Spring is Really Here

I awoke to birds singing, the sun beaming and a clear, blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds. Looking outside, it seems that overnight the trees have leafed out and the grass has turned green. All of my bulbs are blooming and the meadow across the road is looking more like England every day. We had a helluva storm last night, which resulted in two or three tornadoes southeast of Oklahoma City. We were in a tornado watch, but Stillwater goes into tornado warning status next to never. In the five years I’ve lived here I’ve heard the sirens go off in an actual alert only once. I feel pretty safe here—until high winds like we had last night begin. When I feel that scared I retreat into myself and wonder what the hell I’m doing here. I, a native Californian.

But it’s more than tornadoes. In Ventura, where I’m from—as throughout most of California—it’s not about being like everybody else, it’s about being unique. To say I feel exiled is an understatement, yet I really love the natural Oklahoma—the territory, the big, open sky, the rolling green meadows and the wildlife. If only the largest part of the population weren’t so narrow and judgmental. Stillwater is better than most towns in this state because of the university, which has created a sense of tolerance. People here are more broadminded for the most part. Until the odd parents who won’t allow their kids to spend the night with one of our kids here because of our relationship. I wish they’d at least asked to meet us before drawing judgment down upon our family.

Anyway, it all just came down on me last night, but I’m feeling great today and am busy around the house doing things I should have done last week.