Category: On The Bricks

The Spring Cleaning mood has just hit me. I’m a little slow, I do realize. But today I’m going to throw out some odd bits and pieces of information that are in my “On the Bricks” file. So if you’re planning for this to make sense, that’s probably not going to happen. But I really don’t feel the need to make sense all the time. I am a woman, after all. And lots of women I know don’t make a lick of sense.

First, on the list are the people who never know anything is happening. And they act like it is someone else’s fault. How irritating. Yes, we have lots and lots of events here in Guymon. They happen all the time. Most of them are fun or at least have some fun people at them. If you’re sitting home having a pity party, you should go to some of them because then you won’t be so lonesome.

And if you figure out that you just are enjoying those pity parties, then let me suggest therapy. Lots of it. And you’ll need to pay for it because nobody wants to listen to a Debbie Downer for very long.

You are responsible for yourself.

So, first thing to do is check out the Event calendar on www.MainStreetGuymon.com. It is also on the Chamber website (same calendar) and Jada at the Chamber keeps this calendar current. She’s a trooper.

And that reminds me, if your event isn’t on that calendar, then you need to be getting your information to Jada at guycofc2@ptsi.net.

That is the same email to get the eblast that comes to your email twice a week telling you what is happening in Guymon. At least the events that the planners share with her are there. Tons of information on there. Email Jada and ask to be put on the eblast list.

Don’t for a minute think that Jada and I are responsible to have all the community events there. We are the ones offering (we both offer, Jada does all the work) the service, but the event people still are responsible for getting information out about what they’re doing.

Then consider attending the Chamber of Commerce General Membership meeting on the first Monday of each month at the Ambassador Restaurant in the large meeting room. You buy your own lunch and you get to hear the announcement of upcoming community happenings. Once again, the ones that have been shared with us.

There is also a short program at these meetings that keeps you more abreast about what is going on with our businesses and such. The October meeting is Chris Purdy from Tri-County Electric. Then in November is someone from Northwest Oklahoma Child Advocacy and Support office in Woodward.

Tune in to the On the Bricks TV show on PTCIs Channel 2. The program always talks about what is coming up here in Guymon.

“I have found that if you love life,” said Arthur Rubinstein, “life will love you back.”

Start sharing a little love. Attend some of these community events. Think about volunteering for some of them too.

Last weekend was a Poker Run (loved the music) on Saturday and the Pub had a band, too. Then on Sunday was the Fiesta. Oh, I love the Fiesta even if the music is too loud and I can’t visit with everyone. It’s fun. People are happy and having a good time and the food is wonderful. There was also the OPSU football game on Saturday and it was a fabulous game with the Aggies winning. You should have been there. My toes got sunburned! It was hot out.

Lots of good things happening. Lots of things to get involved in. All you have to do is start with one. And I know the perfect one.

Be sure to come to the Cowboy Cookout on Saturday. It takes place on the street south of the railroad tracks just east of Main Street. There are going to be some really fun things to see and do. If you’re interested in arrowheads and bows and arrows, you’re going to love this. It starts at 2 and ends at 6. You can also support Main Street Guymon (YEAH) by buying a plate for $15 that has calf fries, BBQ, beans, and some other good things.

And I’ll end with this wonderful saying:

“Laugh, even when you feel too sick or too worn out or tired.

“Smile, even when you’re trying not to cry and the tears are blurring your vision.

“Sing, even when people stare at you and tell you your voice is crappy.

“Trust, even when your heart begs you not to.

“Twirl, even when your mind makes no sense of what you see.

“Frolic, even when you are made fun of.

“Kiss, even when others are watching.

“Sleep, even when you’re afraid of what the dreams might bring.

“Run, even when it feels like you can’t run any more.

“And, always remember, even when the memories pinch your heart. Because the pain of all your experience is what makes you the person you are now. And without your experience – you are an empty page, a blank notebook, a missing lyric.

“What makes you brave is your willingness to live through your terrible life and hold your head up high the next day. So don’t live your life in fear. Because you are stronger now, after all the crap has happened, than you ever were back before it started.

~ Alysha Speer

See you on the bricks!

The American Theater, located on the fourth block of Main, had their Grand Opening on Saturday, Jan. 14, 1928, at 7:30 pm. The opening prices for the movie were 25 and 50 cents. That theater is still serving a wonderful purpose in our town.

For 35 seasons the Guymon Community Theaters has been presenting wonderful productions, 115 to be exact, in the same building!

“The Blue Haired Belles of the Burger Bar” is soon to be on the stage. Directed by Kasey Russell and assisted b y Josh Setzer, the cast is Brenda Teegarden, Jackie Mathis, Sarah Russell, Brad Teegarden, Evelyn Cartwright, June Wadley, Brenda Bridwell, Setzer, Robert Henson, and Marlene Henson. Now, it doesn’t matter if you know any of these people or not. I’m pretty sure that you’ll know one of the characters in the play.

Woody Leonard of Woodward wrote this dramatic comedy of some older women who like to talk …. Now you see why I said you probably knew one of the characters! We all know at least one of those ladies, don’t we?

Well, it’s time to let loose of $8 and go watch this fun play put on by some hard working volunteers. Oct. 3, 4, 10, and 11 the play is at 7 pm and on Oct. 5 and 12 (Sundays) it is at 2 pm. Call 580-338-0019 to make your reservations.

The Main Street Mobsters are going to hit the performance on the 10th. So, if you feel awkward going to the play alone, sign up and mob with us! Can’t be a more fun group to go with than this one. Of course I would think that.

Another note for those who are theater lovers … Auditions for “Miracle on 34th Street” are Sunday, Oct. 5, and Monday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 9 pm. There are parts for men, women, and children. It’s your time to be a part of a Christmas Miracle! You do not need to have experience to be a part of the Guymon Community Theater. This play is directed by Charles Michael and assisted by Jerry Wadley.

Remember, beautiful minds inspire others. Attending this play could inspire you!

Here are a few dates to put on your calendar if it’s something you might enjoy. Or maybe you should take someone that might enjoy it. Or maybe you should step out of your comfort zone and go to something that isn’t your norm. Whatever the case may be, here are some opportunities for a good time:

Cowboy Cookout, Sept. 27, just south of the railroad track on the east side of Main Street, on 2nd Street. There is a half a block blocked off for some western fun. It is going to be great fun! It goes from 2 – 6 and there’s even a plate of calf fries and BBQ to be purchased. Proceeds go to fund Main Street programs and their wonderful and fabulous director’s other crazy ideas.

Oklahoma Panhandle Partners who help local people that are fighting cancer has their Tuscany on the Plains fund raising party on Thursday, Oct. 2, at Pickle Creek from 6 pm on. Party tickets are $20 per person.

On Oct. 5 following the 80th Annual Meeting of the No Man’s Land Historical Society at the Moylene Bridgewater Davis Scouting Center in Goodwell, there is a book signing by Charles Miller for his newly released book “No Man’s Land and a New Beginning.” The book is also available for purchase at the museum.

And be sure not to miss the Archaeology presentation by Dr. Marjy Duncan of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey on the Two Sisters Site (an Antelope Creek Plains Village) near Guymon. This is being held at the Guymon Public Library on Oct. 25 from 2 to 3 pm. There is no cost and it brought to you by your own Main Street Guymon!

Lots going on and a good time to see you on the bricks!

The current People magazine mentions a local fellow on page C20, part of the Country and Western Music Special Section. In an article about the group Lady Antebellum, band member Charles Kelley said, “…the guys, who had been hanging out with co – writer Rodney Clawson…”. So, I guess we’re all kind of famous now, aren’t we? I mean I talked to Rodney Dale a couple times back in the 1980s. I am pretty sure he would remember it. Or maybe he wouldn’t. Ah, well, notoriety is so fleeting.

What isn’t fleeting is good works. Recently read in the September 2014 Rotarian magazine an article entitled “We can be heroes, if just for one day.” It was interesting. Almost as interesting as the make-up tips in People. Hmmmmm, that was sarcasm. I haven’t used make-up since 1976.

Anyway, back to the article. It says, “…why we help others and whether humans have evolved an instinct for what’s called ‘group selection’ – meaning that we help others because group survival is better for all of us. As evolutionary biologist Charles Goodnight explains: ‘You put one person in the middle of the jungle and they’re dinner. Twenty people, you have a village. We can’t survive on our own, but we can collectively.’”

Makes teamwork pretty simple, doesn’t it?

The article goes on to say, “Svoboda reports on neuroscience research that has found that donating to a worthy cause activates the same brain regions as our craving for food and sex, suggesting a similarly deep motivation. She also explores how volunteering can boost health and life satisfaction ….

“Altruistic people tend to see themselves as capable of getting things done, and consider themselves part of a larger human family. They also, she says, see life through a redemptive lens, focusing on the good that comes out of the bad. These things make the difference. ‘Heroes,’ Svoboda writes, ‘are mostly regular people who harness their desire to care for others and make an extraordinary commitment to reach out to them.”

So it seems that we feel better when we are helping others. And when we work together we are more likely to be successful. I knew that. But they say it so much better.

And don’t forget to help yourself, too. Step out and learn something new. Go visit a place you’ve never been (even a local store). Expand. And I don’t mean by going to the Pizza Hut buffet.

You can work on your writing skills by attending the Writing Workshop on Sept. 20 at the Guymon Public Library. Teaching is published author Deborah Elliott-Upton. It goes from 9 – 3 pm, with registration at 8.30 am and the cost is $55 per person, which includes lunch. Go there and get the nerve to write your memories down for your grandkids. Go there and get the nerve to start that book you’ve always wanted to write. Go there and have some fun learning something new.

You can get support at the Dementia Support Group on Saturday, Sept. 20, if someone you love is suffering from this disease. They meet from 4 – 5 pm at the Main Street Guymon office, 116 NE 5^th Street. Dorothy Countryman is the leader.

You can attend the Healthy Moment at the Noble Center in Goodwell on Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5 – 6 pm. You can learn who wins the $100 drawing! You can also learn why the goat milk soap is so good for your skin.

You can learn Zentangle on Saturday, Sept. 27, at The Studio, 209 N Roosevelt, in Guymon. This is a lovely type of art that anyone can learn. Check it out. The class costs $5 and you can call Denise Gebara at 806-339-4851 for more information.

And, remember, you can do anything, but not everything.

See you on the bricks!

“It’s time for the younger ones to step up.” I really get tired of hearing that. Seems to me that most often when the “younger ones” have offered to help, we old ones get all condescending to them and tell them to go off and play and probably make some snide comment about their cell phones or something.

So why would they come back to help? Only if they like to be used and abused by critical folks that insist on things always being the same, I’m thinking.

There are lazy folks in all age groups. I’m sort of tending towards that myself these days. But, lazy butts aside, I’ve found the kids to be a real joy to work with. And they have lots of energy so when I am running on empty energy, they just keep things moving. And they often have a decent outlook on life unless you start criticizing them. Give them a deserved compliment and watch how easy they are to work with, as a rule.

Cassi Jo Schriefer had called three different places and offered to volunteer. They all acted like she was an imposition. Then she came to Main Street Guymon. Katy bar the door, I’ll find stuff for this lady to do!

What she really wanted to do was start a mentoring program for junior high aged girls. She and I and Teri Mora found nine fabulous young girls to be mentors. What I’m saying is that the junior high girls who get them are some lucky young ladies. This week we went to the junior high and talked to some of the girls. What fun.

Six girls had turned in their permission slips the next day. Three more the next day. And the count goes up. I don’t know who is more excited … the mentors or the mentees. If you give the kids a chance, they can just bless your life over and over again. I love seeing these mentors, I love seeing their enthusiasm and their smiles.

Ashlee Ortiz is probably just a normal type girl. And I really hope she doesn’t mind me sharing this. She’s college aged and a Guymon girl. Recently I have had the opportunity to have a couple of email conversations with her and I am so impressed. Ashlee read about the mentoring program and wondered if she could be a part. She asked about the program.

“The mentors just want to be able to five a positive influence for the girls, help them with their homework if they need it, listen to them if they want it, and to give a few more opportunities like going to the community play. The actual mission the mentors came up with is to help instill in the young girls a sense of worth.” That is part of what I responded to Ashlee.

“I inquired because it seems like a great idea,” she wrote back. “I wish that I had someone to ask these kinds of questions to when I was their age (neither of my parents attended college and I was the first child in my family to pursue higher education). I’m also interested in tutoring and things similar to that, because it’s something I’ve done for peers in the past. I’m a highly adamant, body – positive advocate. Promoting self – esteem and confidence in young women is something I’m sincerely passionate about. I’m not sure how much money I could invest in activities with the girls, but time is something I can give. If you are interested in including me as one of your mentors, I would be excited to learn more about it and become involved.”

Ashlee seems to have so many qualities a good mentor should have. As do the other ladies who have committed to this project. I am sure their mothers can tell you some of their failings … but can’t all of our mothers? And I’m laughing as I think of what my mom could tell.

These are all young girls around the age of 20 – 29 or so doing the mentor program, Cassie’s Kids. You can’t tell me that our kids are all going to pot these days. I see some fabulous ones that really care here in my office.

Am I lucky, or what? To have a job that includes working with people like this. It’s wonderful. So try giving some of the youngsters a chance. See how they want to do things. It can be pleasantly surprising! Cassi Jo Schriefer has taken this project from the first and carried it through.

Cassi Jo, you’re an awesome young woman and I relish watching what all you accomplish.

Just had to share these blessings with you.

See you on the bricks!

Stereotyping is not always a good thing. But so often it seems so accurate. And sometimes it’s funny … as long as you’re not the one being stereotyped, maybe.

Well, I’ve got a little stereotyping going through my head.

Seems to me that if you’re White and from the South you consider yourself related to the most random people.

You know John Doe? “Yeah, I’m related to him. He’s my cousin’s ex-wife’s cousin’s brother-in-law.”

Back in Colorado my family would be more apt to answer, “No, don’t know him.”

It’s a strange thing, this difference in outlooks. But then families can be very strange, too. It’s been proven that every family tree produces some lemons, some nuts, and a few bad apples.

I think you find those bad apples when someone in the family dies. They might have been sort of hidden in the basket until then … and then POP the stench comes out. Shew. Stay away from those folks because if someone treats their family poorly, they are likely to treat you that way, too. That’s just my opinion. I didn’t read that. But I’ve watched it a few times.

Someone once said (and I know that because I read it), “My family is temperamental. Half temper. Half mental.”

Consider this saying, “Dare to Be” whenever your strange temperamental family is causing you a little angst:

“When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

“When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

“When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

“When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

“When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

“When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.”

“When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

“When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

“When love hurts you, dare to love again.

“When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

“When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

“When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

“When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

“When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

“When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

“Dare to be the best you can –

“At all times, dare to be!”

By Steve Maraboli, “Life, the Truth, and Being Free”

And always be supportive of your community. Here are a few happenings you might be interested in:

• Carnival for a Cure is Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Guymon High School in the afternoon. This is a location change, so note that.
• Lymphing for Lori is a memorial 5K run held on the same Saturday morning at 8 am, meeting at the Girl Scout Hut (north of the Texas County Activity Center).
• Friends of the Y Sip and fit is on Sept. 19.
• Pink Heals Poker Run is Sept. 20.
• Guymon Fiesta is Sept. 21.

There are a lot of fun things going on that you can take part in!

See you on the bricks.

Let’s quit wasting time. September is a beautiful month to accomplish things. So set your one thing that you have been wanting to get done for ages and go do it.

I always drive by my friend Jacqueline’s house everyday and I always think, “I need to stop by and visit for a bit.” And I never do. This month that is going to get done. I will enjoy it. I would like to think she will enjoy it. And so it’s time to quit messing around and just do it.

Wanting to support kids working towards a good cause? Come out to the street in front of Main Street Guymon on Sat., Sept. 13th and attend the Carnival for a Cure. It’s an event done by the Guymon High School Student Council and the proceeds to go Relay for Life, Panhandle Partners, Guardian of the Ribbon, and WigOut. It’s a fun moment for a good reason.

The day before that, Sept. 12, is a clinic on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), those kids whose parents brought them to the United States from another country without proper documentation. The clinic is at St. Stephen’s Pioneer Hall, 1803 N Lelia, but not sure of the time.

And maybe if you’re tough you should make sure you’re at the jalapeno eating contest at OPSU on Sept. 15 at 12:15 pm in the Student Union. Could be interesting. I’m wondering if the prize is Pepto Bismal.

On Sept. 13 is an OPSU Football game against Oklahoma Baptist University in Goodwell at 2 pm.

That same morning of the 13th is the Lymphing for Lori Super Hero 5K and Fun Race (one mile, for the extra mile) at 9 am starting at the Girl Scout Building at the north entrance to Thompson Park. Registration starts at 8 am and this is a benefit for lymphoma research and scholarships, all in memory of Lori Underwood.

Thinking about having something in memory of a young person like Lori should really make us consider how lucky we are. We woke up today. We can call our friend and talk. We can dread going Christmas shopping. We have all those things that Lori doesn’t have any more. Appreciate what you have.

There are a few other things to mark on the calendar such as the Friends of the Y Sip and Fit Wine Tasting on Sept. 19. That’s if you’re more than 21 years of age.

There is a Writer’s Workshop if you’ve wanted to try your hand with the pen on Sept. 20. And that day is also the Pink Heals Poker Run. And on Sept. 21 is the Guymon Fiesta. Now that is great fun. Plan to be there for a good time.

And as you know that you have the chance to be there with friends and family, think about the words that John Burroughs said, “I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.”

Think about them and then go do one of them. Quit wasting time.

And if you don’t’ have enough things to ponder, tell me why they call it rush hour when nothing is moving.

Another thought … if you’ve always wanted to look thin, hang around me. Everyone looks thin when standing next to me!

See you on the bricks!

It was a Saturday and I came in early because of the Farmers Market. I love going to the market. I don’t love getting up early and getting ready to go to work for it, though. Then there were a couple of meetings. Those went well. At that point I got to go home.

An invitation to an evening at the Willows for a senior piano recital sat there staring at me on the table at home. I really should go because the person it was for has been a great Main Street volunteer. My lazy self really wanted to stay at home though and not add that 40 miles to my day, grunge around in my nightgown and sort of act like a sloth.

But I went.

There we sat out on the lawn and the weather was wonderful. The music was beautiful. The people were friendly. The food was good. I met some people I had not met before. And I liked them.

I was one of the last four to leave this event that I really considered skipping.

We shouldn’t skip things out of laziness. Often those we aren’t really excited about turn out to be wonderful. My evening was fun and enjoyable. I smiled the whole way home.

Thank you for inviting me, Deirdre Harbison. You play the piano like a dream. And your choice of the Willows backyard for your recital was heavenly.

What opportunities have you missed lately because you listened to the lazy / negative part of you? Be careful.

And on those days you’re feeling a little tacky and hateful, remember what Charlie Chaplin said, “You’ll find that life is still worthwhile, if you just smile.”

Speaking of smiles, today there was a conversation going in my office about Hal and Pat Clark, owner of Clarks Auto Ranch. Actually the conversation was about being a woman and feeling like car salesmen try to pull one over on women. But then the comment came, “But I trust Hal Clark.”

What followed was a story about Hal when this 55 year old lady was really young and bought her first car. She remembered exactly what Hal said to her, because it made her feel so good.

And then someone added how sweet and nice Pat always was when you went in the business. The Hal and Pat stories brought smiles.

A person can’t help but hope when we’re not in the room people talk about us the way they talk about Hal and Pat. I’m pretty sure that’s not the case with me. Probably ought to work on that patience thing a little more. Might ought to try to keep my mouth shut, too. I do realize that everyone isn’t interested in my opinion, I just seem to remember it when I’m alone.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

We don’t have to be rocket scientists or Nobel Peace Prize winners. We need to work when we’re supposed to, be dependable, speak nice, and encourage others. Sounds easy, but it doesn’t seem to be so. No excuse not to continually try to achieve those actions.

And don’t forget to have fun, don’t continually miss those opportunities.

Here are a few opportunities coming up to mark on your to – do list:

• Farmers Market on Saturday mornings at 8 am. Bring your smiles because it is a happy place to be!
• Go to the country and western dance with the live music of Cottonwood on Aug. 30 at No Man’s Land Center, 15th and East Street. It’s exercise and fun.
• Ever wanted to learn how to do ceramics? Visit the Merry Makers Ceramic Club on Sept. 3 at the Main Street Guymon office from 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
• Panhandle Cowboy Classic Ranch Rodeo at Hitch Arena on Sept. 5 and 6, beginning at 7 pm. Not sure about the cost to get in. But I heard this is going to be huge! Rumor has it there are 22 teams registered.
• Hooker Car Show on Sept. 6 from 9 am to 4 pm, downtown Hooker.
• That same evening of Sept. 6 is the Firefighters Ball. It’s a fancy dress up occasion and I have tickets for sale here at the office.
• Zentangle class at The Studio, 209 N Roosevelt, on Sept. 27 is worthy of all you creative people putting it on your calendar. Class starts at 2 pm.
• Archaeology Presentation on Oct. 25 at the Guymon Public Library starting at 2 pm. Presenter is Dr. Marjy Duncan of the Oklahoma Archeological Survey and is about the Two Sisters Site, an Antelope Creek plains village.

Lots of fun things happening.

Hope to see you there!

So much has happened since I last bored you with my newest opinions.

Azuma: An African Celebration was held and I thought it was wonderful. Learning new things and meeting new people just beats all. Certainly better than sitting at home thinking negative thoughts.

JuliAnn Graham at Tri-County Electric wrote a story that ran in the Oklahoma Living magazine. That really did some great things for Azuma. One couple I met came in from Shawnee, Okla., to see the festival. I got another phone call from some on the following Monday who said she lived three hours away that wanted to know how it went and wondered if we would be having it next year, so she could come.

Then there was the reporter from the Tulsa magazine who came for the festival. She was great. She heard about Azuma at the Oklahoma Main Street Awards Banquet and came out. She came out early and helped our Ethiopian cooks make the food. I can hardly wait to read her story because she knows aspects of the festival that I have no clue about. How fun is that going to be?

Lots of good things happen when you work together. You know, the harder you work, the luckier you get.

Oklahoma Main Street had a mandatory training for Main Street folks. It was on fund raising. That is not one of my strongholds. But there was a comment in the class that really struck me hard: “Do you do your fund – raising by inspiration or desperation?” There is some heavy thinking in that one.

They also reported that Baby Boomers (aged 46 to 64 years) give 43% of all giving. That makes sense. There are more of them than the over 64 years + and they have more money than the ones younger. But are we doing our youth justice and teaching them about the joys of giving? I hope you are. I try.

There was also a new word explained for me. You know when a person volunteers … well, if you voluntold, then you volunteered because you were told to. Nothing wrong with that, I’m saying. Or, I mean, I’m told.

Remember, give a little change. Change a lot.

This week is an autograph signing by Sara Richter for the new Guymon History Book. That takes place Thur., Aug. 21, 5 pm in the Main Street Guymon office, 116 NE 5th Street. Same day, same time is the reception at OPSU on the grounds by the bell tower for the OPSU Rodeo Team. Both great things to go to. Yee haw.

Then on Fri., is the Kick Butts 5K Glow Run / Walk, a benefit for Panhandle Partners. It is planned and put on by Dylan Portillo, a Guymon High School sophomore as part of his Main Street Transformer program. See, we try. That all happens after dark. I hope I can stay awake to do my registration duties.

Coffee. That will have to be part of the evening.

Did you know when scientists fed bees nectar containing caffeine, which occurs naturally in coffee plant flowers, the bees were three times more likely to remember a flower’s scent than those that received sugar instead.

Well, that makes sense. But how did they ask the bees what they remembered? So, bee number 4284, on a scale of one to 10, 10 being more intense …..

It’s a good week and I hope part of your week is on the bricks!

Recently I have been thrown in with some really awesome and wonderful people who are just trying to do good things. I love them for it.

But there have been a few pissants in the mix that really kind of make your brow furrow and your nose crinkle up like there is a bad smell in the room.

I had some wise words spoken within my hearing (at a Bible study) when I was young … newly married and with three little babies. An old lady from the community was there. She was nice. Always nice. And we all knew that her husband had been an alcoholic for many years, they had started out really poor, and so her life had some real ups and downs. She said at the study “I just try to do what is right.” I have no recollection of the rest of the study, but that is in my mind like I heard it yesterday. I hope most days I remember to live by those words.

There are the kind of people that just get things done because it is the right thing to do. You might not agree with them that it is the right thing, but there is no doubt that they are doers. They usually want to get something done, to accomplish something. Then there are those who want to get credit, to be in the limelight. They have a different motive, one to feed their ego.

There are those standing in front trying to look important. They are usually talking loud. Those getting things done are often in the background, working up a sweat. I like the sweaty ones.

Then there are those who like to talk negative about others, thinking that they are building themselves up by tearing others down. They need to realize they are doing quite the opposite. Working together rather than talking about one another is so much more effective.

And then there are cautious people and there are lazy people. Cautious folks sometimes keep people like me out of trouble, so I don’t have a problem with them. Lazy people are just tiresome. I resent the oxygen they use up. I cannot do nearly what I could 20 years ago, but I can still get something done in a day. And I would rather do something than regret not doing anything.

And there are those that tell you they are honest while they are talking through the side of their mouth trying to manipulate you. Do they not realize eventually you get their number and you just avoid them? If you say you will do something, do it. Period. It’s a lie when you say you will and you are planning to not do it. Liars aren’t to be trusted. And this is a place I fail. I should stand by my word better.

But the majority of the people I work with are honesty, full of integrity, just trying to do what is right with the time they have available, they love their family, they work hard at their job, and they are positive about their community. They might be lazy once in awhile, but on the normal day they get a full days work done. They appreciate what is theirs and the opportunities they have been given in this life.

They are good partners. They care. Those folks in my life this month include Jada Breeden and Earl Helm. What troopers! They have done fabulous and wonderful things for the community in bringing the professional bull riding. Jada does so much on so many events, almost daily ones. I am in constant awe of her work!

Teri Mora and her work with the Upward Bound and Alma kids is unbelievable. I loved the dance performance last Saturday and all that they have accomplished. I love that she went to school to help one girl enroll that didn’t have a parent to go with her. Teri Mora is always giving and giving. She doesn’t seem to need sleep, either! Now that I find crazy. But it seems to work for her.

Dorothy Countryman goes past her sadness at missing Doc and makes our world a better place. She helps me all the time. She is always there for those who need a shoulder or an ear. She is such a lovely person and she only does it because it’s the right thing to do.

Vonda Wilkins, Soila Medina, and Nathalie Perez are some of the grandest Main Street volunteers that ever took a breath. They understand what the goal is, to help the community, and they work towards that. They know that we need to work to help our business members, we need to offer what the community needs and wants. They work towards that goal. And my poor treasurer, Elgie Davis, just smiles while I hand her a folder of my scratching and she just does that stuff with the numbers. I love them all.

Recently Shawna Portillo has been working with her son on a 5K run that takes place Aug. 22. Wow, they are a pair to be reckoned with. I admire so much about Shawna. We who get to work with the Portillos are so lucky.

That was last week. I wonder what awesome and wonderful people I’ll meet next week!

Don’t forget Azuma: An African Celebration is on Sunday, Aug. 8, starting at 4 pm at 5th and Main. There are some folks going to be there sharing their culture from Africa. It is beautiful and it is wonderful they want to share. And I need to thank Seaboard Foods and the following churches for helping financially with the festival; Panhandle Bible Center, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Victory Memorial United Methodist Church, and First Presbyterian Church. Thank you so much and may God’s blessings rain on you for your kindness.

See you on the bricks. It’s a fine time to be there.

There are some weeks that go by and you just sit back and say, “wow.” Thank goodness this one is almost over. I can only take so many wows.

Monday night John Board spoke at our first Wit and Wisdom Evening. It is a casual, great catered meal, with one speaker. Our chosen first speaker was John Board. And I have to say, the committee chose well. He entertained and made us thought with the topics of his short talk. We laughed and we thought. And at the end one of the people at my table commented how much they had enjoyed the evening.

First, you can’t go wrong when you have Virgil Gibson catering. Even if you weren’t impressed with the fabulous meal, once you got the puffed pastry with strawberries, chocolate sauce and whipped cream, you would have been happy as a sugared lark. And, no, I have no idea what a sugared lark is, but I’m imagining it’s very happy.

The company was great. Dick Jackson, Bob and Phyllis Anderson, Dave and Sharon Petty, Sara Richter, Dean Kear, and all were just good company. Four of the Alma and Upward Bound kids were there to help by setting up, cleaning up, and serving. They also got to enjoy the meal and hearing John speak.

There is something right about the kids hearing the community elders talk. I felt good about being a part of it.

And it raised funds for Main Street Guymon programs.

Helpful and good. Awesome. A great way to start the week.

Then on Tuesday we filmed the August On the Bricks TV Show with PTCI. I had some great people there for the taping including Dylan Portillo and his family, Kayla McCarter who is such a dedicated Main Street volunteer, Jennie Watkins, and Reyna Ochoa and Jaime Guerrero. They sat there while I interviewed the first person, Fidel Lual. Oh my. Fidel is such a kind and giving man who has had a harsh life that none of us can even comprehend. But through all those hard time as a Lost Boy of Sudan, leaving his family at age 11, living in refugee camps, terrible hardships, finally coming to America and having to learn so many new things (like running water as an example), today he is happy and the father of two kids and the husband to a beautiful lady.

And Fidel softly answers questions about his history and then about how he appreciates where he is and what has been done for him. He thanks his employers for his good job and he tells everyone thank you for coming to the Azuma festival last year and letting this share part of their African culture with us.

And Fidel is there to invite everyone to Azuma this year on Aug. 10.

As he finished talking, I looked at the faces in the room and I could see the admiration in everyone’s countenance. Fidel is one of those people that you know God has blessed you just in being able to know him. Oh, I’m sure he’s not perfect and I bet his wife gets irritated at him and someday he will embarrass his children. That’s just a given. But Fidel is exceptional. I hope you get to meet him. You, too, will be blessed if you do.

Then we had another fund raiser, a drawing, that finished on Tuesday. That was for 10 meals at either / or Urban Bru or the Pub on the Bricks. We made over $600 for Main Street and we got to promote two of our Main Street members. How good is that?

But once again Main Street volunteers stepped up and sold tickets. And they did it with a grin. I thought Jezebel DeLaGarza – Muniz was going to hurt my ear when I told her the winner – because she had SOLD the ticket to Eloy Montanez! Now that’s funny. She was so happy because one of her ticket buyers won. What a hoot. I think Eloy was happy, too!

All these people working together to make things happen in our community. I love it. Oh, and John Board even insisted on paying for his meal. What a guy.

I love the people of this area. They’re the best.

And I appreciate all of you that help, that participate, and those that have positive attitudes. But most of all I appreciate Fidel because he reminds me of all the things that I have to be happy about.

And I am so thankful that I get to work at the PBR on Saturday. I think if I keep saying it, by Saturday I really will be!

See your happy face on the bricks!