OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine

Oklahoma

CORRIDOR OCTOBER 2022 / VOLUME I / Issue VI

Magazine

COVER

A Magazine About Your Oklahoma Corridor

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OUR COVER

What are you thankful for?

There is so much to be thankful for even in these very challenging days when we aren’t sure what may happen next. We want to publish and to help you share encouraging, positive things...specifically, things you are thankful for. Please visit our Facebook page sometime before November 15 and let us know what you are thankful for and we will publish it in our November issue.

On our cover for October is the Martin family shown on an outing at Big Creek Nursery in Stillwater. From left to right is Prentiss, Cabling, Skarlet, Jancy and Lisbon. Read more about this Stillwater destination on page 20 and see their ad on page 9.

PHOTO by CRYSTL’S PHOTOGRAPHY

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EDITORIAL ADVISORY:

Jeree Milligan, Rick Reiley, Diane Brown, Pastor Paul Ragle, Alana Owen, Allison Eldredge and Emma Bryan

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©2022. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. All requests for permission and reprints must be made in writing to Oklahoma Corridor Magazine, at the above address. Advertising claims and the views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of the publishers or its affiliates.

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Solid Surface

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5

Editorial

by Trudy Evans

6 Fall Festivities

by Allison Eldredge

IN THIS ISSUE...

OUR OCTOBER 2022 FEATURE STORY: FALL FESTIVITIES

by Allison Eldredge / Page 6

BIA

8

Pastor Paul’s Passages

by Paul Ragel

12

Delilah’s Dilemmas

by Diane Brown

16

Fall is for Fun

by Emma Bryan

17

Pets of the Month from Stillwater Humane Society Compiled by Trudy Evans

20

A Window into a Stillwater Nursery and Store Destination

by Alana Owen

22

Where to Find the OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine Compiled by Trudy Evans

24

Notes on the Oklahoma Corridor

by Rick Reiley

28

Kids on the Oklahoma Corridor

by Jeree Milligan

30

Recipes

by Jeree Milligan

It's pumpkin spice season!

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I sincerely hope everyone agrees with me on this...WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? Just seems like a few weeks ago we were putting together our first issue as the OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine and here we are working on number nine! It was the middle of winter, although a very mild winter. And now Christmas is starting to arrive in the stores. Time does not stand still. The earth just continues to rotate just like the second hand on a clock.

Babies are born, loved ones pass away. That is the circle of life. Seasons change, grass gets greener. Then it turns brown, just as leaves appear on a tree and then they fall. It’s all the circle of life.

Some of us look forward to change and some of us don’t.

It doesn’t matter if we are young or growing older, it’s just the way it is. So we make the best of it. We dress warmer, we dress less. We moved to warmer areas, but seldom hear of moving to colder regions. We adjust to whatever weather or season we live in.

I’m grateful for change. It gives everyone a break. I’m also grateful for the weather. It gives us all a chance to enjoys God’s sunrises and sunsets. We get to enjoy the piles of leaves to jump into, and we also get to wake up to the beautiful, glistening white snow covered yards after a night of snowfall.

Then we enjoy the daffodils popping up out of the ground after a long rest. Grass begins to green, and leaves start covering bare branches. Tulips bloom, the sun gets brighter. We’ve once again felt the rotation of the beautiful seasons!

From Terry Jacks one hit wonder, a song from the 70s says, “We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun...”

Enjoy the fall y’all!

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Fall Festivities Oklahoma summers are HOT. Then magically September 1st arrives and we have reached the ‘ber’ months…September, October, November, and December. Suddenly the air feels cooler (even if it isn’t) and the fall decorations appear...

by ALLISON ELDREDGE

...and before we have a chance to even think about it Christmas has arrived at Walmart and Hobby Lobby.

There will be folks in hoodies and shorts. They are ready to face whatever the weather throws at them; even if the temperature is 48 degrees in the morning and 90 degrees in the afternoon, they are ready.

Pumpkin spice and pumpkin flavored foods will cause a great divide among co-workers and families.

Followed by the next great divide…football. Will your house be a house that is divided? Will you choose your friends based on whether Orange or Red is their favorite color?

No matter your favorite football team (local, college or national) or fall flavors, we all are ready to get out and

enjoy some cooler weather. There are several events coming to the area and a few that worth a little drive.

Read on to discover something new and fun to do in the month of October.

TULSA

The Tulsa State Fair is from September 29 thru October 9th. Lots of rides, food trucks, buildings with vendors and fair entries to explore, concerts and live shows. This is something fun to do every year. We always enjoyed taking a day off work to get all the time we wanted to explore. One of my favorite areas is the Made In Oklahoma (MIO). In this area, only made in Oklahoma vendors are allowed. Salsa, honey, nuts, other packaged

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food, candles, soaps, and lotions are usually my go to stops. My second favorite area is the 4-H and FFA exhibits. It is inspiring to see what the youth of Oklahoma are entering for their exhibits.

Later in October, check out the Arabian and half Arabian Nationals. October 21st-29th. The event is Free to the public at the Expo Center and will feature amazing horses from around the United States.

If you are looking for something in November, the Expo Center will host another free event. Fall Home Expo November 4th-6th.

SAND SPRINGS

Keystone Ancient Forest is open for hikes Thursday through Sunday. Check their website and Facebook page for special events, like hike with your dog. The forest is home to Post Oaks and Red Cedars that are 300500 years old! The forest opens at 7am on hike days.

Imagine hiking through an ancient forest, one fog filled morning! It would be thrilling and a little creepy. Stay on the trails and take your camera to catch the local wildlife in pictures.

CREEK COUNTY

Slick Pumpkin Patch at the Vintage Room for pumpkins, mums, shopping, and kids games. October 15th from 10am-7pm. Check out the Vintage Room on Facebook for updates.

Bristow Gospel Fest, Living Legends Softball Tournament and Car Show. Come out to Bristow City Park to enjoy a great day of music, food, shopping and cars.

The Gospel Fest will feature Christian artists Faithfultoo, Johnathan Scroggs and band, Brandon Brotham, Jericho Crossing, 8th Street, and The Williamsons. Some of these groups are from Bristow, Kellyville and Sapulpa. There will be food trucks and craft vendors. October 8th, 11 am to 5 pm. Check out their Facebook event pages for further information.

Vintage Market Days of Tulsa presents their “How Sweet It Is” event; an upscale vintage-inspired market at the Creek County fairgrounds on October 14th-16th.

There is a charge for admission. Tickets can be pre-pur-

chased via their link on Facebook.

C & J Kountry Fixin’s and CJ’s Bar. On the southern end of Bristow, just as you are about to leave town on Route 66, there is a restaurant and bar. The reason I mention CJ’s is because every Saturday, they have OSU and OU games playing on big screens in the bar area. If you can’t make the game at the stadium and you want to watch with others, head on over and get some great food and enjoy the game. They would love to see you there.

CUSHING

Cushing Fly in Fair. Warbirds, Helicopter Rides, Reenactors, Arts, Crafts, Food Trucks, and more! October 7th-9th at the Cushing Airport. Only $10 per carload.

Check out their Facebook page for further information.

PUMPKIN PATCH

Every kid will want to visit a pumpkin patch. Orr Family Farm is in Oklahoma City. Pleasant Valley Farms is located in Sand Springs. Carmichael’s Pumpkin Patch is in Bixby. They each have a Facebook page to find out the hours and directions, if needed.

Travel Worthy Talimena Drive in southern Oklahoma. The drive can be extremely beautiful if you can catch fall foliage at their peak. Travelok.com has a tool to help those who are wanting to get there at the best color time. However, the drive is pretty and fun pre- and post-peak. If you can find a day where the hills are foggy, it is a very different experience from a clear sky day.

There are many other sites that are not far from various exit points of the drive. One is the Runestone in Heavener. This trip can be done in one day or several days depending on the amount of time you want to take exploring the stops and towns along the route.

Robbers Cave Fall Festival in Wilburton is October 14th-16th. There is no price for admission to the festival.

This is a large event and planning your trip, lodging, and route would be advised.

Well, I hope that you all will have a fantastic fall season. Maybe I’ll see you around at some of the events.

Remember….It’s Fall Ya’ll! n

Happy A F F O R D A B L E

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Fall!

by PAUL RAGLE

Fall at Red Rock Canyon

I

awoke as early morning sun illuminated my tent.

I immediately saw the moisture gathered on the outside of the tent wall. I gave the tent poles a shake and dislodged a storm of droplets. I pulled on hiking boots and zipped open the tent door. Cool November air greeted my face. I slipped my hoody over my head, and crawled out to stand on the dewy grass. I heard very little movement from other tents in the campground. Light shown through the trees, illuminating native Caddo maple colors.

I walked over to the campfire circle. Extending my hand toward the white coals of the fire, I felt warmth.

I stirred the coals adding a few small logs on top.

Breathing on the coals, I was able to produce a nice yellow flame. The kids will appreciate a warm fire when they get up in while I thought to myself. But they’re missing out on the best part of the day!

I made my way to the bathhouse, spying two squirrels who chased one another around the base of several trees. Seeing me, they scrambled up the trunk of one tree to wait for me to pass by. I was feeling very glad that I had brought my warm wool gloves.

I found a seat at a picnic table away from the tent village to greet the Creator with my native flute. I played tunes celebrating His love. My friend Michael eventually, emerged from his tent. “Thank you,

Paul,”he said. “You know how to meet the morning.

Help me with Breakfast?” We lit the camp stoves and began browning sausage and scrambling eggs. While the morning sun had not stirred our group from sleep, but the smell of breakfast brought a bit of motion among the tents. The beginning of a beautiful day.

In the fall of 2019, I accompanied a group of high school students for a weekend retreat of camping in what was formally known as Red Rock Canyon State Park. Located a mile south of Hinton, the park is now called Red Rock Adventure Park. No longer operated as a part of the Oklahoma State Park system, the canyon is still a most beautiful and historic place for visitors to experience. Our Christian Youth Fellowship kids enjoyed a weekend of camping, hiking and spiritual renewal in the midst of the fall outdoors.

Before the Oklahoma territory was settled by people of European descent, First Americans from the Plains Peoples used the canyon as a winter campsite. Settlers traveling the California Road with wagon trains included Red Rock canyon as a stopping place to repair their wagons. Wagon ruts can still be seen in the park.

I love early mornings during the fall months, and these mornings are even more brilliant in the midst of Caddo maples at Red Rock Canyon. n

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DELILAH’SDILEMMAS

Eli had just walked into the living room at the Royal

Flush Ranch to discover his daughter, Lizzy, in a bit of a tizzy. He took Lizzy into his arms to comfort her.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

with

DIANE BROWN

E

li had just walked into the living room at the Royal Flush Ranch to discover his daughter, Lizzy, in a bit of a tizzy. He took Lizzy into his arms to comfort her.

“What’s going on?” he asked.

“We took veggies to the Indians,” Lizzy said between blubs.

“Norma and Kyle,” Delilah said from the sofa, in answer to Eli’s inquiring expression.

“Yeah, Norma,” Lizzy said. “She asked me some really bizarre questions about my birthday and what time I was born.”

She’s good. Delilah thought. Real tears and all.

What a gift.

Most bawlers Delilah knew could put on quite a show without tears. Her mother being one of them. Many a time she had witnessed Hannah Beauregard in an apparent state of despair, constantly dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief that remained bone dry. Tears just made it so much more believable.

Eli chuckled. “It’s okay, Honey,” he said, patting Lizzy’s back and holding her tighter. “I’m certain Norma meant no harm.” Eli pulled away from Lizzy and took her by the shoulders. “Hey! You want to go to town with me?”

“Sure,” Lizzy replied as she swept away her tears with the back of her hand. “Are we getting fireworks?”

“What?” Eli said.

“The fourth of July’s day after tomorrow,” Lizzy said. “Don’t you guys like, do fireworks on the fourth?”

“No,” Eli said. “Spooks the horses.”

“Oh,” Lizzy said with disappointment. “Makes

sense.”

“Delilah, you need anything from town?” Eli asked.

“Cushing?” Delilah asked.

“Yeah,” Eli responded.

“A quart of tabouli from Naifeh’s,” Delilah said, as she rose from the sofa.

Eli kissed Delila’s cheek on the way out of the room. She stood there a moment drinking in all that had just happened. Drinking in all that had happened since Lizzy showed up at the ranch.

Something was off. She paused. Not for the first time she wondered if she was being too critical; if she was simply a touch jealous. She might have to capitulate to that. Then again, what was it Norma had said? ‘I sense a twin in you.’ No, not twin. But it had to do with Gemini, maybe. No. ‘I sense a duality in you.’ That’s what she had said.

She would have to get clarification from Norma on the meaning of that. Right now, however, she had supper to tend to.

It was the usual crowd at the kitchen banquette that evening. When Delilah, Eli, Dooby, Joel, and Lizzy had finished the assortment of cold salads, it was the boys’ turn to clean up. Eli was putting what small amount of leftovers they had in the refrigerator, while Dooby loaded the dishwasher, and Joel washed down the counter tops. Delilah and Lizzy sat at the kitchen table folding the last load of laundry of the day.

“Oh, Dooby?” Delilah said. “Acid wash.”

“Scored?” Dooby said without looking up.

“Yeah,” Delilah said, placing folded towels in the basket.

Lizzy looked around. She seemed to be the only one confused about the exchange.

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“Wh . . . what is that, code or something?”

Lizzy asked.

Eli and Joel chuckled. “You’ll get used to that,” Eli said.

“Dooby and Delilah sort of have this psychic connection,” Joel said, holding his hands up and wiggling his fingers as though saying something spooky.

“Not exactly psychic,” Dooby scoffed after turning to face the group.

“I knew you were going to say that,” Delilah said putting her finger tips to her temples.

Dooby stared at Delilah with a blank expression. He shook his head. “That wasn’t funny,” he said.

“It was a little funny,” Delilah exclaimed.

“Delilah and I have known each other since childhood, Lizzy,” Dooby said. “She’s like a sister to me. No, she is my sister.”

“Oh, that’s so sweet,” Lizzy said slightly sardonically. “But I still don’t know what acid wash is. Sounds like you’re disposing of a dead body.”

“Since I don’t get to have wood floors in the new cabin,” Delilah said. “I can choose between tile or acid wash concrete. I want acid wash.”

“What,” Dooby started.

“Gray,” Delilah answered Dooby’s unfinished question.

“We can do that,” Dooby said.

Lizzy’s eye brows shot nearly to her hair line.

“That is dizzying,” she said.

Eli and Joel laughed. “Like I said, you’ll get used to it,” Eli said.

Independence Day arrived with an invitation for a cookout at Karon’s house in Cushing. Her home was only a couple blocks from the city park where the city fireworks display was held each year, so the party practically had front row seats.

The evening went without a hitch, as long as you don’t count the incident with Karon’s homicidal, hairless Chiweenie, aptly named Bullet, who tried to single-pawedly mame everyone but his doting owner. He was quickly and unceremoniously banished to the extra bedroom, where the door was closed and he remained confined until the guests had gone, voicing his displeasure nearly the entire time.

By the time the concrete truck arrived Friday afternoon, Delilah was beginning to think that

FALL IS BEAUTIFUL! Enjoy!

O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 2 1 3

perhaps she’d been unreasonably suspicious of Lizzy.

The girl had been perfectly delightful, and unconfrontational for days.

Lizzy had gone to the house, passing the stable where Joel was busy with the horses. Delilah, Eli, and Dooby were at the construction site watching concrete being poured for the foundation of the log cabin. Lizzy showered, and then dressed in her bedroom. She gathered her dirty laundry piled by the closed door of her bedroom.

She dropped the laundry when the silenced cell phone began vibrating in her jeans pocket. She sat down on the edge of her bed and sighed when she saw the name on the display.

“We talked about this,” she said into the phone.

“I’m just checking in,” the caller said. “I want to know what progress you’ve made.”

“I’ve been here less than two weeks,” Lizzy snarled. “I have nothing to say. That is, nothing more than before. This is going to take time. You can’t call me.”

“They don’t suspect, do they?” the caller asked.

“They don’t,” Lizzy said. “There’s a strange

neighbor lady that . . . well, never mind. Don’t call!”

Lizzy disconnected the line. She got up from the bed and opened the bedroom door to find Joel standing in front of her. She gasped.

“What are you doing?” Lizzy shrieked.

“Nothing?” Joel said incredulously. “I just heard a strange voice when I got to the top of the stairs. Was that a television? I thought Delilah was the only one with a television.”

Lizzy froze. She was thinking fast, trying to remember if her side of the conversation would give anything away. She could claim it was something she was watching on YouTube. But what if he wanted to see it? She felt her best bet was to play on Joel’s sympathy. He was so enamored of her he could be easily manipulated.

“Oh, Joel,” Lizzy said sadly. “It was an old boyfriend. He won’t leave me alone. I had to loke, come here to get away from him.”

“He wasn’t violent, was he?” Joel asked with concern.

“Oh, no,” Lizzy said. “At least, it like, never got to that point.”

Joel’s eyes narrowed. Then he nodded even though he didn’t understand how that explained

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O K LA HO M A C OR R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 2 1 2

her voice being different.

“I was going to shower,” Joel said. “Unless you needed the bathroom.”

“No, no,” Lizzy said. “I’ve already showered.

But thank you for being so thoughtful.”

Lizzy started down the stairs, and Joel headed for his bedroom. As an afterthought, she spun on her heels.

“Uh, Joel,” she called out.

“Yeah,” Joel said as he turned around.

“I have a big favor to ask of you,” Lizzy said.

“I’d rather Eli and Delilah not . . . I mean, they really don’t need to know about my old boyfriend.

Do they?”

“I don’t see why,” Joel said. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“Thank you,” Lizzy said in a syrupy sweet voice.

But as she made her way down the stairs, she wondered if her secret really was safe. It was hard to believe that this naïve young man, boy really, was as intelligent as she had been told. She considered actions that might ensure that her secret was safe. Risky. n

WHAT IS LIZZY’S PLAN FOR JOEL? What is Lizzy’s plan?

Who was the

MYSTERIOUS CALLER? So many questions.

So many answers in the

November installment of Delilah’s Dilemmas in the OKLAHOMA CORRIDOR MAGAZINE

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O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 2 1 6

O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 2 1 7

PETS OF THE M NTH from

HUMANE

SOCIETY

of

S T I L LWAT E R

1

3

1

MEET IGOR

2

...a handsome Pit mix about 2 years old and weighs 55 pounds. He seems to like the other dogs at the shelter but we aren’t sure what he thinks about cats. Walks well on a leash but is very strong with lots of energy so he will need a big secure yard.

Neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and heartworm negative. $85 to adopt.

2

MEET HONEY BEE This Precious girl is 2-3 years old and would do best in a home with no other cats and no dogs. She is friendly and playful. Spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and is Negative for FELV and FIV. Adopt her for $30.

6 4

5

3

MEET TEDDY We think this handsome boy is a Shepherd mix about a year old. Very smart and active so he will need a big secure yard and a family that will take him on new adventures.

Teddy is not a couch potato and when he is left alone he does bark so he is not an apartment dog. Gets along with other dogs but we aren’t sure what he thinks about cats. Neutered and microchipped and vaccinated and heartworm negative. Weight only 42 pounds and is $85 to adopt.

4

6

5

MEET DARBY

MEET PATCHES

This sweet shepherd mix came to us with a growth on the end of her docked tail. It was infected and swollen so she has had surgery to make her feel better. We think she is 1 or 2 years old. She has a lot of energy and is very strong. So she will need an active family with a secure yard. She is $85 to adopt.

This shy girl is use to living outside so the shelter is a loud and scary place. She deserves a loving family that will make her a part of their family where she can have a life of leisure inside. She will need a patient and loving home to earn her trust. No small children. She will be spayed and microchipped before she can be adopted. $30 to adopt.

MEET POPPET This shy girl is used to living outside so the shelter is a loud, scary place. She deserves a loving family that will give her a life of leisure inside. She hid for the first few days but is now coming out and greeting people.

Probably best that she is in a home with no small children. Spayed, microchipped, vaccinated and negative for FELV and FIV. We think she is 9 or 10 months old. Poppet is $30 to adopt.

H U M A N E S O C I E T Y o f S T I L LW AT E R 1710 South Main Street / Stillwater Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm ADOPTION FEE: CATS - $40 / DOGS - $60

Oklahoma

CORRIDOR Magazine

O K LA HO M A C O R R I D O R M AG A Z I N E / O C TO B E R 2 0 2 2 1 8

Fall is for Fun

by EMMA BRYAN

F

all is just around the corner and people are excited.

There are lots of people putting up their Halloween decorations, pulling out the pumpkin spice delights, donning their warm sweaters, and just generally enjoying the cool weather! I can definitely say I’m excited for fall festivities. I love all things Halloween and cold weather.

Things are starting to get spooky now, too, everyone. From scary Halloween movies to candy and decorations, the populace is excited for October 31st. Halloween is a holiday for Trick or Treating, costume parties, and most importantly… Candy! That’s how we know it at least. But about 2,000 years ago it was different. Halloween was originally the Celtic holiday Samhain (which is pronounced Sow-in).

They would wear costumes to scare off ghosts and evil spirits and light bonfires to protect themselves from the cold winter ahead of them.

Isn’t that interesting? Though I do love the current traditions of Trick or Treating and watching monster movies, that certainly does sound like an interesting time.

They had much more to do on the 31st as well, but I

think if you’re interested you should go do some research, learning stuff is so much more fun when you decide to do it yourself!

A little later in the fall, of course, we have Thanksgiving. Which happens to be one of my favorite holidays, but for the food mostly.

Sure the history of it is interesting (even if what we learn in school as kids turns out to be wrong), but I prefer the current traditions much more. Making lots of food and spending time with family is one of the staple Thanksgiving traditions. Though every family is slightly different with what they do, I can safely say I wouldn’t want ours to change much at all.

In general Autumn is just a great season. It’s a fun and busy time of year for many people. The cooler weather also means I can wear more of my closet since it seems that I only have jeans in my room. I’m probably at fault for that though!

Hey! Here’s a joke for you!

Why did the scarecrow win a Nobel Prize? He was outstanding in his field!

Have a good month everyone! I’ll see you next issue!! n

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by ALANA OWEN

Fall is in the air.

As the mornings get cooler, we turn our attention to autumn activities, decorations, and festivals. When preparing our homes for fall, a simple landscape adjustment can bring color and beauty to celebrate the seasonal change.

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A Window into a Stillwater NURSERY AND STORE DESTINATION

by ALANA OWEN

A

unique destination of its own is Big Creek Nursery & Country Store. I visited with JD Oldsen, the owner of this family business, who operates it with his wife Rachel, mother Heidi, and sons Gabriel and Uriah.

The idea of a nursery came to JD following some health issues which required a change of work. While JD was figuring out what was next in life, he thought of running his own nursery (along with his sister who is no longer involved in the operation). With limited income and resources, JD’s initial purchase included some seeds and greenhouse materials, and he always wanted to add a country store geared toward country homesteading products. In 2008, Big Creek Nursery & Country Store opened in Cushing. The business later moved to Stillwater to its current location at 3307 E. 6th Avenue, Stillwater. The country store opened in 2018 followed by the new bakery in September 2022.

The family raises perennials at the home property location in Cushing. The name “Big Creek” originated from the big creek that ran through the property the family owned at the start of the business.

JD credits his wife Rachel for the bakery addition, “She started making tested bake goods a few years back, and it was just added on as we grew.” Rachel’s pumpkin bread is a hit; the bakery also has many pies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, cookies, and sweet breads.

JD’s mother Heidi helps a lot, running the store and working in the perennial fields. JD’s boys, ages five and three, have taken a lot of interest working alongside the family in the perennial fields.

Customer favorites at the country store are the jellies and jams made by JD’s Amish friends in Kentucky, along with the fine quality kitchenware used by the Amish. In addition, the soaps are a big seller along with Rachel’s apron style oven towels; all unique with no two alike.

The perennial and fruit trees are big sellers at the nursery. The Russian sage, coneflower, black-eyed Susan’s, and chrysanthemums are a customer favorite. Apple, peach, and pear trees are stocked and sold in large quantities, along with various berries and ornamental shade trees.

The nursery also contains other garden supplies such as mulches, fertilizers, high quality garden tools, and glazed and terracotta pottery. Ornamental grasses such as maiden and fountain grass are popular as well. JD tries to focus on offering local plant varieties that grow well in Oklahoma. Herbs are often in supply at the nurs-

ery, primarily the basic ones such as basil, mint, chives, oregano, sage, rosemary, and cilantro.

The business also sells structures such as chicken coops, greenhouses, and cold frames. They offer a wide variety and complexity of green houses with many options. JD’s brother has been producing these structures for the business for several years.

The store used to be the home of a restaurant that has since relocated. The kitchen area of the former restaurant now houses the bakery. When approaching the business, the nursery sits to the west, and the country store sits to the east with a shared parking lot. Display models of the structures are on site for viewing.

The store has remarkable eye appeal in its ambiance and presentation. According to JD, the wood was a big factor when selecting a place after relocating. The wood was in place but required some restoration work. The shelves in the business have all been custom built by the family.

The words “Amish” and “homesteading” came up often during our conversation so I asked JD about how he met his wife and if his own family were Amish. JD advised his wife’s father came by for Mother’s Day flowers one day, and they became acquaintances and later friends. Rachel’s family began providing labor for JD’s business and he soon met his future wife, becoming more acquainted while attending the same church.

Without God this business would never have made it this far. So many times when we were struggling, He would always send whatever help was needed just in time, perhaps through an unexpected sale that covered bills we were unable to pay. Sometimes it was our neighbor Bob who helped us for days on end without letting us pay. Many have donated time and resources free of charge. Other times we prayed, and the right job applicant would walk through the door at the last minute.

God was rarely early but never too late! We have learned to trust him for everything.

With every interview I learn something new. This time, I was educated about the term “Plain People,” which represents a simple life-style and standard of simplicity that JD and his family exemplify. What an interesting thing to learn. I hope our readers enjoy discovering (or revisiting) Big Creek Nursery & Country Store as much as I enjoyed the interview. I am looking forward to follow-up visits this month and just before the holiday season. n

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Where can I pick up a copy of OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine each month?

Lots of folks ask us each month where they can pick up a copy of the current month’s magazine, so we are going to publish a list of towns and places where we leave several copies to be picked up every month.

For starters...we leave them in most of the high schools in these towns and also most of the city halls and Chambers of Commerce, so we won’t be redundant and list these places under each town.

AGRA Jacks Place Rural Water Shell Station

Premier Realty Remax Randy Bowen Chevy United Country Real Estate

BRISTOW Bristow Barnyard Farm & Domestic Animal Rescue Bristow Tire & Auto Community Bank Crown Auto Dialysis Clinic Homestead Medical Kemps Bristow Public Library McNiel Auction Mainer Ford Nursing Home PDQ Spirit Bank THRogers Lumber

CUSHING Baker’s Pharmacy Bank of Cushing Branch Bill’s EZ Out CBEW Century 21 Cimarron Medical Circle S Meats Cooks Body Shop Cushing Electronics Cushing Public Library Cushing Primary Care Davis Dental Studio Godofredos Homestead K9 Cottage Laundrymats (2) Naifeh’s Pipeline Urgent Care Rogers Realty Salon 33 Shelter Insurance Simpson’s Steer Inn Salon 33 Tiger Lilly

CHANDLER AFR Ins Ball Auction BancFirst Brown Furniture Central OK Telephone Co Chandler Fire Department Chandler Hardware Chandler Outreach Clinic Chandler Tax Lincoln County Court House Crouch Medical Danker Insurance Deans Flooring Destinations Café Chandler Public Library Lincoln County Farm Center Lincoln CountyHealth Dept Manvel Ave Coffee OK 66 Bowling Alley Physical Therapy Associates

DAVENPORT Central Ok Federal Credit Union Central OK Telephone Co Old Magnolia Orr Construction Scotty B’s Tammys Vintage Rose

DEPEW Dough Boys PDQ DRUMRIGHT Caseys Central VoTech Drumright Dental Center Drumright Hospital Drumright Police Department Doctor’s Building Jackson Pump Josephs Steakhouse RCB Williams Grocery KELLYVILLE American Heritage Bank Grocery Express MANNFORD Phelps Pizza Hut Steer Inn Subway Tag Agency MEEKER BancFirst LaDonnas Sinclair Gas Station Subway Vision Bank OILTON Simple Simons Conveinence Store PERKINS Allsbrook Construction & Remodeling Ampride Café 33

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Caseys Cimarron Chiropractic Payne County Bank Perkins Building Supply Perkins Primary Care Perkins Public Library Perkins Tag Agency Red Bud Assisted Living Stroud National Bank

Stillwater Surgery Center Total Health Fitness STROUD BancFirst Fiesta Cozumel Mexican Resturant Hampton Inn Main Street Clinic OJ’s Plants & Petal Prairie Point Assisted Living RCB Bank Stroud Drug Store Stroud Regional Hospital Stroud National Bank Stroud Nursing Home Stroud Senior Citizens Center Williams Grocery

WELLSTON Butcher BBQ Dollar General ON Cue

PRAGUE BancFirst Destinations Café Beachler’s Market & Pharmacy Prague Pharmacy The Kitchen Vision Bank STILLWATER Oklahoma Central Credit Union Ortho Oklahoma Payne County Court House Stillwater Animal Welfare Stillwater Cancer Center Stillwater Medical Center Stillwater Pediatrics & Internal Med Stillwater Public Library

YALE American Heritage Bank Dairy Hut Genesis Home Health

Mugsys Shell Station Sinclair

NOW YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND US! ...also find us online each month on issuu.com

Quality care for your whole family.

Blaire Blankinship, APRN | Amber Reinecke, PA-C | Colm McCauley, DO

Specialty Care Same-day Appointments Available!

Amanda Miles, MD OB/GYN

Jerrod Vaughn, MD GENERAL SURGERY

2340 E. Main St. | Cushing | 918.725.1901 Monday-Friday: 8:00am–5:00pm

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L I V E

M U S I C

O P P O R T U N I T I E S

N OOKLAHOMA T E S CORRIDOR ON THE

with RICK REILEY

The Relocation of

KAYLA RAY / Texas Songwriter

S

Sometime last August I got a call from Oklahoma CIty singer/songwriter Buffalo Rogers. He asked what I was doing and I answered honestly, “ Sitting around the house staring at a wall.” “I’ve got someone you have to meet, can we come over?”

“Sure thing!” I answered and sure enough they did.

That’s how I got to meet Texas songwriter, Kayla Ray, one of the newest additions to the Cimarron Valley’s musical talent pool! A formidable talent indeed!

We traded a few songs on the back porch for an hour or so and then she was off on a Fall tour which took her to Sweden, Norway, Nashville as well as North and South Carolina.

Since we met I’ve listened to her music on iTunes and

have become a big fan. She’s right out of the pure country music mold.

Her music can be dark, somber, reflecting honest heartbreak as a stark reality. But then when the tears are over she powers up the magic and her music becomes energized and ready to roll down the highway for more adventures of the head and heart. Here’s the infectious chorus to one of my favorites on her latest release - If Freedom Is What We’re After.

‘If freedom if what we’re after

Free is what we will become

Keep me rockin’ in the cradle of a two lane road

Swing low sweet chariot, come!’

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She reminds me a bit of Roseanne Cash and Lucinda Williams filtered through a bit of Maybelle Carter with some Merle Haggard thrown in for extra measure.

The title of this most recent album is, Songs of Extreme Isolation, Economic Crisis and Other Funny Things (2021).

The woman has a twisted sense of humor. I like it.

She reminds me a bit of Roseanne Cash and Lucinda Williams filtered through a bit of Maybelle Carter with some Merle Haggard thrown in for extra measure.

Steeped deeply in roots country music and it’s quite evident.

I caught up with her via the internet while she was still on tour and was able to ask her a few questions. This is what I learnedRR: Where do you come from?

KR: I grew up predominantly with my grandparents just south of Waco, Tx in a little town called Robinson.

RR: Has music always been a big part of your life?

KR: Music has always been an incredibly huge part of my life. My earliest memories are learning classic country songs and pestering anyone I could find to listen to me perform them. I suppose in hindsight not much has changed!

RR: How did the music get into your bones?

KR: As I mentioned before some of my earliest memories are music related. I remember finding gems of humanity and relatability within the confines of real country music. I remember feeling seen and validated in a gamut of emotions covered in my favorite songs. As a kid in fairly difficult living situations I needed that brand of comrade even if it was as intangible as melody. Music is my oldest and closest companion.

RR: Do you come from a musical family?

KR: My mom plays a little piano but we didn’t spend much time around the piano growing up. My first stepfather who I claim as my own started learning guitar when I did. The

process of conquering the basics together was so much fun, and my grandmother was just drenched in a love of classic country music. In this way I suppose so.

I asked her about her musical journey and she directed me to information on her website. I include part of that here: “…as a child Ray often entered herself into local talent contests and variety shows. Because of these efforts, Ray was lucky enough to find herself playing often around the Legendary Gimble Family in the Waco, Texas area. The talent, kindness, and class of the Gimble Family remain a large influence for Kayla Ray. “She….booked her first headlining gig at Papa Joes of Lorena, Texas. Where as she puts it, “Billy Joe Shaver shot that guy in the face and got away with it.” Kayla built a band and spent a few years touring Texas and taking necessary knocks before making her entry into the national touring scene. She made this entry employed as tour manager for accomplished songwriter Jason Eady. During this time in addition to her tour managing duties, Kayla opened shows, sang duets and, “kept the boys in line”.

Kayla eventually grew from this position and left the job in 2014 to tour independently. Although remaining a close confidant, Jason Eady had a large hand in producing both of Kayla’s full length albums.

Over the last decade Kayla has received many awards and accolades. And, in addition to touring with Eady, Ray has shared stages with artists like Cody Jinks, Erin Enderlin, Jo Dee Messina, Jamie Lin Wilson, Whiskey Myers, Mo Pitney, Marcia Ball, Reckless Kelly, Jason Bolen, The Turnpike Troubadours, Shane Smith and the Saints, Ray Wylie Hubbard and countless others. ‘ RR: Musical influences?

KR: …my initial influences were all pretty classic country based. The greats. Haggard being at the forefront. But, as I grow and age I’ve come to love Townes VanZandt, Guy Clark, John Prine, as well as old blues and traditional jazz and swing.

RR: What instruments do you play?

KR: I travel with a guitar but I play some piano and bass as well.

RR: When we first met, if I remember right, you said that you moved here to be more equally positioned between Oklahoma City and Tulsa for gigs.

KR: Yes, I find the area centrally located and affordable to assist with national touring and I really love it so far.

RR: How is the musical scene here differ from Texas?

KR: I’ll be honest … I’ve not played much in Oklahoma the

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If you are a dyed in the wool old country music fan who likes the truth in plain terms, have a seat, turn off the tv and turn on her music. You won’t be disappointed! last few years but, I’m looking forward to jumping back in.

Days in Porum, Oklahoma October 1st.

Kayla Ray has 3 albums and one single available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and the usual streaming services.

They are: ‘Love and Liquor’ 2014, ‘Yesterday and Me’, 2018, ‘The Jameson Waltz’ 2019 and the previously mentioned ‘Songs of Extreme Isolation, Economic Crisis and Other Funny Things’ (2021).

RR: What’s your most memorable highlight?

KR: That’s hard to say but, this last month I’ve played 3 Scandinavian festivals,and the Bluebird Cafe as well as Americanafest in Nashville. I can’t complain about those highlights a bit but, I’ve been really fortunate to have many really cherished moments touring.

RR: How have September’s traveling gigs gone?

KR: September has been incredible! Busy but incredible.

In the last month I’ve played in Norway, Sweden, Nashville and both North and South Carolina.

RR: Where can people find out more?

KR: For the tour schedule, music links, merchandise etc you can visit kaylaraymusic.com

RR: Where will you be playing locally in the near future?

KR: I actually am playing a festival called The Belle Starr

If you are a dyed in the wool old country music fan who likes the truth in plain terms, have a seat, turn off the tv and turn on her music. You won’t be disappointed! n

Previously The Corridor Magazine IS UNDER BRAND NEW OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

We want to bring you interesting stories about interesting folks who live in this interesting place we call the OKLAHOMA Corridor!

We’d love to get to know you and hear your story ideas!

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We distribute the OKLAHOMA Corridor Magazine to these great towns and hope to expand to others in the future...

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