Talimena Drive

Last weekend, we took a day trip down to the Talimena Scenic Drive in southeastern Oklahoma. We had planned on going for a couple of weeks, changed our minds because of rainy weather, and then decided to go again at the very last minute because the rain had stopped. I’m so glad we decided to go. 
It was about a three hour drive for us. We didn’t listen to the radio. We only talked a little. We mostly enjoyed the drive. This area is the closest thing Oklahoma has to mountains that I’ve seen, and it’s breathtaking. When we were there, it was gray and drizzly, but even through the gloom it was beautiful. The drive is known for its fall colors, and we made it down there just in time to see the last of this season’s reds and oranges. Close to the highest point, there is a vista that has a panoramic view. We caught a flash of the sunset trying to break through the clouds. We stood and took in the view, not minding the cold and the wind. 
We have been so busy lately (isn’t everyone, all the time?), and this trip reminded us to slow down a little. We definitely plan to return, and I hope to make it back on a sunny day next year. I have a feeling the golden hour there is pure magic. 

Happy Campers

*This has been in my Drafts folder for a while & today’s warmer weather has me missing summer.*

Several weeks ago, Adam and I went camping. I am not much of an outdoorsy person, but Adam totally is, so I packed my little suitcase (you never know what you’ll need!) and went along for the ride. We didn’t go to an actual camping ground. Instead, we just drove along public land on a creek bank until we found a good spot. The good thing about that was how secluded and quiet it was. The bad thing about that was how there were no bathroom facilities. Zip. Zero. Zilch. I was about 15 weeks pregnant. Not the greatest idea! However, we were only about 30 minutes from home, so I knew that if I got really sick, we could just head on back. Things went mostly well until about halfway through the second day. It got a little hotter than we expected, which added to my nausea, so we had to cut the trip a little short. Other than that, it was a fun time! We took the kayaks out, roasted marshmallows, and were entertained by a friendly fox. With our lives so focused on preparing to bring Annie home lately, we’ve been trying to make extra effort to focus on each other and do things that will be a little harder with a baby around next year. It was so nice to be away from cell phone towers and civilization in general and spend some time together.

Oklahoma Strong




Psalm 119:28, NASB


My soul weeps because of grief; strengthen me according to Your Word.


As we all know, earlier this week, our state was rocked by deadly tornadoes.  Moore and some surrounding areas were devastated. Thankfully, my family and I live in the Tulsa area, so we were not affected physically. However, I, like so many others, watched the live news coverage helplessly. We saw the mile-wide tornado forming and traveling, finally tearing through the community of Moore, leaving only destruction. We saw the lines of cars in its path, with nowhere to go. We saw the shots of the elementary school, and we held our breath and prayed, hard, that the loss of lives there was less than it seemed. 

I've hesitated to write about this. One, because I was not physically affected. Two, because can really be said in the wake of this disaster? But all day yesterday, my heart was so heavy. Though Moore is not my home, Oklahoma is. I love this land. My last post was about how thankful I am for my home, and it's hard to imagine it being torn apart. It is important to remember that these things can be rebuilt and replaced, though sentimentally, it's hard to do so. However, it will take time. It will also take money. Here are a couple of ways that I have contributed, and I will continue to look for opportunities to do more. Please join in to show your support! 

This tank top by hello merch is really cute, and all of the proceeds go toward relief efforts. 

This shirt was designed by J.D. Reeves, an awesome graphic designer and also the husband of one of my best friends, Megan. It's a great design (also, he is local - doubly great!), and, again, all proceeds will go toward relief efforts. I'm so proud to be friends with these two - love their hearts! 

Of course, just donating money is always helpful (be sure to do the proper research, so you know where your money will go!). Also, in the weeks to come, once things are more organized, the community will be able to utilize more volunteers and donations of supplies. 

Most importantly, remembering this community when we pray is so huge. I strongly believe in the power of prayer, and I hope we each make the effort to pray for relief, comfort, and strength for these people in the coming days. 

I've been so inspired to see the amount of love and support between Oklahomans, as well as that which has been pouring in from outside of the state. I couldn't be more proud to call this place home. To those affected: It's not much, but my thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Love, Bekah

Here, Lately: 2/25

Hi, friends! Remember my list of new, regular features? This is the first of “Here, Lately,” which I plan to be pretty flexible with in terms of what I’ll be posting about. Hope you all are having a happy Monday and are staying in from the gray and wet and cold. Here are some photos from yesterday, when it was blue and sunny and warm. Enjoy!

| The sun lighting up my field, my favorite place.
| Bluer than blue sky.
| Thanks, chimney and fireplace, for helping to keep us cozy.
| Sunsets can be pretty facing eastward, too.
| Mismatched boots (Adam one: is very trendy and two: misplaces his shoes sometimes).
6 | Wood from a dead tree chopped up last fall to keep us warm this winter.
| A daily reminder: I do need to be reminded daily, or I turn into Oscar the Grouch.
I  wouldn’t mind a snow day or two if I can stay home in it. Hope you all stay warm and dry. Have a lovely week!
Love,
Bekah 

Oklahoma Skies: Home

I snapped this the other day when Adam, the dogs, and I were out exploring. The dogs were supposed to be looking for rabbits, but it was a beautiful day, so I think they were just happy to be out wandering with us. This is an open area at the back of our property, and it might be my favorite part of it. Sometimes you’ll see deer, but often you’ll just see the neighbors cows grazing on the other side of the fence. They will lift their heads every so often to make sure we are staying in our area and then go back to their dinner. We have to go through a small patch of woods to get back here. Adam has cleared a nice little road to make it easier. It’s a peaceful, lovely spot that has a prime view of the sun setting. Country living is alright.