February 2019
Art, Ink & the
Open Road Traveling Artist Ryan Townsend’s Adventure
Paul’s Change of Heart Exotic Motorsports The Return of Wallpaper Ask Edmond
Features
When I cut across the parking lot at Target diagonally - running over all the white stripes that outline where cars should park - I can feel the anxiety rising in the seat next to me. I quickly correct this infraction and restore calm. All is good again. Can you relate? Do you know a rule follower? I do. Her name is Alison.
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ASK EDMOND
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THE RETURN OF WALLPAPER
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Here’s a few of her greatest hits: • Rain, sleet or snow. She always puts her shopping cart away in the “return your cart” area. • She won’t eat anything if the date is expired - the day prior is fine, the day of... it’s in the trash. • Without fail my “Thank yous” are always followed by a “You’re welcome.” • She’s rigid with recipes; when a recipe calls for a “pinch” of something - yeah, that’s a problem. We’re gonna need to define that term. • Back in the day, she’s told me that she always followed “Be Kind and Rewind” rule (millennials, Google it).
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I do know of one rule Alison has broken, and it’s a good thing. She vowed never to date a widower. I’m sure she had her reasons, but whatever they were, she decided to answer my message on a dating site over two years ago. And after weeks and weeks of text messaging (obviously some of my best writing ever), she agreed to meet me for coffee at Java Dave’s. And then Evoke. And then All About Cha. As our dating representatives (the best versions of ourselves) let down their guard, we really got to know each other and there were sparks. I’m happy that this rule follower broke a rule. So happy that over the Christmas holiday this past year, I asked Alison to marry me.
She said yes in a Mrs. Santa Dress, but that’s another story…
Q&A with Paige Sheller of A-Line Designs LOCAL EATS: BRICKTOWN BREWERY
Taste what’s happening now
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PAUL’S CHANGE OF HEART
Organ transplant restores life
CONSUMER QUEEN’S ROYAL SAVINGS
Melissa Garcia’s money-saving mission
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ART, INK AND THE OPEN ROAD
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JUST PLAYING POEM CELEBRATES 45 YEARS
Artist, Ryan Townsend’s adventure
Teaching the world the importance of play
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EXOTIC MOTORSPORTS OF OKLAHOMA
Car enthusiasts team up in business
Business
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Dave Miller Back40 Design President
Locals share their Valentine’s traditions
EDMOND WOMEN’S CLUB
Fundraising, volunteering and serving the community OKLAHOMA ER & HOSPITAL
Edmond’s new micro hospital
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LOUISE TUCKER JONES
Mayberry, USA!
ADVERTISING l Laura Beam at 405-301-3926 l laura@edmondoutlook.com MAILED MONTHLY TO 50,000 HOMES IN EDMOND/NORTH OKC 80 East 5th Street, Suite 130, Edmond, OK 73034 l 405-341-5599 l edmondoutlook.com l info@edmondoutlook.com February 2019 Volume 15, Number 2
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Edmond Outlook is a publication of Back40 Design, Inc.
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© 2019 Back40 Design, Inc.
PUBLISHER Dave Miller l ADVERTISING MANAGER Laura Beam l GRAPHIC DESIGN Adrian Townsend l PRODUCTION Rachel Morse PHOTOGRAPHY Marshall Hawkins www.sundancephotographyokc.com l DISTRIBUTION Edmond Outlook is delivered FREE by direct-mail to 50,000 Edmond & North OKC homes. Articles and advertisements in the Outlook do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the magazine or Back40 Design. Back40 Design does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. The acceptance of advertising by the Outlook does not constitute endorsement of the products, services or information. We do not knowingly present any product or service that is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The Outlook assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.
LOCALLOOK
Ask Edmond Kelly Pham Permit Writer for ODEQ Married to San Tran. 18 years. Relationship status? Ups and downs but always moving forward together Favorite song? We have a special Vietnamese song that translates to “Love is Amazing”. Any Valentine’s Day traditions? We used to have a special romantic dinner, but we just do a simple dinner now since the kids arrived. What would your significant other say is most loveable about you? Probably my being naive at times. Any Do’s and Don’ts for Valentine’s Day? Do set aside time for at least special dinner. Flowers would be nice. Don’t forget.
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Kyle Thompson Financial Service Professional Married to Kelsi Thompson. 13 years. Relationship status? I am FOR her. She is FOR me. We are FOR we. Favorite song? “Baby I Love Your Way” by Big Mountain (yes, we realize that song is ridiculous). Any Valentine’s Day traditions? Since we have been married, we have not “celebrated” Valentine’s day, birthdays and Christmas with gifts. All the money that we would have spent goes toward international trips. What would your significant other say is most loveable about you? She would say it is my willingness to always push people to be better. Any Do’s and Don’ts for Valentine’s Day? We spend quality time together and avoid restaurants like the plague!
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Kareema Kulwartin Student. Dating Jerald Hodges. 3 years. Relationship status? He’s my life partner through thick and thin! Favorite song? We have a song depending on the moment we are in. Any Valentine’s Day traditions? Not necessarily. We have a date night every Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s the movies or dinner, we always have fun. What would your significant other say is most loveable about you? I’m really funny, but I think he would say the most loveable thing about me is my ability to always be myself. Any Do’s and Don’ts for Valentine’s Day? Don’t overthink it. Valentine’s Day shouldn’t be about who buys the most expensive gift, just about spending time with your love.
We asked some local Edmondites - a business owner, financial services professional, two Oklahoma state employees, and a student - to share some thoughts about Valentines and their Valentines.
Trish Maxwell Owner, Journey Quilt Company Best friend to Lady Greta von Schnauzer. 9 years.
Jim Kettler Oklahoma State Employee Married to Sherry Kettler. 46 years.
Relationship status? Faithful companions
Relationship status? She literally had me at “hello”. Never had a doubt from then to now that she is the one.
Favorite song? “Who Let The Dog’s Out” and “How Much Is that Doggie In the Window”. Any Valentine’s Day traditions? I bake her dog biscuits in the shape of dogs and hearts. She curls up in my lap and reminds me how lucky I am to have unconditional love in my life. What would your significant other say is most loveable about you? Greta looks at me with her big brown eyes and requests to be held like a baby while she takes a five minute power nap. I indulge her without question. Any Do’s and Don’ts for Valentine’s Day? Remember that Valentine’s Day isn’t just for people. You can share your love anywhere!
Favorite song? “You Are My Sunshine” is one I’ve sung to her as well as “I Love You and Don’t You Forget It”. Any Valentine’s Day traditions? Sadly, yes. I usually wait too late to make plans and sometimes have even failed to get her a card. What would your significant other say is most loveable about you? Probably how goofy I am. And I AM pretty goofy. Any Do’s and Don’ts for Valentine’s Day? Do treat every day as Valentine’s Day and don’t ever fail to tell your soulmate how much you love them and how important they are to you. Life is short.
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HOMELOOK
The Return of Wallpaper Blank walls are a thing of the past. Wallpaper is an easy and effective way to transform a room, but with so many designs and trends, choosing what is best for your space can be challenging. Outlook Magazine visited with local Interior Designer, Paige Sheller, owner of A-line Designs, who shared her expertise on this growing trend. How does the architecture in a room determine wallpaper selection? Architecture can definitely help determine the wallpaper selection. A contemporary home typically has more straight-line structures and windows so something softer and more natural to add texture would be a good approach. An older home might have more texture throughout and can play more into the prints. What are the most popular patterns for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and bathrooms? There is a large variety of patterns that are great for any room. A good grass cloth is timeless and adds great texture to a room. However, we are seeing a lot more approaches to bold wallpapers and patterns. I don’t think there is a certain pattern that’s fit best for a room rather than a pattern that fits best for a personality. How do you pick which wall to put wallpaper on? We do use accent walls for wallpaper however we love doing a full room detail or even pops of fun accents by placing it on the ceiling as an unexpected feature. Deciding which wall to use as an accent is determining which wall would be best as a feature that helps a room rather than steals the focus or makes it look dated. If you are unsure about wallpaper what is a good first step? If you are having any hesitations on wallpapering a large room a good first step is starting with a small powder bath or laundry room. This can help you familiarize having paper on the walls but adds a fun flair to your standard rooms. You can also make a small investment and buy a single roll to pin on the wall. This will give you a better visual of the paper up in the space with the lighting. There are also wallpapers that are less permanent and are removable! Is wallpaper installation something the average person can do or is it recommended to use a professional? We use professionals for installation however DIY is an option. We always suggest being familiar or having someone that is familiar with wallpaper help you with installing. The higher-end wallcoverings do not come with an adhesive backing so we would suggest to use a professional. These days you can purchase ready paste papers which are easy to handle for a Do-It-Yourselfer. As said though we recommend to always install with someone who is familiar with the process.
Paige Sheller is owner of A-line Designs, an interior design firm that specializes in residential and commercial remodels and new construction. www.a-linedesigns.com
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FOODLOOK FEATURELOOK
Bricktown Brewery Taste what’s happening now in Edmond By Laura Beam
Stephanie Mason, General Manager
When is a pub way more than a pub? When it’s Bricktown Brewery! Metro area locals have known and loved Bricktown Brewery as a Downtown OKC icon since it opened years ago, and now the all-new Edmond location at 2nd & Bryant is buzzing with its own exciting vibe. If you like cool rustic decor, an energetic waitstaff, local craft beer and a menu that tastes as good as it reads, this needs to be your go-to spot. Any place that can actually get you excited about a salad is doing something right.
never stops inventing. “Every few months, we introduce new items on our Bricktwisted Comfort Food menu,” Mason explains. The braised short ribs, a menu highlight, take two days to prepare, and the slow-cooked finesse shows in every impeccable bite. You’d never imagine such a decadent food at a local hangout but that’s what makes it even more amazing. It’s like fine dining in a laid-back atmosphere. What’s better than that? The Short Rib Burger, Mac’d Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup and Bluesberry Poached Salmon are other top picks on the Bricktwisted menu. Enjoy through mid-February when a whole new Bricktwisted menu will be coming.
Priding themselves on ‘foods that surprise,’ Bricktown Brewery features all your best-loved foods, but prepares them in a way you never imagined. That’s a dining thrill. The recipes are inspired. Who knew the humble little meatloaf could be a menu showstopper? It can when it uses yogurt and pretzels to combine the meat, is wrapped in bacon, grilled and glazed with chili sauce. “Nothing is basic,” says Stephanie Mason, General Manager of the Edmond location. “Everything is next-level and almost everything is made from scratch.” The new avocado fries (yes, it’s a real thing!) certainly reflect that one-of-a-kind approach. They are lightly tempura-battered, fried to perfection and served with a specially crafted habanero mango dipping sauce. Life is all about the sauce. Bricktown Brewery seems to get that.
Of course, you can’t leave Bricktown Brewery without trying one of their renowned local craft beers. The Bluesberry, the most popular in the signature lineup, is a perfect year-round fruit beer. Real blueberries give the ale a playful purple hue that everyone loves. The Old King Kolsch, another top pick, is a drinkably light, crisp ale served in a large goblet. Hold on with both hands and enjoy!
Even with a diverse menu featuring signature items like the Loaded Nachosaurus—a mountain of chips, cheese and goodies that always draws stares as it is paraded to your table—this fresh and inventive restaurant
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It’s rare to find a happening spot where you enjoy hanging out with friends that’s also family-friendly, but Bricktown Brewery knows its community and strikes the perfect balance for both. Their popular weekday lunch specials and daily happy hour from 3-6pm are always a hit. If you haven’t eaten at Bricktown Brewery in Edmond recently, grab your friends and go see what you’re missing! Visit Bricktown Brewery at 1150 E. 2nd Street in Edmond or www.bricktownbrewery.com.
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FEATURELOOK
Paul’s Change of Heart By Amy Dee Stephens
Two heart-covered paintings hang in the living room of the Amaral family, forever reminding them of that moment in time when Paul received a life-saving heart transplant. “It was Valentine’s Day 2017 when we made these paintings,” Stephanie said. “Paul was on the waiting list for a new heart. His medical team helped host a Valentine painting party by Paint Your Art Out. They said the heart paintings would bring us good luck. Two days later, we got the call that a donor heart was available. It was exciting, but really scary. Paul was in surgery for 14 hours that day. It’s been two years now, and he’s healthy and can do regular things again.”
Heart-Breaking News
Paul started battling heart issues in 2010, but his cryptic symptoms made it difficult to diagnose. Stephanie was pregnant at the time with their daughter, and they had joked that Paul was having sympathy pains because he was tired and suddenly developed a pot belly. It turned out, he had the much more serious problem of retaining fluid in his stomach. A series of heart pumping devices were installed, but listing Paul for an emergency heart transplant seemed the last option. “We’d gotten a call in January 2017 that a heart was available, and we were so excited,” Stephanie said. “But after getting ready for the surgery, the heart failed, so that was pretty heart-breaking. We felt a little more cautious going into that Feb 16th surgery.”
Heart “Attack!”
Despite a few complications, Paul received excellent care at Integris Advanced Cardiac Care and was able to return home after two months. Stephanie welcomed him with an array of heart decorations. “I ‘heartattacked’ the yard and house,” she said. “I put out a big yard sign that read, ‘Glad you had a change of heart.’” Thanks to Paul’s new heart, his daughter is experiencing life with her dad in a new way. From the time she was born, she’d spent every birthday visiting him at the hospital. They’d never been able to go on vacation for fear of complications with his heart machine, and he was too out of breath to spend much time playing with her outdoors. “This summer, he was able to take her to visit family in California. He’s fishing again. He went swimming with her for the first time,” Stephanie said. “He was able to get in the water and baptize our daughter at church. We just love it that he’s able to do normal things again.”
Share Your Heart
From left to right: Leah, Stephanie, & Paul Amaral
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None of these improvements could have happened without the generosity of an organ donor and without the medical care provided by Integris Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute and Advanced Cardiac Care. The Amarals are eternally grateful. “It’s hard to know what to say to the family that lost a loved one who made your continued life possible. That loving heart now lives in Paul,” Stephanie said. “I hope more people will check that little organ donor box on their driver’s license. You don’t need those parts anymore when you die—but someone does.”
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FEATURELOOK
Consumer Queen’s Royal Savings By Amy Dee Stephens
Melissa Garcia was good at pinching pennies, but she never dreamed it would lead to a full-time job as an advisor who helps other people save money. Early in her marriage, Melissa wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, so she needed to stretch her budget. She joined a couponing group, and soon she was carrying around three binders of coupons and saving 25%, then 50% at the store. In one extreme situation, Melissa bought $1,880 in groceries for $19! A crowd gathered around the check-out station to watch.
Consumer Queen is truly a family business focused on many aspects of cutting costs. She calls it “The Royal Family.” Daniel, now a stay-athome dad and blog contributer, is the Consumer King. He brings a male perspective to the site’s growing readership of stay-at-home dads. Melissa’s mother, the Queen Mum, has largely taken over the sale pricing and coupon portion of the business. The three kids are the Consumer Kids, each reviewing products that interest them most. Even the three Royal Dogs have their own Twitter handles. Melissa recently hired six other women who write about their own money-saving specialties.
Consequently, she had lots of women asking her, “How do you do it?” Melissa liked the idea of providing tips to other moms in her situation, so she started a message board in 1996, which became a blog in 2008, and is now a thriving blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
From the beginning, Melissa saw her money-saving talent as a mission. She donated two-thirds of her $1880 shopping spree to her church and a women’s shelter because it was her way of giving back to the community. Now, many of her readers embrace her ‘pay it forward’ philosophy by donating some of the items that they receive for free or at a low cost to local charities. Most recently, Melissa started a food pantry at Edmond Road Baptist Church.
“For me it was just a hobby, but my husband developed a health issue that prevented him from working, so I went into the corporate world,” Melissa said. “The last company I worked for was bought out, but the owner gave me a 6-month severance package. My husband said, ‘You’ve wanted to blog for a long time. You’ve got six months to figure it out.’ So I figured it out, and now I’ve done it full-time for three years.” Melissa’s website, consumerqueen.com, is much more than a coupon site, because she also explores cost-saving home remedies and green living options. “Because of my family’s health problems, I’m interested in finding new ways to save money while using natural and organic products, especially from local companies. Most recently, Daniel and I have become travel bloggers, writing about dog-friendly traveling, called ‘bark-cations.’” 18
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Melissa’s work has caught the eye of the Wall Street Journal, Today Show, Oprah Radio Network, Ladies Home Journal and more. “Someday I would love to have my own show or write a book,” Melissa said. “Methods for saving money constantly evolve, especially with new coupons apps and rewards options. Really, it’s not about how much money I can save anymore, it’s about reaching other people, because our money saving tips help others indulge in life’s riches.” For more information visit www.consumerqueen.com
FEATURELOOK
Art, Ink & the
Open Road By Amy Dee Stephens
Ryan Townsend & Faith Estes
Ryan Townsend’s artistic career took off when he was a teenager working at his father’s paint and body shop in Edmond. His talent for airbrush painting was so evident that he was soon doing custom paintings for clients’ cars and motorcycles. This led to a successful YouTube channel and Facebook following, which is how he met his girlfriend, Faith Estes, who also learned to airbrush. Ryan next turned his artistic eye toward tattooing, and soon, he was working at a studio in Dallas. But Ryan and Faith felt trapped. They’d achieved traditional careers and bought a house—and wasn’t that the goal? So why did they always feel like they were trying to escape?
Gotta Get Out of Town
“Living stationary felt like an anchor, not a sail, because what we really wanted was to travel all the time,” said Ryan Townsend. “So, we bought a tent, then a camper, then a bigger camper—and we mostly stored them at the house that we didn’t want to be at.” Last Fourth of July, the couple claimed their independence. They gave away their stuff, traveled to a RV wholesaler located in an Ohio cornfield, and bought a Fifth Wheel trailer. “We drove away in our new home,” Ryan said. “It was like learning to drive a semi-truck. We headed to Arcadia Lake, near our families, and parked it until we could figure out how it all worked.”
Cross-Country Painting
Having mastered the ins-and-outs of RV living, they next embarked on Ryan’s “on the road” art career. It was a bold idea to become a traveling tattoo artist--but it is working! “We use social media to promote my next location, then I’m invited to work as a guest artist at various tattoo and airbrush studios. Sometimes I teach classes or demonstrate artwork in front of a large crowd,” Ryan said. “Faith manages the schedule, and everywhere we go, we make new friends and contacts who help us get connected at our next location. We were recently in Las Vegas where I worked at the SEEMA auto show and a tattoo convention. Now, we’re in southern California for about a month. I’m working in a highly-respected tattoo studio with one of my mentors. Our RV is parked outside of Disneyland, so we walk over there frequently.”
The “Art” of Travel
Although Ryan and Faith are still discovering their new lifestyle, they foresee travel as a forever fit. “We meet fascinating people as we go, and we are accumulating friends nationwide. Clients are excited to see us come, and they look forward to us coming back. We don’t have a permanent address like we used to, but with the internet, it’s become easy to live remotely. Actually, we’re learning that a lot of people live this way,” Ryan said. “Nearly every day, I say that I feel more at home in our RV than I ever felt in our house. We didn’t know how satisfying it would be to just pull up to a rest stop after a long day of travel--and we’re home. We get out of the truck, take care of the cats, make dinner, watch a movie and go to bed. We wake up at home. But what’s outside is a place where we’ve never been before.” 20
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BIZLOOK
Edmond Women’s Club By Maria Veres
It’s not hard to catch Edmond Women’s Club members doing good. You might find them cheering on the players at a special-needs baseball game, delivering for Edmond Mobile Meals, or collecting trash through the city’s Adopt-a-Street program. Behind the scenes, the club also funds grants for local nonprofit organizations and scholarships for area women. EWC is a place for women to deepen their friendships, and members meet monthly to enjoy dinner together. But it’s friendship with a purpose. Ever since it was founded in 1983, the group has focused on serving the needs of the Edmond community. “This isn’t just a women’s club for women members,” says Communications Vice President Heather Langhofer. “We want to benefit everyone in the community, and we want everyone to be involved.”
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A perfect opportunity for involvement is coming up this month. The Hollywood Nights Gala, EWC’s major fundraising event, takes place Saturday, February 16. The Gala is a festive, cocktail-attire banquet that includes live and silent auctions. This year it will be held at the new Hilton Garden Inn on I-35 and Covell Road. “We’re excited to have a local venue,” says Langhofer. “The ballroom is huge. We’d love to have a big crowd in attendance.” Everyone in the community is invited. The proceeds from the Gala go toward funding grants that EWC awards to local nonprofit organizations. “Our focus has been on providing basic needs like food and shelter,” says Langhofer. Club members fundraise to support these organizations, and they often schedule dates when members can volunteer together. “The club gives women a sense of community as we support these service organizations,” says Langhofer. A favorite organization for Langhofer and many other members is UR Special, which provides children with new clothing and shoes. “There’s so much joy in that day,” says Langhofer. “It’s great to see those kids walk out of there with smiles on their faces.”
EWC welcomes new members every year, but joining involves more than just signing an application. Members are expected to be active participants, get involved on club committees, and give back to the community through regular volunteer work. “That’s what brings us together,” stresses Langhofer. “Otherwise we’re just having dinner. We want to be engaged in our community, and we want our individual members to be engaged as well. The club wouldn’t have had the longevity it has had without this larger purpose.” To purchase tickets for the Hollywood Nights Gala or find out more about Edmond Women’s Club and membership requirements, visit them at www.ewc.org.
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BIZLOOK
Oklahoma ER & Hospital By Maria Veres
Oklahoma ER & Hospital isn’t the average emergency room. The first difference visitors might notice is the cozy waiting area. It features comfortable chairs, inviting art, and even a snack bar. But most patients don’t have to sit there long. Within five minutes of entering the hospital, you will be seen by one of their Board-Certified Emergency Room Physicians. “We treat and diagnose patients within an hour,” says marketing director Makailyn Dillon. The hospital is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and physicians are on site at all times. MRIs, CT Scans, X-rays and bedside ultrasounds are also available 24/7 for patients. With nine emergency beds, a triage room and four inpatient beds, Oklahoma ER & Hospital can focus on individualized, personal care. Oklahoma ER & Hospital is classified as a micro hospital—an independently licensed facility that operates in a smaller space than traditional
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hospitals. It’s the first micro hospital in the OKC metro area. After two and a half years of preparation, OKER opened its doors to patients in January 2019. The hospital is solely physicianowned, and the physicians who serve on the board are the same doctors you’ll see when you come in for treatment. Support staff are also very well trained and qualified. All nurses have at least five years of experience in local Oklahoma emergency rooms. Along with high-quality emergency-room care, Oklahoma ER & Hospital offers many tests and screening procedures. These procedures are scheduled in advance, with approval from a patient’s physician. Once approved, patients can make appointments for any time that’s convenient for them. The 24 hour onsite pharmacy and laboratory also help people avoid the long waits that sometimes happen at larger facilities. Oklahoma ER & Hospital’s commitment to the community doesn’t stop with medical care. “We’re very community focused,” says Dillon. The hospital sponsors the Edmond North Huskies baseball team and honors a Student of the Month from Edmond and Deer Creek schools. Oklahoma ER & Hospital will offer college scholarships,
parties, and special events like a Teddy Bear Clinic. Active Shooter and “Stop the Bleed” courses will also be available to the community. Marketing Director, Many of Oklahoma ER & Makailyn Dillon Hospital’s outreaches focus on children. “We want to teach kids that going to the doctor or hospital can be a pleasant experience,” says Dillon. There is even a pediatric friendly treatment room at the hospital.
Oklahoma ER & Hospital will showcase its new facility at a grand opening event on February 9, 2019. The community is invited to tour the hospital and enjoy refreshments, prizes, giveaways, and inflatables for the kids. “We are your new neighborhood ER & Hospital,” says Makailyn Dillon. “Oklahomans work hard for their family and their health insurance. Here at Oklahoma ER & Hospital, we believe you deserve more when it comes to emergency care. You can rely on us to be there when you and your family need it most.” Learn more about Oklahoma ER & Hospital at www.okerhospital.com.
FEATURELOOK
JUST Playing Poem Celebrates 45 Years By Amy Dee Stephens
When Anita Edwards Wadley wrote her poem, JUST Playing, in 1974, she had no idea it would resonate with preschool teachers around the world. Now, 45 years later, it has been translated into five languages, used for commercials and conferences, and was recently printed as a children’s book. Anita wrote it for a simple reason—because adults struggle to understand why “just playing” is so important. “My first year of teaching preschool, I would hear parents ask, ‘What did you do today?’ The children said, ‘I just played.’ One day, a dad confronted me and asked why he was paying money for his child to just play. I realized I needed a way to explain it.” Anita thought about her themed centers that provided messy art projects and cooperative learning with 19 other similar-aged children—which children wouldn’t experience at home. Anita put herself into a child’s shoes and thought, “I’m not just playing in the housekeeping area, I’m learning life skills. I’m building towers in the block room and learning that certain shapes don’t work together. Sometimes those blocks become a castle or a fire station—and it takes cooperation for everyone to build together. That’s where the poem came from; this concept that I’m learning as I play.”
JUST Playing (first stanza) When I am building in the block room, Please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.” For, you see, I’m learning as I play, About balance and shapes. Who knows, I may be an architect someday… For the rest of her 25-year teaching career, during which she owned Gateways to Learning and co-owned Children’s World with her mother, Anita gave her poem to new and prospective families. “Play benefits all children. Play is not a waste of time, even for adults. Play is healthy, enjoyable, and creative. Many of my preschool children became doctors, lawyers, artists, national merit scholars, even an Olympic gymnast—and they all started off being allowed to play. I’m proud of that.” Anita first realized that the poem had spread when she got a call in the 1980s from a Texas school district that wanted to use her poem for parent orientation. Then it was requested by a children’s museum and for various early childhood conferences. A toy store in London wanted to use it in a Christmas commercial—which they set to music and played for Anita over the phone. In 2000, the early Internet days, one of Anita’s four children yelled from upstairs, “Hey, Mom! I just googled you and your poem came up.” JUST Playing was posted all over the world wide web: correct versions, re-edited versions, retailer versions and anonymous versions. “So I started a website, and my husband became the “poem police” to make sure people used my copyrighted poem with permission.” JUST Playing was reformatted into a picture book in 2018; an idea that first came to Anita twenty years ago and finally came to fruition shortly before her retirement. It is published under her re-married name, Anita Wadley Schlaht.
Anita Edwards and a happy reader
“After 45 years, I’ve seen the poem cycle in and out of popularity, usually based on school philosophy—but this idea of play seems to be timeless and stretch across a lot of cultural borders. I’m grateful for all the parents who’ve trusted me with their children’s education and I’m especially happy that my poem gives a voice to teachers who are trying to help parents or administrators understand why children should play in the classroom.” Visit www.anitawadley.com to read the full poem and learn more.
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ALOOKBACK I actually remember a time much like that when I grew up in a little farming community. We rode bicycles down dirt roads much like Opie and his friends rode in town. We had community pie suppers, fall festivals and Christmas programs, not to mention all the basketball games throughout the year. It was a quiet, peaceful place where neighbors knew neighbors and helped each other.
Mayberry, USA
By Louise Tucker Jones
Sometimes I want to live in Mayberry, USA, where nothing really bad happens. Where the only lawmen are a kind sheriff and a crazy deputy who seldom have anything to do because the townspeople always keep the peace. I want to attend that little church where the ladies are excited to perform in new choir robes then experience Aunt Bea’s cooking at supper time.
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One thing for sure, if someone pulled into your driveway, it was never to simply turn their car around because no one ventured that far out in the country without purpose. If they were strangers, my daddy would meet them outside. If they had car trouble, he and my brothers would probably fix the vehicle then invite them to supper. No money exchanged hands. It’s what you did back then. You took care of your family and others, remembering that the Bible says we can entertain angels unaware. Today, our socialization often takes place on Facebook or in texting or by email. Even phone calls are a rarity. Some of us barely know our neighbors and few families share a meal together unless it is at a restaurant.
Personally, I want some one-on-one time. I want to sit in my comfy living room and visit face to face. I want to share a meal or dessert with friends and feel as happy and safe as they feel in Mayberry, even if Deputy Barney Fife is in charge. I realize this sounds like a pipe dream in a day where scammers and predators walk the streets. But maybe we can reinvent Mayberry. Why not start by sharing cookies and conversation on the front porch? Oh, and bring your guitar. That’s what Sheriff Andy would do.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Louise Tucker Jones is an award-winning author, inspirational speaker & founder of Wives With Heavenly Husbands, a support group for widows. LouiseTJ@cox.net or LouiseTuckerJones.com.
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FEATURELOOK
Exotic Motorsports of Oklahoma
Outlook stopped by Exotic Motorsports of Oklahoma and visited with owners, Eliud Villarreal and Braiden Bond. If you’re in the market for a new ride, stop by and visit their amazing showroom.
How did this all get started? Eliud: This all started New Year’s Eve in 2017. Braiden, my soon to be brother-in-law, asked me if I would open an exotic car store with him. We’re both longtime car enthusiasts and always wanted to have our own car store. I had the experience of managing and running all departments of a car dealership. We made the decision right then. As we moved forward through the different steps of starting this business, everything fell into place. It was quickly apparent to us this was part of God’s plan for us. What’s the favorite part of your job? Eliud: My favorite part about the job is that it doesn’t feel like a job. I love what we do and I love talking to people and hearing their stories about that special car they always dreamed of. And of course, I love being around some of the best automobiles ever made.
What’s the most valuable vehicle you have ever sold? Braiden: 2006 Mercedes McLaren SLR with 1000 miles on it. It sold for $300,000. What would you like our readers to know about you and Exotic Motorsports of Oklahoma? Eliud: Since we are both true car enthusiasts, that translates into our business. We strive to be the dealership people want to work with. We don’t run our organization like a typical car dealership. There is absolutely zero pressure with no sales tactics. Our cars sell themselves. If we do not have what you want, we will find it. You shouldn’t have to settle when it comes to finding that special car. Braiden: Also, if you look at our inventory, you’ll see we do not only sell exotics. We sell quality everyday drivers too. When we sell a car, no matter what car, we want the customer to have a great experience and for them to return without question.
Braiden: My favorite part would have to be the look on someone’s face when they finally get the car that they have been wanting. It’s always a good feeling knowing that you did your job to the fullest. The view from my desk is a pretty good perk as well. What cars are becoming collectible? Eliud: The cars that are becoming collectible are hard to predict, A good rule of thumb is to consider cars that are not mass produced. Whether it is a special edition of a certain car or the configuration of its build - or only a limited number were produced.
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Exotic Motorsports of Oklahoma is located at 2200 S Kelly Ave, Edmond, OK 73013. For more information, go to www.exoticmotorsportsok.com. Braiden Bond & Eliud Villarreal
80 East 5th St., Ste. 130 Edmond, OK 73034