s not changing anytime soon that I would eagerly consume Ranch dressing intravenously if for some reason my mouth had to be cemented shut.</div><div><br /></div><div>I blame the four generations\' worth of Tulsan blood pumping through my veins for my inability to wholeheartedly enjoy a green salad without drowning it in that lumpy, tangy substance. There is something in our DNA that has culminated over the years into a weakness not only for loud, whiny country music and Cracker Barrel merchandise, but also for Ranch dressing. And, French fries dipped in chocolate shake. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tulsans, what are your other guilty food pleasures that would make a Yankee swoon?</div>','Takes One to Know One','','publish','open','open','','takes-one-to-know-one','','','2009-02-01 15:00:00','2009-02-01 15:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=88',0,'post','',11),(89,1,'2009-02-01 18:32:00','2009-02-01 18:32:00','Not exactly looking forward to sharing <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/takes-one-to-know-one.html\">that Ranch dip</a> with your double-dipping in-laws? Ditch the house party and head out to one of the T-Town Super Bowl parties/viewing venues.<div><br /></div><div><a href=\"http://joemommas.com/\">Joe Momma\'s Pizza</a>, downtown at 112 S Elgin, complete with a 14-foot-wide TV. Now, that\'s a big screen. Plus, there is delicious pizza to be had. I recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger. </div><div><a href=\"http://brookrestaurant.com/\">The Brook</a>, on Brookside. Get the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with mac \'n\' cheese and thou shalt be saved. </div><div><a href=\"http://leonstulsa.com/\">Leon\'s on the Restless Ribbon</a> on Brookside, where there are (count \'em) 20 TVs. Not a bad seat in the house, I hear. </div><div><a href=\"http://www.bruhouse.com/\">Bru House</a> on Brookside, with the chance to win free food and procure buckets of beer that are easy on the wallet.</div><div><a href=\"http://tulsasideline.com/\">SideLine Sports Bar &amp; Grill</a> at 61st and Lewis, where you can get $9 buckets of beer, cheeseburger sliders, bratwurst and jumbo dogs. Yums. </div><div><a href=\"http://cowboysharkies.com/\">Cowboy Sharkies</a>, north of 61st and Memorial, featuring a Super Bowl buffet. Yay!</div><div><a href=\"http://www.daveandbusters.com/\">Dave &amp; Busters</a>, at 71st and US 169. Big Game + food + beer + Skeeball. Heck, yes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Help me out, folks. Sparing me the strip clubs and bars without a decent menu, let me know who else is hosting game-day festivities in the comments.  </div>','Get Down with T-Town, Super Bowl Style','','publish','open','open','','get-down-with-t-town-super-bowl-style','','','2009-02-01 18:32:00','2009-02-01 18:32:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=89',0,'post','',0),(90,1,'2009-02-03 22:16:00','2009-02-03 22:16:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYjeVCDfDWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/R_XgfCzCbt4/s1600-h/DSC02012-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYjeVCDfDWI/AAAAAAAAAl4/R_XgfCzCbt4/s400/DSC02012-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298729414511496546\" border=\"0\" /></a>My earliest memory of <a href=\"http://quiktrip.com/\">QuikTrip</a>, a Tulsa-based convenience store chain that has been a fixture in the area since 1958, involves a preschool-age me begging my parents for a Squirt (I really just wanted the plastic bendy straw) on our way out to have some weekend T-Town fun. <div><br /></div><div>My most recent QuikTrip experience was not so carefree. I was poking along through the parking lot at a southeast Tulsa location just last night when I noticed some weirdo at a gas pump who was not only gabbing away on his cell phone, but was also <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">smoking</span>. I couldn\'t believe my eyes. As I gawked at what was happening before me, Aaron had the presence of mind to yell, \"Oh my God, DRIVE AWAY!\" </div><div><br /></div><div>I have many other memories of QuikTrip bookended by these happy and not-so-happy experiences. My favorite was probably <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/08/and-taquito-smiled-down-upon-us.html\">the morning my dog and I woke up to a QT taquito on my doorstep</a>. After some sleuthing, I found out this spicy sunrise scene was the handiwork of <a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/\">this Okie blogger</a>. That whole experience was weird, but it was so, I don\'t know...delightfully QuikTripy. I think of it at least every other time my dog has to pee, which is a lot. Our lawn is what you might call well-seasoned.  </div><div><br /></div><div>In an informal, impromptu survey of several TDT readers, the stand-out thing everyone loves about QuikTrip is its staff. Those surveyed said QT cashiers are the friendliest in town. That they seem happy - enthusiastic, even - is no wonder. <a href=\"http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/bestcompanies/2009/snapshots/27.html\">QT has consistently ranked in Fortune\'s Top 100 Companies to Work For list</a> - the company ranked 27th this year, up from 28th in 2008. Benefits, wages and the QT company culture are reportedly huge draws. </div><div><br /></div><div>Readers also liked location convenience, well-stocked stores, QT food (<a href=\"http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/\">Irritated Tulsan</a> does these great QT food reviews - <a href=\"http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/2009/02/03/mattatarians-food-offering-of-the-week-baked-apple-edition/\">read the latest one here</a>) and clean bathrooms. </div><div><br /></div><div>While TDT readers said QT locations are \"well-lit\" and \"feel safe,\" most mentioned the urge to do the watch-your-back glance when visiting QT as their least favorite aspect of patronizing the convenience store chain. Besides being wary of off-putting customers, some readers complained about what other readers loved: the food and the state of the bathrooms. </div><div><br /></div><div>Either way, rare is the transplanted Tulsan who can deny feemin\' somethin\' fierce when they no longer have access to a QT. During my first year of college, I <span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">planned many of my trips back to Tulsa around when I would need to fill my gas tank. Gas stations in other towns - especially in small Oklahoma towns - tend to be these campy, dirty places that smell of Funyuns, Black &amp; Milds and mop water. Compared to those places, QuikTrip is like The Gas Station on a Hill. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Wanna wax poetic about QT (or not)? Leave it in the comments. </div><div><br /></div><div>To kick things off, a poem about QT by long-time reader and TDT contributor <a href=\"http://rockcityoutfitters.com/\">Chris Bouldin</a>: </div><div><br /></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span style=\"font-style: italic;\" class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">QT, how do I love thee?</span><br /><br />Oh QT, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways<br />I love your sausage rolls, your snazzy uniforms<br />For nothing says \"love\" like a red shirt on a dark Tulsa day<br /><br />I love thee to the depth and breadth and height<br />Your lighting, sweet tea, rooster booster, your guaranteed gas<br />If Jesus needed cigarettes at 2am, choose you, he might<br /><br />Homeless men drawn to you like a desert mirage<br />They sit on your sidewalks; they worship at your altar<br />A beacon on a hill, part of my life\'s collage<br /><br />I love thee freely, as men strive for right<br />I love your bathrooms, taquitos, egg rolls and smiles<br />I love the fact you are open all night<br /><br />Three percent beer, excellent pay, an accessible corporate climb<br />Always looking out for me<br />Like an Asian massage parlor, QT, I will love you long time. </span></span><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:\'lucida grande\';\"><br /></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:\'lucida grande\';\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:Georgia;\">Amen, Bouldin. Amen. </span><br /></span></div>','QT, How Do We Love (and Hate) Thee?','','publish','open','open','','qt-how-do-we-love-and-hate-thee','','','2009-02-03 22:16:00','2009-02-03 22:16:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=90',0,'post','',14),(91,1,'2009-02-06 15:00:00','2009-02-06 15:00:00','I won\'t claim that I\'m good at writing, but it\'s pretty much my favorite thing to do. This is the third year I\'ve managed to pay the bills by throwing words together, so I think it might be safe to say that I\'m a writer now. <div><br /></div><div>Ew. I just read aloud what\'s after that last comma, and it still gives me that feeling that I\'ve cussed in church. Reckon I\'ll try again next year. </div><div><br /></div><div>At any rate, I love to put a pen to paper. But, like my other love in life (<a href=\"http://mylifeastoldbyfood.blogspot.com/\">food</a>), there are pens and paper (canned ravioli by Chef Boyardee), and there are <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">pens and paper (your Italian grandmother\'s homemade spinach ravioli in bechamel sauce)</span>. Just as one who has never known the labor of love that is a stock from scratch and the vast difference between the taste and feel of the homemade stuff and Swanson\'s, a writer hasn\'t really written until he has scrawled a note on <a href=\"http://www.crane.com/\">Crane\'s paper</a> with a fountain pen boasting an 18-karat gold nib. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxMrLnfK8I/AAAAAAAAAmA/OHPJJ3E1qYA/s1600-h/DSC03578.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxMrLnfK8I/AAAAAAAAAmA/OHPJJ3E1qYA/s400/DSC03578.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299695166244727746\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Let me tell you: It\'s like buttah. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pengaro\'s, on the west end of <a href=\"http://uticasquare.com/\">Utica Square</a> behind the new location of <a href=\"http://www.kokoachocolatier.com/\">KoKoa Chocolatier</a>, is my supplier of all fine writing stuff, above pictured pen included. For my birthday the year I landed my first job as a newspaper reporter, Aaron bought me this pen - the <a href=\"http://www.waterman.com/en/style/pens/product/charleston\">Waterman Charleston</a>, a retro fountain pen inspired by art deco design. I\'d had a few of those jobs for which it\'s a lot easier to be grateful for the experience than to love going to work everyday, so the pen was to commemorate my arrival in my a career field I could be excited about. </div><div><br /></div><div>I loved it because I\'d always wanted a real fountain pen. Plus, it looks like <a href=\"http://www.tulsapreservationcommission.org/artdeco/buildings/\">a building in downtown Tulsa</a>. What\'s not to love about that?<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxM2ga-qYI/AAAAAAAAAmI/Yws2fhjThdI/s1600-h/DSC03574.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxM2ga-qYI/AAAAAAAAAmI/Yws2fhjThdI/s400/DSC03574.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299695360807971202\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>I\'ve returned to Pengaro\'s many times since I became a fountain pen owner. Today I stopped by to grab a Valentine\'s Day card for my husband, the man who opened up for me the world of Waterman pens and <a href=\"http://www.noodlersink.com/\">Noodler\'s Ink</a> (which I think is still stocked by Gadget Company, once in Utica Square near Pengaro\'s and now at 18th and Boston). </div><div><br /></div><div>Pengaro\'s has quite a collection of quality greeting cards. This is just the Valentine\'s Day stock: </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxNC-GVOII/AAAAAAAAAmQ/YccRZVnH0-Q/s1600-h/DSC03570.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxNC-GVOII/AAAAAAAAAmQ/YccRZVnH0-Q/s400/DSC03570.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299695574932863106\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Despite that I was wrestling with a tired and hungry baby-child, I managed to find the perfect one (by Wild Indigo Design):<br /><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxNRlD6uSI/AAAAAAAAAmY/DgyF8ZmQlNo/s1600-h/card0001.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SYxNRlD6uSI/AAAAAAAAAmY/DgyF8ZmQlNo/s400/card0001.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299695825909889314\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>The inside says, \"Thanks for always holding on!\" </div><div><br /></div><div>As with food shopping, buying from local vendors has its benefits. While you might not have your choice of 250 cards that play love songs by your favorite hair band, you get quality, attention to detail and service with a personal touch from a card vendor like Pengaro\'s. </div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, Pengaro\'s sells really beautiful, heirloom pens. Did I mention that already? Try to find that at the Wal-Marts. </div>','A Writer\'s Paradise','','publish','open','open','','writers-paradise','','','2009-02-06 15:00:00','2009-02-06 15:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=91',0,'post','',12),(92,1,'2009-02-09 14:00:00','2009-02-09 14:00:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SY-lhtaltgI/AAAAAAAAAmw/6quDysVrkTc/s1600-h/DS_NonZine_AD-1.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 348px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SY-lhtaltgI/AAAAAAAAAmw/6quDysVrkTc/s400/DS_NonZine_AD-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300637284983748098\" border=\"0\" /></a><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Know what I love best about Dwelling Spaces owner <a href=\"http://www.tulsapeople-digital.com/tulsapeople/200902/?pg=32\">Mary Beth Babcock</a>? She\'s a hip, happenin\' gal, and darned nice, too. Also, her store, <a href=\"http://dwellingspaces.net/\">Dwelling Spaces</a>, is my favorite source for locally made goodies, including the Tulsa-centric t-shirt line by <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/45\">Louis &amp; Cluck</a>. </div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">You know - the I Heart Tulsa and Don\'t Hate the 918 shirts.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SY-rOemfAFI/AAAAAAAAAm4/8js1NaK-HcE/s1600-h/DSC00614.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SY-rOemfAFI/AAAAAAAAAm4/8js1NaK-HcE/s400/DSC00614.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300643551659360338\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Are you like me and have somehow managed to go without one of these shirts since they caught on like wildfire in the T-Town area a few years ago? Even my newborn had one before I did. My friends would laugh and point, jeer and scowl at me for being so uncool as to not own an I Heart Tulsa t-shirt while blogging about how much I love it here. That was, until I finally bought one a few weeks ago. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was late to this little party. Just a tad. </div><div><br /></div><div>To those still existing without a Louis &amp; Cluck shirt: Endure the pain no longer. All you have to do is answer the following question in the comments: </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What are your plans for Valentine\'s Day? </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, technically, you have to do more than just answer the question. I have to enter in the number of comments on this post 24 hours from now (Tuesday at 8 a.m. Tulsa time) at <a href=\"http://random.org/\">Random.org</a>, and your comment has to bear the lucky and very random integer. Okay? </div><div><br /></div><div>Did I mention the winner also gets an <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/49\">Okie Grown</a> coffee mug? It\'s true.  </div><div><br /></div><div>One entry per person, por favor. The contest ends at 8 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Good luck! </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to Mary Beth at Dwelling Spaces for providing the goods for this giveaway. Stop by her shop at 119 S. Detroit or in the Philcade at 511 S. Boston and let her know she rocks the 918, y\'all. </div>','You Feelin\' Lucky?','','publish','open','open','','you-feelin-lucky','','','2009-02-09 14:00:00','2009-02-09 14:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=92',0,'post','',22),(93,1,'2009-02-10 16:23:00','2009-02-10 16:23:00','As most everyone who reads this blog knows, <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/you-feelin-lucky.html\">there was a little contest happening here yesterday</a>. At stake: an <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/45\">I Heart Tulsa</a> t-shirt in the size and color of the winner\'s choice, along with an <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/49\">Okie Grown</a> coffee mug, both from <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/\">Dwelling Spaces</a>.<br /><br />Oh, how I loved my sneak peek into your plans for Valentine\'s Day. Rest assured I\'ll be eating the most amazing Italian food in town at <a href=\"http://www.bodean.net/Bigahome.html\">Biga Vino e Cucina</a> with my husband Saturday night, thinking of each of you as you lovey-dovey your way through your V-Day plans.<br /><br />Creepy, huh?<br /><br />And now, the contest winner! First, I submitted to Random.org the total number of eligible comments on yesterday\'s post (click to enlarge):<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZG-PPNRvAI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/g04-2OEDpic/s1600-h/DSGiveaway21009.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZG-PPNRvAI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/g04-2OEDpic/s400/DSGiveaway21009.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301227405381319682\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Random.org spit out:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZG-LXEEPzI/AAAAAAAAAnI/tvthto1BT1A/s1600-h/DSGiveawayRESULTS.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZG-LXEEPzI/AAAAAAAAAnI/tvthto1BT1A/s400/DSGiveawayRESULTS.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301227338770693938\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />The third comment on yesterday\'s post was:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZG-GNWkINI/AAAAAAAAAnA/9PZTbRfOZLw/s1600-h/DSGiveawayWINNER.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZG-GNWkINI/AAAAAAAAAnA/9PZTbRfOZLw/s400/DSGiveawayWINNER.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301227250264580306\" border=\"0\" /></a><div>Congrats, <a href=\"http://andsosheblogs.com/\">Carrisa</a>! Love your blog, by the way. E-mail me at tashadoestulsa@gmail.com so we can talk about your prizes and how to get them to you.<br /><br />Those of you not so lucky in this contest can still be lucky in love. Head to Dwelling Spaces for the perfect Valentine\'s Day gift for your hip, happenin\' squeeze! Owner Mary Beth has set up a table of V-Day goodies to make gift procuring easy:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZHA5EjvhdI/AAAAAAAAAnY/LPQM4TJFkqU/s1600-h/DSC03433.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZHA5EjvhdI/AAAAAAAAAnY/LPQM4TJFkqU/s400/DSC03433.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301230323100517842\" border=\"0\" /></a>Be sure to check out the Dwelling Spaces goods made by other local makers like <a href=\"http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5369182\">Felix &amp; Jayne</a> and <a href=\"http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5187347\">Stelabird</a>, too. Such. cute. stuff.<br /><br />Thanks for playing, all!<br /><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:13;\"  ><blockquote><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"line-height: 20px;font-family:Georgia;\" ><blockquote></blockquote></span></div></blockquote><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"line-height: 20px;font-family:Georgia;\" ></span></div></span></div></div>','Contest Winner!','','publish','open','open','','contest-winner','','','2009-02-10 16:23:00','2009-02-10 16:23:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=93',0,'post','',3),(94,1,'2009-02-10 23:38:00','2009-02-10 23:38:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/index.html\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 173px;\" src=\"http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/obalogo08.gif\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Over the past few weeks, Oklahoma bloggers\' votes for the best blog in the state were cast and tallied. Now, <a href=\"http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/index.html\">the results are in</a>. <div><br /></div><div>The best blog in the land is <a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/\">Confessions of a Pioneer Woman</a>, a blog which I confess to reading pretty much obsessively. <a href=\"http://reedrummond.com/\">Ree Drummond</a>\'s Confessions, where routine posts on her life on a working cattle ranch garner hundreds of comments, is great evidence for the argument that people aren\'t interested in Oklahoma because of its world-class museums or behemoth event centers. Not that they aren\'t great, and not that I don\'t love them myself, but they\'re all over the place. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rather, it\'s the things about our neck of the woods that can\'t be found anywhere else - parts of the state where there are more cows and horses than people, real-life cowboys descended from generations of the same and acre after acre of gently rolling prairie - that draws attention from the world over. Good job, P-Dub, for directing eyes from all over this big, wide world to little ol\' Oklahoma. I\'d love to know the number of people who have decided to make Oklahoma their next travel destination thanks to the beautiful photos of the landscape on that blog. No wonder Drummond also took the Best Looking Blog award. </div><div><br /></div><div>Several of my other favorite blogs won awards, too. <a href=\"http://batesline.com/\">Batesline.com</a> took Best Political Blog. <a href=\"http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/\">Rocks in my Dryer</a> won Best Writing and was the runner-up in the Best Family Blog category. <a href=\"http://www.doubleshotcoffee.com/blog/\">DoubleShot Coffee Company</a> won second in the Best Commercial Blog set, and <a href=\"http://bacolicio.us/http://www.tashadoestulsa.com\">Tasha Does Tulsa</a> took the Best Culture Blog award for the second year in a row. </div><div><br /></div><div>*Blink blink* Squee! </div><div><br /></div><div>I\'m so humbled to have won the approval of my fellow Okie bloggers not just once, but for two years running. I love writing this crazy blog, and I\'m so glad you all think it\'s pretty good, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks, y\'all. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZIWvwjr8kI/AAAAAAAAAng/Oe3eWb1pQQs/s1600-h/Bacon.bmp\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZIWvwjr8kI/AAAAAAAAAng/Oe3eWb1pQQs/s400/Bacon.bmp\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301324721112740418\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry. I always manage to ruin a tender moment. </div>','2008 Okie Blog Awards','','publish','open','open','','2008-okie-blog-awards','','','2009-02-10 23:38:00','2009-02-10 23:38:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=94',0,'post','',5),(95,1,'2009-02-11 03:24:00','2009-02-11 03:24:00','<strong>PSST: <a href=\"http://dowhat.thislandpress.com/event_tags/valentines-day/\" target=\"_blank\">Looking for 2012 Valentine\'s Day things to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma?</strong> Snuggle up to the full list at DO WHAT? at This Land Press</a>. Your love life will thank you.\r\n\r\nWant to do something fun and hip with your sweetie on Valentine\'s Day? Dinner and a movie just not going to cut it? You\'re my kind of people.<div><br /></div><div>In my opinion, the whole dinner-and-a-movie date is pretty much the worst ever. I mean, think about it. You\'re stabbing and masticating and otherwise pre-digesting in front of someone you\'re supposed to try to impress at some corporate food-serving establishment, and then you go sit in a dark box for two hours, saying not one word to each other while you try to guess if it\'s the right time to start making out.<br /><br />Now? No? Okay. How about now? </div><div><br /></div><div>No, thanks. Me and mine prefer Valentine\'s Day plans a little more, well, off the beaten path. We like to look for fun and romantic things to actually<span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\"> do</span> together. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everything going on in the name of love in T-Town this weekend that\'s listed below beats the pants off of the formulaic V-Day date. You won\'t even need a crowbar to free your shoes from the gelatinous ooze on the floor of some 3,798-screen movie complex. And indigestion from those \"house special\" empanadas, which you\'re pretty sure you saw in the freezer section next to the Totino\'s last week at the Wal Marts? Fuhgetaboutit. </div><div><br /></div><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 186px;\" src=\"http://www.stonebluffcellars.com/images/wineglass.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /><div>If you like food and wine, head to <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Stone Bluff Cellars</span> in the beautiful hills near Haskell for their <a href=\"http://www.stonebluffcellars.com/ourevents.html\">Valentine Weekend Lunch Sweetheart Special</a>. The lunch, which costs $25 for two, includes a half Stone Bluff club sandwich, a cup of Chef Mikael\'s savory soup and a decadent dessert. The special runs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday and 1-3 p.m. Sunday. If you want to make it a party of four couples or more, call (918) 482-5655 to make reservations.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.cowboysharkies.com/cowboy%20sharkie%20sign%20w%20neon.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 329px; height: 159px;\" src=\"http://www.cowboysharkies.com/cowboy%20sharkie%20sign%20w%20neon.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Love to cook, but don\'t want to spend the evening at your place? Make reservations for the Valentine\'s Day weekend cooking class with Chef Sean at <a href=\"http://www.cowboysharkies.com/\">Cowboy Sharkies</a>, just north of 61st and Memorial. The setting should be intimate enough, since seating at the class is limited to 20. The class, which runs $30 per person, begins at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday night. Call (918) 280-9000 to get set up.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/upload/image/Winterfest/skatedatelogoSmall.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/upload/image/Winterfest/skatedatelogoSmall.JPG\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Always wanted to be part of one of those idyllic love scenes on a big, frozen pond, skating along in the arms of your sweetheart as the icy wind gives you an earache? Pine no more. Head to Skate Date at <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">BOK Center</span>. <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/general.asp?id=173\">The event</a>, which marks the first time Tulsans will skate on the arena\'s 17,000-square-foot frozen floor, will be held 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday inside the BOK Center. Concession stands will be open, and long-stem roses and photos will be available in the lobby. Skaters pay $9 (kids and those with their own skates pay $5). After everyone\'s bum is thoroughly bruised, head outside for a 15-minute horse-and-carriage ride through the streets of downtown Tulsa. Rides are available 5-10 p.m. and cost $25 for a group of four, or $20 for a couple.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/tulsazoopr/wildatheart_poster09copy.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 484px;\" src=\"http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss160/tulsazoopr/wildatheart_poster09copy.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Have a wild kind of love? Good for you. Now call 669-6634 for your reservation to <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Tulsa Zoo</span>\'s \"Wild at Heart\" Valentine\'s Day event. Woo her (or him!) with a decadent evening with fine cuisine and cocktails provided by Taste of the Wild Catering, and take a spin on the dance floor.  After, enjoy a twilight train ride. If you\'re feeling <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">really</span> wild, look for the special presentations by zookeepers on the finer points of love and lust in the animal kingdom.   The seduction - yours, not the animals\' (I hope) - begins at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow night.  There is limited space, so call ASAP.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/files/Image/Sweetheart09.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 224px;\" src=\"http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/files/Image/Sweetheart09.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Nothing says love like profuse sweating and rapid heart palpitations - at least, for all you lovey-dovey Tulsa runners out there. Start the day by heading down to Veteran\'s Park at 21st and Boulder for the 2009 Sweetheart 5K and 10K Runs. There\'s still time to register, so visit <a href=\"http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/sweetheart-run\">the Fleet Feet Sports Web site</a> to learn more and sign up.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/34/l_5d8d3355fc9c4119a95353d9844fa31f.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 207px;\" src=\"http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/34/l_5d8d3355fc9c4119a95353d9844fa31f.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Calling all you lovers who like to play dress-up! Head to the <a href=\"http://www.thecollectivetulsa.com/\">Valentine\'s Masquerade Ball</a> at <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">The Collective</span>. Get in the doors for $5 (just $3 with a mask or costume - mask-making supplies will be available at the party, so no worries if you couldn\'t dig one up beforehand) and see DJ Baby Ruthless (Dallas, TX) and local favorites Skeeter, Nutter, Frequency and Emmanuel Rivers. The party starts at 8 p.m. and benefits the American Heart Association.<br /><br />UPDATE, Feb. 13//<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.whisperingvines.net/sitebuilder/images/DSC05708-232x164.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 232px; height: 164px;\" src=\"http://www.whisperingvines.net/sitebuilder/images/DSC05708-232x164.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Just found another wine event! This one, at <a href=\"http://www.whisperingvines.net/index.html\">Whispering Vines Vineyards and Winery</a> in west Tulsa, involves a <a href=\"http://ultimatemurdermystery.com/\">murder mystery</a>, with a wine tasting before. The show, which costs about $60 per person and includes dinner, starts at seven. Call (918) 447-0808 to beg for reservations, since my bet is there are only a few seats left.<br /><br />And Tasha said: Let the lovin\' begin.<br /></div>','Valentine\'s Day Round-Up','','publish','open','open','','valentines-day-round-up','','','2012-02-08 14:21:48','2012-02-08 20:21:48','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=95',0,'post','',6),(96,1,'2009-02-13 17:11:00','2009-02-13 22:11:00','<div>If you haven\'t had enough of the day of love by Sunday, here\'s a way to get a second dose: </div><div><br /></div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.lightoperaok.org/images/2009VDAYCABARETFINAL.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 564px; height: 557px;\" src=\"http://www.lightoperaok.org/images/2009VDAYCABARETFINAL.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>Tickets to the event, which starts at 7:30 p.m. at <a href=\"http://www.ahct.org/\">Harwelden at 2210 S. Main St.</a>, are $50 per person or $95 per couple. Call LOOK at (918) 583-4267 to get set up.<div><br /></div><div>If you know of other fun Valentine\'s Day weekend events (especially low-cost or free) not posted here yesterday or today, feel free to leave the information in the comments.  </div>','Day After Valentine’s Day','','private','open','open','','day-after-valentines-day','','','2011-02-05 19:04:07','2011-02-06 00:04:07','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=96',0,'post','',0),(97,1,'2009-02-14 22:23:00','2009-02-14 22:23:00','<strong>PSST: <a href=\"http://dowhat.thislandpress.com/event_tags/valentines-day/\" target=\"_blank\">Looking for 2012 Valentine\'s Day things to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma?</strong> Snuggle up to the full list at DO WHAT? at This Land Press</a>. Your love life will thank you.\r\n\r\nHappy Valentine\'s Day, Tasha Does Tulsa readers!<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZdEh5W9YhI/AAAAAAAAAo4/qsBe5PbPmGA/s1600-h/DSC03685.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZdEh5W9YhI/AAAAAAAAAo4/qsBe5PbPmGA/s400/DSC03685.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302782435375538706\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />This picture of these roses is to let you all know that I think about you on long drives. Also, at the specialty cheeses counter. Because that\'s where I was in the <a href=\"http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/\">Whole Foods</a> today when I realized I hadn\'t gotten my mom and Meme Valentine\'s Day presents. So, while they\'ll be getting the actual roses for which I had to fight tooth and nail against the Midtown Whole Foodies getting better service because they were buying these suckers by the gross, you all get a nice, pretty picture of said roses.<br /><br />And isn\'t that just as good? Because not only can you do whatever you want with it, but a photo never dies.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZdIV8xhCpI/AAAAAAAAApA/L6MK4xo_buw/s1600-h/aaronairyntashabeers.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZdIV8xhCpI/AAAAAAAAApA/L6MK4xo_buw/s400/aaronairyntashabeers.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302786628180314770\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />See?<br /><br />Hope everyone has a great night! Don\'t do anything I wouldn\'t do. Which means DON\'T SPEED. But you can definitely wear a matching Hawaiian print with your husband and little sister to your dad\'s wedding on the family land during June when it\'s 102 degrees and the humidity is at 98 percent, forces of nature against which even hot-rolled helmet hair lacquered in Aqua Net is powerless. Obviously.','Just For You','','publish','open','open','','just-for-you','','','2012-02-08 14:22:08','2012-02-08 20:22:08','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=97',0,'post','',3),(98,1,'2009-02-15 05:03:00','2009-02-15 05:03:00','<strong>PSST: <a href=\"http://dowhat.thislandpress.com/event_tags/valentines-day/\" target=\"_blank\">Looking for 2012 Valentine\'s Day things to do in Tulsa, Oklahoma?</strong> Snuggle up to the full list at DO WHAT? at This Land Press</a>. Your love life will thank you.\r\n\r\n<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZelIdyGpzI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Ur-DG2ykzGA/s1600-h/DSC03694.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZelIdyGpzI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Ur-DG2ykzGA/s400/DSC03694.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302888651104364338\" border=\"0\" /></a>I\'m sitting here with a glass of sweet wine, uploading my photos from the evening of my fifth Valentine\'s Day as a married chick and my first as a mom.<br /><br />It was a great time. I roamed T-Town not just glad to get out among the living, but also proud to know I had a diaper in the secret compartment of my purse, along with a toy starfish and a binkie. Just in case.<br /><br />Romantic, eh?<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekzicaGWI/AAAAAAAAArI/LiJi6k7cbBg/s1600-h/DSC03687-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekzicaGWI/AAAAAAAAArI/LiJi6k7cbBg/s400/DSC03687-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302888291578288482\" border=\"0\" /></a>Our first stop of the evening was the cozy little dining room at <a href=\"http://www.bodean.net/Bigahome.html\">Biga</a>, a restaurant at 4329 S. Peoria by <a href=\"http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&amp;hs=qYu&amp;q=tuck+curren+tulsa%2C+OK&amp;btnG=Search\">one of the best chefs in town</a>. We had lobster ravioli and these amazing, perfectly cooked scallops; then, some cannolis. After, a short nap, because that\'s the only way to recover from a dinner so ever-loving GOOD.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekpJo-LdI/AAAAAAAAArA/MBo_WJHligM/s1600-h/DSC03688.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekpJo-LdI/AAAAAAAAArA/MBo_WJHligM/s400/DSC03688.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302888113121406418\" border=\"0\" /></a>\"Hey, honey, wave to the Tasha Does Tulsa readers!\" Heh.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekWm5gfXI/AAAAAAAAAq4/CWG8NdvzX0Y/s1600-h/DSC03691.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekWm5gfXI/AAAAAAAAAq4/CWG8NdvzX0Y/s400/DSC03691.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302887794557877618\" border=\"0\" /></a>So, <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/events.asp?id=11&amp;pid=148&amp;task=display\">Skate Date</a>. I was really looking forward to busting it on the ice, but alas:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejGOlt4-I/AAAAAAAAAqA/_jrNfqXfjlU/s1600-h/DSC03707.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejGOlt4-I/AAAAAAAAAqA/_jrNfqXfjlU/s400/DSC03707.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302886413642884066\" border=\"0\" /></a><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejlJpF4FI/AAAAAAAAAqY/TzShrxMkQ0I/s1600-h/DSC03699.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejlJpF4FI/AAAAAAAAAqY/TzShrxMkQ0I/s400/DSC03699.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302886944890806354\" border=\"0\" /></a><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejbNIneJI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SuYUb2r2cYA/s1600-h/DSC03701.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejbNIneJI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/SuYUb2r2cYA/s400/DSC03701.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302886774029645970\" border=\"0\" /></a><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejPxWaumI/AAAAAAAAAqI/bVowffbQkwA/s1600-h/DSC03703.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejPxWaumI/AAAAAAAAAqI/bVowffbQkwA/s400/DSC03703.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302886577592777314\" border=\"0\" /></a><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekJypCN1I/AAAAAAAAAqw/oX2SDexPWmE/s1600-h/DSC03692.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZekJypCN1I/AAAAAAAAAqw/oX2SDexPWmE/s400/DSC03692.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302887574371710802\" border=\"0\" /></a><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejzXvsqaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Q2JbhIbBJCI/s1600-h/DSC03698.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejzXvsqaI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Q2JbhIbBJCI/s400/DSC03698.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302887189194779042\" border=\"0\" /></a>Ack! The chaos! My agoraphobia! The port I had with those cannolis! It was pure craziness, I tell you.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejAVQuTkI/AAAAAAAAAp4/SRgm1CBpZJI/s1600-h/DSC03708.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZejAVQuTkI/AAAAAAAAAp4/SRgm1CBpZJI/s400/DSC03708.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302886312354664002\" border=\"0\" /></a>Oh! Horses. A carriage. No restaurants or clubs within view of the main entrance of the BOK Center. Idyllic!<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZei5fVlnwI/AAAAAAAAApw/dlvYNkth7Qo/s1600-h/DSC03710.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZei5fVlnwI/AAAAAAAAApw/dlvYNkth7Qo/s400/DSC03710.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302886194800336642\" border=\"0\" /></a>But what a main entrance it is. Wow.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeiqkJi7qI/AAAAAAAAApo/wJiTNwFBKvo/s1600-h/DSC03712.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeiqkJi7qI/AAAAAAAAApo/wJiTNwFBKvo/s400/DSC03712.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302885938393968290\" border=\"0\" /></a>There\'s nothing like good coffee to assuage one\'s sadness at not having the opportunity to embarass oneself by wiping out in front of hundreds of strangers.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeifoyVx_I/AAAAAAAAApg/suuRmB3lRtY/s1600-h/DSC03713.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeifoyVx_I/AAAAAAAAApg/suuRmB3lRtY/s400/DSC03713.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302885750660253682\" border=\"0\" /></a>Oh, cute little coffeehouse Valentine\'s cookies, how I loved you. Blue ones, too, even though I didn\'t quite get the color choice. And that\'s okay.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeiZk0w3rI/AAAAAAAAApY/iyPpNApFetY/s1600-h/DSC03714.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeiZk0w3rI/AAAAAAAAApY/iyPpNApFetY/s400/DSC03714.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302885646517460658\" border=\"0\" /></a>I love <a href=\"http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/coffeehouseoncherrystreet\">The Coffee House on Cherry Street</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeiNc7M_8I/AAAAAAAAApI/KVwXuplxK4c/s1600-h/DSC03717.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZeiNc7M_8I/AAAAAAAAApI/KVwXuplxK4c/s400/DSC03717.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302885438238556098\" border=\"0\" /></a>Apparently, so does everyone else in town. That place was packed tonight.<br /><br />We ended the evening with our standard rummage through the bargain bins at Borders before heading home for one last game of \"chase\" with our little man.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZerQ8MD65I/AAAAAAAAArY/gyHi9hGyiSg/s1600-h/DSC03613.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZerQ8MD65I/AAAAAAAAArY/gyHi9hGyiSg/s400/DSC03613.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302895393775020946\" border=\"0\" /></a>I love how that game always ends in the same way.<br /><br />Valentine\'s Day 2009: Success! Even if we didn\'t stay out all night or bring the house down or whatever it is the kids are saying these days.<br /><br />Have a good rest of the weekend, everyone!','Tasha Does Tulsa, Valentine\'s Day Style','','publish','open','open','','tasha-does-tulsa-valentines-day-style','','','2012-02-08 14:21:29','2012-02-08 20:21:29','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=98',0,'post','',4),(99,1,'2009-02-16 15:00:00','2009-02-16 15:00:00','And now a word from Holly Wall, <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/search.asp?keyword=holly+wall&amp;author=&amp;date1=&amp;date2=&amp;category=All\">local journalist</a> (also, but definitely not limited to, <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Archive?searchPhrase=holly+wall&amp;\">here</a>) and blogger behind the newly-launched and much-needed <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com/\">Tulsa Art Blog</a>:<div><br /></div><blockquote><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">I’ve always been semi-ashamed of my sordid past in customer service. I probably shouldn’t be; I put myself through college and the painstaking months of career-related job searching that followed by providing service with a smile – usually to people who didn’t really deserve it.</span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">Still, before I landed what I would call my first “real” job, whenever someone would ask what I do for a living, I’d find myself hanging my head, mumbling something about “waitress” and then go on to inform him of what I wished I were doing, the more ambitious plans that lay ahead of me.</span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">At the same time, the many years I spent in customer service definitely shaped who I am now, affected my work ethic and the amount of respect I bestow on those clearing my plates at my favorite restaurant. I feel about customer service the way some people feel about the military – that everyone should be required to serve for at least a year.</span></span></div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">I have a point, I promise.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">I wander into <a href=\"http://dwellingspaces.net\">Dwelling Spaces</a> as often as I can, and every time I do, I find myself standing in front of owner <a href=\"http://www.tulsapeople-digital.com/tulsapeople/200902/?pg=32\">Mary Beth Babcock</a>’s collection of local literature. Without fail, I find myself drawn to this little blue book: “<a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Customer-Always-Wrong-Retail-Chronicles/dp/193336890X\">The Customer is Always Wrong: The Retail Chronicles</a>,” edited by local writer and retail veteran Jeff Martin.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/34000000/34002285.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 600px;\" src=\"http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/34000000/34002285.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">I make it a point to read Jeff’s contribution to <a href=\"http://tulsapeople.com/index.php\">Tulsa People magazine</a> every month, and I enjoy his quick-witted humor, enough so that I’m compelled to purchase his book, a compilation of tales of horror and hope in the customer service industry, every time I see it. I always get preoccupied, though, by whatever purchasing need I find more immediate at the time – <a href=\"http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061240317/Jubilee_City/index.aspx\">Joe Andoe’s autobiography</a>, <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/45\">Louis &amp; Cluck</a>’s latest t-shirt creation, an <a href=\"https://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/17\">Ugly Doll</a> for my kid – and I end up putting the little blue book back on the shelf.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">A few days ago, I was at the <a href=\"http://www.tulsapac.com/index.asp\">PAC</a>, interviewing the cast and conductor of <a href=\"http://www.tulsaopera.com/season-hg.html\">Tulsa Opera’s Hansel and Gretel</a>, and afterward, I stepped into Dwelling Spaces with the explicit purpose of nabbing my very own copy of that little blue book – and a Valentine’s Day gift for my baby boy.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">I picked up the book and was perusing Dwelling Spaces’ other goodies when Mary Beth noticed what I was holding and said, “That’s a great book.” Then, half whispering and half laughing, she not-so-discreetly pointed her finger toward a guy standing at the register and said, “He wrote it!”</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">As fate would have it, Jeff Martin was standing in front of me, shaking my hand, thanking me for buying his book, which he offered to sign for me. I walked out of Dwelling Spaces that afternoon with a signed copy of “The Customer is Always Wrong,” inscribed with a personal note to a “fellow customer service refugee” and a newfound justification for my passion for shopping locally. If you don’t make it a point to patronize locally-owned businesses and purchase goods designed, made and written by fellow Tulsans, you miss out on opportunities for chance meetings and personal touches you simply can’t get at big box chains.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Experiences like that are invaluable, and that one left me more excited about my purchase than I would have been had I not met Jeff that day. I couldn’t wait to get home and delve into the book. And, so far, I haven’t been disappointed. The stories are hilarious.</span></p></span></blockquote><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Want your own copy of Jeff Martin\'s \"The Customer is Always Wrong?\" <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Leave your own (abridged, please) retail chronicles in the comments.</span><br /></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">I\'ll do a random drawing from the comments left here stamped with a time before 8 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. I\'ll post the resulting winner of a bright and shiny new copy of Jeff\'s Martin\'s book, courtesy of Mary Beth at <a href=\"http://dwellingspaces.net\">Dwelling Spaces</a>, tomorrow afternoon.</span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Can\'t wait to wallow with you in your misery!<br /></span></span></p></span>','Local Encounters (Plus, a Giveaway)','','publish','open','open','','local-encounters-plus-giveaway','','','2009-02-16 15:00:00','2009-02-16 15:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=99',0,'post','',5),(100,1,'2009-02-17 17:29:00','2009-02-17 17:29:00','I was lucky enough not only to host <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com/\">an up-and-coming Tulsa blogger</a> on this blog yesterday, but to also gather your tales of retail woe as entries for <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/local-encounters-plus-giveaway.html\">a Jeff Martin book</a><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/local-encounters-plus-giveaway.html\"> giveaway</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/34000000/34002285.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 416px; height: 600px;\" src=\"http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/34000000/34002285.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />After skimming parts of this book and reading your comments, I\'m going to a meanie-head and say: My experiences in customer service were quite pleasant, actually. I was one of the lucky ones. From the time I was 16 until my senior year of high school, I occupied a not-exactly-ergonomic but still cushy chair at the <a href=\"http://mazzios.com\">Mazzio\'s</a> call center here in Tulsa. After that I worked at the Cherry Street location of <a href=\"http://panerabread.com\">Panera Bread</a>. Who could complain about talking on the phone, bagging cookies and mopping out a giant oven all day? I\'m sure there were days when I could have, but looking back on those years, Call Center Chick and Bakery Girl were definitely O.K. jobs.<br /><br />Does that mean I\'ve never had one of those jobs that required me to fetch coffee, pick up dry cleaning, reshelve a wayward book of government maps five times in a day, label serials by hand in a hot, dark, musty, forgotten part of one of Oklahoma\'s largest libraries, refill the paper of every single printer in said library three times a day, or make copies on an ancient copy machine until my ears rang? No. But those jobs couldn\'t exactly be categorized under such a pretty term as customer service. They were more like adventures in indentured servitude.<br /><br />Not that I\'m bitter.<br /><br />And now, the winner of a pristine, undefiled copy of <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/Customer-Always-Wrong-Retail-Chronicles/dp/193336890X\">Jeff Martin\'s \"The Customer is Always Wrong: The Retail Chronicles!\"</a><br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZr3-lMHwyI/AAAAAAAAArw/_6Snve7xy4s/s1600-h/random.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 305px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZr3-lMHwyI/AAAAAAAAArw/_6Snve7xy4s/s400/random.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303824165689082658\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZr33iliPnI/AAAAAAAAAro/4Ji7vkPmSAQ/s1600-h/randomii.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 173px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZr33iliPnI/AAAAAAAAAro/4Ji7vkPmSAQ/s400/randomii.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303824044731285106\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZr3wSwWqSI/AAAAAAAAArg/SMe5SxjT26U/s1600-h/comments.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZr3wSwWqSI/AAAAAAAAArg/SMe5SxjT26U/s400/comments.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303823920222611746\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Congrats, <a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com\">Amanda</a>! Not only are you my best friend and my son\'s fairy godmother, but you are the winner of this book! I told you putting up with me would pay off. Now, never enter a contest on this blog again, because when you win, I look like I\'m playing favorites, and my readers might retaliate by staging a mutiny.<br /><br />Yeah. A grizzly mutiny by the other three of my readers besides you who read books. I bet they\'d even dress up as pirates. Me timbers, they shiver.','Contest Winner!','','publish','open','open','','contest-winner_17','','','2009-02-17 17:29:00','2009-02-17 17:29:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=100',0,'post','',1),(101,1,'2009-02-19 14:15:00','2009-02-19 14:15:00','Weekend before last, I loaded up my little family, drove to <a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/\">our best friends\'</a>, and made them drive us to <a href=\"http://www.visitkc.com/index.aspx\">Kansas City, MO</a>, for the weekend.<br /><br />After settling in at the hotel in <a href=\"http://www.westportkc.com/map.html\">the bustling little community of Westport</a> Saturday morning, we walked (walked!!!) to here for lunch:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYoqUAG_uI/AAAAAAAAAoY/rGscQ_SouNI/s1600-h/DSC03608.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 285px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYoqUAG_uI/AAAAAAAAAoY/rGscQ_SouNI/s400/DSC03608.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302470318664122082\" border=\"0\" /></a>Look! A brew pub! They exist!<br /><br />Sorry. Not getting out of Oklahoma and away from its crazy beer and liquor laws much, I sometimes forget there are brew pubs out there in the badlands.<br /><br />While you wait for your food at <a href=\"http://www.mccoyspublichouse.com/\">McCoys</a> - which I thought was very good, by the way - you can elbow other diners in the backs of their heads as you gawk at this:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYmnzzyWJI/AAAAAAAAAn4/byTr7G-gMcg/s1600-h/DSC03596.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYmnzzyWJI/AAAAAAAAAn4/byTr7G-gMcg/s400/DSC03596.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302468076639508626\" border=\"0\" /></a>The guts of a microbrewery! Well, part of them.<br /><br />Speaking of guts:<br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYoivXaysI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/WvhpDiIzDhE/s1600-h/DSC03607.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYoivXaysI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/WvhpDiIzDhE/s400/DSC03607.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302470188570692290\" border=\"0\" /></a>My little one\'s ended up all over the floor, thanks to some fancy-tasting cheese in his mac.<br /><br />Note to self: In the event you affect yourself and those around you by giving another child its birth, do not travel with it and expect to have time to \"relax.\"<br /><br />Schooled by motherhood once again.<br /><br />The rest of us managed to keep our lunches down, thank you very much.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYnRMyvCFI/AAAAAAAAAoI/9WUrRWleHEw/s1600-h/DSC03605.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYnRMyvCFI/AAAAAAAAAoI/9WUrRWleHEw/s400/DSC03605.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302468787720620114\" border=\"0\" /></a>That\'s Aubrey, Amanda\'s husband. He likes fish and chips. Apparently.<br /><br />And who wouldn\'t?<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYm1p-rq0I/AAAAAAAAAoA/740VMJGYJPo/s1600-h/DSC03603.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZYm1p-rq0I/AAAAAAAAAoA/740VMJGYJPo/s400/DSC03603.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302468314519022402\" border=\"0\" /></a>Even if <a href=\"http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/17842/?view=beerfly&amp;ba=brewintheLou\">the fish and chips at McNellie\'s</a> in downtown Tulsa is better.<br /><br />I\'m pretty sure my little one would agree.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZ1ngc3dz0I/AAAAAAAAAr4/j_zFovCcCTg/s1600-h/DSC03591.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZ1ngc3dz0I/AAAAAAAAAr4/j_zFovCcCTg/s400/DSC03591.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304509743314620226\" border=\"0\" /></a>That\'s him after a few sweet potato fries at <a href=\"http://www.mcnellies.com/\">McNellie\'s</a> the Friday afternoon before we skipped town.<br /><br />Compared to his state of being Saturday afternoon after a bit of the fare at an out-of-town pub:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZ1oBcvM0kI/AAAAAAAAAsA/HyeMHJXS3FQ/s1600-h/DSC03607.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZ1oBcvM0kI/AAAAAAAAAsA/HyeMHJXS3FQ/s400/DSC03607.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304510310215635522\" border=\"0\" /></a>Homesickness: He\'s doing it right.','Tasha Does Kansas City, Baby Barf Edition','','publish','open','open','','tasha-does-kansas-city-baby-barf','','','2009-02-19 14:15:00','2009-02-19 14:15:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=101',0,'post','',6),(102,1,'2009-02-20 20:25:00','2009-02-20 20:25:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.typros.org/upload/I%20am%20Tulsa%20logo%20web.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 216px; height: 216px;\" src=\"http://www.typros.org/upload/I%20am%20Tulsa%20logo%20web.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n<br />I love the <a href=\"http://tulsapeople.com/index.php?page=search&amp;search=i+am+tulsa&amp;goSearch=\">I Am Tulsa profiles</a> in one of our local magazines, <a href=\"http://www.tulsapeople.com/\">Tulsa People</a>. <div>\n<br /></div><div>The feature, a partnership between the magazine and <a href=\"http://typros.org/\">Tulsa\'s Young Professionals</a> (TYPros), highlights those Tulsans who have worked to make Tulsa a more exciting place to live. <a href=\"http://tulsapeople.com/index.php?page=article&amp;id=386\">Mary Beth Babcock</a>, owner of <a href=\"http://dwellingspaces.net/\">Dwelling Spaces</a>, as been featured, along with <a href=\"http://tulsapeople.com/index.php?page=article&amp;id=327\">Mike Villafuerte</a> of events planning agency <a href=\"http://www.notabletulsa.com/\">Notable Events</a>, <a href=\"http://tulsapeople.com/index.php?page=article&amp;id=311\">Corine Fiagome</a> with <a href=\"http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=ejIRK6OWG&amp;b=4886263\">Tulsa\'s YWCA</a> and <a href=\"http://tulsapeople.com/index.php?page=article&amp;id=428\">Cory Hoffart</a>, founder of <a href=\"http://greencollarenergy.com/GCE.COM/Base%20Camp.html\">Green Collar Energy</a>. </div><div>\n<br /></div><div>I\'d like to add to the conversation by featuring interviews with Tasha Does Tulsa readers here every couple of weeks or so. Some fascinating people read this blog, and just because they\'re not risking opening a business during a bum economy or putting in 40 hours a week on 27 nonprofit boards around town doesn\'t mean their stories don\'t deserve the spotlight. </div><div>\n<br /></div><div>To kick things off is Sindy of the blog <a href=\"http://sindyintulsa.blogspot.com/\">Sindy in Tulsa</a>. A quick visit to Sindy\'s blog makes it pretty obvious that she ain\'t from \'round these parts. She was born in Schneeberg (it means Snow Mountain) in the eastern part of Germany. The town is southwest of Berlin, close to the Czech border.\n<br />\n<br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZ8OLXbHtFI/AAAAAAAAAsI/nVWyJIcedrU/s1600-h/100_1831.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 395px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SZ8OLXbHtFI/AAAAAAAAAsI/nVWyJIcedrU/s400/100_1831.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304974474494850130\" border=\"0\" /></a>\n<br />Sindy has traveled extensively, having lived 10 years in Dresden and globetrotting from Italy, France and Austria to the Czech Republic and parts of eastern Europe. She moved to Tulsa in June 2006, after just three short visits here.\n<br />\n<br />Sindy\'s blog is a way for her to keep her friends and family in Germany up to date about her life in America. She writes about her and her husband\'s two dogs, her hobbies, food and our crazy Oklahoma weather.\n<br />\n<br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What was your first impression of Tulsa? </span>\n<br /><meta equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text/html; charset=utf-8\"><meta name=\"ProgId\" content=\"Word.Document\"><meta name=\"Generator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><meta name=\"Originator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><link rel=\"File-List\" href=\"file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CNatasha%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml\"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"place\"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"City\"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:worddocument>   <w:view>Normal</w:View>   <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom>   <w:punctuationkerning/>   <w:validateagainstschemas/>   <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:compatibility>    <w:breakwrappedtables/>    <w:snaptogridincell/>    <w:wraptextwithpunct/>    <w:useasianbreakrules/>    <w:dontgrowautofit/>   </w:Compatibility>   <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>  </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:latentstyles deflockedstate=\"false\" latentstylecount=\"156\">  </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid=\"clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D\" id=\"ieooui\"></object> <style> st1\\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!--  /* Font Definitions */  @font-face 	{font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;} @font-face 	{font-family:\"\\@Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;}  /* Style Definitions */  p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal 	{mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	margin:0in; 	margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:none; 	mso-hyphenate:none; 	font-size:12.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-fareast-font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	mso-font-kerning:.5pt; 	mso-fareast-language:#00FF;} @page Section1 	{size:8.5in 11.0in; 	margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; 	mso-header-margin:.5in; 	mso-footer-margin:.5in; 	mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 	{page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>  /* Style Definitions */  table.MsoNormalTable 	{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\"; 	mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; 	mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; 	mso-style-noshow:yes; 	mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; 	mso-para-margin:0in; 	mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:widow-orphan; 	font-size:10.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-ansi-language:#0400; 	mso-fareast-language:#0400; 	mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->  <p style=\"font-family: arial;\" class=\"MsoNormal\">On the first drive from <a href=\"http://www.tulsaairports.com/index.cfm\">the airport</a> I noticed how sprawling the city is. Coming from <st1:place st=\"on\">Europe</st1:place> where everything is a lot closer together that really struck me. <st1:city st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:city> has about the same number of inhabitants as <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dresden\"><st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:city st=\"on\">Dresden</st1:city></st1:place></a> but takes up a lot more space. I also was very glad to see <a href=\"http://www.cityoftulsa.org/Recreation/Parks/\">all the parks</a> and how green <st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:city st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:city></st1:place> is. The signs and billboards were pretty overwhelming, and the very straight streets only confused me. I was used to navigating winding and often narrow streets that spread out from a central square. So it took me awhile to get used to the grid and all the numbers. I also was surprised to find hardly any sidewalks or public transportation. There were some other things but most important to me was how friendly and open the people here are. </p>\n<br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What are some ways Tulsa is different from where you grew up? </span>\n<br /><meta equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text/html; charset=utf-8\"><meta name=\"ProgId\" content=\"Word.Document\"><meta name=\"Generator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><meta name=\"Originator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><link rel=\"File-List\" href=\"file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CNatasha%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml\"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"place\"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"City\"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:worddocument>   <w:view>Normal</w:View>   <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom>   <w:punctuationkerning/>   <w:validateagainstschemas/>   <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:compatibility>    <w:breakwrappedtables/>    <w:snaptogridincell/>    <w:wraptextwithpunct/>    <w:useasianbreakrules/>    <w:dontgrowautofit/>   </w:Compatibility>   <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>  </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:latentstyles deflockedstate=\"false\" latentstylecount=\"156\">  </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid=\"clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D\" id=\"ieooui\"></object> <style> st1\\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!--  /* Font Definitions */  @font-face 	{font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;} @font-face 	{font-family:\"\\@Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;}  /* Style Definitions */  p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal 	{mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	margin:0in; 	margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:none; 	mso-hyphenate:none; 	font-size:12.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-fareast-font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	mso-font-kerning:.5pt; 	mso-fareast-language:#00FF;} @page Section1 	{size:8.5in 11.0in; 	margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; 	mso-header-margin:.5in; 	mso-footer-margin:.5in; 	mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 	{page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>  /* Style Definitions */  table.MsoNormalTable 	{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\"; 	mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; 	mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; 	mso-style-noshow:yes; 	mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; 	mso-para-margin:0in; 	mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:widow-orphan; 	font-size:10.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-ansi-language:#0400; 	mso-fareast-language:#0400; 	mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->  <p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\";font-family:arial;font-size:100%;\"  >Actually there are not that many once you get over the language and culture differences. The greater part of my childhood was spent in the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_German_Democratic_Republic\">GDR</a>, which was a lot like the 50s here. And in some ways the neighborhood we live in now reminds me of that. <st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:city st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:city></st1:place> to me feels more like a small town, where everybody knows each other. I quite like that; it makes me feel so much more at home.</span>\n<br /></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\">\n<br /></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;\" >If you could, what would you change about Tulsa? </span>\n<br /></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\"><meta equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text/html; charset=utf-8\"><meta name=\"ProgId\" content=\"Word.Document\"><meta name=\"Generator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><meta name=\"Originator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><link rel=\"File-List\" href=\"file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CNatasha%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml\"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"place\"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"City\"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:worddocument>   <w:view>Normal</w:View>   <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom>   <w:punctuationkerning/>   <w:validateagainstschemas/>   <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:compatibility>    <w:breakwrappedtables/>    <w:snaptogridincell/>    <w:wraptextwithpunct/>    <w:useasianbreakrules/>    <w:dontgrowautofit/>   </w:Compatibility>   <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>  </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:latentstyles deflockedstate=\"false\" latentstylecount=\"156\">  </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid=\"clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D\" id=\"ieooui\"></object> <style> st1\\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!--  /* Font Definitions */  @font-face 	{font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;} @font-face 	{font-family:\"\\@Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;}  /* Style Definitions */  p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal 	{mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	margin:0in; 	margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:none; 	mso-hyphenate:none; 	font-size:12.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-fareast-font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	mso-font-kerning:.5pt; 	mso-fareast-language:#00FF;} @page Section1 	{size:8.5in 11.0in; 	margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; 	mso-header-margin:.5in; 	mso-footer-margin:.5in; 	mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 	{page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>  /* Style Definitions */  table.MsoNormalTable 	{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\"; 	mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; 	mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; 	mso-style-noshow:yes; 	mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; 	mso-para-margin:0in; 	mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:widow-orphan; 	font-size:10.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-ansi-language:#0400; 	mso-fareast-language:#0400; 	mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]-->  </p><p style=\"font-family: arial;\" class=\"MsoNormal\">Whenever I talk to other Europeans about what we miss here, two things usually come up: bread and <a href=\"http://www.ikea.com/\">IKEA</a>. I know it sounds shallow but as every American who ever went to <st1:place st=\"on\">Europe</st1:place> knows, the bread there is different. Thankfully there are a now some places in <st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:city st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:city></st1:place> that bake very yummy bread.\n<br /></p><p style=\"font-family: arial;\" class=\"MsoNormal\">\n<br /></p>  <p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family:arial;\">The other thing is the lack of an IKEA store. I am highly addicted to their cool and affordable designs, and it would be great to have a store closer by.</span>\n<br /></p><p class=\"MsoNormal\">\n<br /></p>  <p class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-family:arial;\">Since I moved here a lot of people have become more environmentally conscious and I hope this trend will continue. There are great ways out there to live a healthy and happy life, be it the local farmers markets or your own vegetable garden. I’m really glad I made the move to </span><st1:place style=\"font-family: arial;\" st=\"on\"><st1:city st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:city></st1:place><span style=\"font-family:arial;\">. It is turning out to be one of my best decisions so far.</span><span style=\"\">   </span></p>  <p></p></div><div><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What are you favorite things to do for fun in Tulsa? </span>\n<br /><meta equiv=\"Content-Type\" content=\"text/html; charset=utf-8\"><meta name=\"ProgId\" content=\"Word.Document\"><meta name=\"Generator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><meta name=\"Originator\" content=\"Microsoft Word 11\"><link rel=\"File-List\" href=\"file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CNatasha%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml\"><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"place\"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"PlaceName\"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"PlaceType\"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"address\"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype namespaceuri=\"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags\" name=\"Street\"></o:smarttagtype><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:worddocument>   <w:view>Normal</w:View>   <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom>   <w:punctuationkerning/>   <w:validateagainstschemas/>   <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:compatibility>    <w:breakwrappedtables/>    <w:snaptogridincell/>    <w:wraptextwithpunct/>    <w:useasianbreakrules/>    <w:dontgrowautofit/>   </w:Compatibility>   <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>  </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:latentstyles deflockedstate=\"false\" latentstylecount=\"156\">  </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid=\"clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D\" id=\"ieooui\"></object> <style> st1\\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!--  /* Font Definitions */  @font-face 	{font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;} @font-face 	{font-family:\"\\@Arial Unicode MS\"; 	panose-1:2 11 6 4 2 2 2 2 2 4; 	mso-font-charset:128; 	mso-generic-font-family:swiss; 	mso-font-pitch:variable; 	mso-font-signature:-1 -369098753 63 0 4129279 0;}  /* Style Definitions */  p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal 	{mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	margin:0in; 	margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:none; 	mso-hyphenate:none; 	font-size:12.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-fareast-font-family:\"Arial Unicode MS\"; 	mso-font-kerning:.5pt; 	mso-fareast-language:#00FF;} @page Section1 	{size:8.5in 11.0in; 	margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; 	mso-header-margin:.5in; 	mso-footer-margin:.5in; 	mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 	{page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>  /* Style Definitions */  table.MsoNormalTable 	{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\"; 	mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; 	mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; 	mso-style-noshow:yes; 	mso-style-parent:\"\"; 	mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; 	mso-para-margin:0in; 	mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; 	mso-pagination:widow-orphan; 	font-size:10.0pt; 	font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; 	mso-ansi-language:#0400; 	mso-fareast-language:#0400; 	mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style=\"font-family: arial;font-family:&quot;;font-size:100%;\"  >We like to go hiking with our two dogs up on <a href=\"http://www.riverparks.org/Maps/tm_map.htm\"><st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:placename st=\"on\">Turkey</st1:placename>  <st1:placetype st=\"on\">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place></a>. Whenever I say that, the locals give me a funny look; but, as I understand, the area has changed quite a bit. Then there are the festivals; I especially like the <a href=\"http://www.tulsamayfest.org/\">Mayfest</a> and the <a href=\"http://www.bluedomeartsfestival.com/\">Blue Dome Arts Festival</a>.<span style=\"\">  </span><a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/\">The Philbrook</a> and <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/\">Gilcrease</a> museums are great too. <a href=\"http://home.att.net/%7Egastulsa01/Christkindlmarkt.htm\">The Christmas Market at the German American Society</a> is a must for us because I always get a bit homesick around the holidays. I also like <a href=\"http://www.tulsagardencenter.com/\"><st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:placename st=\"on\">Woodward</st1:placename>  <st1:placetype st=\"on\">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> and the Rose Garden</a>, and any other park near our place. Then there is window shopping in <a href=\"http://www.brooksidetheplacetobe.com/\"><st1:place st=\"on\">Brookside</st1:place></a> and on <st1:street st=\"on\"><st1:address st=\"on\">Cherry Street</st1:address></st1:street>, and browsing in any bookstore I can find.</span>\n<br /></div><div>\n<br />Thanks for letting us peer into your life, Sindy! Not only are you one hip chick, but you also have the coolest accent ever.\n<br /></div>','Interview: Sindy Does Tulsa','','publish','open','open','','interview-sindy-does-tulsa','','','2009-02-20 20:25:00','2009-02-20 20:25:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=102',0,'post','',4),(103,1,'2009-02-23 22:12:00','2009-02-23 22:12:00','This is where I wish I was right now.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMfbp5wZ-I/AAAAAAAAAt0/51YnPMsyZQQ/s1600-h/DSC03580.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMfbp5wZ-I/AAAAAAAAAt0/51YnPMsyZQQ/s400/DSC03580.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306119345937606626\" border=\"0\" /></a>Wait...where is that?<br /><br />Hint: Check out <a href=\"http://mcnellies.mobi/\">the (very) useful new mobile site here</a>. You know, on your mobile.','Daydreaming','','publish','open','open','','daydreaming','','','2009-02-23 22:12:00','2009-02-23 22:12:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=103',0,'post','',5),(104,1,'2009-02-24 23:35:00','2009-02-24 23:35:00','The weather in Green Country promises to be lovely this week, if not a little cloudy and prone to tornados. But, when has that ever stopped us Okies from having a little fun?<br /><br />A trip to <a href=\"http://www.riverwalkcrossing.com/\">RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks</a>, just 12 miles from downtown Tulsa, would be an upbeat-yet-relaxing way to spend one of the balmy afternoons coming our away.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMdeiHMbVI/AAAAAAAAAts/fnSjP1SZdzg/s1600-h/DSC03631-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMdeiHMbVI/AAAAAAAAAts/fnSjP1SZdzg/s400/DSC03631-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306117196362837330\" border=\"0\" /></a>It may not seem like it from the sprawling parking lot, but RiverWalk Crossing is a lot of place to explore in one afternoon. Leave it to me to distill it all to five points of interest. These activities are sure to please the kids, the wife, the snotty friends and even the in-laws you suspect might head up the fun police.<br /><br />Your job is just to get to RiverWalk - that is, after you get done reading this. Get ready to let it all go, man.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMdYgqNoWI/AAAAAAAAAtk/bmqWEzXnYlY/s1600-h/DSC03637.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMdYgqNoWI/AAAAAAAAAtk/bmqWEzXnYlY/s400/DSC03637.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306117092893630818\" border=\"0\" /></a><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">1. Live Entertainment</span><br /><br />One of my favorite things to do during the summer is to head to RiverWalk Crossing, pick up some ice cream at <a href=\"http://www.marbleslab.com/\">Marble Slab Creamery</a> or some gelato at <a href=\"http://www.kaffebona.com/\">Kaffe Bona</a>, and mellow out to some tunes by local bands playing on the RiverWalk Ampitheater, the centerpiece of the \"lifestyle center.\" The river lazily flowing past is a great backdrop to the entire experience.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMczxCF4XI/AAAAAAAAAtc/--ixGbxL88E/s1600-h/DSC03641.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMczxCF4XI/AAAAAAAAAtc/--ixGbxL88E/s400/DSC03641.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306116461633593714\" border=\"0\" /></a>The crowd is a mixed bag at these concerts, which are, from my experience, free to all. I\'ve seen couples, large families, tons of little kids and groups of high school- and college-age buddies. I\'ve even known a church group or two to meet up at RiverWalk for a concert.<br /><br />A current event schedule isn\'t readily available by phone or Internet, but check back at the <a href=\"http://riverwalkcrossing.com/\">RiverWalk Crossing</a> site to see what\'s up. Or, check with <a href=\"http://urbantulsa.com/\">Urban Tulsa Weekly</a>, the know-it-alls when it comes to what\'s doin\' in Tulsa.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">2. Shopping</span><br /><br />When I wrote \"lifestyle center\" up there, what I really meant was a strip shopping center on steroids that happened to score really well on <a href=\"http://www.hotornot.com/\">HotorNot.com</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcscKXjrI/AAAAAAAAAtU/BvOHSRhwgEM/s1600-h/DSC03642.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcscKXjrI/AAAAAAAAAtU/BvOHSRhwgEM/s400/DSC03642.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306116335772077746\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcLvhh2MI/AAAAAAAAAs0/yxYoi7wkxkM/s1600-h/DSC03661.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcLvhh2MI/AAAAAAAAAs0/yxYoi7wkxkM/s400/DSC03661.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306115774033811650\" border=\"0\" /></a>The shops at RiverWalk are definitely on the upscale side - no mix of price levels here. Even so, my favorite browsing spots are <a href=\"http://www.azurcouture.com/\">Azur Couture</a> (men and women\'s designer clothing), Stonehouse Gallery (furniture, jewelry and art) and <a href=\"http://www.wswterritory.com/\">West Southwest Territory</a> (lots of locally made stuff).<br /><br />Phase Two of RiverWalk Crossing (whenever that\'s gonna happen) promises to bring even more spots where river-bound shop-a-holics can dump the contents of their wallets.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">3. Strolling</span><br /><br />A (free!!!) walking path runs between RiverWalk Crossing and the river, and it\'s perfect for baby strolling.<br /><br />Veering off the path to play is fun, too, as long as you promise not to take your hands off your children for even one second. NOT ONE.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcfW-qPkI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Bm7RKQPsuoY/s1600-h/DSC03648.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcfW-qPkI/AAAAAAAAAtM/Bm7RKQPsuoY/s400/DSC03648.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306116111042494018\" border=\"0\" /></a>The banks of the Arkansas River look so...Oklahoma. RiverWalk Crossing visitors definitely get their fill of the riverscape.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcZJLMA0I/AAAAAAAAAtE/Hvqi0dopWbw/s1600-h/DSC03659.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcZJLMA0I/AAAAAAAAAtE/Hvqi0dopWbw/s400/DSC03659.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306116004257727298\" border=\"0\" /></a>They can also get a great view of <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2007/05/weird-and-ugly-buildings-in-tulsa.html\">one of Tulsa\'s weird and ugly buildings</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMb3QLuDgI/AAAAAAAAAsk/rkEBQZheoNc/s1600-h/DSC03672.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMb3QLuDgI/AAAAAAAAAsk/rkEBQZheoNc/s400/DSC03672.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306115422023454210\" border=\"0\" /></a>Oh, my. Thar she blows in all her...eccentricity?<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">4. Eating</span><br /><br />Though RiverWalk Crossing doesn\'t have the best collection of restaurants in the Tulsa area (that would be a toss-up between <a href=\"http://www.brooksidetheplacetobe.com/\">Brookside</a>, <a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/58/5807/Tulsa/Cherry-Street-restaurants\">Cherry Street</a> and <a href=\"http://www.uticasquare.com/restaurants/restaurants.asp\">Utica Square</a>), dining - which is on my top-three list of things I most love to do - can definitely be done there.<br /><br />Unlike the shopping, the eats at RiverWalk fit a range of price levels, from fine dining at <a href=\"http://www.meltingpot.com/\">The Melting Pot</a> to casual eat-and-run places like <a href=\"http://substationriverwalk.com/\">Sub Station</a>. And, of course, <a href=\"http://www.marbleslab.com/\">Marble Slab Creamery</a>, which happens to be the home of the $6 ice cream concoction.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcSupC0qI/AAAAAAAAAs8/6cPeW8DTL4o/s1600-h/DSC03660.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMcSupC0qI/AAAAAAAAAs8/6cPeW8DTL4o/s400/DSC03660.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306115894055981730\" border=\"0\" /></a>Not that my regular-sized Cookies &amp; Cake creation (birthday cake-flavored ice cream with Oreos and chocolate chip cookie dough mixed in) wasn\'t delicious, because it really, really was. But $6? I could buy an entire 1/2 gallon tub of ice cream at <a href=\"http://www.braums.com/\">Braum\'s</a> for less than that.<br /><br />But I digress. And besides, I don\'t think Braum\'s has any ice cream that actually, really does taste like birthday cake.<br /><br />Pricey ice cream purchase justification: my new hobby, as we all can see.<br /><br />I love how kids and their families gather around the huge salt water fish tank at the new <a href=\"http://www.tekeis.com/tk_2.html\">TK\'s 2</a>, RiverWalk\'s asian fusion restaurant with its original location at Utica and Cherry Street. The hostess must be used to it. Her first question wasn\'t the standard, \"How many?\" but rather, \"Would you folks like to be seated, or are you just enjoying the fish tank?\" She had us pegged.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMb-GVz3fI/AAAAAAAAAss/k_FOH93da1U/s1600-h/DSC03665.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaMb-GVz3fI/AAAAAAAAAss/k_FOH93da1U/s400/DSC03665.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306115539640507890\" border=\"0\" /></a>Why, of <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">course</span> I had to be one of the nerds taking photos of the fish tank with my point-and-shoot. I wonder if anyone ever sees me snapping shots and gawking and thinks I\'m a tourist. The joke would be on them, right? Say yes.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">5. Drinking</span><br /><br />There\'s little else I\'d rather do at the end of a Friday or Saturday night out than to sit out on the patio and have a nice cigar, and maybe a little something to drink to go with it.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.cigarboxtulsa.com/The_Cigar_Box/Welcome.html\">The Cigar Box</a>, then, is after my own heart. Not only is it my favorite place in town to peruse cigars, but it\'s also a hip little bar. Have a drink inside or have it brought out to the patio, where you can lounge and puff a cigar.<br /><br />In a word: Ahhhh.<br /><br />And don\'t forget <a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/630450/restaurant/Tulsa/Southern-Hills/Dirtys-Sports-Bar-Grill-Jenks\">Dirty\'s Sports Bar &amp; Grill</a>, which put one of its four locations in RiverWalk Crossing. It\'s the place to be for drinks, sports spectating, live entertainment and better-than-bar food. Don\'t be afraid to bring the fam - Dirty\'s even has a kids\' menu.<br /><br />Don\'t let anyone tell you that RiverWalk Crossing isn\'t budget friendly in these times when everyone is interested in cutting back. Say you need to come up with a low-cost date for you and your better half. Hit Los Cabos for an appetizer and a shared entree and catch a breeze and some live entertainment on your way down for some gelato (buy the smallest size - it\'ll be more than enough to satisfy, I promise).<br /><br />That particular night out would hit your wallet for $30-$35, not counting whatever it costs for you to get to RiverWalk. I implore you to come up with a date night for the same price and get everything you\'re looking for - dinner, a romantic walk by the river, dessert and live music - in just one stop.<br /><br />What\'s your favorite thing to do at RiverWalk? Have any ideas for a RiverWalk date? Leave it in the comments.','Tulsa Places: RiverWalk Crossing','','publish','open','open','','tulsa-places-riverwalk-crossing','','','2009-02-24 23:35:00','2009-02-24 23:35:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=104',0,'post','',7),(105,1,'2009-02-26 03:20:00','2009-02-26 03:20:00','<span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">This post was a collaboration of Holly Wall, author of <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com/\">Tulsa Art Blog</a> and <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Archive?section=oid%3A14783\">arts writer for Urban Tulsa Weekly</a> and Tasha Does Tulsa author Natasha Ball. </span></span><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">If a city’s artistic endeavors speak to the quality of life it offers, then the livin’ is good in Tulsa.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Holly has covered local visual and performance arts for <a href=\"http://urbantulsa.com/\">Urban Tulsa Weekly</a> for almost three years, and every time she sees new works by a progressive contemporary artist, or watches an actor fearlessly give himself over to character, or attends a performance by our world-renowned ballet and opera companies, she can’t help but beam with pride. There is a wealth of talent in Tulsa, and citizens of our city should consider themselves lucky that the artists working here have chosen to do so, rather than take their craft elsewhere.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">It’s common for out-of-towners (and even some in-towners) to be unaware of the bountiful arts offerings available in Tulsa. And since it’s TDT’s mission to prove you folks who think there’s nothing to do in Tulsa wrong, it\'s time to set the record straight about the arts here.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">So, whether you’re new in town, planning a day trip to Tulsa or just finally want to succumb to the realization that your city has more to offer you than you’ve ever dreamed, we’ve got a weekend chock full of arts-themed activities to keep you occupied. Choose one or two, or do ‘em all.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Just know: this is not everything. This barely scratches the surface of what’s being produced and performed here in Tulsa. But, it’s a good place to start.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><br /></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">New Genre Festival XVI<br /><a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/\">Living Arts of Tulsa</a><br />Feb. 26-March 1</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 189px;\" src=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/NG09-billboard-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Living Arts of Tulsa has been presenting and developing cutting-edge, contemporary art forms in Tulsa since its inception in 1969. Through exhibitions, creative workshops, performances, films/videos, demonstrations, educational activities and research, Living Arts seeks to fulfill two goals: to bring to Tulsa outside artists who are pushing the limits of their media and to encourage local artists to develop new, exploratory works not usually seen in Tulsa.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Perhaps the best way to get an idea of what Living Arts does is to visit its annual <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/ng16.html\">New Genre Festival</a>, which just happens to be going on this weekend. Scattered around downtown and Midtown Tulsa are various exhibits and performances by 110 local, regional and national artists, all of varying media and all of whom are exploring the boundaries of non-traditional art forms. For a complete itinerary of the events happening this weekend, visit <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com/\">Tulsa Art Blog</a> and check out “New Genre in a Nutshell,” or visit the <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/ng16.html\">Living Arts online</a>.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">Bonus (as if you needed one): Most of the exhibitions are free and open to the public. But, the performance works have an admission price. Check the Living Arts Web site for showtimes and ticket prices.</span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Hansel and Gretel<br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsaopera.com/\">Tulsa Opera</a><br />Tulsa PAC, Chapman Music Hall<br />Friday, Feb. 27/March 1; 7:30 p.m./2:30 p.m.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 390px; height: 173px;\" src=\"http://www.tulsaopera.com/media/subfeature-hg.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">The classic fairytale of the Brothers Grimm is combined with a lush Wagner-inspired romantic score in this evocative operatic masterpiece. <a href=\"http://www.tulsaopera.com/season-hg.html\">Find tickets at the Tulsa Opera Web site</a>.<br /></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Educating Rita<br /><a href=\"http://www.theatretulsa.org/\">Theatre Tulsa</a><br />Tulsa PAC, Liddy Doenges Theatre<br />Feb. 26-28, 8 p.m.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 272px;\" src=\"http://www.myticketoffice.com/upload/Educating-Rita.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">A twenty six year old woman working as a hairdresser signs up for a university course because she is eager to learn and discover what the educated lifestyle has to offer. Learn more and find tickets at the Theatre Tulsa Web site. Read more at <a href=\"http://www.theatretulsa.org/08season/ER.asp\">the Theatre Tulsa Web site</a>.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Romeo and Juliet<br />(The new!) <a href=\"http://www.playhousetheatretulsa.com/Playhouse_Theatre/Home.html\">Playhouse Theatre</a><br />Tulsa PAC, Charles E. Norman Theatre<br />Feb. 25-28, 8 p.m.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 334px; height: 219px;\" src=\"http://www.playhousetheatretulsa.com/Playhouse_Theatre/Romeo_%26_Juliet_files/shapeimage_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Come witness one of the greatest love stories of all time like you’ve never seen it before. <a href=\"http://www.playhousetheatretulsa.com/Playhouse_Theatre/Romeo_%26_Juliet.html\">Read more and find tickets at the Playhouse Theatre Web site</a>. </span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><a href=\"http://hannahschrag.com/\">Hannah Schrag</a>: “The Far East: China”<br /><a href=\"http://www.webthyme.net/\">Thyme: An American Bistro</a><br />Opens Feb. 27</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 371px; height: 202px;\" src=\"http://www.webthyme.net/logo/thymeRGB.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Not all art happens in galleries or theatres. Several local restaurants show local art, including <a href=\"http://www.webthyme.net/\">Thyme: An American Bistro</a>, at 31<sup>st</sup> and Harvard. </span> </p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Showing starting this weekend is Wichita, Kans.-born freelance photographer <a href=\"http://hannahschrag.com/\">Hannah Schrag</a>. Schrag became interested in photography after working on a humanitarian project in India. Her greatest enjoyment comes from international assignments, capturing the lives of people and the cultural beauty of Asia and South America. In 2007, Schrag journeyed to China to explore her mother\'s native culture. During her time there, she backpacked through four different provinces, into the heart of China. It was during this time that the China photos were taken and it is why each one has a special story.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Gilcrease Museum</span></a><br />1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Road</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://www.travelok.com/toDo/attractionsDetail.asp?id=1+5U+3992\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 448px; height: 299px;\" src=\"http://www.travelok.com/graphics/siebel_photos/To_Do/1+5U+3992.JPG\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">In addition to the extensive permanent collections at Gilcrease Museum, now showing is <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/cal_details.aspx?ID=756\">an exhibition of American impressionist work from 1870 to 1940</a>, <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/cal_details.aspx?ID=755\">original Cheyenne and Arapaho ledger art</a> and more than 40 works by wood sculptor <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/cal_details.aspx?ID=760&amp;refer=cal\">Willard Stone</a>.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Gilcrease Museum is one of the country’s best resources for American history and art. <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/history.aspx\">Founded by Thomas Gilcrease</a>, the 460-acre museum houses the world\'s largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. The museum also offers an unparalleled collection of Native American art and artifacts, as well as historical manuscripts, documents and maps. The museum also offers wonderful educational programs for children and adults. Twenty-three of the museum’s acres are cultivated, lush gardens.</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/\">Philbrook Museum of Art</a><br />2727 S. Rockford Road</span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-weight: bold;\" align=\"left\"><a href=\"http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/P/PH002.html\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></a><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 488px; height: 313px;\" src=\"http://digital.library.okstate.edu/encyclopedia/entries/P/images/PH002.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">In addition to the Philbrook collection of Native American art, African art, American painting and sculpture, Japanese painting, European painting and sculpture, Baroque painting and sculpture, modern and contemporary art, outdoor sculpture and works on paper (WHEW!), the museum also has on display selected works from its recently-acquired <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/exhibitions/current/exhibition.cfm?id=30\">Eugene B. Adkins collection</a>, <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/exhibitions/current/exhibition.cfm?id=35\">a collection of Native American works on paper</a> and <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/exhibitions/current/exhibition.cfm?id=36\">an exhibition of masterpieces of American photography from the George Eastman House Collection</a>.</span></span></p><p style=\"margin-bottom: 0in; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\" align=\"left\"><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Philbrook Museum exists because <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/experience/place/\">oilman Waite Phillips and his wife Genevieve</a><a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/experience/place/\"> understood and appreciated the possibility of Tulsa’s future as an arts and culture hub</a>. In 1938, the couple donated their 72-room mansion and the surrounding 23 acres of grounds, originally constructed as a place for their two children to entertain guests, for an arts endeavor. Today, the museum is astonishing in not only its permanent collection of great art, but also its immense and beautiful gardens and its commitment to arts education in Tulsa. </span></p></span><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span style=\"font-size:100%;\"><br /></span></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span style=\"font-size:100%;\">____________________________________________________________________</span></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span style=\"font-size:100%;\"><br />Would love to go out and see a show this weekend, but you checked all your pockets and alas, you have no tickets? Fear not. Thanks to the generosity of the folks at <a href=\"http://theatretulsa.org/\">Theatre Tulsa</a>, one lucky Tasha Does Tulsa reader will win <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">two tickets to </span><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">the Thursday night, 8 p.m. showing of </span><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://tulsapac.com/calendar.asp?id=778&amp;task=display\">Educating Rita</a>.<br /></span></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span style=\"font-size:100%;\"><br /></span></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span style=\"font-size:100%;\">To enter the drawing for the tickets, leave in the comments your answer this question: <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What do you love/hate most about the Tulsa art scene?</span><br /><br />I\'ll randomly choose and post a winner at 2 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday). Good luck, and happy art crawling!<br /><br /><span style=\"font-style: italic;\">If the art event you\'re headed to this weekend doesn\'t appear in this post, please </span><a style=\"font-style: italic;\" href=\"mailto:%20tashadoestulsa@gmail.com\">e-mail me</a><span style=\"font-style: italic;\">.</span><br /></span></div></div>','Got Art? (Plus, A Giveaway)','','publish','open','open','','got-art-plus-giveaway','','','2009-02-26 03:20:00','2009-02-26 03:20:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=105',0,'post','',1),(106,1,'2009-02-26 05:15:00','2009-02-26 05:15:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaYh-DgYTgI/AAAAAAAAAt8/oTF_iThSXZM/s1600-h/DSC03814-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SaYh-DgYTgI/AAAAAAAAAt8/oTF_iThSXZM/s400/DSC03814-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306966560879431170\" border=\"0\" /></a>Tonight: my little baby-man\'s first birthday. A trip to the park. A tired husband overburdened with homework. A half-written <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/got-art-plus-giveaway.html\">TDT post on what\'s going on in the Tulsa art scene this weekend and a giveaway</a> begging to be finished - ASAP, of course. Because the local art scene pretty much explodes with activity this weekend, I wanted to make sure you all had plenty of time to shuffle your plans and cancel anything boring so you could pack your bags and check it out.<div><br /></div><div>To make a long story short, I could have used a quick, delicious, healthful dinner option for my little family tonight. Local restaurants are always a bonus when I can\'t cook the evening meal myself.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>A run to <a href=\"http://tacobueno.com/\">Taco Bueno</a>, while not particularly delicious, healthful or local, managed to save dinner tonight. But, starting tomorrow, one of my favorite lunch spots in all of Tulsa, <a href=\"http://elotetulsa.com/\">Elote Cafe &amp; Catering</a>, will be open in the evenings.<br /><br />Elote: Quick? Check. Healthful? Uh-huh. Local and delicious? Checkity check check-a-roo.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I would sign my next paycheck over to Elote right now, except their prices are so affordable. So, I not only get to keep the jingle in my pocket, but I also get to stuff myself with dishes like Chicken Puffy Tacos and the Smokin\' Hot Quesadilla for more meals than I do already.<br /><br />I don\'t even have to worry too much about my waistline or what I\'m going to have to do to counteract the chemicals I ingest when I succumb to fast food. Elote Chef Libby Auld, who\'s training includes a stint with <a href=\"http://www.rickbayless.com/\">renowned chef of Mexican cuisine Rick Bayless</a>, is all about using healthful, organically-grown food in her fresh-Mex creations. She even sources her ingredients from local vendors and farmers. </div><div><br /></div><div>You know what? I just can\'t say enough bright, shiny things about Libby Auld. Believe me, <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/article.asp?aID=46820679.1554376.628134.8712536.5035298.705&amp;aID2=48309\">I\'ve tried</a>. And <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A25007\">tried</a>. And <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/07/hola-elot.html\">tried</a>. And <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/article.asp?aID=36820796.18967402.617253.6823939.7285562.304&amp;aID2=47472\">tried</a>. </div><div><br /></div>Can I say just one more good thing about her? She\'s generous. Know why? She gave me a pass for the first dinner service at Elote to giveaway to one lucky TDT reader.<div><br /></div><div>Up for grabs is a $20 gift certificate to the soft opening tomorrow night (Thursday, Feb. 26) at Elote. To enter to win it, leave your answer to this question in the comments: <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What excites/irks you most about dining downtown?</span> </div><div><br /></div><div>I\'ll randomly pick and post a winner tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 26) at 1 p.m. Good luck, and puffy tacos! </div>','A Fresh Development','','publish','open','open','','fresh-development','','','2009-02-26 05:15:00','2009-02-26 05:15:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=106',0,'post','',16),(107,1,'2009-02-26 20:00:00','2009-02-26 20:00:00','Guess who won two tickets to tonight\'s showing of <a href=\"http://tulsapac.com/calendar.asp?id=778&amp;thedate=2/26/2009&amp;task=display\">Educating Rita</a> in <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/got-art-plus-giveaway.html\">the contest held here yesterday and today</a>?<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab3XBYMS1I/AAAAAAAAAuo/WdiVduTl-eM/s1600-h/untitled.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab3XBYMS1I/AAAAAAAAAuo/WdiVduTl-eM/s400/untitled.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307201185781664594\" border=\"0\" /></a>Congrats, <a href=\"http://shelleighm.blogspot.com/\">Michelle</a>! E-mail me at tashadoestulsa@gmail.com to find out how to claim your prize.','Educating Rita Contest Winner!','','publish','open','open','','educating-rita-contest-winner','','','2009-02-26 20:00:00','2009-02-26 20:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=107',0,'post','',0),(108,1,'2009-02-26 20:05:00','2009-02-26 20:05:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab1IgN7PYI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Q4tGBdXYgyU/s1600-h/DSC03807-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab1IgN7PYI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/Q4tGBdXYgyU/s400/DSC03807-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307198737338809730\" border=\"0\" /></a>As most everyone who reads this blog knows, <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/fresh-development.html\">there was a little contest happening here yesterday and today</a>. At stake: a $20 gift certificate to tonight\'s soft opening of <a href=\"http://elotetulsa.com/\">Elote Cafe &amp; Catering</a>.<br /><br />Your responses to the question, <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What excites/irks you most about dining downtown? </span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">were such interesting reading.</span> Anyone who didn\'t get to enter the contest should still read through the comments - there were some informed, snarky, insightful and even beautiful things said there. Thanks to all who entered!<br /><br />And now, the winner of some seriously delicious food. First, I submitted to Random.org the total number of eligible comments on yesterday\'s post (click to enlarge):<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab1huCjxrI/AAAAAAAAAug/EVXjycZqWCM/s1600-h/giveaway.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab1huCjxrI/AAAAAAAAAug/EVXjycZqWCM/s400/giveaway.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307199170545960626\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Random.org spit out:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab1PoFE6SI/AAAAAAAAAuY/eyWlondUdqg/s1600-h/giveawayii.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 171px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab1PoFE6SI/AAAAAAAAAuY/eyWlondUdqg/s400/giveawayii.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307198859708262690\" border=\"0\" /></a>The eighth comment on yesterday\'s post was:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab0vdeVvhI/AAAAAAAAAuI/cNN74MErc6U/s1600-h/giveawayiii.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sab0vdeVvhI/AAAAAAAAAuI/cNN74MErc6U/s400/giveawayiii.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307198307105619474\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Congrats, <a href=\"http://realfoodtulsa.blogspot.com/\">Penni</a>! Penni is one of Tulsa\'s leading healthful food proponents and educators, and her raw food recipes are to die for. Penni, e-mail me at tashadoestulsa@gmail.com so we can get you your prize.<br /><br />Those of you not so lucky in this contest can still head to Elote until 10 p.m. tonight. Congrats, Libby and Elote staff, on your first evening open in downtown Tulsa!<br /><br />Thanks for playing, all!','Elote Contest Winner!','','publish','open','open','','elote-contest-winner','','','2009-02-26 20:05:00','2009-02-26 20:05:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=108',0,'post','',1),(109,1,'2009-02-26 21:00:00','2009-02-26 21:00:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/NewGenre2009_sm2.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 277px; height: 426px;\" src=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/NewGenre2009_sm2.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Remember when, in <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/got-art-plus-giveaway.html\">yesterday\'s post on what\'s going on in the Tulsa art scene this weekend</a>, <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com/\">Holly Wall</a> wrote about <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/ng16.html\">New Genre XVI</a> and how totally awesome, amazing and <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">vital to your existence</span> it is?<br /><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;\"  ><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><br />There are more than 100 reasons why. From <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26453\">her article on New Genre 2009 in Urban Tulsa Weekly</a>:<br /></span></span></span><blockquote>Now in its 16th year, the festival, hosted by Living ArtSpace, seeks to explore new and cutting edge contemporary media and artists. In a matter of days, New Genre will present 110 local, regional and national artists -- all of them doing something very, very different -- to Tulsa audiences.</blockquote>While many of the events are free, some come with an admission fee. <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/Dance_Oklahoma.html\">New Genre Dance Oklahoma</a>, which begins tomorrow night at 8 p.m. in Williams Theatre at <a href=\"http://tulsapac.com/\">Tulsa Performing Arts Center</a> and shows a second time Saturday night, is one of those events.<br /><br />New Genre Dance Oklahoma will be a modern dance and performing arts blowout. Several dance companies are involved. <a href=\"http://www.perpetualmotiondance.org/\">Perpetual Motion/Modern Dance Oklahoma</a>, <a href=\"http://www.bellhousearts.org/\">The Bell House</a> and <a href=\"http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&amp;friendid=193540124\">Hartel Dance Group</a> promise to change the way we think about dance and the boundaries of the human body.<br /><br />You could be there to watch it all go down. For free.<br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:\'Trebuchet MS\';font-size:100%;\"  ><span style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><br /><span style=\"font-family:georgia;\">Steve Liggett, artistic director of </span><a style=\"font-family: georgia;\" href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/\">Living Arts of Tulsa</a><span style=\"font-family:georgia;\">, has given one lucky TDT reader </span><span style=\"font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;\" >two tickets to the Friday night (Feb. 27) performance of New Genre Dance Oklahoma</span><span style=\"font-family:georgia;\">.</span><br /><br /></span></span></span><span style=\";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;\"  ></span><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">To enter, head to the comments and <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">describe your signature dance move.</span><br /><br />With or without your particular brand of dance floor throw down, New Genre Dance Oklahoma promises to be a great show; after all, they don\'t charge $40 for a couple of tickets for nothing.<br /><br />I\'ll randomly pick and post the new owner of those two tickets at 3 p.m. tomorrow (Feb. 27). Good luck! </span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\"><br /></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\"><br /></span></div></div>','New Genre Dance Oklahoma (Plus, a Giveaway. Yes, another!)','','publish','open','open','','new-genre-dance-oklahoma-plus-giveaway','','','2009-02-26 21:00:00','2009-02-26 21:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=109',0,'post','',5),(110,1,'2009-02-27 21:10:00','2009-02-27 21:10:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/NewGenre2009_sm2.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 305px;\" src=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/NewGenre2009_sm2.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><br />Guess what? <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/new-genre-dance-oklahoma-plus-giveaway.html\">There was ANOTHER little contest happening here yesterday and today</a>. The prize: two tickets to tonight\'s showing of <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/Dance_Oklahoma.html\">New Genre Dance Oklahoma</a>.<br /><br />Your <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">signature dance moves </span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">sounded, well, intriguing</span>. It\'s times like these I wish this blog had video commenting capability. Thanks to all who entered!<br /><br />And now, I shall announce the chosen one - the one who on this night will be enlightened by some intense and beautiful dancing. First, I submitted to Random.org the total number of eligible comments on yesterday\'s post (click to enlarge):<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sahaf4z1HwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/wSOSgw-qtDU/s1600-h/giveaway.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 304px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sahaf4z1HwI/AAAAAAAAAvA/wSOSgw-qtDU/s400/giveaway.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307591664728350466\" border=\"0\" /></a>Random.org spit out:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SahaVDOtSXI/AAAAAAAAAu4/0m_cJ4ZHems/s1600-h/giveawayii.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 175px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SahaVDOtSXI/AAAAAAAAAu4/0m_cJ4ZHems/s400/giveawayii.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307591478546876786\" border=\"0\" /></a> The fifth comment on yesterday\'s post was:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SahaH4IsXKI/AAAAAAAAAuw/qRjA40iDe30/s1600-h/giveawayiii.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 294px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SahaH4IsXKI/AAAAAAAAAuw/qRjA40iDe30/s400/giveawayiii.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307591252230560930\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Congrats, <a href=\"http://www.blogger.com/profile/00846665569856192688\">Chris</a>! Chris heads up the very informative and much-needed <a href=\"http://mytulsahouse.blogspot.com/\">Tulsa Real Estate blog</a>. Chris, e-mail me at tashadoestulsa@gmail.com so we can get you your prize.<br /><br />For those of you out of luck on winning free tickets to <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/genre/newgenre2009/ng16.html\">New Genre</a> Dance Oklahoma can still head to <a href=\"http://tulsapac.com/\">Tulsa PAC</a> tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. for a revolutionary show. Don\'t forget New Genre XVI is happening all weekend. Check the article by <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com/\">Holly Wall</a> in <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26453\">Urban Tulsa Weekly</a> for a complete list of what\'s doing.<br /><br />Thanks for playing, y\'all!','New Genre Dance Oklahoma Winner!','','publish','open','open','','new-genre-dance-oklahoma-winner','','','2009-02-27 21:10:00','2009-02-27 21:10:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=110',0,'post','',0),(111,1,'2009-02-28 15:14:00','2009-02-28 15:14:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hR3Wundk2H4/Sajg6R5ZLhI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/MfXtwJDWfkE/s400/IMG_3660boyw.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_hR3Wundk2H4/Sajg6R5ZLhI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/MfXtwJDWfkE/s400/IMG_3660boyw.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Tomorrow, I am sooo gonna score.<br /><br />Little boy gear, that is. Rather than have to traverse the known world for garage sales in hopes of finding affordable, quality clothes, furniture and toys for my newly minted toddler, I can head to <a href=\"http://www.exposquare.com/es/facilities/centralparkhall.asp\">Central Park Hall at Expo Square</a> for the spring <a href=\"http://tulsa.jbfsale.com/\">Just Between Friends</a> sale. Seven days of the bail out for which Tulsa-area mommy and daddy types have been waiting begins March 1.<br /><br />I didn\'t get to go to the sale last year since I was rather incapacitated from having just, you know, passed a real, live human being from my poor, aching body. The year before that, however, I made it to the fall sale to stock up on maternity clothes. Total cost of about 85 percent of my entire maternity wardrobe: $93 and some change. I\'m might be able to get a pair of maternity jeans for that at some place like <a href=\"http://www.uticasquare.com/shops/shop_details.asp?sID=36\">A Pea in the Pod at Utica Square</a>. Not that there isn\'t a time and a place for a Pea in the Pod purchase, because there is. It was just that, for me and 98 percent of the other moms-to-be out there hearing the R-word on the radio 532 times per day and scrounging to prepare to be nickeled and dimed for the next 18 years, that time was when someone else was buying.<br /><br />A year and a half has passed, and my mommy friends and I have been anticipating for months this spring JBF sale. I fully plan to spend an entire working day\'s worth of time getting my shop on at Expo Square over the course of the next week. Tomorrow I\'ll be out to get the first pick of the toys; Friday or Saturday I\'ll hit up the sale for gently used boutique-quality clothes for the entire next year, since many items will be marked down by 50 percent. I\'m talking 1,200 consignors\'- and 42,000 square feet-worth of <a href=\"http://www.gap.com/browse/division.do?cid=6344\">Baby Gap</a>, <a href=\"http://www.gymboree.com//index.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374303003787&amp;bmUID=1235836531208\">Gymboree</a>, <a href=\"http://www.potterybarnkids.com/shop/b/index.cfm\">Pottery Barn Threads</a>, <a href=\"http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=1760783\">Ralph Lauren</a>, <a href=\"http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&amp;rh=n%3A1040662%2Cp_4%3AIzod&amp;page=1\">Izod</a> and other designer kids\' clothes - at JBF, you can get the brands, baby, and without paying the price. And I haven\'t even touched on the mounds of toys, strollers, furniture, books, videos and baby gear that can be found at a JBF sale.<br /><br />Excited yet? Halfway out to the car already? Better <a href=\"http://tulsa.jbfsale.com/\">check the sale hours</a> first:<br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Sunday, 1:00-7:00pm</span> <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Monday-Sat., 9:00am-7:00pm</span> <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">MON (new merchandise) Thur-Fri. (25% off)</span><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\" class=\"color-purple\"><span class=\"color-purple\"><br />Saturday, 9:00-7:00pm (50% off)</span></span><br /><br />Also, check <a href=\"http://www.justbetweenfriendstulsa.blogspot.com/\">the Just Between Friends blog</a> to get some visuals on what\'s in store for you. Brace yourself before clicking; I squealed and scared by husband down the hallway.<br /><br />If you miss this giant chunk of economic stimuli, don\'t wring your hands and fret. Spring is the season of the JBF sale in the Tulsa area. <a href=\"http://jbfsale.com/?fuseaction=home.subsites\">Check for other local sales happening soon</a> and mark those calendars. And, don\'t forget the fall sale in Tulsa.','Calling All Cash-Strapped Parents','','publish','open','open','','calling-all-cash-strapped-parents','','','2009-02-28 15:14:00','2009-02-28 15:14:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=111',0,'post','',1),(112,1,'2009-03-03 18:48:00','2009-03-03 18:48:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://images1.fanpop.com/images/photos/2400000/Abner-and-Gladys-Kravitz-bewitched-2432976-400-320.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;\" src=\"http://images1.fanpop.com/images/photos/2400000/Abner-and-Gladys-Kravitz-bewitched-2432976-400-320.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>In case you didn\'t notice, I love Tulsa. <div><br /></div><div>I love that I was born here, and I feel lucky that I got to grow up where I did, along a little stretch of highway between two little towns just west of Tulsa. My childhood was spent roaming free on my bicycle through my sprawling neighborhood, where the typical lot measured two acres or so. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now I live in the middle of town. On barely a quarter of an acre. People walk through my grass, something that\'s just not done by the innocent where I come from. Though I haven\'t seen the movie, I\'ve thought of adopting the line from Gran Torino, \"Get off my lawn,\" as my personal slogan. </div><div><br /></div><div>Especially when things like the following happen: </div><div><ul><li>I find a fully cooked turkey hanging from my mailbox. No note, no message. There was a price tag, though: $47.32.<br /></li><li>An FBI agent armed to the teeth hangs out in a nondescript vehicle outside my house for hours, divulging only he \"was assigned to watch this street.\" <br /></li><li>Homeschooled kids knock on my backdoor, trying to sell wrestling tickets \"for school.\" A few hours later, one of the kids\' mother is at my door informing me her son\'s leg had all but been torn off by my 12-pound dog and that I could easily claim the whole mess on my homeowner\'s insurance and would I please send them a check, thank you very much. <br /></li><li>We were asked to move our infant son\'s crib to another room by a neighboring church upon complaining about their noisy, rowdy youth group that experiments until 10 p.m. two evenings per week to find the maximum volume at which they can squeal their tires, rev their engines and crank their radios.<br /></li><li><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/08/and-taquito-smiled-down-upon-us.html\">I once found a QuikTrip taquito on my back porch</a>.</li><li> A construction worker on a job nearby stole water from our outside faucet to fill a large bucket nearly every day for a week. I never could get up the nerve to tell him to cut it out.<br /></li><li>We had a garage sale. We sold a broken TV as-was. Later the buyer called to inform us the TV was broken and that we needed to give his money back. After we reminded him the TV was sold as-was, he said, \"Look, I know that. Here\'s the deal. There are no groceries in my house. We kinda need that money back for food. Meet us at the supermarket?\" <br /></li><li>Also at said garage sale, our infamous elderly neighbor, whom we know only as \"The Colonel,\" not only quizzed my American-born friend of Guatemalan heritage if she \"had papers,\" but also asked if she\'d like to split and grab a beer with him.</li><li>After his Jeep was stolen right out of his driveway, The Colonel installed half a dozen security cameras on his premises. We know this because my husband, on whom The Colonel pounces during his yard work and practically orders him to come clean his gun collection, has seen \"the control room.\" </li></ul><div>Gladys Kravitz has nothing on me, y\'all. I\'d rather have a witch with a cute little upturned nose working her magic across the street than have to worry that there\'s something bad enough going on around here that calls for bringing in the feds.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still love it here. It\'s just, on some days, I think I\'d trade all of the above fun and laughter for a 30-minute commute to the hubbub of T-Town proper from some outlying bedroom community. </div><div><br /></div><div>But only on some days. </div></div>','About That Question Mark Above My Head','','publish','open','open','','about-that-question-mark-above-my-head','','','2009-03-03 18:48:00','2009-03-03 18:48:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=112',0,'post','',7),(113,1,'2009-03-05 03:45:00','2009-03-05 03:45:00','Your loving social media addict is building a collection of photos of people doing Tulsa. Here\'s what I have so far:<br /><br /><iframe align=\"center\" src=\"http://www.flickr.com/slideShow/index.gne?group_id=1019006@N20\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"></iframe><br /><center><small>Created with <a href=\"http://www.flickrslideshow.com/\">flickr slideshow</a>.</small></center><br />If you have a Flickr account (and if you don\'t, well, you should), join and upload your Tulsa photos to <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/groups/tashadoestulsa\">the You, Too, Can Do Tulsa group</a>. Feel free to come <a href=\"http://flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa\">find me</a>, too.<div><br /></div><div>I\'m working on geotagging the photos in the group, just for extra fun. It\'d be exciting to see a photo map of folks playing all over Tulsa, right? I think so, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy.<br /><div><br /></div></div>','You, Too, Can Do Tulsa: Flickr Version','','publish','open','open','','you-too-can-do-tulsa-flickr-version','','','2009-03-05 03:45:00','2009-03-05 03:45:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=113',0,'post','',2),(114,1,'2009-03-10 02:04:00','2009-03-10 02:04:00','No, I\'m not here to announce that I\'m expecting another baby. I have, however, been germinating.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6647\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6647  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6648\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening-2/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6648  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening1.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\nWell, my veggie seeds have been. On Valentine\'s Day, I planted a few varieties of vegetables and several cooking herbs in an indoor seed mother thingie.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6649\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening-3/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6649  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening2.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\nYou can tell I have a really technical knowledge of this gardening stuff. Actually, I knew little about what I was doing when I started. Thanks to the following links, though, I now know more:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.oces.okstate.edu/\">OSU Extension fact sheets on vegetable gardening in Oklahoma</a>; I thought the one about planning a vegetable garden was particularly helpful.</li>\r\n	<li>Pioneer Woman\'s step-by-step tutorial (because she\'s the capital-Q Queen of the step-by-step tutorial) on <a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2011/02/build-your-own-raised-flowervegetable-bed/\">how to build raised beds</a>, which are perfect for vegetable gardening.</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/beginners-guide-organic-gardening\">The beginner\'s guide to organic gardening</a>, as seen on OrganicGardening.com. Duh.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhile it\'s not much, I consider it to be a good start. Feel free to leave more links to Tulsa gardening stuff in the comments. Please. Because my soul thirsts for gardening knowledge.\r\n\r\nI first became interested in raising food for my family when I did a story on the business of farmers\' markets for Tulsa Business Journal back in 2007. The passion of the growers I talked to for the story impressed me to go home to plant seeds in my backyard <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">that very night</span>. In the middle of May. I mean, $30 worth of seeds I bought at the Wal-Marts would grow all nice and neat and produce lots of lovely food if I put each plant in the ground less than three inches from all of the other plants - right?\r\n\r\nWhoops. My crops of corn, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, jalapenos, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, white onions and carrots - all planted at the same time during the first heat wave of the summer - quickly became over-grown and nutrient-deprived. And dry. Plus, I planted the whole mess right under a diseased shade tree.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6650\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening-4/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6650  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening3.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"400\" height=\"269\" /></a></p>\r\nNice.\r\n\r\nI hope my grandmother isn\'t reading this right now - you know, the grandmother whose entire yard is always looks like it came fresh off the cover of Southern Living magazine:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6651\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/dadswedding/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6651  aligncenter\" title=\"Dads Wedding\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dadswedding.jpg\" alt=\"Dads Wedding\" width=\"400\" height=\"285\" /></a></p>\r\nYes, that\'s me and my four siblings and husband, all dressed alike in a wedding. It was my dad\'s wedding, in fact, and it had an Elvis/Blue Hawaii theme.\r\n\r\nAnd now you all know why I am the way I am.\r\n\r\nI certainly didn\'t inherit my grandmother\'s talent for gardening. But, I didn\'t give up after a false start, and that\'s what counts, right? (Say yes.)\r\n\r\nThis year I\'ll be transplanting starts of roma tomatoes, brandywine tomatoes (heirlooms!), jalapenos, yellow squash and green beans. I\'ll also plant several cooking herbs in pots that I\'ll strategically place all over my yard to make things really sparkle and smell delicious and drive the neighbors even more bonkers than they already are: Italian parsley, sweet basil, rosemary, cilantro, thyme and chives.\r\n\r\nThis weekend we\'re building raised beds; the next step (I think) is to have our soil amended. I\'ll be keeping you all posted on how my little garden is coming along. Right now I\'m just hoping everything lives to be transplanted.\r\n\r\nWhat veggies are you growing in your garden this year? I hope to hear of someone growing some really weird stuff, like the tomatoes they use to make purple ketchup. Those things must be <em>crazy</em>.','My First Garden in Tulsa: What My Valentine\'s Day Activities Hath Wrought','You can tell I have a really technical knowledge of this gardening stuff. Actually, I knew little about what I was doing when I started.','publish','open','open','','my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds','','','2011-03-06 14:32:57','2011-03-06 20:32:57','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=114',0,'post','',8),(6653,1,'2011-03-06 14:25:52','2011-03-06 20:25:52','No, I\'m not here to announce that I\'m expecting another baby. I have, however, been germinating.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6647\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6647  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6648\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening-2/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6648  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening1.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\nWell, my veggie seeds have been. On Valentine\'s Day, I planted a few varieties of vegetables and several cooking herbs in an indoor seed mother thingie.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6649\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening-3/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6649  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening2.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" /></a></p>\r\nYou can tell I have a really technical knowledge of this gardening stuff. Actually, I knew little about what I was doing when I started. Thanks to the following links, though, I now know more:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.oces.okstate.edu/\">OSU Extension fact sheets on vegetable gardening in Oklahoma</a>; I thought the one about planning a vegetable garden was particularly helpful.</li>\r\n	<li>Pioneer Woman\'s step-by-step tutorial (because she\'s the capital-Q Queen of the step-by-step tutorial) on <a href=\"http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2011/02/build-your-own-raised-flowervegetable-bed/\">how to build raised beds</a>, which are perfect for vegetable gardening.</li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.organicgardening.com/learn-and-grow/beginners-guide-organic-gardening\">The beginner\'s guide to organic gardening</a>, as seen on OrganicGardening.com. Duh.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nWhile it\'s not much, I consider it to be a good start. Feel free to leave more links to Tulsa gardening stuff in the comments. Please. Because my soul thirsts for gardening knowledge.I first became interested in raising food for my family when I did a story on the business of farmers\' markets for Tulsa Business Journal back in 2007. The passion of the growers I talked to for the story impressed me to go home to plant seeds in my backyard <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">that very night</span>. In the middle of May. I mean, $30 worth of seeds I bought at the Wal-Marts would grow all nice and neat and produce lots of lovely food if I put each plant in the ground less than three inches from all of the other plants - right?\r\n\r\nWhoops. My crops of corn, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli, jalapenos, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, white onions and carrots - all planted at the same time during the first heat wave of the summer - quickly became over-grown and nutrient-deprived. And dry. Plus, I planted the whole mess right under a diseased shade tree.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6650\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/gardening-4/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6650  aligncenter\" title=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening3.jpg\" alt=\"My First Garden in Tulsa\" width=\"400\" height=\"269\" /></a></p>\r\nNice.\r\n\r\nI hope my grandmother isn\'t reading this right now - you know, the grandmother whose entire yard is always looks like it came fresh off the cover of Southern Living magazine:\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-6651\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/my-first-garden-in-tulsa-starting-seeds/dadswedding/\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-6651  aligncenter\" title=\"Dads Wedding\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dadswedding.jpg\" alt=\"Dads Wedding\" width=\"400\" height=\"285\" /></a></p>\r\nYes, that\'s me and my four siblings and husband, all dressed alike in a wedding. It was my dad\'s wedding, in fact, which had an Elvis/Blue Hawaii theme.\r\n\r\nAnd now you all know why I am the way I am.\r\n\r\nI certainly didn\'t inherit my grandmother\'s talent for gardening. But, I didn\'t give up after a false start, and that\'s what counts, right? (Say yes.)\r\n\r\nThis year I\'ll be transplanting starts of roma tomatoes, brandywine tomatoes (heirlooms!), jalapenos, yellow squash and green beans. I\'ll also plant several cooking herbs in pots that I\'ll strategically place all over my yard to make things really sparkle and smell delicious and drive the neighbors even more bonkers than they already are: Italian parsley, sweet basil, rosemary, cilantro, thyme and chives.\r\n\r\nThis weekend we\'re building raised beds; the next step (I think) is to have our soil amended. I\'ll be keeping you all posted on how my little garden is coming along. Right now I\'m just hoping everything lives to be transplanted.\r\n\r\nWhat veggies are you growing in your garden this year? I hope to hear of someone growing some really weird stuff, like the tomatoes they use to make purple ketchup. Those things must be <em>crazy</em>.','My First Garden in Tulsa: What My Valentine\'s Day Activities Hath Wrought','You can tell I have a really technical knowledge of this gardening stuff. Actually, I knew little about what I was doing when I started.','inherit','open','open','','114-revision-6','','','2011-03-06 14:25:52','2011-03-06 20:25:52','',114,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/03/114-revision-6/',0,'revision','',0),(6649,1,'2011-03-06 14:23:07','2011-03-06 20:23:07','','My First Garden in Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','gardening-3','','','2011-03-06 14:23:07','2011-03-06 20:23:07','',114,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening2.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(6648,1,'2011-03-06 14:22:13','2011-03-06 20:22:13','','My First Garden in Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','gardening-2','','','2011-03-06 14:22:13','2011-03-06 20:22:13','',114,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/gardening1.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(115,1,'2009-03-11 02:22:00','2009-03-11 02:22:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://swaporamarama.org/images/swaplogo.gif\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 350px;\" src=\"http://swaporamarama.org/images/swaplogo.gif\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a><br />Got a pile of underwhelming threads crowding up prime real estate in your closet? Mark your calendars for March 21, the date of Tulsa\'s first <a href=\"http://swaporamarama.org/\">Swap-O-Rama-Rama</a>, a celebration of reusing and recycling clothing the crafty way! <div><br /></div><div>The event, hosted by <a href=\"http://tulsacraftmafia.wordpress.com/\">Tulsa Craft Mafia</a> at <a href=\"http://thecollectivetulsa.com/\">The Collective</a>, will be an afternoon-long giant clothing swap and series of DIY workshops on how to remake unwanted clothing into rad new ensembles. A host of talent will be brought together to teach festival goers how to transform new/used duds into unique, handmade garments. Six DIY stations and several local designers will be on hand for sewing help and modification tricks, silk screening, stenciling and original designing. </div><div><br /></div><div>The core of the swap will be, of course, the gigantic piles of free clothing! There will be pants, shirts, skirts, sweaters and more (oh, my!), which will be the collective total of each guest\'s donated clothes. Feel free to clean out those closets, let go of what\'s no longer inspiring and take home as much clothing as you can carry. What remains will go to <a href=\"http://yst.org/\">Youth Services Tulsa</a> for homeless teens. </div><div><br /></div><div>At 8 p.m., the designs that came off the sewing machines during the day will come to life during a participant-modeled fashion show. Local music acts <a href=\"http://www.blogger.com/myspace.com/topsoftreesmusic\">Tops of Trees</a> and <a href=\"http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&amp;friendID=404186745\">Low Litas</a> will rock out the rest of the evening, when food, coffee and beer will be available for purchase from the folks at The Collective.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Wondering what to bring? Visit the <a href=\"http://swaporamarama.org/swapattend.htm\">Swap-O-Rama-Rama Web site</a> to get the low-down. Still have questions? Get in touch with Christine Crowe, the mind behind Indie Emporium and a founding member of Tulsa Craft Mafia, at <a href=\"mailto:%20christine@indieemporium.com\">christine@indieemporium.com</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>WHAT: Swap-O-Rama-Rama</div><div>WHEN: March 21, 1-6 p.m.<br /></div><div>WHERE: The Collective, 3148 E. 11th St. (across from TU stadium)</div><div>COST: A bag of clothes for donation or $5</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to the ladies of <a href=\"http://tulsacraftmafia.wordpress.com/\">Tulsa Craft Mafia</a> for putting together hip community events like Swap-O-Rama-Rama and <a href=\"http://www.indieemporium.com/\">Indie Emporium</a>. T-Town would be much less feisty without you. </div>','Hello, Inspiration! It\'s Swap-O-Rama-Rama','','publish','open','open','','hello-inspiration-its-swap-o-rama-rama','','','2009-03-11 02:22:00','2009-03-11 02:22:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=115',0,'post','',5),(116,1,'2009-03-12 03:42:00','2009-03-12 03:42:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://tulsacga.org/images/banner.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 232px;\" src=\"http://tulsacga.org/images/banner.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a><div>Hey, Tulsa gardeners: Forget the pesticides and herbicides this year and let the ladybugs do the work! Grow organically. Learn the techniques and advantages of organic gardening at a workshop hosted by <a href=\"http://tulsacga.org/\">Tulsa Community Garden Association</a> this weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>WHEN: March 14, 9 a.m.-12 noon</div>WHERE: Tulsa Community College NE Campus, 3727 E. Apache<div>COST: $10 at the door<br /><div><br /></div><div>Topics will include \"Why Grow Organic?\" with Sue Gray, \"Black Gold\" (composting), \"Butterfly Gardening\" with Carol Eames and information about community gardens. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Since pre-registration by March 10 was suggested, it might be a good idea to call 592-1466 or e-mail <a href=\"mailto:%20info@tulsacga.org\">info@tulsacga.org</a> to let them know you\'re coming and if you\'re bringing anyone along.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy chemical-free gardening! </div></div></div>','Organic Gardening Workshop This Saturday','','publish','open','open','','organic-gardening-workshop-this','','','2009-03-12 03:42:00','2009-03-12 03:42:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=116',0,'post','',3),(117,1,'2009-03-14 21:23:00','2009-03-15 03:23:00','<strong>PSSST: Hey, you.</strong> Looking for <a href=\"http://dowhat.thislandpress.com/event_tags/st-patricks-day/\" target=\"_blank\">the 2012 list of St. Patrick\'s Day events and things to do going on in Tulsa? Get it hot, fresh and made-to-order at DO WHAT</a>.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">According to the countdown on <a href=\"http://www.mcnellies.com/\">the McNellie\'s Web site</a>, there are less than two days and eight hours left until that day of really good food and beer and whiskey and redheads like me looking a little stereotypical and silly in green shirts, St. Patrick\'s Day<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">.</span></span>\r\n\r\nBesides the huge parties going on in Tulsa\'s restaurant and bar districts (The Blue Dome District, Cherry Street and Brookside are all hosting huge bashes) and <a href=\"http://bokcenter.com/events.asp?id=11&amp;pid=134&amp;task=display\">the Elton John/Billy Joel concert at the BOK Center</a>, here\'s what else is happening on or before the 17th:<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Bring A Friend to Tulsa</span>, or just celebrate with the winners of the \"Bring A Friend to Tulsa\" contest. <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=74870510816&amp;ref=ts\">The party, hosted by the City of Tulsa</a>, being held to congratulate the winners starts at 5 and last until 6 p.m. in the lobby of the <a href=\"http://www.cptulsahotel.com/\">Crowne Plaza Hotel</a>, at 100 E. Second St. Did I mention there would be complimentary refreshments? No? Well, consider it said.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">The Local Table</span>, Tulsa\'s one-stop shop for local, familiar food and comfortable prices, is celebrating St. Pat\'s with a Irish whiskey and Irish beer dinner. The meal will include a four-course Irish dinner with three beers and three shots of three different types of whiskey, all for just $40 - it\'s tough to find a four-course meal in this town for this kinda cash, folks. Here\'s the menu:\r\n<div>First course: Smoked Salmon and Mache Salad with Lemon-Caper Vinaigrette; Powers Irish whiskey; Smithwick\'s Irish Ale</div>\r\n<div>Second: Colcannon Soup (potatoes, bacon, kale); Tullarmore Dew Irish whiskey; Murphy\'s Irish Red</div>\r\n<div>Entree: Corned Beef and Cabbage with Creamed Horseradish and Irish Soda Bread; Knappogue Irish whiskey; Guinness Irish Drought</div>\r\n<div>Dessert: Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse Cake</div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div>\r\n<div>Everything kicks off at 6:30, which leaves plenty of time afterward for more liver punishment. Call 794-8013 for reservations.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.joemommas.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Joe Momma\'s Pizza</span></a>, sandwiched downtown between the centers of the universe in Tulsa on St. Pat\'s, McNellie\'s and Arnies, will be serving green beer and baked potato pizza on the big day. Or, order something off of Joe Momma\'s new, expanded menu, which will feature more sandwiches, calzones, desserts and appetizers. Either way, take your time; Joe\'s will be serving pizza until the wee hour of 3 a.m. on the Day of the Irish. Get the party started early with $3 Marshall Beer Draughts.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Fleet Feet Sports</span></a> will host its annual St. Patrick\'s Day Dash Monday, March 16. Proceeds will go to Family &amp; Children\'s Services. Pre-registry and a $10 entry fee is required. Call the store at 492-FEET for more information.</div>\r\n<div>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ADD 03.17//</span><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Cavedoll/Ghosts/Recorder at Exit 6C</span>: <span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Need an alternative to the regular St. Paddy\'s bar scene? Check out an otherworldly show the night of the 17th featuring Salt Lake City\'s <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/cavedollband\">Cavedoll</a> (who made their Tulsa debut at 2008\'s D-Fest music festival), the psychedelic pop of Tulsa\'s own</span><span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/ghosts2002\"> Ghosts</a> and pure robot produced music of <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/recorder\">Recorder</a>. $5 at the door; doors at 8 p.m., show at 9 at 222 E. First St. Only folks 21+ need apply. </span>\r\n\r\nKnow of a happenin\' St. Patrick\'s Day event/special not listed here? Leave some info. in the comments and I\'ll add it to the list.\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ADD 03.17//</span>Folks, be sure to check the comments for even more fun things to do tonight. Just remember: Don\'t drink and drive. Just imagine there are little, tiny, vulnerable babies in the backseat of every car on the road tonight. Hopefully this visual will help you to <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A25974\">call a cab</a> if you\'ve had one too many.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n</div>','St. Patrick\'s Day 2009 Round-Up','','publish','open','open','','st-patricks-day-round-up','','','2012-03-12 09:39:33','2012-03-12 15:39:33','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=117',0,'post','',32),(6957,1,'2011-03-14 20:06:42','2011-03-15 02:06:42','<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Soldier\'s goodbye &amp; Bobbie the cat, ca. 1939-ca. 1945 / by Sam Hood by State Library of New South Wales collection, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/statelibraryofnsw/3257035516/\"><img src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3257035516_1733ccf238.jpg\" alt=\"Soldier\'s goodbye &amp; Bobbie the cat, ca. 1939-ca. 1945 / by Sam Hood\" width=\"378\" height=\"500\" /></a></p>\r\nMy husband and I had to go out of town last weekend. As we like to do any time we\'re staying in a hotel, we put on our coziest pajamas, got chin-deep in the covers and flipped on the funniest, most moronic thing we could find on cable TV.\r\n\r\nHey, don\'t knock us. At least we don\'t spend thousands of hours and hundreds of dollars each year on the boob tube. We can watch TV when we\'re dead. Or, you know, when we\'re spending hundreds of dollars on a hotel room for the weekend.\r\n\r\nAll of this is beside the point, so I\'ll get back on track: So there we were, sitting in the glow of the light of a giant TV, cold cocktails in hand, the sounds of a comedy show audience washing over our ears like waves on a beach.\r\n\r\nThen, we heard a different sort of noise.\r\n\r\nGet the whole story <a href=\"http://www.tulsakids.com/?q=confessions-work-home-mom-making-every-day-sexy\">on my blog at TulsaKids.com</a>.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[adrotate banner=\"8\"]</p>','Making Every Day Sexy: Confessions of a Work-at-Home Mom','So there we were, sitting in the glow of the light of a giant TV, cold cocktails in hand, the sounds of a comedy show audience washing over our ears like waves on a beach. But then, we heard a different sort of noise.','private','open','open','','making-every-day-sexy-tulsa-kids','','','2011-07-10 11:10:49','2011-07-10 17:10:49','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=6957',0,'post','',1),(118,1,'2009-03-14 21:29:00','2009-03-14 21:29:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwqKjSEwSI/AAAAAAAAAwo/DjiEBmhF0NE/s1600-h/DSC03891-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwqKjSEwSI/AAAAAAAAAwo/DjiEBmhF0NE/s400/DSC03891-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313168021148451106\" border=\"0\" /></a>Look, you guys! My little garden is growing.<br /><br />Since I plan to try organic gardening this year, I went this morning to the northeast campus of <a href=\"http://www.tulsacc.edu/page.asp?durki=2\">Tulsa Community College</a> for a seminar on the subject, hosted by <a href=\"http://www.tulsacga.org/\">Tulsa Community Garden Association</a>.<br /><br />From what I could tell, it was a good turnout:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwkEN8eCFI/AAAAAAAAAwI/8H3kPzbuwFo/s1600-h/DSC03873.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwkEN8eCFI/AAAAAAAAAwI/8H3kPzbuwFo/s400/DSC03873.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313161315271706706\" border=\"0\" /></a>I counted about 115 gardeners eager to learn about giving the pesticides a time-out and letting the ladybugs do the work. Also in attendance was Rita Scott, the woman behind <a href=\"http://www.sustainablegreencountry.org/main/\">Sustainable Green Country</a>, an instigator of <a href=\"http://www.kerrcenter.com/buy-fresh.htm\">Oklahoma\'s Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaign</a> and a passionate, extremely active woman who is a wealth of information on food issues; <a href=\"http://www.rainbowgirl.com/wst_page14.html\">Rainbow Girl</a>, the local artist and Master Recycler who brought <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/mothernatureneedsyou\">the Mother Nature Needs You campaign</a> to Tulsa; and a few other local groups and growers passionate about food, nature and giving back to planet Earth.<br /><br />Here\'s Rainbow Girl talking to a seminar-goer about Art In, an upcoming event at the Denver bus station that will feature local artists in an effort to increase awareness about our local transit system (more info. on this below).<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwmwaZiSzI/AAAAAAAAAwg/dFEkUg4CEdc/s1600-h/DSC03877.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwmwaZiSzI/AAAAAAAAAwg/dFEkUg4CEdc/s400/DSC03877.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313164273552345906\" border=\"0\" /></a>She was also plying wares, including totebags hand painted by her, Mother Nature Needs You shirts and these Your Mom shirts, printed on t-shirts claimed from a local thrift store.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sbwmk3OrNMI/AAAAAAAAAwY/DtzfA0-U61U/s1600-h/DSC03875.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sbwmk3OrNMI/AAAAAAAAAwY/DtzfA0-U61U/s400/DSC03875.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313164075132990658\" border=\"0\" /></a>Of course, I had to have one. Plus, a portion of the proceeds went to support the TCGA.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwmU8kJisI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/TnRLcQZtY9E/s1600-h/DSC03879.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwmU8kJisI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/TnRLcQZtY9E/s400/DSC03879.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313163801687329474\" border=\"0\" /></a>See that huge rosemary plant back there? Not only was it a perfect specimen and made me weak in the knees with wanting for lamb, but it was only $5. Several of the other plants were going for just a couple of bucks. I resisted, though. After all, I\'m supposed to be growing my own herbs. I think.<br /><br />It\'s going to take me awhile to digest all the information presented at this seminar. I look seven pages of notes, and a stack of handouts is sitting on my dining room table, glaring at me. Here are some preliminary links:<br /><ul><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.tulsarecycles.com/\">Tulsa Recycles</a>: Curbside recycling is a service available to City of Tulsa residential refuse customers for a small voluntary subscription fee. Anyone know off-hand the amount of this fee?</li><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.oklahomafood.coop/\">Oklahoma Food Cooperative</a>: Fresh from Oklahoma family farms to more than 20 pick-up sites statewide. Visit the Web site for information on products and pick-up and how to join the coop.</li><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.pearlfarmersmarket.org/\">The Pearl Farmers\' Market</a>: Another Rita Scott project - that woman is amazing, y\'all. Veg out downtown Thursday evenings 4:30-7:00 p.m. starting April 23. This market is great for downtown dwellers-by-day who make regular pit stops on the way home to pick up this or that for dinner. Why not opt for local produce sold in a beautiful park in the shadow of downtown rather than trudging through a steaming parking lot only to be dehumanized under the florescent lights of a big-box grocery store \"produce\" section? I\'m not opinionated about this, no.</li><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/07/fresh-tuesday.html\">Downtown Tulsa Farmers\' Market</a>: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday at Third and Boston on Williams Green. <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/07/fresh-tuesday.html\">I love this market</a>; it\'s a great lunch stop for the downtown set. </li><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://myspace.com/mothernatureneedsyou\">Art In for Tulsa Transit</a>: April 4, 1-4 p.m. at the Denver Tulsa Transit station, 319 S. Denver. The event, which will feature local artists, poets and musicians, aims to support and create awareness for Tulsa Transit. The gathering will be thanks to <a href=\"http://myspace.com/mothernatureneedsyou\">the Mother Nature Needs You campaign</a> and Friends of Tulsa Transit. For more information, call <a href=\"http://www.rainbowgirl.com/\">Rainbow Girl</a> at 346-2131 or e-mail her at mothernatureneedsyou at yahoo dot com.</li><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.sustainablegreencountry.org/\">Sustainable Green Country</a>: \"Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.\" Proud sponsor of <a href=\"http://www.buyfreshbuylocalok.com/\">Buy Fresh Buy Local in northeast Oklahoma</a> and <a href=\"http://www.oksustainability.org/\">a chapter of the Oklahoma Sustainability Network</a>.</li><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://www.kerrcenter.com/\">The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture</a>: A wealth of information on anything and everything ag in Oklahoma.</li><li><a style=\"font-weight: bold;\" href=\"http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/View/Collection-297\">OSU Extension Fact Sheets</a>: A topical list of fact and help sheets on anything and everything gardening in Oklahoma.</li></ul>I\'ll post more as I delve into the stack more thoroughly. Unless, of course, the stack eats and makes fertilizer of me.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwwK_A3wxI/AAAAAAAAAww/vi4hhHjIn6s/s1600-h/DSC03892.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SbwwK_A3wxI/AAAAAAAAAww/vi4hhHjIn6s/s400/DSC03892.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313174625662255890\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />The mission of the <a href=\"http://www.tulsacga.org/\">Tulsa Community Garden Association</a>, the group that sponsored the seminar this morning, is to promote and facilitate the development of community gardens in the Tulsa area, among other things. Right now the TCGA is fighting for the community garden ordinance vote at the Tulsa City Council. Read more about what\'s going on with that <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26564\">here</a>.<br /><br />How is your garden growing? Feel free to post links to your favorite local gardening, food and/or green sites and resources in the comments.','Tulsa Grows','','publish','open','open','','tulsa-grows','','','2009-03-14 21:29:00','2009-03-14 21:29:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=118',0,'post','',2),(119,1,'2009-03-16 22:30:00','2009-03-16 22:30:00','<span style=\";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;\" class=\"Apple-style-span\"  ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">As I write this, the temperature outside is 73, and a gentle breeze is blowing away the last of winter\'s brown leaves. </span></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\";font-family:Helvetica;font-size:100%;\"  ><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /></span></span></div><div style=\"font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">For the next few days, Tulsa is forecasted to have beautiful, gorgeous, </span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">delicious</span></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"> weather. Spring may not officially begin until Friday, but if the temperatures and sunny skies over the next few days have anything to say about it, spring has already sprung. </span></span></div><div style=\"font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /></span></span></div><div style=\"font-family: georgia;font-family:georgia;\" ><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">There is no end to the list of exciting things to do in pleasant weather in this city. Tulsa boasts 50 miles of bike trails to explore; a huge offering of public parks; restaurant patios galore; and on and on. </span></span></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /></span></span></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">For those of us who have lived here our entire lives, while the activities I just listed are a great way to ring in the season, we\'ve also been there and done that about 237 times. A scavenger hunt is an easy way to get out and enjoy the weather, and it\'s somewhat off the beaten path - and that\'s good for us lifers as well as adopted Tulsans and anyone within a day\'s drive looking to get out and do something fun during Spring Break. </span></span></div><div  style=\"font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:georgia;\">Here\'s a hunt to add to the annals: a tour (by bike, if you\'re feeling really adventurous) of sculptures by Tulsa\'s own </span><a style=\"font-family: georgia;\" href=\"http://gardendeva.com/\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">Garden Deva Lisa Regan</span></a><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span style=\"font-family:georgia;\">.</span><br /><br /></span></span><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:100%;\"><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sb7TAh2qyAI/AAAAAAAAAw4/kw2CqK-Derk/s1600-h/DSC03896-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sb7TAh2qyAI/AAAAAAAAAw4/kw2CqK-Derk/s400/DSC03896-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313916616384890882\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sb7TAh2qyAI/AAAAAAAAAw4/kw2CqK-Derk/s1600-h/DSC03896-1.JPG\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:100%;\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:100%;\"></span></span></span></span></a><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:100%;\"><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:100%;\"><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sb7TO9B7AOI/AAAAAAAAAxA/uQwR_YvVuEA/s1600-h/DSC03899-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Sb7TO9B7AOI/AAAAAAAAAxA/uQwR_YvVuEA/s400/DSC03899-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313916864198017250\" border=\"0\" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">That\'s my personal collection of Regan\'s work - a wall hanging and a magnet. They\'re cute, they\'re whimsical and anyone who comes over sings their praises and wants to know where to get their own.<br /><br />From the new Garden Deva Web site:<br /></span></span><blockquote>Lisa Regan has been cutting metal for almost twenty years. After finding success selling her sculptures at regional art fairs, she took the plunge in 1996, quitting her “real” job and going into business for herself. Since then, Garden Deva Sculpture Company has just been getting bigger and better. Lisa has gone from sculpting with scrap metal and borrowed equipment, to owning her own building which serves as a fully functioning metal shop as well as a popular venue for local art. Her work can be seen all over Tulsa; in schools, libraries, restaurants, youth centers, and private collections.</blockquote><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">My favorite thing about <a href=\"http://gardendeva.com/about.php\">Lisa Regan\'s work</a>: you don\'t have to buy it to enjoy it. It\'s all over town. So, pick the sculptures you want to see, pack a lunch and hop on the bike. It\'s time to see Tulsa, Garden Deva-style. </span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"\">Suggested route (starting in Sand Springs, headed east, as logically as I could surmise, through Tulsa): </span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"\"><br /></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">1.  Train on outside wall of Charles Page Library in Sand Springs</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">2.  Kiosk at 2nd and Detroit, northwest corner</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">3.  Figure sculptures in i-beam structure out front of the Educare Center (early learning for children under 5 years), 2511 E. 5th Place; also alot of work inside in the foyer - mobile and wall mounted pieces</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">4.  Fence at Youth Services, 3rd &amp; Norfolk</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">5.  Prayer flag outside the Garden Deva studio at 317 S. Trenton Ave.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">6. Signs for Family and Children\'s Services, on 8th Street just west of Peoria Ave. and at 202 W. 8th St.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">7.  Interior room divider at Wild Fork Restaurant at 1820 Utica Square</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">8.  Brookside \'B\'s hanging along Peoria Ave. between 32nd St. to 48th</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">9.  Interior wall pieces at Brookside Library at 1207 E. 45th Pl.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">10.  Figure Sculpture at entrance to Grimes Elementary at 3213 E. 56th St.</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">11.  Two 19-foot Tree sculpture Garden Deva Sculpture Company made for M. Kadishman, an Israeli artist, whose work was bought by a local businessman seen in the gardens at Philbrook Museum and the Schusterman Center on the OU campus at 41st and Yale</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">12.  \'Believe\' sculpture in the garden at Ronald McDonald House at 6102 S. Hudson</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">13.  Parking lot signs at Kingspointe Shopping Center at 61st and Yale</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">14.  Butterfly mobile at Hicks Park Recreation Center at 3443 S. Mingo</span></span></span></div><div><span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">15.  Sconces and sign at Disney Head-Start School at 11610 E. 25th St. </span></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"\"><br /></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"\">Have an idea for a Tulsa scavenger hunt? Leave it in the comments.<br /><br /></span></div></span>','What to Do With This Good Weather','','publish','open','open','','what-to-do-with-this-good-weather','','','2009-03-16 22:30:00','2009-03-16 22:30:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=119',0,'post','',3),(120,1,'2009-03-17 19:53:00','2009-03-17 19:53:00','<p align=\"left\">I\'ve written a few blog entries for the award-winning <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com\" target=\"_self\">Tasha Does Tulsa</a>. Mostly I\'ve been asked to, but a couple of times I begged Natasha to let me contribute something. This is one of those times. I\'m on Spring Break with not much to do, so I\'m going to get down with T-Town this week. I\'ll post my Tulsa blog entries here as the \"Don\'t Hassle Me, I\'m Local\" series. This title was, of course, inspired by What About Bob.<br /></p><p align=\"center\"><img src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/whataboutbob.jpg\" width=\"409\" height=\"417\" /><br /><em>Bob Wiley<br />(my cat is named Dr. Leo Marvin)</em><br /></p><p align=\"left\">Today I made my way to Turkey Mountain.<br /></p><p align=\"center\"><img style=\"width: 413px; height: 524px;\" src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/turkeymnt.jpg\" width=\"459\" height=\"535\" /><br /><em>Shhhh, don\'t tell anyone it\'s not really a mountain.</em><br /></p><p align=\"left\">If you\'ve never been there, it runs for about 2 miles on the west side of the Arkansas River.  It is bounded by I-44 to the north and 71st Street to the south.  It happens to be the biggest piece of undeveloped land in the metro Tulsa area and is a fantastic place for cycling enthusiasts.  The several miles of bicycling trails are managed by the <a href=\"http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnJpdmVycGFya3Mub3JnLw==\" target=\"_self\">Tulsa River Parks Authority</a>.  If verbal directions aren\'t your thing, perhaps this helps:<br /></p><p align=\"center\"><img style=\"width: 417px; height: 286px;\" src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/turkeymountainmap.jpg\" width=\"415\" height=\"284\" /><br /><em>Google maps is da best.  Tru dat!...<br /><img src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/doubletrue.jpg\" /><br />(<a href=\"http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmh1bHUuY29tL3dhdGNoLzEzOTcvc2F0dXJkYXktbmlnaHQtbGl2ZS1zbmwtZGlnaXRhbC1zaG9ydC1sYXp5LXN1bmRheQ==\" target=\"_self\">source</a>)</em><br /></p><p align=\"left\">Aside from the 300 acres of wooded area and the two local ponds, there are several miles of bicycle trails for people\'s enjoyment.  Now I don\'t know a whole lot about fat tire cycling, but there seemed to be a lot of serious looking sportsman out there enjoying the 70 degree weather we had in Tulsa.  It was an absolutely perfect day.  I simply hiked one of the trails while listening to Africa by Toto.  It was like perfect bliss.  Here\'s a map of the trails:<br /></p><p align=\"left\"></p><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/turkey-mt-map.jpg\" width=\"391\" height=\"775\" /><br /></div><p align=\"left\">And more importantly, here is Toto:<br /></p><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/TOTO-Africa.jpg\" width=\"347\" height=\"579\" /><br /></p><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>I bless the rains down in Aaaaaaaaa-frica.</em><br /></div><p align=\"left\">Turkey Mountain is also known for the \"Turkey Mountain inscriptions,\" or petroglyphs believed by some enthusiasts to be pre-Columbian European markings.  Now by \"enthusiasts,\" I mean \"people who are wrong.\"  However, there is some cool stuff engraved on the rocks out there.<br /></p><p align=\"center\"><img src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/5-2.jpg\" width=\"388\" height=\"300\" /></p><p align=\"center\"><br /><img src=\"http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e333/logsdonj/1-3.jpg\" width=\"386\" height=\"296\" /><br /></p><div style=\"text-align: left;\">So, if you get a chance to get out and explore our beautiful city while the weather is so nice, you should try to make it to Turkey Mountain and have a walk around.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Tasha\'s note//</span>Other posts by TDT contributing blogger Mos Jef:<br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/07/mos-jef-does-dfest.html\">Mos Jef Does Dfest</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2007/10/cover-band-hilarity.html\">Cover Band Hilarity</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2007/10/tulsa-zoo-run.html\">Tulsa Zoo Run</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2007/05/maple-ridge-memorial-day-run.html\">Maple Ridge Memorial Day Run</a><br /></div>','Don\'t Hassle Me, I\'m Local: Mos Jef on Turkey Mountain','','publish','open','open','','dont-hassle-me-im-local-mos-jef-on','','','2009-03-17 19:53:00','2009-03-17 19:53:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=120',0,'post','',4),(121,1,'2009-03-20 15:12:00','2009-03-20 15:12:00','<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOr2kjMokI/AAAAAAAAAxo/zbAHy6AwBHs/s1600-h/DSC03955-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315280939239907906\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOr2kjMokI/AAAAAAAAAxo/zbAHy6AwBHs/s400/DSC03955-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\nThanks to the fine folks at <a href=\"http://www.wearegoldbuyers.com/\">Tulsa Gold &amp; Gems</a> (and an ex-boyfriend who provided me with such fine hocking material), I scored a little extra cash this week. Now, 99 times out of 100, I either save these little windfalls, or I spend them on groceries or gasoline. But not this time, folks. Not this time.\r\n<div>Instead, I opted to blow my extra $15 on a pound-and-a-quarter of to-die-for, all-natural Italian Piedmontese beef from <a href=\"http://www.naturalfarms.com/\">Natural Farms</a>, a half-gallon of the best milk in town (<a href=\"http://www.braums.com/\">Braum\'s</a> - the only milk our little man will bother with drinking) and a set of four GIANT sandwich rolls from Tulsa\'s own <a href=\"http://farrellbread.com/\">Farrell Family Organic Bread Co.</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOjYiY2xfI/AAAAAAAAAxI/g1qHAEciMFo/s1600-h/DSC03949-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315271627170563570\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOjYiY2xfI/AAAAAAAAAxI/g1qHAEciMFo/s400/DSC03949-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOqxkav4HI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/b6bUXBUNFRY/s1600-h/DSC03950-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315279753793495154\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOqxkav4HI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/b6bUXBUNFRY/s400/DSC03950-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>Whew. Is it hot in here, or is it just these sexy burger fixin\'s?\r\n\r\nI don\'t normally post recipes here, but in this case, I can\'t help myself. The weather this weekend is going to be good for mortal burgers, but for other-worldly burgers, it\'s gonna be <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">perfect</span>.\r\n\r\nIf you\'re a little short on cash right now (and who isn\'t?), plan your menu this week around some middle-of-the-week bliss and snag your beef from Natural Farms on Wacky Wednesday. You get to draw a discount on your entire purchase from this cute little bag, and it could be a lot or a little. Either way, every little bit counts, and there\'s no better help to get over hump day than a big, juicy, naughty burger.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Tasha\'s Natural Farms Burgers</span>\r\n<span>(makes two 1/2-pound burgers that are way too much for one person. Sharing is advised, but not if you\'re me)</span>\r\n\r\nIngredients:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>About 1 lb. Natural Farms ground beef - a little more is nothing to quibble over</li>\r\n	<li>1 large egg, beaten</li>\r\n	<li>1/4 c. soft breadcrumbs (always use homemade breadcrumbs, folks - the store-bought kind is a convenience item, not a delicious item - besides, they\'re over-priced, as most convenience items are. Invest in a food processor for times like these when you need make a quarter or so of an extra burger bun from Farrell into fresh, flavorful crumbs)</li>\r\n	<li>1 tsp. onion powder</li>\r\n	<li>1 tsp. dried Italian or Green seasoning, your pick</li>\r\n	<li>1/4 tsp. salt</li>\r\n	<li>1/4 tsp. pepper</li>\r\n	<li>2 tsp. soy sauce</li>\r\n	<li>shakes of Tobasco sauce to your heart\'s content - I used maybe five</li>\r\n	<li>2 hamburger buns</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nCombine first eight ingredients, blending well with clean hands. Shape into two giant patties - not to thick, not to thin.\r\n\r\nOptions! Grill, uncovered over medium coals about 13 minutes or until done, turning once (for medium, the best and, in my opinion, proper temperature to which to cook a burger). Or, place patties on a broiler pan and broil about three inches from heat about 9 minutes until done (for medium), turning once.\r\n\r\nOr, fry the suckers, which is my preferred option. Heat a heavy skillet until hot. Add patties one at a time, cooking over medium heat about 4 minutes per side (for medium), not moving patties until time to turn.\r\n\r\nWhile you\'re working some patty magic, toast the buns in a skillet using lots of butter, medium-low heat and a careful eye. Try not to pass out from the intoxicating smells coming from your stove top.\r\n\r\nSlap the patties onto the toasted buns and dress as desired. Hubs likes tomato, lettuce, onion, cheese, mustard and mayo - I like weird stuff like guacamole, bacon and poblanos or blue cheese and lots and lots of caramelized onions. Feel free to experiment and make fun of the traditionalists as you do it.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOrZ0e2hsI/AAAAAAAAAxg/8NQiLsSUVFw/s1600-h/DSC03954-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315280445300442818\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOrZ0e2hsI/AAAAAAAAAxg/8NQiLsSUVFw/s400/DSC03954-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOrN-dTSCI/AAAAAAAAAxY/am1wCDiNdgQ/s1600-h/DSC03953-2.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315280241819863074\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOrN-dTSCI/AAAAAAAAAxY/am1wCDiNdgQ/s400/DSC03953-2.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Tasha\'s Homemade Potato Crisps</span>\r\n(makes about 4 cups)\r\n\r\nIngredients:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>5-7 small baking potatoes (I like to use Yukon Golds, but Russets are O.K., too)</li>\r\n	<li>Vegetable oil</li>\r\n	<li>Kosher salt</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nSlice potatoes thinly (with a mandolin, if you\'ve got it), and place in salted ice water (about 1 tsp. to a quart or so of water) until you\'re done slicing. Save a tree and drain on a cloth towel.\r\n\r\nPour oil to depth of two inches into a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat on medium-high until a potato slice dropped in sizzles vigorously. Fry potato slices in batches of just a few at a time for a minute or so, removing them as they brown - pay attention, because you\'ll need to work fast unless you\'re one of those weirdos like my dad who likes burnt potato chips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOsAkd9BaI/AAAAAAAAAxw/NkxQD6e7YJM/s1600-h/DSC03959-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315281111016605090\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOsAkd9BaI/AAAAAAAAAxw/NkxQD6e7YJM/s400/DSC03959-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\nDrain on cloth towels and sprinkle with salt.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOsOc3jk4I/AAAAAAAAAx4/dWrIvKDJvrY/s1600-h/DSC03961-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315281349494674306\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScOsOc3jk4I/AAAAAAAAAx4/dWrIvKDJvrY/s400/DSC03961-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\nFind the makin\'s for your ultra-local, super-organic, too-sexy-for-its-own-good-and-so-must-be-eaten-as-soon-as-possible burger at the following sustainers of my foodie existence:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://naturalfarms.com/\">Natural Farms</a> - 420 S. Utica Ave., 583-5354; 6560 E. 91st St., 779-6300\r\n<a href=\"http://www.farrellbread.com/\">Farrell Family Organic Bread</a> - 8034 S. Yale Ave., 477-7077 (available all over town, from Reasor\'s to Whole Foods to Center 1 Market, but my experience has been that the freshest product comes straight from the source at 81st and Yale).\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<div>Can\'t get enough of those burger buns? Check out the sandwich creations at the newly open <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Location?Location=oid%3A26603\">Dilly Deli</a>, all made on Farrell Bread. Head to 2nd and Elgin and let me know what you think.\r\n\r\nRead more of my food-astic adventures <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26622\">here</a>, <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A25007\">here</a> and <a href=\"http://www.tulsabusiness.com/search.asp?keyword=&amp;author=natasha+ball&amp;date1=&amp;date2=&amp;category=All\">here</a>.\r\n\r\n</div>','Because I Know Y\'All Love Your Cheeseburgers','','publish','open','open','','natural-farms-cheeseburger','','','2011-02-10 15:41:17','2011-02-10 20:41:17','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=121',0,'post','',5),(122,1,'2009-03-22 03:20:00','2009-03-22 03:20:00','Growing up, my parents used this refrigerator magnet affixed to a clothes pin to showcase the A+ papers and \"artwork\" I\'d bring home from school. The magnet looked like a teddy bear holding a sign that said, \"Look what TASHA did today,\" with the letters of my name handwritten probably by one of my parents, or maybe by the dude manning the personalized magnet stand at Silver Dollar City.<br /><br />There are no refrigerator magnets in the blogosphere, so I\'ll just post pictures of what I did today right here.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWlf2yOeyI/AAAAAAAAAyI/9Hj5titmvWg/s1600-h/DSC04022-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWlf2yOeyI/AAAAAAAAAyI/9Hj5titmvWg/s400/DSC04022-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315836901881445154\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />I didn\'t make the shirt, of course. But, I did dig it out of a giant pile of clothing at Tulsa\'s inaugural <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/hello-inspiration-its-swap-o-rama-rama.html\">Swap-O-Rama-Rama</a> this afternoon at <a href=\"http://thecollectivetulsa.com/Welcome.html\">The Collective</a> (11th and Harvard):<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWp0VAa83I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/MyZPIVr8uDE/s1600-h/DSC03982-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWp0VAa83I/AAAAAAAAAzQ/MyZPIVr8uDE/s400/DSC03982-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315841651637941106\" border=\"0\" /></a>...and milled around the room for half an hour trying to decide what to do with it.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWnwmR4QXI/AAAAAAAAAzA/3-k_uas0Fn4/s1600-h/DSC03976-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWnwmR4QXI/AAAAAAAAAzA/3-k_uas0Fn4/s400/DSC03976-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315839388531835250\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Swap-O-Rama-Rama was an afternoon-long, giant clothing swap and series of DIY workshops on how to remake unwanted clothing into rad new ensembles. Getting in was simple: lug in a bag of your gently used, unwanted clothing. A host of talent was on-hand to teach swappers how to transform those used duds into unique, handmade garments.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The core of the swap was, of course, the gigantic pile of free clothing. There were shirts, skirts, sweaters and pants - even a pair of biking shorts and a retro bathing suit. What remained at the end of the swap went to <a href=\"http://yst.org/\">Youth Services of Tulsa</a> for homeless teens.<br /></div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWnmsCWDOI/AAAAAAAAAy4/e1Me2ointWs/s1600-h/DSC03978-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWnmsCWDOI/AAAAAAAAAy4/e1Me2ointWs/s400/DSC03978-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315839218278599906\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWn4tBZdAI/AAAAAAAAAzI/3S7dshS19S8/s1600-h/DSC03972-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWn4tBZdAI/AAAAAAAAAzI/3S7dshS19S8/s400/DSC03972-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315839527780709378\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Whoops! Pit stop. Had to have a sit to enjoy <a href=\"http://thecollectivetulsa.com/Our%20Menu.html\">some of the yummy coffee and muffins available at The Collective</a>. That place is so cool, by the way. A coffeehouse, a cafe, a concert venue AND a bar? Right next to <a href=\"http://www.utulsa.edu/\">a college campus</a>? Brilliant idea alert.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWnWt-PbfI/AAAAAAAAAyw/CVULdiw_NQo/s1600-h/DSC03979-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWnWt-PbfI/AAAAAAAAAyw/CVULdiw_NQo/s400/DSC03979-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315838943920352754\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWmvwiUy1I/AAAAAAAAAyg/hGHWcDeUE2E/s1600-h/DSC03985-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWmvwiUy1I/AAAAAAAAAyg/hGHWcDeUE2E/s400/DSC03985-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315838274593672018\" border=\"0\" /></a>There were a few instruction stations at the Swap for inspiration, to help people like me get started.<br /><br />You know - people who get distracted very easily by sparkly things:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWmlYRBxkI/AAAAAAAAAyY/pqz8rNLhkAk/s1600-h/DSC03986-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWmlYRBxkI/AAAAAAAAAyY/pqz8rNLhkAk/s400/DSC03986-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315838096279979586\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />And sexy little 40\'s-inspired dresses (both handcrafted by <a href=\"http://weatherandnoisedesigns.blogspot.com/\">Weather &amp; Noise</a>):<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWmSLWAmZI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/B5Bh-MX3mQ8/s1600-h/DSC03987-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWmSLWAmZI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/B5Bh-MX3mQ8/s400/DSC03987-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315837766393698706\" border=\"0\" /></a>Ultimately, I decided I was meant to spray paint something.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWlXPsY2zI/AAAAAAAAAyA/vD_KCDzJYOI/s1600-h/DSC04023-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScWlXPsY2zI/AAAAAAAAAyA/vD_KCDzJYOI/s400/DSC04023-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5315836753949023026\" border=\"0\" /></a>I made the entire room smell like a chemical wasteland, but I had a great time. In fact, it was one of the best times I\'ve had around town in a long, long time. I got to chat with some of the members of <a href=\"http://tulsacraftmafia.wordpress.com/\">Tulsa Craft Mafia</a> (hosts of the Swap) and their cool friends; I met a few friends in person who I\'d previously known only on <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tashadoestulsa\">Twitter</a> or via this blog; and I walked away with a sack full of sweaters I plan to salvage for yarn and a cute little pink tanktop to wear to family reunions to convince them all I have finally flipped my lid.<br /><br />Either that, or I\'ve suddenly gone really clumsy with my paper dolls. At any rate, Swap-O-Rama-Rama made me feel like one of the hip kids. I really like feeling like a hip kid.<br /><br />I heard the TCM plans to give the Swap another go next year. Check back here for a date/time/location, because I will definitely be a repeat offender of the ready-made clothing establishment.','Look What Tasha Did Today','','publish','open','open','','look-what-tasha-did-today','','','2009-03-22 03:20:00','2009-03-22 03:20:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=122',0,'post','',5),(123,1,'2009-03-23 14:14:00','2009-03-23 14:14:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SceaL7TOdsI/AAAAAAAAAzo/_zaihE9KiE0/s1600-h/DSC04039-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SceaL7TOdsI/AAAAAAAAAzo/_zaihE9KiE0/s400/DSC04039-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316387414821729986\" border=\"0\" /></a>Do you see it?<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SceZsPaW0NI/AAAAAAAAAzg/U-eqPHEa5os/s1600-h/DSC04042-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SceZsPaW0NI/AAAAAAAAAzg/U-eqPHEa5os/s400/DSC04042-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316386870464532690\" border=\"0\" /></a>How about now?<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SceZe6ePk7I/AAAAAAAAAzY/4b7ER0SP_g8/s1600-h/DSC04043-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SceZe6ePk7I/AAAAAAAAAzY/4b7ER0SP_g8/s400/DSC04043-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316386641505391538\" border=\"0\" /></a>And now?<br /><br />\"WHAAAHHHHHHH! YIPES, YIPES, holy crappers!\"<br /><br />That\'s what I sounded like at about 12:30 yesterday afternoon.<br /><br />Remember that story that was all over the local news last week - <a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=3558295&amp;h1=World%27s%20Deadliest%20Spider%20Found%20At%20Tulsa%20Store&amp;vt1=v&amp;at1=News&amp;d1=137100&amp;LaunchPageAdTag=Search%20Results&amp;activePane=info&amp;rnd=27597555\">the one about the banana spider in the monkey fruit at the Tulsa Whole Foods</a>? Well, it was at the forefront of my mind as I did my weekly grocery shopping. Since I hadn\'t managed to convince my son to give up his banana habit, I had to brave the most sparsely populated section of the Whole Foods produce department and resist the creepy-crawlies to snag some \'nanas.<br /><br />Actually, I made my husband do it.<br /><br />Anyway. I thought I\'d made my shopping trip without death-defying incident. That was, until I saw the above.<br /><br />As it turned out, it was just one of those plastic pinkie rings everyone gets at Halloween time. Still, it was pretty obvious some jackass thought it\'d be funny to plant the fake spider in my precious naan bread section. In the same Whole Foods where the banana spider was found. On the day I do my grocery shopping. In my <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">precious naan</span>.<br /><br />Thank you, whoever you are, for helping me prove to myself that my ticker is still, indeed, in great shape. Also, for the clean, midday pair of underpants.','Sunday Scare','','publish','open','open','','sunday-scare','','','2009-03-23 14:14:00','2009-03-23 14:14:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=123',0,'post','',10),(124,1,'2009-03-25 13:15:00','2009-03-25 13:15:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScouB4Ny8jI/AAAAAAAAA0o/bpUm259fNxI/s1600-h/DSC04036-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScouB4Ny8jI/AAAAAAAAA0o/bpUm259fNxI/s400/DSC04036-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317112919869289010\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />It\'s almost April, people. For this foodie, that means: farmers\' markets openings, vegetable gardening, trips to local farms and wineries and lots and lots of, well, food. Delicious, fresh, local food. <div><br /></div><div>As the growing season gathers steam, I\'m getting an early start at plundering my local food sources for early goodies. Specifically, spinach. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScosIsr38FI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FJD54JDTPuk/s1600-h/DSC04048-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScosIsr38FI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FJD54JDTPuk/s400/DSC04048-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317110838010048594\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Has anyone else been eating this green, leafy goodness from <a href=\"http://bootstrapfarm.blogspot.com/\">Bootstrap Farm in Bixby</a>? I snagged some over the weekend, and I\'ve been putting it on everything. I even had an inner dialogue on whether or not it\'d be good on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. </div><div><br /></div><div>I didn\'t try to find out, but maybe I should have. It might have been a flavor explosion, taking Jiffy and all-natural preserves to a whole other dimension. I guess we\'ll never know - at least, until tomorrow at noon, when I\'ll be making yet another peanut butter and jelly sandwich.<br /><br /></div><div>Don\'t judge. Most foodies are snobby, but they all secretly pine for the PB&amp;J. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScosZbMVgYI/AAAAAAAAA0I/RF42R-2TyzY/s1600-h/DSC04046-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScosZbMVgYI/AAAAAAAAA0I/RF42R-2TyzY/s400/DSC04046-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317111125372141954\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Lordy, that spinach <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">just won\'t stop</span>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I procured this Bootstrap spinach from the little corner grocery at Charles Page Boulevard and Phoenix, <a href=\"http://www.bluejackalope.com/\">BlueJackalope Grocery &amp; Coffee</a>. Proprietor Scott Smith has a great thing going at this place, apparently. When we arrived - unbeknownst to us, before opening - several people were camped outside. Some were jonesing for their morning coffee fix at the BlueJackalope coffee counter, and others were waiting for the meeting of the <a href=\"http://tulsacga.org/\">Tulsa Community Garden Association</a> to start. </div><div> </div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScotaTU_DqI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/hdGkrRgZhcc/s1600-h/DSC04028-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScotaTU_DqI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/hdGkrRgZhcc/s400/DSC04028-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317112239952432802\" border=\"0\" /></a><div>   </div></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Scos4YQ4ghI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/rMZ-IQwjCI4/s1600-h/DSC04029-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Scos4YQ4ghI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/rMZ-IQwjCI4/s400/DSC04029-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317111657161851410\" border=\"0\" /></a><div>   </div> </div><div>Even before the local farms burst with produce, Smith has stalked some local yummies, including the spinach from Bootstrap and Fisher\'s eggs from Bristow. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScotwVdN28I/AAAAAAAAA0g/Mr20VGsvlb4/s1600-h/DSC04034-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScotwVdN28I/AAAAAAAAA0g/Mr20VGsvlb4/s400/DSC04034-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317112618480950210\" border=\"0\" /></a><br /><div> <div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScouNWkNF4I/AAAAAAAAA0w/7em8WlKCbRU/s1600-h/DSC04037-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ScouNWkNF4I/AAAAAAAAA0w/7em8WlKCbRU/s400/DSC04037-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317113116994901890\" border=\"0\" /></a></div>  </div> </div><div>Though they didn\'t have any the morning we were there, BlueJackalope offers a small menu of sandwiches, made from ingredients available at the store. Tulsa\'s Bloggy Bloggerson, Michael Bates, <a href=\"http://www.batesline.com/archives/2009/03/good-tulsa-eats.html\">gave their avocado, hummus and muenster cheese \'which a try</a>:</div><div><blockquote>Delicious. It costs the same as a Roastburger at Arby\'s, but it\'s far tastier and healthier, and it\'s sold in an old-fashioned neighborhood grocery. </blockquote></div><div>I need to return soon to give it a try for myself. In the meantime, I\'ll content myself with my signature chicken naan pocket, stacked with Bootstrap Farm spinach.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Scorv6vV5CI/AAAAAAAAAz4/uAnq8DO51Qk/s1600-h/DSC04049-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Scorv6vV5CI/AAAAAAAAAz4/uAnq8DO51Qk/s400/DSC04049-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317110412285961250\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Careful, little sandwich. Don\'t hurt \'em. </div><div></div>','Countdown to Farmers\' Market Season','','publish','open','open','','countdown-to-farmers-market-season','','','2009-03-25 13:15:00','2009-03-25 13:15:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=124',0,'post','',9),(125,1,'2009-03-28 16:00:00','2009-03-28 16:00:00','It\'s snowing. It\'s snowing a lot. <div><br /></div><div>I don\'t get out much on snowy days, mostly because of crazy drivers and the high deductible on my car insurance. Also, because I tend to use this time to make giant vats of chicken stock and cookie dough. Mmm - chicken cookies. </div><div><br /></div><div>These snowy days are also good for link dumping. I know a lot of people don\'t like them so much, but I love link dumps. They give me a chance to add yet more blog subscriptions to my mailbox, and I usually learn something. I like learning. That is, unless it\'s about Calculus II. Calculus II has defeated me, and it gloats, which is a sin. At the end of its life, Calculus II will have to answer for what it\'s done. </div><div><br /></div><div>I don\'t think anyone is going to challenge me on that point. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some fun and interesting things I found this week: </div><div><br /></div><div>Local blogger <a href=\"http://mariawj.blogspot.com/\">Maria at A Piece of My Mind</a> wrote about <a href=\"http://mariawj.blogspot.com/2009/03/commercialism-its-not-just-secular.html\">the battle against consumerism in her home</a>, saying that commercialism is not just a secular issue. I loved what she had to say about the marketing of Christian products. Maria\'s honestly is refreshing, not just in this post, but in all of her blogging. It\'s rich. I like rich. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href=\"http://www.batesline.com/\">Michael Bates of Batesline.com</a> has been <a href=\"http://www.batesline.com/archives/2009/03/good-tulsa-eats.html\">munching his way through indie Tulsa</a>. He gave a great explanation of value, something to keep in mind as we ration our dollars in the face of this downer of an economy:</div><div><blockquote>We\'re all trying to spend less these days. Instead of settling for expensive mediocrity, why not find the best food you can find for the money, encourage small business owners who sell a high-quality product, and keep money circulating in the community?</blockquote></div><div><a href=\"http://bootstrapfarm.blogspot.com/2009/03/three-local-food-groups.html\">Behold the spinach salmon bacon pizza</a> by the kids at the new <a href=\"http://bootstrapfarm.blogspot.com/\">Bootstrap Farm</a>. If that isn\'t the perfect snow-day food, I don\'t know what is. Also, read what Don writes about the three food groups on which to center a localized diet:</div><div><blockquote>We have decided that the three food groups of seasonal eating are tacos, stir-fry, and pizza. You can basically make them out of any seasonal vegetable or fruit with basic kitchen staples and few exotic spices. Take tacos for example, all you need to have in your kitchen is corn tortillas and refried beans. When it comes to squash and sweet potato season, you will certainly hear more about tacos. Stir-fry is another good one because all you need is rice, vegetables, some meat if you like, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic and ginger. </blockquote></div><div>So true, and yet I hadn\'t heard it said that way before. I\'ll be keeping this mantra in mind as I plan my menus around my outings to the farmers\' markets next month. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ah. Farmers\' market season is almost here (squeee! yay! yahoo!). I\'m attempting to wait patiently, but only because people might stare if I let my true emotions show. Today\'s weather sure doesn\'t make strolls through the stands packed with local vegetables and herbs and friendly farmers and food people seem any closer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sigh. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh! While you\'re in the kitchen, <a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/2009/03/no-knead-bread.html\">get some of this started</a>. Don\'t cry; it\'s okay for bread to be that delicious. Thanks, <a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/\">Amanda</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div>Know what else April is good for? Learning the basics of personal finance. Hey, hey, I hear you groaning - cut that out. Put on a happy face and celebrate <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_Literacy_Month\">Financial Literacy Month</a> by heading to one of my new favorite blogs, <a href=\"http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/03/27/what-do-you-want-to-learn-during-financial-literacy-month/\">Get Rich Slowly</a>, for everything they didn\'t teach you in public school about how to manage that green stuff in your wallet. Hey, you might save something - or, a lot. </div><div><br /></div><div>For a localized dose of how-tos on how to stretch a dollar, check out <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26678\">my new column in Urban Tulsa Weekly, Consumer Watchdog</a>. Everyone has their own little tricks for pinching pennies, so get to sharin\'! Leave your tips and tricks in the comments, or e-mail me at <a href=\"mailto:%20nball@urbantulsa.com\">nball@urbantulsa.com</a>. And don\'t forget to pick up a copy of Spring Thing, UTW\'s annual spring-and-summer guide to Tulsa. It hit stands Thursday, so ya\'ll had better get one while the gettin\' is good.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last but not least: <a href=\"http://redforkhippie.wordpress.com/2009/03/24/chooks-and-smoothies/\">Baby chickens</a>!! At least, I think that\'s what they are. Also, smoothies. Thanks for those, <a href=\"http://redforkhippie.wordpress.com/\">Red Fork Hippie Chick</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>What have you been reading this week? </div><div><br /></div>','Blogging: You\'re Doing It Right','','publish','open','open','','blogging-youre-doing-it-right','','','2009-03-28 16:00:00','2009-03-28 16:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=125',0,'post','',0),(126,1,'2009-03-31 18:45:00','2009-03-31 18:45:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdJbk1HEz_I/AAAAAAAAA04/I4bdCyyHpu8/s1600-h/Storm+Spotter.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdJbk1HEz_I/AAAAAAAAA04/I4bdCyyHpu8/s400/Storm+Spotter.jpg\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319414798168150002\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />Last month I started a series of interviews with moving-and-shaking, down-to-earth Tulsans. <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/interview-sindy-does-tulsa.html\">The inaugural edition was with Sindy of Dresden, Germany</a>; this time I caught up with Katie Hughes, blogger at <a href=\"http://yankeeinastrangeland.blogspot.com/\">Okiehoma From a Yankee\'s Eye View</a>. <div><br /></div><div>Katie moved to Tulsa just six months ago. She\'s from Glenside, a medium-sized suburb of Philadelphia. Katie\'s blog is about her transition from life in the northeast to learning to get down with T-Town. </div><div><br /></div><div>\"I get the impression they thought I would be living in a teepee, hunting buffalo and dodging tornadoes,\" she said of friends and family back home. \"My blog is my way of letting them know that I do have modern conveniences and don\'t live in the middle of nowhere. Plus, it gives me a great excuse to try new things so I have something to write about.\" </div><div><br /></div><div style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What was your first impression of Tulsa? </div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><br />My first impression was just how green and open the city appears. There are so many parks and little squares in every town. Downtown doesn’t feel overwhelming. The highways don’t feel as congested. </span></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><br /></span></div><div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><br /></span></div><div><span style=\"font-weight: bold;font-size:medium;\" class=\"Apple-style-span\">What are some ways Tulsa is different from where you grew up?<br /><br /></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">I grew up in a metro area of 5.8 million people (not counting that I could be in New York City or Washington D.C.’s metro areas within 2 hours north or south). I’m used to a lot people and a lot of cars in an area the same size as the Tulsa metro area. Tulsa seems so wide open to me! It’s funny when people here complain about traffic when it used to take me 45 minutes to commute 14 miles just 6 months ago. Although, when it comes to traffic, I do find the Broken Arrow Expressway &amp; IDL just as frightening as anything back east.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">I was raised Irish Catholic in a very Catholic city. Now, in Tulsa, I have found that there are so many churches a lot bigger than what I grew up with, but I’m happy to have a found <a href=\"http://www.stpatrick-sandsprings.org/\">a nice small parish I can call home in Sand Springs called St. Patrick’s</a>. I have also found that there are several nice little Irish bars, so that makes me feel home.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">Then, there’s the weather! We don’t have tornado warnings in May back home, let alone in February! I can do blizzards and hurricanes because they are big, slow-moving weather systems, but I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to living in tornado alley.</span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><br /></span></span></div><div  style=\"font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">If you could, what would you change about Tulsa?<br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-family:Arial;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">I don’t think Tulsans realize the amazing potential of this city. It seems like more people from outside of the area are visiting, moving into the area, and taking advantage of the great opportunities. Tulsa has so many great sports and arts opportunities to see, like live music at the <a href=\"http://www.flytrapmusichall.com/\">Flytrap Music Hall</a> and <a href=\"http://www.cainsballroom.com/\">Cain’s Ballroom</a>, and I’ve been to <a href=\"http://www.blogger.com/dwellingspaces.net\">Dwelling Spaces</a>, which was so much fun!<br /><br />I can’t tell you how many people from Tulsa I’ve talked to and mentioned different places like the <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/\">Gilcrease Museum</a> or the <a href=\"http://www.tulsagardencenter.com/index.html\">Rose Garden</a> or how I rode my bike down <a href=\"http://www.riverparks.org/\">the River Park trails</a> and they had never been to any of those places. I think native Tulsans and those from the outlying communities need to do more to explore and support the city. There are so many cool and inexpensive places to see within such an easy drive! This is definitely a cool, small city.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div  style=\"font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(51, 51, 51);\"><span style=\"font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\">Oh, and I wish Tulsans would not see all Yankees as yuppy, fast-talking, liberal, Appletini drinkers. </span></span><span style=\"font-weight: normal;font-family:Wingdings;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"></span></span><span style=\"font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"> Some of us are white t-shirt &amp; jeans wearing beer drinkers who don’t talk politics and just happen to talk a little fast.</span></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-size:medium;\"><br /><br />What are your favorite things to do for fun in Tulsa? </span></span><span style=\";font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:Arial;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /><br /><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\">I </span></span><span style=\"font-weight: normal;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\">absolutely LOVE <a href=\"http://www.riverparks.org/\">the River Parks</a>. There’s an area like it back home in Philadelphia so when I’m homesick, I head down to the river.</span></span></span></span><span style=\"font-weight: normal;font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:Arial;\"><span style=\"font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /><br />I have had a lot of fun exploring <a href=\"http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-OklahomaMain.html\">Route 66</a> east and west of the city. I have no problem being a tourist and having my picture taken in front of random things.</span></span></span></span><span style=\"font-weight: normal;\" class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /><br /><span style=\"font-family:arial;\">One of my absolute favorite things in Tulsa is the <a href=\"http://tulsa.drillers.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t260\">Tulsa Drillers</a>. I am a baseball geek and for Valentine’s Day my hubby bought me a 20 ticket voucher package. Having a minor league team in town just makes my heart so happy. I think I’m more excited about <a href=\"http://oxblue.com/pro/open/oneok/oneokfield\">the new ballpark</a> than most native Tulsans.</span></span><span style=\"font-weight: normal;font-family:Wingdings;font-size:100%;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"  style=\"font-family:Arial;\"><span style=\"font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\"><span style=\"font-family:Arial,sans-serif;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\"><br /><br />I am surprised that I am really finding a home here in Tulsa. I never in a million years thought I would love it here so fast. I do miss the big cities out east but, I am also having a blast getting to know Tulsa. I feel like I’m getting to know this city more than I ever got to know “my” city of Philadelphia. It is a very cool thing.<br /><br /><span style=\"font-family:georgia;\">Thanks for spreading the word about Green Country, Katie. You can bring your fast-talkin\' \'round here anytime. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div></div>','Interview: Katie Does Tulsa','','publish','open','open','','interview-katie-does-tulsa','','','2009-03-31 18:45:00','2009-03-31 18:45:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=126',0,'post','',2),(127,1,'2009-04-04 17:00:00','2009-04-04 17:00:00','<strong>PSST: <a href=\"http://dowhat.thislandpress.com/event_tags/easter\" target=\"_blank\">Looking for things to do in Tulsa for Easter 2012? Get the list here</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdeVrT4VLeI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/cq-7UmcSXe0/s1600-h/3374852608_2f8b7da73f.jpg\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320886056064986594\" style=\"display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: hand; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdeVrT4VLeI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/cq-7UmcSXe0/s400/3374852608_2f8b7da73f.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>\r\n<div>Ever since last April, I have been gritting my teeth and fanning my face, waiting with great anticipation for this Easter. Last year, my son was just a month-and-a-half old. Plus, he was an extra-tiny little guy, and since the flu was epidemic in Oklahoma last year, our doctor gave us strict instructions not to go out where there might be crowds unless absolutely necessary. So, much to my chagrin, we missed Easter 2008.</div>\r\n<div>So, this Easter is, in spirit, our little one\'s first. He\'s all set with the cutest, most handsome Easter outfit I could find; he\'s already got the goods for a stellar Easter basket (which are hard to put together for someone who can\'t yet have marshmallows or peanut butter, by the way); and I have everything we need to color dozens of the hardboiled eggs that he will probably inhale in five seconds because, well, he\'s egg-obsessed.</div>\r\n<div>The one thing we still haven\'t figured out is the Easter egg hunt. For me, they\'ve always been a bittersweet experience. It\'s exciting to watch the older kids run around like yahoos looking for little plastic eggs, but it\'s hard to see the little ones get practically run over and, when one of the little ones finally has an egg within reach and crouches to grab it, some dumb 12-year-old comes up from the side and snatches it away.</div>\r\n<div>Oh, the mental image. I\'m in pain already.</div>\r\n<div>If anyone knows of an Easter egg hunt suitable for the just-walking - or any other Easter event - please leave information in the comments. This is going to be another one of those evolving posts like the one I did for <a href=\"http://www.blogger.com/www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/st-patricks-day-round-up.html\">St. Patrick\'s Day</a>. This way I can update everyone on what Easter festivities are happening in T-Town as I hear about them rather than posting what I know for now and inevitably missing something super-cool.</div>\r\n<div>As always, beware while mowing the yard the weekend after Easter. Things can get stinky. My grandpa, who has run over many a week-old patch of forgotten Easter eggs with a tractor, knows from experience.</div>\r\n<div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Easter Egg Hunts: </span>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1144131910\">Owen Park</a>. April 9, 4:30 p.m. All ages. Head to Owen for an Easter egg hunt and a chance to hang with the Easter bunny! Call 596-1485 for more information.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/LaFortune.aspx\">LaFortune Park</a>. April 11, 10 a.m. Ages 3-8. Come meet in the Gardens of LaFortune Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Be prepared for a shotgun start at 10:00 a.m. sharp. BYOB - Bring your own baskets! Call 496-6220 for more information.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://www.escc.org/\">East Side Christian Church</a>. April 11, 11 a.m. Community Easter egg hunt, and get your picnic on! 1438 S. Indianapolis, 744-1377.</div>\r\n<div><a href=\"http://owassoeggdrop.com/\">Owasso Easter Egg Drop</a>. April 11, 1 p.m, at Centennial Park in Owasso. Ages 2-11. It\'s like an Easter egg hunt, only way cooler. In addition to tons of eggs on the field, thousands of eggs will be dropped from a helicopter! Your kids will have a blast collecting eggs, playing on inflatables and enjoying the day. Check in at 12:15 or preregister.</div>\r\n<div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Other fun Easter stuff: </span></div>\r\n<div>Kids have some pent-up creativity? Head to <a href=\"http://sageculinarystudio.com/\">Sage Culinary Studio</a> on Brookside for <a href=\"http://www.sageculinarystudio.com/uploads/Easter_Egg_Decorating.pdf\">an easter egg decorating session on Saturday, April 11</a>. Children will decorate six eggs, sent home in a smart little carton. Register for one of the workshops by by April 9 and pay $15, or pay $20 if you register after April 9.</div>\r\n<div>Don\'t forget to visit the Easter bunny! <a href=\"http://www.tulsapromenade.com/go/Poolb.cfm?MallID=787&amp;FPURLID=2129965945\">He\'ll be at Promenade Mall</a> every day until April 11.</div>\r\n</div>','Finally - Easter!','','publish','open','open','','finally-easter','','','2012-03-27 14:24:45','2012-03-27 20:24:45','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=127',0,'post','',4),(128,1,'2009-04-04 17:19:00','2009-04-04 17:19:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/object3/1952/24/n57829174180_4464.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/object3/1952/24/n57829174180_4464.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>What do you think you\'re doing, just sitting around on this beautiful Saturday afternoon staring at a screen? Not that I don\'t love you for doing it, but really, get off of your buttinsky and head out to see some beautiful works of art in the making. <div><br /></div><div>From the <a href=\"http://www.ovac-ok.org/\">Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition</a> (OVAC - <a href=\"http://twitter.com/ovac\">follow them on Twitter @ovac</a>):</div><div><br /></div><div><a href=\"http://www.ovac-ok.org/Events/events_art_studio_tour.cfm\">The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition\'s Tulsa Art Studio Tour</a> will open the studio doors of 11 Tulsa artists in 9 studios. Visitors can get a glimpse into the creative process and see art in action <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">today and tomorrow from noon until 5 p.m.</span></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><br /></span></div><div>For art lovers, such access to the inner-workings of artists is a rare opportunity to see the other side of the canvas. Visitors will have the chance to talk with artists, view and buy artwork and see art being made. The tour is self-guided and, of course, presented by OVAC. </div><div><br /></div><div>The artists range from photographers and painters to ceramicists and metalsmiths, representing a variety of stages in their art careers. Tour artists include: </div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin Byrne, ceramics - 2316 E. 13th St.</div><div>Lynn Clark, painting - 2236 E. 6th St.</div><div>Glenn Herbert Davis, photography and installation - 2837 W. 21st St. </div><div>Chris Owens, painting and mixed media - 3613 S. Louisville Ave.</div><div>Mary Russell, painting - 2236 E. 6th St. </div><div><a href=\"http://www.musamosaics.com/\">Cindy Swanson</a>, mosaics - 4224 S. Norfolk Ave. </div><div>Kristal Tomshany, painting and mixed media - 1846 E. 17th St. </div><div><a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steadman_Upham\">Steadman and Peggy Upham</a>, painting and metalsmith - 28th and Lewis (Saturday only)</div><div>David Varmecky, photography - 1104 S. Victor Ave. </div><div><a href=\"http://www.craigwoodstudios.com/\">Craig Wood</a>, ceramics - 2733 E. 34th St. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tickets to the tour include a map and are $10 at the door and free for children under 12. Tickets are available at any of the tour studios during the days of the tour, or at these ticket outlets: </div><div><br /></div><div>Frame Maker Art Gallery, 6201 E. 61st St. </div><div>Dwelling Spaces, 119 S. Detroit</div><div>The Gadget Co., 104 E. 15th St. </div><div><br /></div><div>Why are you still reading? Go! Get! Shoo!</div><div><br /></div><div>For more information and in-depth coverage of this year\'s Tulsa Art Studio Tour, <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26739\">check out the article by Holly Wall in this week\'s Urban Tulsa Weekly</a>. For more on the arts, <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com\">check also Holly\'s Tulsa Art Blog</a>.  </div>','OVAC\'s Tulsa Art Studio Tour 2009','','publish','open','open','','ovacs-tulsa-art-studio-tour-2009','','','2009-04-04 17:19:00','2009-04-04 17:19:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=128',0,'post','',0),(129,1,'2009-04-04 18:20:00','2009-04-04 18:20:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.mapleridgeneighborhood.com/Home%20Tour/201%20Woodward.jpg\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: left; display: block; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 165px;\" src=\"http://www.mapleridgeneighborhood.com/Home%20Tour/201%20Woodward.jpg\" alt=\"\" border=\"0\" /></a>Something my mom, my Meme and I used to do together on Saturday afternoons was drive through one of Tulsa\'s many colorful and eclectic neighborhoods, <a href=\"http://www.mapleridgeneighborhood.com/\">Maple Ridge</a>, and gawk at the beautiful homes there. <div><br /></div><div>They\'re unlike any others in Tulsa, and each one is different and unique from the others - no street after street of the suburban-style houses of late. Cruising through Maple Ridge makes for some great curb checking and such severe swerving that other cars will be afraid to travel alongside you on the narrow streets of Midtown. Which is a good thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>There\'s a more socially approved way of staring through the lighted windows of the homes in Maple Ridge, and it happens tomorrow. Head to one of the <a href=\"http://www.mapleridgeneighborhood.com/Home%20Tour/Home%20Tour.htm\">tour homes listed on the Maple Ridge neighborhood site</a>, grab some tickets and prepare to be impressed.  </div><div><br /></div><div>The home tour is a major fundraiser for the neighborhood. Proceeds go toward beautification projects and neighborhood-sponsored events.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you buy them today, tickets are $8 - if you wait until tomorrow, they\'re $10. Children under 10 are admitted free. </div><div><br /></div><div>Free shuttle transportation will be available at Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S. Peoria. </div><div><br /></div>','Lifestyles of the Tulsa Rich and Probably Famous','','publish','open','open','','lifestyles-of-tulsa-rich-and-probably','','','2009-04-04 18:20:00','2009-04-04 18:20:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=129',0,'post','',3),(130,1,'2009-04-07 00:00:00','2009-04-07 00:00:00','Last weekend was a weekend of firsts for my little family and me. <div><br /></div><div>We started things off with our first show at the <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\">BOK Center</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqVQhDk3vI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/EU0RNuYEpss/s1600-h/DSC04084-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqVQhDk3vI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/EU0RNuYEpss/s400/DSC04084-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321730020675477234\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Yes, I know it\'s been open since September. Yes, I know <a href=\"http://bokcenter.com/general.asp?id=172&amp;siteuse=\">there have been dozens of A-list musical acts</a> in and out of there since then. And <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">yes, I know</span> that it\'s silly that a blogger who writes about things to do in Tulsa just went to her first show in the six-month-old, newest addition to Tulsa\'s famous skyline. </div><div><br /></div><div>I know. Okay? It\'s just that, I\'m a SAHM (I like <a href=\"http://dooce.com/about\">the explanation of that acronym by Dooce\'s Heather Armstrong</a> better than any other) who writes for <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/search.asp?keyword=&amp;author=natasha+ball&amp;date1=&amp;date2=&amp;category=All\">these people</a> and <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Archive?searchPhrase=natasha+ball&amp;\">these people</a> part time, and though my husband works very hard all day long, he\'s still in college. So, not only do we have to spend our free time wisely, <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26615\">we like to do the same with our money, too</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thus, our outing to the BOK Center to see <a href=\"http://www.sesamestreetlive.com/?storyline=11_-1__0_%7E0_-1_12_2008_0_0&amp;content=storylines\">the Sesame Street Live show, Elmo\'s Green Thumb</a>. When I was a kid, my parents to took me to see all of those \"Live\" and \"On Ice\" shows that came to Tulsa. Despite my generally low tolerance for pain, I\'ve been interested in carrying on the tradition - maybe not the part where the parents spend $100 on dolls and light sabers and balloons at the little booth in the lobby, but the rest is still good. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our little guy loved the show. He tried to run away a couple of times, but that\'s just because he\'s really getting his sea legs and likes to run around screaming and laughing and being a general ray of sunshine. Mostly, he sat in my husband\'s lap and stared at the giant fuzzy things dancing around on stage. He even clapped and waved bye-bye at the end of the show. </div><div><br /></div><div>We spent the rest of Saturday grocery shopping and eating Wal-Mart pizza and drinking Stella Artois (weird combination, I know - and no, Baby didn\'t have any, so hang up the phone. While you\'re at it, just take DHS off speed dial). </div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday morning we woke up hungry, and I mean <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">hungry</span>. It was cold and windy, but by golly, we were willing to brave the elements to try a Tulsa breakfast treasure, Tally\'s Good Food Cafe, on <a href=\"http://www.historic66.com/\">historic Route 66</a> at 11th and Yale.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqYU0ugHKI/AAAAAAAAA2I/17v3OrQOibI/s1600-h/DSC04091-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqYU0ugHKI/AAAAAAAAA2I/17v3OrQOibI/s400/DSC04091-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321733393210154146\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Remember <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2007/04/you-too-can-do-tulsa.html\">my search for Tulsa\'s best chiles rellenos</a>? I started it before I began writing this blog and there\'s not much of a record here, but I have a thing about quests for the best stuff in Tulsa. I hosted <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2007/07/new-correspondent-brings-quest-to-tdt.html\">Natalie\'s quest for Tulsa\'s best pizza</a> here on this blog; lately, I\'ve been in search for a new breakfast meet-up for my family, which has been displaced from its usual Sand Springs diner by cooks who hide the side of the pancakes they burnt by stacking them black sides together, overcook eggs and, for some reason, suddenly developed really awful service. Oh, and I found a smudge of lipstick on my coffee cup not once, but twice, and it sure as heck wasn\'t my shade. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tally\'s wasn\'t such a great source for a story I just wrote for <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/\">Tulsa Business Journal</a> on where Tulsa\'s up-and-comers like to do business over the breakfast table (check it out in the April 13th issue - the story turned out to be a great example of how useful <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/\">Twitter</a> can be to a reporter), but the folks there sure know how to please a girl who\'s looking not just for a down-home diner, but for food that\'s so good that I\'m forced to curl up under the table and suck my thumb for 45 minutes.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqZDQ5vfeI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/TZ6fT40TYBQ/s1600-h/DSC04100-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqZDQ5vfeI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/TZ6fT40TYBQ/s400/DSC04100-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321734191047474658\" border=\"0\" /></a>I love it when waitresses call me and my baby boy but NOT my husband \"hon,\" \"sug\" and \"babe\" - that was my first indication we\'d landed in a good, homegrown spot. Second, at about 8 in the morning, the place was absolutely packed. A few barstools and a booth or two were all that was available.<br /><br /><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqYup0To5I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/VqunDYQXbgU/s1600-h/DSC04102-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqYup0To5I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/VqunDYQXbgU/s400/DSC04102-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321733836958311314\" border=\"0\" /></a></div></div><div>Then, the waitress brought me three <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">perfect</span> pancakes - light and fluffy, not dense and gummy, and huge - platter-sized, even. Hubs ordered something called The Smart Bomb, which came from the kitchen looking like a cow-pig-chicken had eaten two kinds of peppers and a whole bunch of onions and tomatoes, laid a few eggs and promptly exploded all over his plate. It wasn\'t pretty, but sometimes the best food isn\'t.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqX9ZQd-mI/AAAAAAAAA2A/0Qw_rkjmfWs/s1600-h/DSC04099-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqX9ZQd-mI/AAAAAAAAA2A/0Qw_rkjmfWs/s400/DSC04099-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321732990699436642\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Great part was, we got out of there for about $18. That\'s tough to do when a family of three goes out for lunch or dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, I made a formal recommendation of Tally\'s later that day to the matriarchs of my family who so need some breakfast relief. To show her appreciation, my grandmother cut my baby\'s hair off. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqXi6UxiEI/AAAAAAAAA14/bTj0a03GwM0/s1600-h/DSC04113.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqXi6UxiEI/AAAAAAAAA14/bTj0a03GwM0/s400/DSC04113.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321732535719397442\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>Actually, I told her to, but she couldn\'t. I don\'t blame her. Who could whack all of those crazy blond curls? Instead, she just trimmed the wings that had formed above his ears and tamed the mullet forming on the nape of his neck. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqXPjXLiRI/AAAAAAAAA1w/k-B_OT_C-po/s1600-h/DSC04097-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqXPjXLiRI/AAAAAAAAA1w/k-B_OT_C-po/s400/DSC04097-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321732203137960210\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>The mullet genes are not, ahem, from my side of the family. Ask hubs, who hails from southern Arkansas. Who cares if he can hardly grow hair for himself? He will claim the mullet genes, or he will eat nothing but beans this week. Not that he would complain. Because he never does. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqWIYHiV4I/AAAAAAAAA1o/wRclTmnz4mg/s1600-h/DSC04128.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqWIYHiV4I/AAAAAAAAA1o/wRclTmnz4mg/s400/DSC04128.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321730980348843906\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>I don\'t know if it\'s unusual in other parts of the country for four generations of one family to be in the same room on a regular basis, but around here, it\'s the norm. Not only do I know several families that have parts (or all!) of three or four generations still in town, but I\'m a member of two of them. There\'s something very southern and Oklahoman about that to me. </div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqVyGoXwYI/AAAAAAAAA1g/bwTH6bNrA0A/s1600-h/DSC04129.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SdqVyGoXwYI/AAAAAAAAA1g/bwTH6bNrA0A/s400/DSC04129.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321730597697601922\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div>It\'s just one more reason why I love to live here. </div><div><br /></div>','Firsts','','publish','open','open','','firsts','','','2009-04-07 00:00:00','2009-04-07 00:00:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=130',0,'post','',4),(131,1,'2009-04-09 20:23:00','2009-04-09 20:23:00','Yummy food and local art - it\'s a hard combination to beat, right? <div><br /></div><div>There are some inspired food combos out there - steak and potatoes, peanut butter and jelly, pepperoni pizza and Ranch dressing (hey, foodies of the stuck-up variety, don\'t act like you don\'t stand at the refrigerator at three in the morning dipping those \'Nilla Wafers in that tub of Nestle chocolate chip cookie dough) - but for my money, I\'ll take some pretty pictures served up with my supper any day. <div><br /></div><div>There are a few places in T-Town that offer a side dish of local art. One of them is <a href=\"http://webthyme.net/\">Thyme: An American Bistro</a>, operated by <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26622\">the elite local chef Bill Harris</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Harris, a favorite among fans of the local food movement for his menus based on seasonal ingredients produced by area farmers or grown on his own farm, hosted an opening for Tulsa painter Deborah Berry Tuesday night. The timing was certainly right. Berry\'s work was inspired by the gardens she remembers from her youth. Her subjects? Flowers, flowers and more flowers. </div><div><br /></div><div>A particular piece caught my eye. Bright orange poppies on green stems sprang out from a deep blue background - Berry\'s love for color is apparent in each of the pieces hanging at Thyme right now - and since I work with these colors often in my knitting and quilting, I had to know more about the creative process behind that painting. </div><div><br /></div><div>She said that, first, she turns on some music. Berry is a classically trained pianist, and she played for 15 years before her farsightedness prevented her from reading those little music notes on the staff any longer. Still, the rhythm in music guides her in her painting. The music\'s flow told her where on the canvas to put those orange flowers, and the painting was what Berry called \"a push and pull\" from there.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, boy. I love talking to artists. </div><div><br /></div><div>It\'s arguable whether good food is art or craft, but either way, I love to eat just as much as I love a chat with someone who makes his or her living from creativity. That includes chefs, and that includes especially Chef Bill Harris. Not only is he open, friendly and extremely funny, but he is sharp, knowledgeable and, most fun, passionate about what he does. While some chefs are content to let others run their kitchens while they avoid anyone in the community who isn\'t an oil company CEO, Harris has been in his kitchen every time I\'ve called his restaurant. On his days off, he volunteers. </div><div><br /></div><div>He\'s not one of those chefs who just gives lip service to Tulsa\'s farmers and food producers - he uses local, seasonal food as the cornerstone of his entire menu. Try to find tomatoes in what he\'s cooking right now - you won\'t find them. Know why? Because tomatoes aren\'t ready to pick in Tulsa, Oklahoma, until June at the earliest. Anyone who has tasted the difference between a trucked-in, out-of-season tomato with one that\'s homegrown and picked at the peak of ripeness knows why Harris doesn\'t waste his time cooking with anything else, and why you shouldn\'t, either. </div><div><br /></div><div>Berry\'s show will hang at Thyme until next month. Head over soon, and while you\'re nourishing your soul, don\'t forget to nourish your taste buds, too. </div></div>','Would You Like Some Art With That?','','publish','open','open','','would-you-like-some-art-with-that','','','2009-04-09 20:23:00','2009-04-09 20:23:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=131',0,'post','',0),(132,1,'2009-04-10 02:40:00','2009-04-10 02:40:00','<div>A LOT is going on in the food and gardening world here in Tulsa over the next few days. Not one, but three - three! - events are rocking this weekend, and it\'d behoove us all, health-wise and pocketbook-wise and community-wise, to get our green (and not-so-green, depending on who we\'re talkin\' about here) thumbs to all of them. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><a href=\"http://www.tulsagardencenter.com/htdocs/sgmart/Springfest%202009.htm\">SpringFest Garden &amp; Market Festival</a>, April 10th-11th</span>, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. </div><div>Spring is here! Are you ready to plant your garden? Let Tulsa Garden Center help you get ready. Head over to 2435 S. Peoria this weekend for hundreds of plants, gardening information, garden art, arts &amp; crafts, food and fun for the whole family, including the kids. <a href=\"http://www.tulsagardencenter.com/htdocs/sgmart/Springfest%202009.htm\">Get more information here</a>. Proceeds from the festival benefit Tulsa Garden Center. </div><div><br /></div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><a href=\"http://www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com/\">Cherry Street Farmers Market</a>, April 11th</span>, 7-11 a.m.<br /><div>It\'s time for the largest and most colorful farmers\' market in the Tulsa area to come alive. I wait all winter for this day. Perhaps too eagerly - perhaps too often getting that far-away look in my eye. Oh, well. Just give me my asparagus and swiss chard and I\'ll walk away quietly, without hugging and kissing and pinching the cheeks of too many people. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is the twelfth season of the Cherry Street Farmers Market, and according to the CSFM newsletter, numerous new vendors are joining in this year - so many, in fact, that the market will expand into Quaker Street, just south of 15th. New vendors require new customers, so be sure to start your grocery shopping at CSFM this week. </div><div><br /></div><div>After you do your shopping and as long as you didn\'t snag anything super-perishable, be sure to swing by <a href=\"http://www.blogger.com/www.myspace.com/coffeehouseoncherrystreet\">Coffeehouse on Cherry Street</a> and grab some treats and some <a href=\"http://topecacoffee.com/\">Topeca Coffee</a>. I know I will. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Herb Day in Brookside, April 11th</span>, 9 a.m.</div><div>Fill those pretty, new green bags you snagged for these spring herb and farmers markets events at 41st Street and Peoria this Saturday with Oklahoma-produced herbs, flowers, wine, pottery and more at Herb Day in Brookside. It\'s easy to chat with vendors at this event, so count on making a new friends or two while you\'re at it.  </div><div><br /></div><div>Next weekend is the legendary <a href=\"http://herbalaffairandfestival.com/\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Sand Springs Herbal Affai</span>r</a>, April 18th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., where more than 100 vendors will bring herbs, perennials, natives and heirloom plants, along with herbal products, gardening supplies and folk art to the heart of historic downtown Sand Springs. Yeah, it\'s kind of a big deal. To make sure you don\'t miss it - you know, just in case you miss the crowd of 25,000 headed northwest of T-Town proper - commit it to your calendar now. </div>','No, Seriously. Spring has Sprung','','publish','open','open','','no-seriously-spring-has-sprung','','','2009-04-10 02:40:00','2009-04-10 02:40:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=132',0,'post','',3),(133,1,'2009-04-11 15:26:00','2009-04-11 15:26:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3Ie46glI/AAAAAAAAA2o/0yf6Ja1AbIU/s1600-h/DSC04163-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3Ie46glI/AAAAAAAAA2o/0yf6Ja1AbIU/s400/DSC04163-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323456115910541906\" border=\"0\" /></a>Because you wouldn\'t want to miss this: Opening day of the <a href=\"http://www.cherrystreetfarmersmarket.com/\">Cherry Street Farmers Market</a>, at 15th Street and Peoria Avenue in Lincoln Plaza.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3Amrn8wI/AAAAAAAAA2g/NDNCMFXnJNc/s1600-h/DSC04162-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3Amrn8wI/AAAAAAAAA2g/NDNCMFXnJNc/s400/DSC04162-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323455980563329794\" border=\"0\" /></a><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC4KxLUYGI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/yejBNPdRhoY/s1600-h/DSC04173-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC4KxLUYGI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/yejBNPdRhoY/s400/DSC04173-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323457254690938978\" border=\"0\" /></a>Gorgeous lettuces from the incomparable <a href=\"http://www.threespringsfarm.com/\">Three Springs Farm</a>, Oaks.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC4AmXQ7xI/AAAAAAAAA3I/6comiU4LipM/s1600-h/DSC04176-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC4AmXQ7xI/AAAAAAAAA3I/6comiU4LipM/s400/DSC04176-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323457079989563154\" border=\"0\" /></a>Hands down, the best hummus in town, from Cherry Street\'s <a href=\"http://www.palacetulsa.com/\">Palace Cafe</a>. I hear their basil pesto is pretty good, too.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC33UWvn-I/AAAAAAAAA3A/wN5F9glGzPA/s1600-h/DSC04177-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC33UWvn-I/AAAAAAAAA3A/wN5F9glGzPA/s400/DSC04177-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323456920536719330\" border=\"0\" /></a>The wide assortment of herbs and plants available from Blakely Family Farms, Oologah.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3stEzftI/AAAAAAAAA24/_DrsTp9q9z0/s1600-h/DSC04182-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3stEzftI/AAAAAAAAA24/_DrsTp9q9z0/s400/DSC04182-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323456738193800914\" border=\"0\" /></a>Seriously. Go now. You have thirty minutes to snag the best supplies to get your grub on this week.<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3j0w3tzI/AAAAAAAAA2w/jDZqY78Y5W4/s1600-h/DSC04188-1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeC3j0w3tzI/AAAAAAAAA2w/jDZqY78Y5W4/s400/DSC04188-1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323456585638852402\" border=\"0\" /></a>','Go Now.','','publish','open','open','','go-now','','','2009-04-11 15:26:00','2009-04-11 15:26:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=133',0,'post','',4),(134,1,'2009-04-12 17:17:00','2009-04-12 17:17:00','<strong>PSST: <a href=\"http://dowhat.thislandpress.com/event_tags/easter\" target=\"_blank\">Looking for things to do in Tulsa for Easter 2012? Get the list here</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\nHopin\' (hoppin\'? ha!) you\'re having a good one!<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeIiqn34A9I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/5TM6u-YIheI/s1600-h/DSC04219.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeIiqn34A9I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/5TM6u-YIheI/s400/DSC04219.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323855825158538194\" border=\"0\" /></a>And that you can get out between the barrages of rainfall for long enough to find more than three Bubble-Yum-filled eggs...and that no four-year-olds try to edge in on your plunder.','It\'s Easter, Meester','','publish','open','open','','its-easter-meester','','','2012-03-27 14:25:05','2012-03-27 20:25:05','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=134',0,'post','',1),(135,1,'2009-04-13 14:30:00','2009-04-13 14:30:00','Most of you know I\'m a beginning runner. Actually, I\'ve been running for about four years now, but since I\'m neither very good at it nor particularly consistent, I still consider myself a beginner. A slow, easy-going beginner. Cough, cough.<br /><br />Tulsan <a href=\"http://www.stfpr.com/news.cfm?articleID=166\">Russ Florence</a>, however, is a runner extraordinaire. I\'ve been <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/russflorence\">following him on Twitter</a> for awhile now, and especially since the weather has gotten warmer, his frequently occurring tweets on running are some of the few things inspiring enough to make me want to suit up, lace up, cowgirl up and hit the trail already.<br /><br />Of course, this means I\'m cursing Russ as my legs catch on fire on the way up the little bitty hills in my neighborhood.<br /><br />Here now is Russ, ready to inspire all of you to get out, enjoy the spring weather and take advantage of the highly cool running community and resources here in T-Town. I\'m sure his ears will be bright red and ringing this weekend as he inspires new runners to hit the trails and make their way up and down some hilly terrain. Russ, we\'re not really cursing you - we\'re cursing your ability to inspire us to run until our lungs feel like they\'re going to spontaneously combust. For that, we thank you - really, we do.<br /><br /><br /><br />The last Saturday in October is my favorite day of the year in Tulsa. That\'s the day of the annual 15km <a href=\"http://www.tulsarun.com/\">Tulsa Run</a>.<br /><br />There’s something in the air that morning unlike any other time. Every year, I listen to <a href=\"http://www.robertearlkeen.com/\">Robert Earl Keen</a>’s “Feelin’ Good Again” before the race. It’s part tradition, part superstition, and it sums up how I feel about that morning.<br /><br />The other 364 days of the year, I participate in a handful of organized runs – some 5kms, some half-marathons, some out-of-town races.<br /><br />But mostly, I run for the joy of running.<br /><br />I’m something of a vagabond. I’m on the road a lot. I always have my running gear with me.<br /><br />So, when someone asks, “Where do you run?” The answer is, “Wherever I am.” In the last month, I’ve run along country roads in <st1:state st=\"on\">Arkansas</st1:state>, in the snow in <st1:state st=\"on\">Utah</st1:state>, around the track at <a href=\"http://highschool.cowetaps.com/\"><st1:placename st=\"on\">Coweta</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st=\"on\">High School</st1:placetype></a>, around <a href=\"http://www.downtownokc.com/\">downtown <st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:city st=\"on\">Oklahoma City</st1:city></st1:place></a> and on a treadmill at <a href=\"http://healthzone.saintfrancis.com/\">Saint Francis Health Zone</a>.<br /><br />That’s the beauty of running. Give me my <a href=\"http://www.asicsamerica.com/\">Asics Gels</a>, my <a href=\"http://www.apple.com/itunes/\">iPod</a> and an hour, and I’m happy.<br /><br />And while the Tulsa Run tops my list of “all things running in <st1:city st=\"on\"><st1:place st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city>,” there are others:<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.riverparks.org/\">River Parks</a> is Ground Zero for the <st1:city st=\"on\"><st1:place st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city> running community. I’ve rarely found a place I enjoy running more. It’s flat, there’s plenty of water fountains and restrooms, and the scenery’s nice. And, thanks to the <a href=\"http://www.gkff.org/\">George Kaiser Family Foundation</a>, it’s undergoing a face lift, creating wider trails and better lighting.<br /><br />My favorite section is on the east side of the river, from 11th to I-44. (Can’t wait for <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A26620\">Tom Dittus’s new restaurant at 21st</a>.) And don’t forget the west side. Park at <a href=\"http://www.riverparks.org/Maps/tm_map.htm\"><st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:placename st=\"on\">Turkey</st1:placename>  <st1:placetype st=\"on\">Mountain</st1:placetype></st1:place></a> and head north for a scenic, peaceful run. The new trail connecting <a href=\"http://www.riverparks.org/Everyday/everyday.htm\">the <st1:street st=\"on\"><st1:address st=\"on\">31st Street</st1:address></st1:street> Pedestrian Bridge</a> to downtown is a great addition. And I’m eager to try the trail along the old railroad that heads north from <a href=\"http://www.osu-tulsa.okstate.edu/\">OSU-Tulsa</a>.<br /><br />Tulsa has several great running stores. My personal favorite is <a href=\"http://www.runnersworldtulsa.com/\"><u>Runners’ World</u></a> on <a href=\"http://brooksidetheplacetobe.com/\"><st1:place st=\"on\">Brookside</st1:place></a>. They’re friendly, knowledgeable and locally owned. <a href=\"http://www.okrunner.com/\"><u>Oklahoma Runner &amp; Triathlete</u></a> is a great magazine and Web site with calendars, features and tips. The <a href=\"http://www.tulsarunningclub.com/\"><u>Tulsa Running Club</u></a> is an endless resource on races, trails and training.<br /><br />Best of all are the runners and their rituals. There’s the <a href=\"http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/files/1Mezocycle_Fall.pdf\">Tuesday evening speed-training crew</a> at TU. There’s “<a href=\"http://www.firstgiving.com/forrestgump\">Forrest Gump</a>” who runs for charity. There’s <a href=\"http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=20080614_12_A16_hAloto742242\">the guy who runs in his overalls</a>. There’s <a href=\"http://www.pprodco.com/\">Carter Marsh</a>, T-shirt man extraordinaire.<br /><br />And there’s <a href=\"http://www.mcgrawdavissonstewart.com/fmht/associate/10415210.htm?ReturnTo=CompanyRoster%5Flist%2Easp&amp;cr=4415&amp;cx=20091101085\">Jack Wing</a>, the ambassador and voice (albeit with a <st1:city st=\"on\">Boston</st1:city> accent) of running in <st1:city st=\"on\"><st1:place st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:place></st1:city>. If you need advice, information or word of encouragement, call Jack.<br /><br />There are lots of good places to run in <st1:city st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:city> – <a href=\"http://www.parks.tulsacounty.org/LaFortune.aspx\"><st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:placename st=\"on\">LaFortune</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st=\"on\">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place></a>, the Creek Turnpike trail, neighborhoods. And, there are terrific races practically every weekend.<br /><br />But nothing says “<st1:city st=\"on\">Tulsa</st1:city> running” like the Tulsa Run and <st1:place st=\"on\"><st1:placetype st=\"on\">River</st1:placetype>  <st1:placetype st=\"on\">Parks.<br /><br />See you along the trail. (Or along a country road. Or on the streets. Or in the neighborhood.)</st1:placetype></st1:place>','Russ Says Run','','publish','open','open','','russ-says-run','','','2009-04-13 14:30:00','2009-04-13 14:30:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=135',0,'post','',5),(136,1,'2009-04-14 02:45:00','2009-04-14 02:45:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://www.booksmarttulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/books.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 264px; height: 450px;\" src=\"http://www.booksmarttulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/books.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a><br /><div>I\'m not the <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Kindle\">Kindle</a> type. I prefer the dead-tree version of pretty much anything I have to read. If I could print out my e-mails and read them on a page rather than on a glowing screen, I would. But then, I would be apprehended by the green police and would miss putting my hands on my most favorite real-life reading material of all: books. Oh, yum. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Once upon a time, I worked in a huge, old library. I would return to my apartment in the evening to do homework (or drink beer in the hot tub, depending on who you ask) smelling like musty books. Though I had the most boring job in the entire library - reshelving and taking care of the printers in government documents - I\'m pretty sure the only reason I survived there as long as I did was because of all of those lovely, smelly books with their dusty residue and refreshing lack of cover art/marketing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still love books, cover marketing and all. That\'s why I am so pleased - no, thrilled - to learn that there\'s this underground of Tulsans who really like books, too. It\'s called <a href=\"http://www.booksmarttulsa.com/\">Book Smart Tulsa</a>.</div><div><br /><object width=\"400\" height=\"270\"><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\"><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3967165&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1\"><embed src=\"http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=3967165&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=0&amp;color=&amp;fullscreen=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" width=\"400\" height=\"270\"></embed></object><br /><a href=\"http://vimeo.com/3967165\">Book Smart Tulsa Web Promo</a> from <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/localstir\">Wesley Cox</a> on <a href=\"http://vimeo.com/\">Vimeo</a>.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Book Smart Tulsa, the new group founded by author Jeff Martin (I <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/local-encounters-plus-giveaway.html\">gave away a copy of his book The Customer Is Always Wrong: The Retail Chronicles a few months ago</a>, and I hear the winner greatly enjoyed it) and downtown proponent and retailer <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net\">Mary Beth Babcock</a> with the mission of making Tulsa a more literary city, will hold its first BookPub event - the intermingling of literature and beer, practically sensory overload for someone like me - tomorrow night at 7 p.m. in the Gold Room at <a href=\"http://www.mcnellies.com\">McNellie\'s</a>, 409 E. First St. There will be drinking, discussion, deconstruction and, of course, more drinking. </div><div><br /></div><div>From the Facebook invite: </div><div><blockquote>\"There are no rules. If we want to read a novel one month, and a book about skydiving the next, that\'s exactly what we\'ll do. Variety is key. But, one thing is assured. We will never read a book recommended by Oprah!\"</blockquote></div><div>The first book selection will be announced and available at this first event. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Book Smart Tulsa group will continue to meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. for BookPub, but Book Smart Tulsa does more than just gather for book club meetings that would make your mother gasp and fan her face with her kerchief. The group also facilitates signings, author escorting, book release launch parties, offsite sales and others\' book club setups. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>From the Booksmart Tulsa Web site: <br /></div><div><blockquote>If you\'re reading this, chances are you are a book person. And if you are a book person, you are gladly resisting the future. In this era of high-tech gadgets and non-stop media, being a book person is getting to be the intellectual equivalent of Civil War reenacting. They aren\'t cheap, eco-friendly, or easy to store. We hold onto these things for years, moving them time and again, complaining every time, yet they remain, sometimes long after us, passed down like fine silver and antiquities.</blockquote></div><div>They\'re after my own heart, I say. They\'re after my own heart. </div><div><br /></div><div>Wanna know more about Jeff and Mary Beth and what they\'ve got going on with this Book Smart Tulsa thing? Pay them a visit them <a href=\"http://www.booksmarttulsa.com/about/\">at their new home on the Web</a>, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/booksmarttulsa\">follow them on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?sid=87e670a283a0041452df64794bf7bc13&amp;id=1511981452&amp;hiq=book&amp;ref=search\">friend them on Facebook</a>. Also, check out <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/gyrobase/PrintFriendly?oid=oid%3A26803\">Holly Wall\'s article in Urban Tulsa Weekly about Book Smart Tulsa</a>. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For even more reading, don\'t come here. I\'ll be at McNellie\'s bantering and booking and beering. Just don\'t tell my high school English teacher - she\'d come and not only put everyone else\'s literary-ness to shame, but she\'d probably also drink me under the table. At least, I like to think that she would.</div>','Not Your Mother\'s Book Club','','publish','open','open','','not-your-mothers-book-club','','','2009-04-14 02:45:00','2009-04-14 02:45:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=136',0,'post','',11),(137,1,'2009-04-15 23:56:00','2009-04-15 23:56:00','<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeZ8_XpEyBI/AAAAAAAAA3g/4tirqsYg1ug/s1600-h/tulsamno.jpg\"><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 148px; height: 172px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeZ8_XpEyBI/AAAAAAAAA3g/4tirqsYg1ug/s400/tulsamno.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325081037532088338\" /></a>I\'ve been known to keep company with bloggers. <div><br /></div><div>I can be seen galavanting around town with the likes of <a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/\">Amanda Emerson of Have Spork, Will Travel</a> and <a href=\"http://tulsaartblog.blogspot.com/\">Holly Wall of Tulsa Art Blog</a>; I can\'t find enough good to say about the blogging kings and queens of my little local universe, <a href=\"http://www.batesline.com/\">Michael Bates of Batesline.com</a> and <a href=\"http://rocksinmydryers.typepad.com/\">Shannon Lowe of Rocks in My Dryer</a>; I\'ve interviewed blog-tastic Tulsans like <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/02/interview-sindy-does-tulsa.html\">Sindy at Sindy in Tulsa</a> and <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/interview-katie-does-tulsa.html\">Katie at Oklahoma From a Yankee\'s Eye View</a> on this little ol\' weblog; I\'ve recently been seen pestering the daylights out of <a href=\"http://bootstrapfarm.blogspot.com/\">Don Drury and Chelsea Coleman of Bootstrap Farm</a> and <a href=\"http://andsosheblogs.com/\">Carrisa of And So She Blogs</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I just can\'t get enough of bloggers. What can I say? Birds of a feather, well, flock together, online and off, in this treacherous place we call the real world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every now and then, a big group of us risks the well-being of the universe by being in the same place, at the same time - I mean, <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-style: italic;\">for real</span>, inside a bricks-and-mortal building. A whopper of a group of Oklahoma women bloggers are scheming on an offline meet-up for May 7 at the <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/hideawaypizza\">Hideaway Pizza</a> at 103rd and Memorial, 6:30-9:30 p.m. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you blog and you\'re down with spending an evening with the blog-tastic women of our great state, <a href=\"mailto:%20melanie.nelson@bloggingbasics101.com\">e-mail Melanie Nelson</a> of the (surprise!) Oklahoma-based blog <a href=\"http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/\">Blogging Basics 101</a>. More details will then be headed down the pike in your general direction. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever you do, get your RSVP in before May 1. We want to be able to tell the Hideaway people how much pain we\'re going to put them through before we put them through it. There\'s room for about 75 bloggers, but there are a heck of a lot more than 75 women blogging where the wind goes sweepin\' down the plains, so get your RSVP in early if you want to be assured a seat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not that the lady bloggers of Okie-home-uh would need any more incentive to hang out with other chicks who stare at laptop screens a lot, but <a href=\"http://www.ttownmoms.com/\">TTownMoms.com</a> is providing swag bags with computer goodies for all attending bloggers. Plus, there will be door prizes. I\'m such a sucker for door prizes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Cost of the event is $10 (payable via PayPal) - that gets you pizza and a drink. If you want beer (and I will, especially if there\'s <a href=\"http://marshallbrewing.com/index.asp\">Marshall\'s</a>), you\'re on your own for that. </div><div><br /></div><div>This blogger meet-up is part of <a href=\"http://www.momsniteout.com/\">the National Mom\'s Nite Out event</a>, hosted by <a href=\"http://www.bsmmedia.com/bsmmediaindex.php\">Maria Bailey of BSM Media</a>. You don\'t have to be a mom or a mommy blogger to meet up with us Okies, though. This party is all about meeting other Oklahoma women who have at least one thing in common: the blogging bug. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hosts of the event (<a href=\"http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/2009/04/oklahoma-women-bloggers-meet-and-greet/\">click here for yet more info</a>) are <a href=\"http://www.bloggingbasics101.com/\">Melanie Nelson at Blogging Basics 101</a>; <a href=\"http://rocksinmydryer.typepad.com/\">Shannon Lowe at Rocks in My Dryer</a>; <a href=\"http://918moms.com/\">Deedre Determan of 918moms.com</a>; <a href=\"http://ttownmoms.com/\">Trisha Swindle at TTownMoms.com</a>; Christine Rury at <a href=\"http://hometeamwins.blogspot.com/\">Home Team Wins</a> and (big finish! Oy...) me. Be sure to grab us at the event and say hello! Can\'t wait to meet all you frisky blogtistas.</div><div><br /></div>','Okie Blogtistas Unite','','publish','open','open','','okie-blogtistas-unite','','','2009-04-15 23:56:00','2009-04-15 23:56:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=137',0,'post','',7),(138,1,'2009-04-16 01:20:00','2009-04-16 01:20:00','<strong><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/04/earth-day-events-activities-go-green-in-tulsa/\">Check here if you\'re looking for the 2011 edition of the Earth Day Round-Up in Tulsa</a>.</strong>\r\n\r\n<div>Still looking for stuff to do to celebrate Earth Day? Here are a few ideas. As always, if your favorite event isn\'t listed here, leave information in the comments and I\'ll add it to this post. </div><div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 147px;\" src=\"http://www.philbrook.org/f/classes/GuerillaGarden.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></div><div><br /></div><div>Celebrate Earth Day, the gardens at Philbrook Museum and spring fever, <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/education/public/descriptions.cfm\">guerrilla style with Third Thursday April 16, 5-8 p.m</a>. You\'ll take recycled paper, make a fantastic pulp and sprinkle in some seeds to create \"seed paper\" postcards. Mail them to your friends or write cover messages on them to sprout and grow. On top of that, <a href=\"http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.ListAll&amp;friendId=62195274\">local indie rockers Wighead</a> will perform new songs inspired by dirt, garden gnomes and our planet earth from 6-7 p.m. Presented in conjunction with <a href=\"http://www.tulsagardencenter.com/htdocs/LGC/Friends/Friends_of_the_Garden.htm\">Friends of the Garden</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style=\"display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 210px;\" src=\"http://profile.ak.facebook.com/object3/528/22/n63156261362_1290.jpg\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></div><div>On April 16 <a href=\"http://ihloffspa.com\">Ihloff Salon &amp; Day Spa</a> will host <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\"><a href=\"http://www.ihloffspa.com/site/page.php?name=community\">Refresh Tulsa</a></span>, a benefit for three local green organizations. Proceeds will benefit <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 238); white-space: pre; text-decoration: underline;\">Sustainable Tulsa</span>, <a href=\"http://www.cityoftulsa.org/BeGreen/Team.asp\">The Mayor\'s Green Team</a> and <a href=\"http://www.upwithtrees.org/\">Up With Trees</a>. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The benefit will be held at the <a href=\"http://www.tulsagardencenter.com/\">Tulsa Garden Center</a> from 6-10 p.m. The evening will include a silent auction, local artists and foods, a fashion and hair show and the opportunity to learn about other green-friendly organizations in the Tulsa area. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tulsa\'s own Ihloff Salon &amp; Day Spa has been part of this community for nearly thirty years. Recognized repeatedly as one of the fastest growing salons in the nation, Ihloff is committed to the environment, the Tulsa community and clients\' well-being. More at ihloffspa.com. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold; \"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: normal; \">Get your clean-up on at the </span><a href=\"http://tulsa.craigslist.org/eve/1111101294.html\">Earth Day celebration at Chandler Park</a></span>. It\'s April 18, 11 a.m.-noon. Enjoy music, free soft drinks and scenic Chandler Park as you help to beautify the area. </div>','Earth Day Round-Up','','publish','open','open','','earth-day-round-up','','\nhttp://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/04/earth-day-events-activities-go-green-in-tulsa/','2011-04-13 16:27:06','2011-04-13 22:27:06','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=138',0,'post','',2),(139,1,'2009-04-16 21:50:00','2009-04-16 21:50:00','What\'s better than watching some of the best chefs in Tulsa create their signature dishes right before your very eyes? Local members of the media \"helping\" (read: flailing and trying not to get in the way of) the best chefs in Tulsa as they create their signature dishes, out in front of God and everybody. <div><br /></div><div>Sunday, April 26, marks the inaugural Taste of Grace event, to benefit <a href=\"http://www.gracehospice.com/\">Grace Hospice Foundation</a>. Starting at noon at <a href=\"http://www.tulsahistory.org/\">Tulsa Historical Society</a>, chefs from nine Tulsa restaurants will be doing their best to work their foodie magic around us bumbling media mites. </div><div><br /></div><div>At 1 p.m., select Tulsa business and community leaders will treat attendees to a fashion show, courtesy of Compliments Boutique (81st and Lewis). Last but not least, event-goers will have the chance at several silent auction items, including art, fine food and travel packages. </div><div><br /></div><div>Behold, the menu: </div><div><br /></div><div>The Local Table: Cajun meatloaf and Mac and Cheese</div><div><a href=\"http://www.garlicrose-tulsa.com/\">Garlic Rose</a>: House Salad with Apple Vinaigrette and Poached Egg </div><div><a href=\"http://www.oscarsgastropub.com/\">F.B. Oscar\'s Gastropub</a>: Smoked Candy Salmon and Potato Latkes</div><div><a href=\"http://www.elotetulsa.com/\">Elote Cafe &amp; Catering</a>: Specialty Seasonal Dish</div><div><a href=\"http://www.cafeoletulsa.com/\">Cafe Ole</a>: Tomato Poblano Bisque</div><div><a href=\"http://www.redrockcanyongrill.com/index.php\">Red Rock Canyon Grill</a>: Buttermilk biscuits, country ham, peach poblano jam and egg hollandaise</div><div><a href=\"http://www.meltingpot.com/\">The Melting Pot</a>: Strawberries and Pineapple, Dessert Fondue</div><div><a href=\"http://www.ediblearrangements.com/\">Edible Arrangements</a>: Fruit Bouquets</div><div><a href=\"http://www.kaffebona.com/\">Kaffe Bona</a>: Specialty frozen coffee drinks and bakery desserts</div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, I\'m hungry now. Especially for that Tomato Poblano Bisque - can\'t wait to give that little dish a try. </div><div><br /></div><div>While <a href=\"http://www.kjrh.com/content/aboutus/bios/story/Julie-Chin/NIcVY9o9A0aqaNtfL88Rsg.cspx\">KJRH meteorologist Julie Chin</a> will emcee the event, the following members of the media will double as servers at the Taste of Grace event: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href=\"http://www.kjrh.com/content/aboutus/bios/story/Justin-Wilfon/boMkS_jHRk60DmP-_aLv9g.cspx\">Justin Wilfon</a> and <a href=\"http://www.kjrh.com/content/aboutus/bios/story/Erin-Christy/Pba9sYKPLk2IaaADQeuO4g.cspx\">Erin Christy</a> - KJRH</div><div><a href=\"http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/blogs/weblog.aspx?column_id=3\">Jason Ashley Wright</a> - Tulsa World</div><div><a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=7460477\">Rich Lenz - KOTV</a></div><div><a href=\"http://www.fox23.com/sites/koki/content/contactus/bios/weather/james-3.html\">James Aydelott - Fox 23</a></div><div><a href=\"http://www.linkedin.com/pub/9/391/633\">Sharon Cameron - Greater Tulsa Reporter Newspaper</a></div><div><a href=\"http://www.ktul.com/pageloader.html?js=ktul&amp;page=talent&amp;pagename=keith_taylor.html\">Keith Taylor - KTUL</a></div><div>Little ol\' me at TashaDoesTulsa.com</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch the local news stations next week for Taste of Grace chefs promoting the event: The Melting Pot on the morning show at KTUL on the 21st; F.B. Oscar\'s Gastropub on the noon show at KOTV, also on the 21st; Cafe Ole on the Fox 23 morning show on the 22nd; and Garlic Rose on KJRH Fun Food Friday the 24th. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you\'re back and forth about whether to buy tickets because you\'re worried church will make you late, get the tickets already. The brunch will cruise through the noon hour, and the fashion show won\'t start until 1 p.m. Church goers, you officially have the green light to be late. </div><div><br /></div><div>To get your tickets - go ahead and do it right now, because space is limited, and at $50 these babies are a steal, especially for an early Mothers Day present - send a tweet/DM to @tashadoestulsa or e-mail me at tashadoestulsa at gmail dot  com. </div><div><br /></div><div>Event detail round-up:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">What</span>: Taste of Grace event with brunch, fashion show and silent auction</div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Who</span>: Grace Hospice Foundation</div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">When</span>: Sunday, April 26, 12-3 p.m. </div><div><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Where</span>: Tulsa Historical Society, at 2445 S. Peoria Ave. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Happy brunching! </div></div>','Grace: I Has It','','publish','open','open','','grace-i-has-it','','','2009-04-16 21:50:00','2009-04-16 21:50:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=139',0,'post','',0),(140,1,'2009-04-17 16:30:00','2009-04-17 16:30:00','<div>It\'s raining here in T-Town right now, and the weather forecasts tell us things aren\'t going to get any better as the weekend progresses. Even so, a little rain shouldn\'t stop everyone from carpooling to Muskogee tomorrow for the 43rd annual Muskogee Azalea Parade. </div><div><br /></div><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeimWvXCBMI/AAAAAAAAA3w/XA_6t-CfBXo/s400/DSC04338.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325689468966012098\" border=\"0\" /><div>We Okies are darn proud of our azaleas, let me tell you. Our gardens and parks explode with red, pink, purple and white during the first couple of weeks in April, and we walk around swooning at their beauty and taking hundreds of amateur photographs of ourselves and our loved ones in front of them until they fry (the flowers, not us or our loved ones, excluding red-headed me who got a moderate sunburn from a quick lunch on the patio at <a href=\"http://www.eatfullmoon.com/\">Full Moon Cafe on Cherry Street</a> yesterday) in May.  <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you\'ve never been to the Muskogee Azalea Parade, go tomorrow. It\'s quite a sight to behold. Plus, there will be chili and barbeque. Really, really yummy chili and barbeque - good enough to attract 10,000 visitors and raise $800,000 for various charities benefiting children, anyway. The whole shebang starts at 11 a.m. <a href=\"http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/local/local_story_106185332.html\">Check out the Muskogee Phoenix Web site for more information</a> before you head out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, if you\'re lazy (don\'t tell anyone, but I have a problem with sloth - the disposition toward laziness, not the weird little animal), head to Tulsa\'s own Woodward Park (at 21st and Peoria), where something like 15,000 azalea plants are really showing their stuff. </div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of stuff, check out my little man (click to enlarge - just do it): </div><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeilnQK-gGI/AAAAAAAAA3o/oi5PP7kxq5Q/s1600-h/DSC04326.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeilnQK-gGI/AAAAAAAAA3o/oi5PP7kxq5Q/s400/DSC04326.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5325688653140099170\" border=\"0\" /></a>Sorry. It\'s Friday, and I thought everyone could use a drool shot to kick off the weekend. This way, you have something to look forward to - it only gets better from here. ','Road Trip...Or Not','','publish','open','open','','road-tripor-not','','','2009-04-17 16:30:00','2009-04-17 16:30:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=140',0,'post','',2),(141,1,'2009-04-17 20:35:00','2009-04-17 20:35:00','<div>You guys. Check this out: </div><div><br /><object width=\"425\" height=\"344\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/4hVeS12d7Tw&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0xe1600f&amp;color2=0xfebd01\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/4hVeS12d7Tw&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0xe1600f&amp;color2=0xfebd01\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That 45 children go to the <a href=\"http://www.childabusenetwork.org\">Child Abuse Network</a> every day in Tulsa shocked me. I had no idea. So, already, the family-friendly and child-centered <a href=\"http://www.childabusenetwork.org/html/event_film.htm\">CAN Film Festival</a> is accomplishing its mission: To raise awareness of child abuse and Child Abuse Network. Kudos to the historic <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com\">Circle Cinema</a> for hosting this event. </div><div><br /></div><div>Showtimes are 12:15 and 3:15 p.m., with several workshops at 1:30. Find a list of films on the <a href=\"http://www.childabusenetwork.org/html/event_film.htm\">CAN Film Festival Web site</a>. Tickets are $10 per, which includes admission and concessions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, you and a buddy could go for free! Thanks to <a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com\">Urban Tulsa Weekly</a>, the ultimate source of info on what\'s doing in Tulsa, I have two tickets to the 12:15 p.m. show to give away here at Tasha Does Tulsa. </div><div><br /></div><div>To enter:</div><div><ol><li>Go to <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com\">Twitter.com</a>. <br /></li><li>If you already have an account, sign in; if you don\'t already have an account, make one! <br /></li><li>Follow <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tashadoestulsa\">@tashadoestulsa</a>. <br /></li><li>Tweet how you\'ll be doing Tulsa this weekend. <br /></li><li>At the end of your tweet, type this: #tashadoestulsa. That\'s so we all can keep track of all the fun goings on here in T-Town this weekend  (via <a href=\"http://hashtags.org\">hashtags.org</a> or <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com\">search.twitter.com</a> - just punch in #tashadoestulsa in the search field to see what hopefully resembles a stream). It\'s also for me. I want to easily be able to pick a winner of this pair of tickets to the CAN Film Festival, after all. </li></ol><div>My favorite tweet by midnight tonight takes all, so be creative! Good luck! </div></div>','CAN Film Festival. Plus, a Twitter Giveaway.','','publish','open','open','','can-film-festival-plus-twitter-giveaway','','','2009-04-17 20:35:00','2009-04-17 20:35:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=141',0,'post','',0),(142,1,'2009-04-18 14:57:00','2009-04-18 14:57:00','Oh, my dear Lord have mercy apple pie. I just woke up on my own, without the aid of an alarm clock or a baby slapping me in the face or forcibly opening my eyelids, for the first time in - seriously - two years.<div><br /></div><div>Guess how long I slept? A solid and peaceful 13 hours. Can I just write that again? <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">13 hours</span>. I don\'t think I have slept that long since high school, when I caught mononucleosis from a water fountain and slept that long pretty much ever single night. Bad water fountain, bad. Cough. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hey-nyway, I have a winner to announce. <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/04/can-film-festival-plus-twitter-giveaway.html\">Yesterday I held my first ever Twitter contest/giveaway</a>, and let me tell you, it was interesting. I loved reading what y\'all are going to get up to this weekend, and I had myself a little crash course in hashtags and Twitter search engines. I had fun, and I hope every one of you did, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hard a hard time picking a winner, but in the end, I liked what <a href=\"http://twitter.com/JenMcCollum\">@JenMcCollum</a> had to say (click to enlarge):<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SenuBL_Zo2I/AAAAAAAAA4A/Uz0qTbJoJSk/s1600-h/2.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 58px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SenuBL_Zo2I/AAAAAAAAA4A/Uz0qTbJoJSk/s400/2.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326049738508313442\" border=\"0\" /></a><br />To get to Jen\'s entry, I pointed by browser (Firefox, w00t w00t) to <a href=\"http://search.twitter.com/\">search.twitter.com</a>:<a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SenuPsipkoI/AAAAAAAAA4I/HG1lETxEhxI/s1600-h/1.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SenuPsipkoI/AAAAAAAAA4I/HG1lETxEhxI/s400/1.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326049987764261506\" border=\"0\" /></a>And searched for #tashadoestulsa.<br /><br />After reading a page of results, I not only liked the idea of Jen turning benedict arnold, but I really liked that she did me one better than just entering the contest.<br /><br />She <a href=\"http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_retweet\">retweeted</a> about it:<br /><br /><a onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\" href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SentfPUWIBI/AAAAAAAAA34/DjKfwYXVTus/s1600-h/3.JPG\"><img style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 111px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SentfPUWIBI/AAAAAAAAA34/DjKfwYXVTus/s400/3.JPG\" alt=\"\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326049155285917714\" border=\"0\" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that\'s what I call a good Twitter follower. Good tweeter <a href=\"http://twitter.com/JenMcCollum\">@JenMcCollum</a>, good tweeter.<br /><br />The great thing about retweeting is that your message always sounds better coming from someone else\'s mouth. That wasn\'t supposed to sound graphic, but it ended up that way, and I\'m sorry a little. But it\'s true.<br /><br />Jen, send me a tweet or a direct message (\"DM\" in Twitter lingo, for all you newbies to Twitter out there) to claim your prize!<br /><br />While everyone\'s on Twitter, why not follow <a href=\"http://twitter.com/JenMcCollum\">Jen</a> while you\'re at it? <a href=\"http://www.jenx67.com/\">She runs a great blog</a>, so stop by and have a look-see at that, too. Also, <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tashadoestulsa\">follow me</a>. Because I love you and will retweet you to kingdom come, as long as you don\'t tweet incessantly about your cat, your baby and what you\'re having for lunch that day. Only I am allowed to do that.<br /><br />Feel free to go ahead and tweet what you\'re up to in Tulsa whenever you feel like it. Just remember to use the hashtag #tashadoestulsa so we can follow along without having to follow you first.<br /><br />Thanks to all for playing! Happy Twittering.<br /></div>','Winner (Late. So Very Late)','','publish','open','open','','winner-late-so-very-late','','','2009-04-18 14:57:00','2009-04-18 14:57:00','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=142',0,'post','',2),(143,1,'2009-04-20 05:30:00','2009-04-20 05:30:00','<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuhj5S49KI/AAAAAAAAA8I/iuSba12xIm0/s1600-h/DSC04375-2.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326528622343287970\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuhj5S49KI/AAAAAAAAA8I/iuSba12xIm0/s400/DSC04375-2.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is what we saw yesterday afternoon on our way in to the 20th annual <a href=\"http://herbalaffairandfestival.com/\">Sand Springs Herbal Affair</a>, the kick-off of Tulsa\'s spring and summer festival season and one of the first sources of the year for gardening supplies, Tulsa arts and crafts and locally grown plants, produce and prepared foods: Every street within a few blocks of the festival lined with cars.\r\n\r\nMy initial thought was, \"Aw. I\'m so glad this little festival is getting a good turn out this year, considering the rain and the crappy economy and all.\"\r\n\r\nThen we hit the festival proper.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuhCILzy0I/AAAAAAAAA74/nUlzxC3kB7k/s1600-h/DSC04376-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326528042224569154\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuhCILzy0I/AAAAAAAAA74/nUlzxC3kB7k/s400/DSC04376-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd I didn\'t have a little-festival-that-could to feel overprotective of anymore.\r\n\r\nHundreds showed up at the same time we did to show their enthusiasm for anything and everything gardening at this small-town festival that covered nearly three acres.\r\n\r\nIn case you\'ve been living under a rock and didn\'t know, vegetable gardening is the hottest thing going this spring. Odds are you know at least someone, especially if you\'re in with the 25-40 set, who is growing their own veggies and herbs this spring.\r\n\r\nRegular readers of this blog know <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/what-my-valentines-day-activities-hath.html\">my little family has a fledgling vegetable garden</a>, despite the efforts of my mischievous feline pet. Since we\'re going organic and will need a natural way to control pests, and since they\'re my favorite flower ever, we\'ll be planting some of these:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seug3GNOcyI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3yB0eMRT4RU/s1600-h/DSC04382-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527852715078434\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seug3GNOcyI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3yB0eMRT4RU/s400/DSC04382-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI hear marigolds are good to plant around tomato plants. I\'m sure these people would know a thing or two about that.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuguP3ALwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/uSzVqAzBFRU/s1600-h/DSC04384-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527700687400706\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuguP3ALwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/uSzVqAzBFRU/s400/DSC04384-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a><a href=\"http://indietulsa.wordpress.com/2007/04/17/tomato-man/\">Legendary</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugeW0pizI/AAAAAAAAA7g/cbephm38OXI/s1600-h/DSC04385-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527427678669618\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugeW0pizI/AAAAAAAAA7g/cbephm38OXI/s400/DSC04385-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://mydadssalsa.com/\">Yummy salsa</a>. Yes.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugMwsGg-I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/0eCZS2cQKuk/s1600-h/DSC04388-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527125384496098\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugMwsGg-I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/0eCZS2cQKuk/s400/DSC04388-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.clearcreeklavender.com/\">The best soap makers in the universe</a>. I\'m serious. A few years ago I snagged a few bars at the <a href=\"http://tulsastatefair.com/\">Tulsa State Fair</a>, and after I used them up, I almost shed tears when I realized I hadn\'t saved the tags that told the name of the maker. I about fell off my rocker when I realized I had found this soap again at Herbal Affair and had to restrain myself from relieving the Clear Creek folks of their entire stock. \r\n\r\nThis soap is the only bar soap that doesn\'t dry my skin to an alligator-like state, and it smells divine. And by divine I mean that I want everything in my little world to smell like this soap, including my eyeballs.\r\n\r\n<img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521366005283794\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seua9hVF-9I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/7bmVEMTW8Q0/s400/DSC04429-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" />\r\n\r\nIf I could use one soap for the rest of my life, this would be it.\r\n\r\nAnd...I\'m done talking about soap. I promise. \r\n\r\nAnd now, some shots of a massive, herbaceous crowd.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugEh87OjI/AAAAAAAAA7I/ypPW-U0n-Ng/s1600-h/DSC04389-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526983989574194\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugEh87OjI/AAAAAAAAA7I/ypPW-U0n-Ng/s400/DSC04389-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufvquXO7I/AAAAAAAAA64/4xP4l1nKl_Q/s1600-h/DSC04390-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526625567161266\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufvquXO7I/AAAAAAAAA64/4xP4l1nKl_Q/s400/DSC04390-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere\'s one of my favorite herb vendors, <a href=\"http://agritourism.travelok.com/?id=13&amp;co=368\">The Peppermint Dragon</a>, headed by Donna Vogelpohl of my old stomping grounds in Sapulpa. \r\n\r\nShe spearheaded the effort to get <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/07/fresh-tuesday.html\">a farmers market to Williams Green in downtown Tulsa</a>. Donna helped me to fulfill my urgent preggie cravings for homegrown cherry tomatoes during the summer before last when I was trying to walk from my parking garage at Third and Cincinnati to my office at Fifth and Boston without tossing everything I had ever eaten in my entire life onto the sidewalk. \r\n\r\nThere were times when those tomatoes were the only things that helped. And I am forever grateful and am writing run-on sentences about them.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuflYXc_eI/AAAAAAAAA6w/SGdiX4_QHzI/s1600-h/DSC04391-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526448840539618\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuflYXc_eI/AAAAAAAAA6w/SGdiX4_QHzI/s400/DSC04391-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere\'s <a href=\"http://www.sandspringsok.org/category.php?cat=1004\">Sand Springs Museum</a>, a.k.a. Page Memorial Library. My Brownie meetings were in the basement of this building. That was, until I quit because, as a girl, I was really out of touch with reality and so sometimes had a much more difficult time making friends than I did making a fool of myself acting like a princess or a unicorn in the cereal aisle of the grocery store. \r\n\r\nI\'m better now. Mostly. \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seufa8DdL_I/AAAAAAAAA6o/-852VtySGxE/s1600-h/DSC04393-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526269441781746\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seufa8DdL_I/AAAAAAAAA6o/-852VtySGxE/s400/DSC04393-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe Okies love our funnel cakes. \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufNay-F0I/AAAAAAAAA6g/agOsCefiRqI/s1600-h/DSC04394-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526037175965506\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufNay-F0I/AAAAAAAAA6g/agOsCefiRqI/s400/DSC04394-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seud51YXxaI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/vWdqnN651s0/s1600-h/DSC04395-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326524601203148194\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seud51YXxaI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/vWdqnN651s0/s400/DSC04395-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nJust look at the crowds.\r\n\r\nBut, let\'s not forget about the plants...\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudlJ4kCCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/MnE-icQJv_c/s1600-h/DSC04397-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326524245929625634\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudlJ4kCCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/MnE-icQJv_c/s400/DSC04397-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd the herbs. \r\n\r\nItalian parsley and sweet basil: The herbs I could eat on virtually anything.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuda2y-m_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/6pRr-HwWmhg/s1600-h/DSC04398-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326524069007236082\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuda2y-m_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/6pRr-HwWmhg/s400/DSC04398-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMmm, Cherokee Purple tomatoes. My favorite heirloom variety. So rich. So meaty. So purple. \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudHnT3KmI/AAAAAAAAA54/meGOWC6TlDs/s1600-h/DSC04399-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523738432678498\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudHnT3KmI/AAAAAAAAA54/meGOWC6TlDs/s400/DSC04399-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd peppers. Oh, peppers.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuc39F0U4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/ZTUTAkKKL3c/s1600-h/DSC04400-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523469401445250\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuc39F0U4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/ZTUTAkKKL3c/s400/DSC04400-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seucu5l2LNI/AAAAAAAAA5o/KUWs-fggPss/s1600-h/DSC04401-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523313843219666\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seucu5l2LNI/AAAAAAAAA5o/KUWs-fggPss/s400/DSC04401-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeucllkvSwI/AAAAAAAAA5g/tIjP4LY6i1U/s1600-h/DSC04403-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523153851042562\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeucllkvSwI/AAAAAAAAA5g/tIjP4LY6i1U/s400/DSC04403-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326522674850538274\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeucJtKHoyI/AAAAAAAAA5I/znf4Di0qRn8/s400/DSC04405-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seua0hBdzjI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/jExG_DuNbjQ/s1600-h/DSC04434-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521211304136242\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seua0hBdzjI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/jExG_DuNbjQ/s400/DSC04434-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have a thing for spoons. Actually, I have a thing for just about any kitchen utensil. Spoons are just part of a much larger obsession.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubkLUDs3I/AAAAAAAAA4w/kiIDn7M3A1g/s1600-h/DSC04417-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326522030110258034\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubkLUDs3I/AAAAAAAAA4w/kiIDn7M3A1g/s400/DSC04417-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIs this little boy ever going to return the heart he has stolen from me? Or will he stomp on it and call it bad names by running away with some girl here in about 20 years?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubSndaPKI/AAAAAAAAA4o/4QrOStkl_-s/s1600-h/DSC04421-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521728428031138\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubSndaPKI/AAAAAAAAA4o/4QrOStkl_-s/s400/DSC04421-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubG28ZkQI/AAAAAAAAA4g/7nctbYybeLg/s1600-h/DSC04423-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521526426112258\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubG28ZkQI/AAAAAAAAA4g/7nctbYybeLg/s400/DSC04423-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHe\'s already quite the ladies\' man, as you can see. I should prepare myself now.\r\n\r\nThe only thing I have going for me at this point is that I can whip up a sippy cup of chocolate milk a heck of a lot faster than some elfin chick made of concrete. I don\'t look cute in pigtails, though, so she has that going for her.\r\n\r\nDon\'t go and think the goods brought around by the Sand Springs Herbal Affair vendors are once-a-year opportunities. Odds are they\'re available at one or more of the several farmers markets in the Tulsa area, or that you get snag them directly from the vendor via the Web or pick-up.\r\n\r\nWhich is a good thing. Because while Herbal Affair is the official start of spring in the Tulsa area and brings with it all the trappings of said season, it is only one Saturday. And we crowds of Tulsans, we have to stay herbaceous somehow. ','Sand Springs Herbal Affair: A Delightful, Springtime Madhouse','This is what we saw on our way in to the 20th annual <a href=\"http://herbalaffairandfestival.com/\">Sand Springs Herbal Affair</a>, the kick-off of Tulsa\'s spring and summer festival season and one of the first sources of the year for gardening supplies, Tulsa arts and crafts and locally grown plants, produce and other foods, yesterday afternoon: Every street within a few blocks of the festival lined with cars.','publish','open','open','','sand-springs-herbal-affair-2009','','\nhttp://indietulsa.wordpress.com/2007/04/17/tomato-man/','2011-04-13 10:42:19','2011-04-13 16:42:19','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=143',0,'post','',3),(7618,1,'2011-04-13 10:38:36','2011-04-13 16:38:36','<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuhj5S49KI/AAAAAAAAA8I/iuSba12xIm0/s1600-h/DSC04375-2.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326528622343287970\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuhj5S49KI/AAAAAAAAA8I/iuSba12xIm0/s400/DSC04375-2.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis is what we saw on our way in to the 20th annual <a href=\"http://herbalaffairandfestival.com/\">Sand Springs Herbal Affair</a>, the kick-off of Tulsa\'s spring and summer festival season and one of the first sources of the year for gardening supplies, Tulsa arts and crafts and locally grown plants, produce and other foods, yesterday afternoon: Every street within a few blocks of the festival lined with cars.\r\n\r\nMy initial thought was, \"Aw. I\'m so glad this little festival is getting a good turn out this year, considering the rain and the crappy economy and all.\"\r\n\r\nThen we hit the festival proper.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuhCILzy0I/AAAAAAAAA74/nUlzxC3kB7k/s1600-h/DSC04376-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326528042224569154\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuhCILzy0I/AAAAAAAAA74/nUlzxC3kB7k/s400/DSC04376-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd I didn\'t have a little-festival-that-could to feel overprotective of anymore.\r\n\r\nHundreds showed up at the same time we did to show their enthusiasm for anything and everything gardening at this small-town festival that covered nearly three acres.\r\n\r\nIn case you\'ve been living under a rock and didn\'t know, vegetable gardening is the hottest thing going this spring. Odds are you know at least someone, especially if you\'re in with the 25-40 set, who is growing their own veggies and herbs this spring.\r\n\r\nRegular readers of this blog know <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/what-my-valentines-day-activities-hath.html\">my little family has a fledgling vegetable garden</a>, despite the efforts of my mischievous feline pet. Since we\'re going organic and will need a natural way to control pests, and since they\'re my favorite flower ever, we\'ll be planting some of these:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seug3GNOcyI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3yB0eMRT4RU/s1600-h/DSC04382-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527852715078434\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seug3GNOcyI/AAAAAAAAA7w/3yB0eMRT4RU/s400/DSC04382-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI hear marigolds are good to plant around tomato plants. I\'m sure these people would know a thing or two about that.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuguP3ALwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/uSzVqAzBFRU/s1600-h/DSC04384-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527700687400706\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuguP3ALwI/AAAAAAAAA7o/uSzVqAzBFRU/s400/DSC04384-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a><a href=\"http://indietulsa.wordpress.com/2007/04/17/tomato-man/\">Legendary</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugeW0pizI/AAAAAAAAA7g/cbephm38OXI/s1600-h/DSC04385-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527427678669618\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugeW0pizI/AAAAAAAAA7g/cbephm38OXI/s400/DSC04385-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://mydadssalsa.com/\">Yummy salsa</a>. Yes.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugMwsGg-I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/0eCZS2cQKuk/s1600-h/DSC04388-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326527125384496098\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugMwsGg-I/AAAAAAAAA7Q/0eCZS2cQKuk/s400/DSC04388-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.clearcreeklavender.com/\">The best soap makers in the universe</a>. I\'m serious. A few years ago I snagged a few bars at the <a href=\"http://tulsastatefair.com/\">Tulsa State Fair</a>, and after I used them up, I almost shed tears when I realized I hadn\'t saved the tags that told the name of the maker. I about fell off my rocker when I realized I had found this soap again at Herbal Affair and had to restrain myself from relieving the Clear Creek folks of their entire stock. \r\n\r\nThis soap is the only bar soap that doesn\'t dry my skin to an alligator-like state, and it smells divine. And by divine I mean that I want everything in my little world to smell like this soap, including my eyeballs.\r\n\r\n<img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521366005283794\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seua9hVF-9I/AAAAAAAAA4Y/7bmVEMTW8Q0/s400/DSC04429-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" />\r\n\r\nIf I could use one soap for the rest of my life, this would be it.\r\n\r\nAnd...I\'m done talking about soap. I promise. \r\n\r\nAnd now, some shots of a massive, herbaceous crowd.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugEh87OjI/AAAAAAAAA7I/ypPW-U0n-Ng/s1600-h/DSC04389-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526983989574194\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeugEh87OjI/AAAAAAAAA7I/ypPW-U0n-Ng/s400/DSC04389-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufvquXO7I/AAAAAAAAA64/4xP4l1nKl_Q/s1600-h/DSC04390-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526625567161266\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufvquXO7I/AAAAAAAAA64/4xP4l1nKl_Q/s400/DSC04390-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere\'s one of my favorite herb vendors, <a href=\"http://agritourism.travelok.com/?id=13&amp;co=368\">The Peppermint Dragon</a>, headed by Donna Vogelpohl of my old stomping grounds in Sapulpa. \r\n\r\nShe spearheaded the effort to get <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2008/07/fresh-tuesday.html\">a farmers market to Williams Green in downtown Tulsa</a>. Donna helped me to fulfill my urgent preggie cravings for homegrown cherry tomatoes during the summer before last when I was trying to walk from my parking garage at Third and Cincinnati to my office at Fifth and Boston without tossing everything I had ever eaten in my entire life onto the sidewalk. \r\n\r\nThere were times when those tomatoes were the only things that helped. And I am forever grateful and am writing run-on sentences about them.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuflYXc_eI/AAAAAAAAA6w/SGdiX4_QHzI/s1600-h/DSC04391-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526448840539618\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeuflYXc_eI/AAAAAAAAA6w/SGdiX4_QHzI/s400/DSC04391-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere\'s <a href=\"http://www.sandspringsok.org/category.php?cat=1004\">Sand Springs Museum</a>, a.k.a. Page Memorial Library. My Brownie meetings were in the basement of this building. That was, until I quit because, as a girl, I was really out of touch with reality and so sometimes had a much more difficult time making friends than I did making a fool of myself acting like a princess or a unicorn in the cereal aisle of the grocery store. \r\n\r\nI\'m better now. Mostly. \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seufa8DdL_I/AAAAAAAAA6o/-852VtySGxE/s1600-h/DSC04393-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526269441781746\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seufa8DdL_I/AAAAAAAAA6o/-852VtySGxE/s400/DSC04393-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWe Okies love our funnel cakes. \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufNay-F0I/AAAAAAAAA6g/agOsCefiRqI/s1600-h/DSC04394-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326526037175965506\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeufNay-F0I/AAAAAAAAA6g/agOsCefiRqI/s400/DSC04394-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seud51YXxaI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/vWdqnN651s0/s1600-h/DSC04395-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326524601203148194\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seud51YXxaI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/vWdqnN651s0/s400/DSC04395-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nJust look at the crowds.\r\n\r\nBut, let\'s not forget about the plants...\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudlJ4kCCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/MnE-icQJv_c/s1600-h/DSC04397-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326524245929625634\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudlJ4kCCI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/MnE-icQJv_c/s400/DSC04397-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd the herbs. \r\n\r\nItalian parsley and sweet basil: The herbs I could eat on virtually anything.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuda2y-m_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/6pRr-HwWmhg/s1600-h/DSC04398-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326524069007236082\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuda2y-m_I/AAAAAAAAA6I/6pRr-HwWmhg/s400/DSC04398-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMmm, Cherokee Purple tomatoes. My favorite heirloom variety. So rich. So meaty. So purple. \r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudHnT3KmI/AAAAAAAAA54/meGOWC6TlDs/s1600-h/DSC04399-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523738432678498\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeudHnT3KmI/AAAAAAAAA54/meGOWC6TlDs/s400/DSC04399-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd peppers. Oh, peppers.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuc39F0U4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/ZTUTAkKKL3c/s1600-h/DSC04400-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523469401445250\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seuc39F0U4I/AAAAAAAAA5w/ZTUTAkKKL3c/s400/DSC04400-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seucu5l2LNI/AAAAAAAAA5o/KUWs-fggPss/s1600-h/DSC04401-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523313843219666\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seucu5l2LNI/AAAAAAAAA5o/KUWs-fggPss/s400/DSC04401-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeucllkvSwI/AAAAAAAAA5g/tIjP4LY6i1U/s1600-h/DSC04403-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326523153851042562\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeucllkvSwI/AAAAAAAAA5g/tIjP4LY6i1U/s400/DSC04403-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326522674850538274\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeucJtKHoyI/AAAAAAAAA5I/znf4Di0qRn8/s400/DSC04405-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" />\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seua0hBdzjI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/jExG_DuNbjQ/s1600-h/DSC04434-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521211304136242\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/Seua0hBdzjI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/jExG_DuNbjQ/s400/DSC04434-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI have a thing for spoons. Actually, I have a thing for just about any kitchen utensil. Spoons are just part of a much larger obsession.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubkLUDs3I/AAAAAAAAA4w/kiIDn7M3A1g/s1600-h/DSC04417-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326522030110258034\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubkLUDs3I/AAAAAAAAA4w/kiIDn7M3A1g/s400/DSC04417-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIs this little boy ever going to return the heart he has stolen from me? Or will he stomp on it and call it bad names by running away with some girl here in about 20 years?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubSndaPKI/AAAAAAAAA4o/4QrOStkl_-s/s1600-h/DSC04421-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521728428031138\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubSndaPKI/AAAAAAAAA4o/4QrOStkl_-s/s400/DSC04421-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubG28ZkQI/AAAAAAAAA4g/7nctbYybeLg/s1600-h/DSC04423-1.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5326521526426112258\" style=\"margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 255px;\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SeubG28ZkQI/AAAAAAAAA4g/7nctbYybeLg/s400/DSC04423-1.JPG\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHe\'s already quite the ladies\' man, as you can see. I should prepare myself now.\r\n\r\nThe only thing I have going for me at this point is that I can whip up a sippy cup of chocolate milk a heck of a lot faster than some elfin chick made of concrete. I don\'t look cute in pigtails, though, so she has that going for her.\r\n\r\nDon\'t go and think the goods brought around by the Sand Springs Herbal Affair vendors are once-a-year opportunities. Odds are they\'re available at one or more of the several farmers markets in the Tulsa area, or that you get snag them directly from the vendor via the Web or pick-up.\r\n\r\nWhich is a good thing. Because while Herbal Affair is the official start of spring in the Tulsa area and brings with it all the trappings of said season, it is only one Saturday. And we crowds of Tulsans, we have to stay herbaceous somehow. ','Sand Springs Herbal Affair: A Delightful, Springtime Madhouse','This is what we saw on our way in to the 20th annual <a href=\"http://herbalaffairandfestival.com/\">Sand Springs Herbal Affair</a>, the kick-off of Tulsa\'s spring and summer festival season and one of the first sources of the year for gardening supplies, Tulsa arts and crafts and locally grown plants, produce and other foods, yesterday afternoon: Every street within a few blocks of the festival lined with cars.','inherit','open','open','','143-revision-2','','','2011-04-13 10:38:36','2011-04-13 16:38:36','',143,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2011/04/143-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),