Author: Ronni Wilson

Today is going to be a cheat day. I’m going to share something that I wrote for my kids, before I have even given it to my kids. Doesn’t really sound fair, does it? But, then, life is never fair.

For a very long month I have been toiling over this book that one of my daughters gave to me … for the life of me, I cannot remember which one did give it to me. It is called a Mom and Me Book or some such and asks for memories and different things. There are prompts and it gives you several pages to write the answer. Some was easy, some I had no clue as to the answers.

The prompt on this was “If you felt the need to offer some advice to me, what would it be?” I am a mom. I always have advice for my kids. So, the pen fairly flew on these pages. With such sage words, I feel the need to share on a broader field.

“Start each day with something that makes you happy. I love my coffee and when I take that first drink, it is full – on a drink of happiness. Nobody should have to start their day with a grouch. If that is you, have someone hit you with a 2 x 4. There are probably several willing to do it.

“Nobody is responsible for your happiness except you. Nor are they who you can blame your unhappiness on. You have decided to be unhappy. It is all on you.

“Save some money every month unless you want to work until the day you die. Most of the things we buy we don’t care about in a month. Remember that. Get a grip on the difference between a want and a need.

“Lie in bed at the end of each day and thank God for each of the blessings he brought to you that day. Don’t treat God like a sugar daddy, always asking for favors – end the day thanking him.

“Remember, if you talk about other people – they have a right to talk about you, too. So, let’s try our best to just say positive things about people – or stay away from them.

“Always, when something bothers you about someone, take an honest look at yourself because you likely do / say the same things. Judge ourselves by the same standards as we judge others. If you do this honestly, and look at yourself with truth, you should find yourself being more kind to others.

“Pay attention to other people. Don’t assume you know they, what they have, what they want. Buying a gift for someone because it is something YOU want is shallow. Not buying something someone wants because you don’t agree may be egotistical and judgmental – but, then, we shouldn’t gift things that are bad for someone, so just be reasonable.

“Never miss a chance to tell someone thank you. There is never too much appreciation shown.

“Learn something new every day so your conversation is never boring. Your opinions aren’t good conversation. People are drawn to those who tell entertaining and SHORT stories or who talk positive about other people.

“We are wonderful and unique … just like everyone else!”

There is a little sharing of the book of memories that I’ve put together for my kids. What advice would you give if you did a little book?

Happy Thanksgiving!

And I’ll see you on the bricks.

Today is a day rife with random thoughts going through my mind. These are fun days.

There are the thoughts about Thanksgiving and the family gathering together. But talking about that is rather tiresome. Everyone seems to have sunshine rays coming out their orifices when they write this time of year. It isn’t a happy time for everyone. It is my favorite holiday, but it’s a good idea to skip talking about Thanksgiving. That is so … well, predictable.

There are thoughts about this week three of my children had a birthday on November 14. But, I probably talked about that last year and several times since last November. Another predictable topic.

Taking out my folder with “On the Bricks” written on the tab, I have lots of random thoughts filed away to share and they fit this random morning. Besides, it will be good to get this folder cleaned out and organized.

Charles White came to the board meeting not long ago and he said he was always told, “If you can’t be on time, be early.” Wow. There’s some sort of wisdom in that, but I’m thinking it wasn’t thought up by an Okie. Not one that I know, anyway.

Card I bought at SPC, “Please come to my pity party. I’m registered at the liquor store.” Now that is funny. Even to a teetotaler, I think it’s funny.

At our Career Focus, Liz McCulloch said, “Always be kind. You can’t go wrong with kind.” That is so true and something I really need to aspire towards. And hopefully those that I’m around are working towards being kind, too.

She also said, “Be responsible for the energy you bring to the table.” Liz is telling us that we make a choice to be positive or negative. It’s up to us to choose and go the positive way.

We also need to have purpose in our life. And we are the ones who need to set that purpose. What is your purpose?

SPC card, “I know it’s your birthday, and you feel you’re old. But just think, if you died tomorrow, people would say, ‘Wow, she was so young.’” Another funny one. I bought it. That being kind just seems to be elusive to me …..

An article I read recently says that “to get results, you need more than just leaders. You need people who translate vision into reality. You need people who roll up their sleeves and get to work. You need doers.

“Doers are efficient, detail – oriented, and highly skilled. They get things done and don’t let anything stand in their way. They show high levels of intrinsic motivation and take pride in a job well done. They might not be in the spotlight, but they are highly sought after.

“Execution without leadership won’t get you far, but leadership without execution will get you nowhere. To be successful, you need to have both.”

Main Street Guymon has both. We have volunteers that are excellent leaders and great at brain storming. And we have the doers that turn those ideas into workable, real programs. What assets. I love the Main Street volunteers.

This past month we have held our first Pangaea event and it was awesome. We held a three – day state training where Main Street volunteers (mostly board members) made it happen and run so smooth. And I sat at the table with my Board of Directors and saw the people that really make all this come forth and be real.

My life is good.

But it still rings true when I read this on the card from SPC, “At your age maybe you should stop buying green bananas.” Ouch. Skip kind one more time.

Enjoy your holiday. Remember that we can’t go wrong with kind.

See you on the bricks.

Went to the last home volleyball game at Panhandle State and it was exciting. The team played excellent and they had great enthusiasm, but it was only intensified by the spectators (mostly OPSU baseball and football players). So much energy, so much fun. The team won. It was fabulous to be there. That means recently the football team, basketball team, rodeo team, and volleyball team won. I suspect if the computer information team, the business team, and cross – country had competed, they would have won, too. There is just a feeling of belief going on there that I certainly have bought in to. Oh, yes, and the OPSU World Series baseball game (aka scrimmage) happened and it’s no surprise that they won, too. And lost. But that was going to happen, wasn’t it? There were more people in the stands that day then I have ever seen. All is good. Consider being a part of some of these events. They certainly can put a smile on your face and bring out the positive thoughts. Unless you are a critical mass of negativity. Then sit on the other side from me, please.

“Incontinence hotline. Please hold.”

That is a good enough reason for some negativity. But just because you’re a grouch isn’t. Which is it?

Could be you have been wronged and have trust issues.

“Never trust an atom. They make up everything!”

Could be you don’t think you get enough attention.

“I was raised as an only child, which really annoyed my sister.”

Could be you miss your family pet.

“I named my two dogs Rolex and Timex. They’re watch dogs.” Or “I named my dog Five Miles so I can tell people ‘I walk Five Miles everyday.’”

Could be that you’re just wanting to isolate yourself and hold your very own little pity party. Might be time to try to get out of that habit.

“Last year I joined a support group for anti – social people. We haven’t met yet.”

Could be you also have a bad habit of blaming other people for lots of things and fostering anger in your world.

“I’d like to join the anger management therapy group, but those jerks piss me off.”

Could be you are selfish and too focused on yourself.

“I find attending my altruism (definition: the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others) club unrewarding.”

Could be you aren’t a very agreeable person.

“My Anarchist Club could never agree on a time or place to meet or elect officers.”

Could be that you just fail to see the good all around you.

“If you’re looking for a group of people that have completely despaired of everything, there’s hope for you. Join the Depressive Collective today. We want to help you fail to help yourself. Together, we can create a pointless tomorrow.”

Could be you have been putting things off that you need to get done.

“The November Procrastinators Club meeting has been postponed.”

Time to take stock of ourselves and get our lives in a better balance and make sure are attitude isn’t the bad apple in the bushel.

Things you might want to attend:

• Nov. 3 OPSU Chili Cookoff and Football Game, Goodwell.
• Nov. 3 Texhoma Elementary Fall Festival, 5 to 8:30 pm.
• Nov. 3 Arts and Craft Bazaar, 9 am to 6 pm, Guymon High School.
• Nov. 3-4 Pumpkin Patch Craft Show, Sat. 9 to 6, Sun 11-4 at Activity Center.
• Nov. 5 Guymon Chamber of Commerce General Membership lunch at the Ambassador, noon.
• Nov. 6 Main Street Guymon’s Pangaea International Evening, $30 for a ticket, 6:30 pm at Pickle Creek. Call for tickets at 338-6246 because there are no tickets sold at the door!

It’s a delightful day, part of a wonderful week, in a beautiful month. Don’t forget to notice the good people around you, the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, and all the opportunities that we have to make this a better world and a better community.

See you on the bricks!

It is difficult to keep a group moving forward, whether it is a class, church group, civic organization, support system, or any other sort of group. But recently I read some advice on how to keep a group together and active.

First, practice gratitude when you are together. People are inclined to notice when thing go wrong more often than when they go right. Leaders can shift this paradigm by catching people doing things right and thanking them on the spot. Immediate and specific feedback create a nurturing environment in which people thrive, because prompt, affirmative reinforcement increases positive behavior and motivation – people do more of what they are thanked for. This is why genuine praise is one of the best parenting, relationship and management techniques available.

Second, actively encourage kindness. As we give our random acts of kindness, we feel a deep level of contentment that keeps our brains in positive mode. Kind acts also deepen social connection, a key indicator of happiness.

Third, don’t forget to move. Our physiology directly affects our psychology. Frequent movement is beneficial for both bodies and brains, improving creativity, focus and efficiency. Exercise augments neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing both short and long – term happiness.

Fourth, recharge in rhythm. Learn how to tune in to internal body – clock rhythms and pay attention when it’s time to take a break – when you become distracted, tired, thirsty, hungry, fidgety or frustrated. It is possible to ignore these signals, say if you have a report deadline looming and just doesn’t want to stop; your body will go into fight or flight mode, pushing through with a burst of adrenaline. This is acceptable from time to time, but if you continue this practice day in and day out, you will reach a chronic state of stress, which has serious health consequences.
Main Street Guymon has two fabulous events happening on Sun., Oct. 14. The first is the Anthropology Lecture by Dr. David Mains of the University of Oklahoma on “Learning about Ethiopian and Eritrean Cultures.” There will be Ethiopian coffee served by K2 Coffee in Gruver, Tex., and Neima Adem will be bringing some Ethiopian snack to try. This all takes place from 2 – 3 pm at the Guymon Public Library, 1718 N. Oklahoma Street (enter at the side door). The event is free to all.

The Special Game Day, a baseball game for families with someone who has special needs, is going to take place this year because of the weather in the Noble Center. It will be a Home Run Derby rather than a game, but it’s baseball fun at it’s best with the best baseball players ever – the Panhandle State Baseball team. The registration is at 3, with practice starting at 3:30, and a snack break at 4. Then at 4:30 the game begins and is followed by a Seaboard Foods hot dog dinner. All are invited to come and partake!

Deirdre Harbison has started a Costume Closet for this Halloween. If you have an old costume that you no longer use and it is in good shape, call Harbison and that costume could provide the fun a kid needs for the holiday. Call Harbison at 580-754-5623. What a great idea!

The Guymon High School Alma Folklorica Dance Group is hosting an Enchilada Dinner Fundraiser on Oct. 15 from 5:30 – 8 pm at the Guymon High School Commons. Tickets are $8 for an adult and $5 for a child 10 and under. The ticket includes your dinner plate and a live performance by the dancers.

Mark the Texhoma Elementary Fall Festival on your calendar. It take place Nov. 3 from 5 to 8:30 pm and includes bingo for those who love the game! There are other fun games for kids. A great evening for the family.

Lions Club members are selling peanuts. Call Charles at 580-206-0111 or John at 580-468-8611 if you want some!

Be good, stay warm, and I’ll see you on the bricks!

There are times the arrogant person is much easier to like than the one who doesn’t treat themselves with respect. It happens in various ways, but you can feel yourself inching away from someone who gives you clues that they don’t care much for their own self.
Consider yourself with these statements:

• A person who respects themselves will face issues and conflict.
• A person shows respect for themselves if they take responsibility for their own decisions and actions. Your choices are not someone else’s fault. Ever.
• Admitting your errors is respectful to yourself.
• Speaking clearly and not sending out confusing messages is respectful.
• A person who respects themselves accepts (even asks for) help when they need it.
• Recognize your own strengths … and limitations.
• It is respectful of yourself and others if you accept praise, appreciation, and recognition, gracefully.
• Stand up for yourself.

By these standards, do you show yourself respect? We need to check ourselves on occasion because it is hard for others to respect us if we don’t show the same. Just something to think about.

Here’s something else to think about … you need to be able to laugh at yourself.

I called Clinton at the The Garage last week and told him the air conditioner in my car was broken. He seemed to understand the amazon lady didn’t handle the heat so well, so he walked over, took my car to the shop and was back in a short time with the car. Handing my keys to me, he told me I just needed to set the temperature down. Whoops. You mean I accidentally hit the temperature and there was nothing wrong with it? I got embarrassed and Clinton got to take another walk. The man is a saint because he just acted as if people made those stupid mistakes all the time.

Laugh. It’s funny. You and I make mistakes and sometimes we do stupid things. It doesn’t mean the world is ending or that we’re always stupid.

Several things happening around town that you should consider participating in. Go to www.tcec.coop and click under the “Our Community” tab to find out about the recipe book they are putting together for their 7th anniversary. Or call them at 580-652-2418. And if you like recipe books, you might pick up Main Street’s Guymon Farmers Market recipe book at Whispering Bliss Boutique at 1009 N. Main.

The Luncheon at Masha’s with Jenna Blum (New York Times best selling author) has been changed to 5:30 – 7:00 at the Library and the tickets are $15 per plate. A great meal from Masha’s menu. Masha’s is the restaurant featured in Blum’s new novel, “The Lost Family.” Go by the library or Main Street Guymon to get a ticket. No tickets sold at the door.

Panhandle Partner’s evening event is also Oct. 4, from 6-8 pm at Pickle Creek.

BOP’s Craft for a Cause is Oct. 6 and has a Christmas theme with the proceeds going to Christmas Cheer for Children. Call the bank to make your reservations.

The Special Game Day for folks with special needs is going to be Sun., Oct. 7, at the OPSU Baseball Field. For more information, call 338-6246. It’s great fun! And if you like to make cookies, we would love to have some to go with the Seaboard hot dogs.

The Business and Breakfast Class at BOP is Oct. 9 and is about taxes. The class is open to everyone, free of charge, and BOP provides breakfast. It starts at 8 am and runs for an hour.

Dr. Dan Mains is coming to Guymon on Sun., Oct. 14, to share with us interesting facts on the Ethiopian and Eritrean cultures. His lecture runs from 2 – 3 at the Guymon Public Library, 1718 N. Oklahoma. It’s free and we’ll have Ethiopian coffee served, too!

Fall is here and the weather is perfect for sitting on the patio. Enjoy!

See you on the bricks!

There is a folder in my desk that I drop things in that I find interesting. Lots of them are just cute. Some are funny. Some are thought provoking. Take a look in my file with me today.

Here’s an article that talks about a church quilting group in Wisconsin. They call themselves the Cover Girls. What a hoot. Great name.

Then there is the birthday card one of my best friends sent me. She, Nancy Hallmark Evans, is one of my four best friends that started first grade together, graduated from high school, and then attended Panhandle State together. We also played sports together. And had a Senior picture taken together. Really. Not kidding. Anyway, Nancy sent me a card that says on the outside, “Remember when we were little we couldn’t wait to be mature, responsible adults?” You then open the card and it reads, “What the heck were we thinking?”

But Nance has to make it better by writing, “Who said we are responsible?! I hope you do something silly and blame it on Pammy and Deets.” Yep, that’s the other two. Nance always has such good advice.

Dianna Brown taught the first class of the Career Focus last week and she asked the class, “What draws you to other people?” The answers came from the 15 class members and varied, but included intelligence, honesty, positivity, kindness, responsibility, compassion, and confidence. Dianna then stressed that these are the same qualities that we need to present to have people drawn to us. That sounds simple, but it’s actually very deep. To have friends, you need to know how to be one.

One September Sunday, we had a reading from the book of James. The words explaining the reading said, “Faithful Christians do not show partiality to the rich and powerful of the world, especially at the expense of the poor and weak. Likewise, faith does not pay mere lip – service to God’s will. Instead, a living Christian faith expresses itself in acts of compassion and mercy for those in need.”

All good words. And we can say they’re good words, but they tell us to act and do, not just hear. That’s the hard part, isn’t it?

While you’re thinking on that, ponder taking part in these community activities.

Charles White Insurance is sponsoring the Beard Contest at the Farmers Market on Saturday. That’s Sept. 22 and there’s monetary prizes!

The Chamber of Commerce banquet is Tues., Sept. 25. This is when the Citizen of the Year is named and several other great awards like Volunteer of the Year and Small Business of the Year. Hope you sent in a nomination.

On Oct. 9, the second Tuesday of the month, is the BOP Business and Breakfast class, “Taxes Don’t Have to be Taxing.” No matter how much you know, you can always learn something at these classes. They run from 8 – 9 in the morning and BOP serves you breakfast. The class takes place in the BOP board room.

The Special Game Day at OPSU is on Sun., Oct. 7. This is for folks with special needs to have their day with their team playing baseball. The OPSU Baseball team facilitates it and it’s one of the best events on earth. A goal is to have the stands filled with people to encourage the team. The game starts at 4 pm and we hope you can be there. There are also free hot dogs from Seaboard Foods, free snowcones from Charles White State Farm Insurance, free watermelon from PTCI and more great things!

See you on the bricks!

Guymon Fiesta happens on Sun., Sept. 16, on Fifth and Main starting at 3 pm and ending at 8 pm.

For those who love good food, the vendors at Fiesta offer a delicious variety of foods.

For those who love having something they can enjoy their whole family, the Fiesta has free jumpy houses for the kids and many of the business tables offer free activities for the kids.

For those who want to celebrate education, the scholarships given to the King and Queen candidates is something to cheer about and enjoy.

For those who love celebrating the history of the Panhandle, remember the Panhandle traces its origins as being part of the Spanish New Spain empire. The Transcontinental Treaty (Adams-Onís Treaty) of 1819 between Spain and the United States set the western boundary of this portion of the Louisiana Purchase at the 100th meridian. With Mexican independence in 1821, these lands became part of Mexico. With the formation of the Texas Republic, they became part of Texas. When Texas joined the U.S. in 1846, the strip became part of the United States.

For those who love the Santa Fe Trail tie, remember the Cimarron Cutoff for the Santa Fe Trail passed through the area soon after the trade route was established in 1826 between the Spanish in Santa Fe and the Americans in St. Louis. The route was increasingly used during the California Gold Rush. The Cutoff passed several miles north of what is now Boise City and Clayton, NM before continuing toward Santa Fe.

When Texas sought to enter the Union in 1845 as a slave state, federal law in the United States, based on the Missouri Compromise, prohibited slavery north of 36°30′ parallel north. Under the Compromise of 1850, Texas surrendered its lands north of 36°30′ latitude. The 170-mile strip of land, a “neutral strip”, was left with no state or territorial ownership from 1850 until 1890. It was officially called the “Public Land Strip” and was commonly referred to as “No Man’s Land.”

The Compromise of 1850 also established the eastern boundary of New Mexico Territory at the 103rd meridian, thus setting the western boundary of the strip. The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 set the southern border of Kansas Territory as the 37th parallel. This became the northern boundary of No Man’s Land. When Kansas joined the Union in 1861, the western part of Kansas Territory was assigned to Colorado Territory, but did not change the boundary.

Whew, that was quite a history lesson that I stole from Wikipedia. But it is interesting. And it does show that celebrating with a Fiesta is really appropriate for Guymon. And because it is part of all our heritage, it is only right that Fiesta is for everybody to enjoy, so come on out and bring your family. It’s mainly a time for people to have fun and be happy to be a part of today’s Oklahoma Panhandle community.

And if that isn’t really your cup of tea, there are lots of other things happening in Guymon this month. It’s busy and it’s a time to meet and visit with others. Come and join the fun.

See you on the bricks!

This is one of those days where I should protect the public and send myself home early. Some days I just don’t like people. Any. Of. Them.

The problem isn’t “those people.” The problem is my attitude. And it is a problem that is my responsibility to fix.

Isn’t it great to live in a place where we have first world problems like that? To have a life that isn’t overshadowed by starvation, homelessness, and disease is a good thing.

So, all those complaints because someone said something that hurt your feelings, or your manicure wasn’t just like you wanted, or the shoes you wanted weren’t on sale … remember, these are things that really don’t matter. Our feelings are usually too sensitive. Most people, unless they have a really bad attitude all the time, don’t mean to hurt your feelings. Some things just happen.

Ok. I’m better now.

Talked myself out of that attitude.

Mandy Hale said, “A bad attitude can literally block love, blessings, and destiny from finding you. Don’t be the reason you don’t succeed.” Good words.

September is here. There are lots of good things happening in Guymon in September.

The first day of the month is the first home football game for OPSU at 6 pm. It is going to be a great day. And some of the new Aggie Families will be meeting their Aggie that evening. That is a little scary. “Will he like us?” “Will we like him?” When the fact is, I bet they’ll all be fine. If not, just don’t answer their texts. See. First world problem. Solved.

The Salsa Showdown, part of the Meet Me at the Market events is on Sept. 8. That will be fun to see who can hold the title of Best Salsa Maker and take home the big bucks. There is nothing better than the Farmers Market. And in September there is more produce and cooler mornings during the markets, which go from 8 am to noon in front of the Texas County Courthouse on 4th and Main. PTCI has the Salsa Showdown under control. They’re wonderful Main Street Guymon members! Registration is at 9 am; Judging and Tasting is at 10 am; and awards are given out at 10:30. Come and join in the fun.

That morning, from 9 – 1, is the Delphinium Garden Club Tour. Tickets are $5. Go by Brown and Associates Insurance for an advance ticket.

That day, the 8th, is also the OPSU Pink Out Volleyball game.

Sun., Sept. 9, is when socks donations are taken and packed for local groups that need socks. Help with the packing at the First Christian Church from 2 – 4 pm. You can drop your socks off at Charles White Insurance or Brown and Associates Insurance.

And I am looking forward to the BOP Breakfast and Business: When Quick Books Isn’t Quick at the Bank of the Panhandle, 12th and Main, from 8 – 9 am. You do not need to be a BOP customer to attend the free class. This all happens on Sept. 11.

And Main Street Guymon’s Career Focus starts on Sept. 14. We only have one opening left. Should it be you in this professional development class? If you want to know more, call Melyn at 580-338-6246.

The BeYoutiful Women of Lifeway present their Moving Forward Women’s Conference on Sept. 15 from 9 am to 3 pm. The cost is $20 per person and that covers registration, breakfast and lunch. It is being held at the Methodist Church, 523 N. Roosevelt. You can see what is planned at www.lifewaycc.net.

Lots of fun. Lots of opportunities. Hope to see you there!

See you on the bricks!

Farmers Market mornings are the best. This week Brown and Associates sponsored the Turtles and Toads Race as the Meet Me at the Market Event. Charles White brought the most turtles, one a really tiny one that could have gotten lost in the sidewalk crack if officials hadn’t been really watching. He said that the Oaks boys were there and they’re really stiff competition. We were wondering if they have a hidden Turtle Training Facility. With the Market Race and the Fair Race the same day, turtle racing could be on the way towards being a lucrative business.
Other highlights of today’s market, outside of the gorgeous weather and awesome conversation, included the homemade doggie treat from Flat Broke Farms. We’re talking that those need to be part of the prizes for next year’s Pet Parade.

Ben Helms also brought some great homemade wooden tops. That’s just fun. Nothing but fun. And he made some wooden writing pens that were a great conversation piece. I also saw Gloria Grice and she has some western books I may get from her for my dad.
The Farmers Market is just a treasure trove to be explored every Saturday morning. You should come down there sometime between 8 and 11 on Saturday mornings in July, August, and September. Besides the produce and honey being homegrown and local, it’s also healthy and tastes better!

Saturday is the Community Garage Sale as the Meet Me at the Market event. No charge for those who want to set up a table and sell some treasures. Limit to one table per person and you’re required to bring your own table, change, and whatever else you’ll need. Set up on the north sidewalk of the Courthouse and don’t go on to the grass. We would love to have you there. This is great for those who don’t have enough “stuff” for their own full sale or who live out of town. If there are more tables than sidewalk, we’ll move on over to the parking lot east of the courthouse. That’s on August 25. Come and be a part as a seller and / or a buyer!

Then will be the PTCI Salsa Showdown on Sept. 8, Beautiful Baby Contest on Sept. 15, Beard Contest on Sept. 22, and Pumpkin Rolling and Pumpkin Roll Contests on Sept. 29. Someone be sure to tell Adam Garrison about the beard contest! It only takes three seconds of courage to do anything. Get your three seconds and step out there for one of these Meet Me at the Market Contests.

Along the lines of treasures, check out the TCEC Co-Op Connections where you can get special deals from local businesses. Look them up at www.tcec.coop. Our Main Street businesses have a good showing in there. Check out Advanced Water Solutions, All Fired Up Gallery, Apollo MedFlight, Bank of the Panhandle, Beau and Beast Hair Care, By His Hands, Dancer’s Wine and Liquor, Dizzy B’s Corner Mart, Golden Crown, Harana MedSpa, Lumber Mart, Merle Norman, PTCI, SPC WOW Boutique, YMCA, The Willows B & B, Urban Bru, Verizon, and Whispering Bliss Boutique. Get some deals … and maybe you can start early on your Christmas List.

Consider signing up for the Margaritas and Memories Craft for a Cause by Bank of the Panhandle. This Aug. 13 craft is painting a cactus between margarita sips and the cost is $35 per person. The great part is that the cause this time is Main Street Guymon’s Fiesta! We LOVE our Main Street supporters and can’t wait to see you that evening at the Pub on the Bricks at 6:30 pm. RSVP to 580-568-3580.

Let’s close by sharing the Dandelion Principal. “Some see a weed, some see a wish.” Go forth this month and may it be filled with wishes.

See you on the bricks!

Having daughters who are usually right and not afraid to give their opinion can be a bit of a pain. How often do I hear from mom, and daughters … there is only so much advice you can stomach gracefully. But daughter Lisa recently posted this on facebook and I think it is something we all need to hear. Often. So, I’m going to let you share the getting advise from Lisa moment.

“Yes, I do some photography and enjoy the fun and challenge it brings me,” said Lisa. “Capturing people in their element, with their loved ones or individual portrait looks; I love the test of each and every different situation. The reward of a happy client is the best because in a short time I get to capture moments that will be around for a lifetime.

“With that said, this post does not have to do with wanting to book more sessions but more to maybe make you stop and think.

“I want to concentrate on you whom want family pictures but ‘don’t like how you look’ or ‘need to lose 10 lbs’ or ‘can’t find the time’.

“I hear this all the time and it saddens me.

“In a world that is all about us, this may not be about you. This just might be about your kids. This just might be about leaving something behind that sparks memories. This just might be something your great grands will look at and know who you are/were and know that you are what your family is and was built on. This might not be about you feeling like your arms are too flabby or your waistline isn’t what it once was, but instead about the hands you will be holding and who those arms are wrapped around. It is about the smiles and the laughs and the moment in time that a simple shutter capsulates.

“Contrary to millennial belief, you don’t even have to put them all over social media, they can be yours and only yours although it is fun to show off your hard work, you did make this family.

“After all, we are our own worst critic. Our gaze goes to what we don’t like about ourselves while others go to the beauty, the smiles, the happiness. Please remember that.

“I read on social media yesterday, ‘you believed in Santa Clause for 8 years, why can you not believe in yourself for five minutes?’ I liked it, it made me stop and think. Ode to being a child that believes in fairy tales and can confidently run around in a swim suit all Summer long. Let’s go back to that, when judgement hasn’t even been developed.

“Moms, step out from behind the camera when you can. Hug your family and preserve it; there’s no excuse these days, there’s a camera in every back pocket, purse, or hand.

“I do urge you to stop and think; remember how beautiful life, family and you are. I am here to remind you that someday when you are gone, when pictures and memories remain, your children will never look at them and think, ‘mom should have lost 10 pounds before we took these.’ I urge you to have some professional photos taken; there’s just something fun about it, the process and the result. I also urge you to take more meaningful photos with your camera and then print them; it is a thing of the past and I fear all of these amazing moments of the 2000’s captured on a phone will in fact be lost someday.

“I will attach one of my not so favorite wedding photos because I assure you what I don’t like about me in it isn’t anything you even see. Funny how the brain works right? Thanks for listening.”

Can’t say it any better than Lisa Johnson Schulz has.

See you on the bricks … taking pics!!!!