Upon returning to my high-tech, urban area after a trip to Oklhahoma, I mentioned it to few people. Several implied that there's nothing there.
Not true. Oklahoma City is a huge city with the largest exhibit of Chihuly's glass sculptures and many more fascinating or beautiful options. We so easily and unconsciously entertain stereotyped ideas of other places. We have much to learn from other places, including Oklahoma.
Also few days after returning, on a visit to a grocery store, I pulled a cart out of its line-up and started turning around. A man, targeted like a missile, just missed me as he flew out of the store with his grocery treasures at 8 AM. An older man come out behind him drawled, "Why you all set on going nowhere so fast for nothing?"
Oklahoma's relaxed pace was a balm. People aren't in a rush. They speak slower and I love the drawl. A waitress where I bought a full but cheap breakfast (eggs, meat, biscuit and gravy) took time to smile and chat with me.
I've been back three weeks and I'm striving to no lapsing into the California rush. I remind myself often that accomplishing my list isn't what gives me worth, security or joy. I gaze at long-stemmed Easter lilies in my garden or the six feet tall shrub ablaze with crimson-pink blossoms. And I smell the roses.
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