What is it about autumn
that brings back memories
of childhood joys and tears?
Is it something in the air
that causes me to miss
those carefree days
in Blackwell, Oklahoma,
when to Sunday School
or The Lake
with Grandma and Grandpa?
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Showing posts with label Blackwell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blackwell. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Memories of my Mother
Jamál (Beauty), 19 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 173 BE - Sunday, March 19, 2017 CE about 12:32 PM Pacific Daylight Time
My mother was born 96 years ago today on a farm in Oklahoma. Mom grew up in a farming community.
She met and married my father sometime during World War II. Dad was
stationed at Nellis in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Mom worked at a maid at
the county hospital here in Las Vegas. The hospital she worked at is now
University Medical Center located on West Charleston Avenue.
After
my parents divorce Mom worked as a waitress at Bob's Grill in
Blackwell, Oklahoma. We lived in a house on West College in Blackwell
and I attended the grade school just down the street from where we
lived. In Blackwell, we attended both the First Southern Baptist Church and the First Southern Baptist
mission, which was located in the Smelter Heights. Eventually we moved
to Shawnee, Oklahoma, where I graduated from high school.
We eventually moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. In Las Vegas, Mom worked at the Showboat Hotel Casino as a waitress in the
coffee shop and later in the employees dining room. It was in Las Vegas
that Mom and I heard about the Baha'I Faith and declared our belief in
Baha'u'llah. Mom ascended into the Abha Kingdom on February 29, 2012.
Sunday, September 04, 2016
Morning Exercise
Jamál (Beauty), 17 Asmá’(Names), 173 BE - Sunday, September 4, 2016 AD about 9:44 AM Pacific Daylight Time
I took a walk down memory lane today
Back to Blackwell May
Of 1955.
That was the year when a F5 tornado
Destroyed half the town,
I remember walking around
Through dabre
That just the day before
Were houses and business
That held happy people.
I no longer live in Tornado Alley,
But the memories
Still surface.
Saturday, July 04, 2015
Independence Day Memories: A Poem
Jalal (Glory), 11 Raḥmat (Mercy), 172 BE - Saturday, July 4, 2015 about 12:53 pm Pacific Daylight Time
We always celebrated Independence day
around water.
Grandpa either drove us
to Lake Carl Blackwell
or to The Lake,
outside of Blackwell, Oklahoma.
The sights and sounds
of exploding cherry bombs
and Roman candles
decorate memories of my childhood.
Each time I see
a fireworks display
because the patriotic colors
bring back fond memories.
We always celebrated Independence day
around water.
Grandpa either drove us
to Lake Carl Blackwell
or to The Lake,
outside of Blackwell, Oklahoma.
The sights and sounds
of exploding cherry bombs
and Roman candles
decorate memories of my childhood.
Each time I see
a fireworks display
because the patriotic colors
bring back fond memories.
Sunday, February 08, 2015
Spiritual Sunday: A Beautiful Sunday Afternoon
Jamal (Beauty), 2 Mulk (Dominion), 171 BE - Sunday, February 8, 2015 about 12:13 pm Pacific Standard Time
It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Las Vegas. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the sky is a cloudless blue. It sort of reminds me of Sunday in Oklahoma. I remember when Grandpa Frank and Grandma Mary took us to church on Sunday morning and then in the afternoon we would play outdoors. Grandma always fixed fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed peas or spinach, and homemade apple or cherry pie with ice cream for desert. I loved Grandma's creamed spinach and homemade pies.
I remember that on Sunday morning we would attend Sunday school classes and then church services. I enjoyed singing in the choir. Grandpa Frank always smiled when he saw one of my siblings or me singing. This morning, I was on YouTube listening to different renditions of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". The memory of singing that song came back and I had to smile because I know that my singing voice could never do justice to it, but I like to sing it anyway. I always sing it enthusiastically, which may have been one of the reason I made the choir.
I have not been back to Blackwell, Oklahoma since I left years ago. I used to want to go back and visit, but now I am not sure. I would compare the city the way it is now with the way I remember it. I know if I did that I would be disappointed because the city, like myself, has changed. I am 68 years old and I no longer practice the same religion I did when I was in Blackwell. I still enjoy hearing the songs I sang in church, but I am no longer Southern Baptist.
It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon here in Las Vegas. The birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the sky is a cloudless blue. It sort of reminds me of Sunday in Oklahoma. I remember when Grandpa Frank and Grandma Mary took us to church on Sunday morning and then in the afternoon we would play outdoors. Grandma always fixed fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed peas or spinach, and homemade apple or cherry pie with ice cream for desert. I loved Grandma's creamed spinach and homemade pies.
I remember that on Sunday morning we would attend Sunday school classes and then church services. I enjoyed singing in the choir. Grandpa Frank always smiled when he saw one of my siblings or me singing. This morning, I was on YouTube listening to different renditions of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". The memory of singing that song came back and I had to smile because I know that my singing voice could never do justice to it, but I like to sing it anyway. I always sing it enthusiastically, which may have been one of the reason I made the choir.
I have not been back to Blackwell, Oklahoma since I left years ago. I used to want to go back and visit, but now I am not sure. I would compare the city the way it is now with the way I remember it. I know if I did that I would be disappointed because the city, like myself, has changed. I am 68 years old and I no longer practice the same religion I did when I was in Blackwell. I still enjoy hearing the songs I sang in church, but I am no longer Southern Baptist.
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Spiritual Sunday: Why do I title Sunday entries Spiritual Sunday?
Jamal (Beauty), 7 Sulṭán (Sovereignty), 171 BE - Sunday, January 25, 2015 about 11:06 am Pacific Standard Time
Spiritual Sunday is a leftover from my childhood. Every Sunday Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank would take us to church where we attended Sunday School. The church my grandparents attended was the First Southern Baptist Mission located in the Smelter Heights in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Every Sunday morning we would put on our best clothes, usually the new Easter dresses Mom or Grandpa bought us, and go to church.
At church we would listen to the preacher, singing in the choir, and attend Sunday school classes. In the classes we would learn Bible verses and hear stories take from the King James version of the Bible. Perhaps this is why today I prefer to read the King James version or translation of the Christian scriptures. In the Sunday school classes I remember memorizing the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. I am sure we learned other scripture verses, but those are the only ones I remember today.
As I grew up, I began to realize that the spiritual feeling I got from "going to church" should be carried over the other six days of the week. I also began to realize that this did not always happen. Sometimes I did not feel the Sunday spirit carried over to the other six days. Sometimes I witnessed the way the people in church acted when they were not attending church services. As I grew up I began to understand that neither of these things should have an effect on the way I live my life. That I should live my live, no matter how other people live their lives, according to the scriptures, which meant treating everyone equally and as member of my family.
I will continue to title Sunday entries Spiritual Sunday. Sometimes the entries will be meditations on scripture verses from various scriptures. Sometimes I will write a prayer or supplication in the form of a poem or prose entry. Sometimes I will write about something that I encountered during the week which caused me to think about a scripture verse.
Spiritual Sunday is a leftover from my childhood. Every Sunday Grandma Mary and Grandpa Frank would take us to church where we attended Sunday School. The church my grandparents attended was the First Southern Baptist Mission located in the Smelter Heights in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Every Sunday morning we would put on our best clothes, usually the new Easter dresses Mom or Grandpa bought us, and go to church.
At church we would listen to the preacher, singing in the choir, and attend Sunday school classes. In the classes we would learn Bible verses and hear stories take from the King James version of the Bible. Perhaps this is why today I prefer to read the King James version or translation of the Christian scriptures. In the Sunday school classes I remember memorizing the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. I am sure we learned other scripture verses, but those are the only ones I remember today.
As I grew up, I began to realize that the spiritual feeling I got from "going to church" should be carried over the other six days of the week. I also began to realize that this did not always happen. Sometimes I did not feel the Sunday spirit carried over to the other six days. Sometimes I witnessed the way the people in church acted when they were not attending church services. As I grew up I began to understand that neither of these things should have an effect on the way I live my life. That I should live my live, no matter how other people live their lives, according to the scriptures, which meant treating everyone equally and as member of my family.
I will continue to title Sunday entries Spiritual Sunday. Sometimes the entries will be meditations on scripture verses from various scriptures. Sometimes I will write a prayer or supplication in the form of a poem or prose entry. Sometimes I will write about something that I encountered during the week which caused me to think about a scripture verse.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Meditation Monday: Be Still
Kamál (Perfection), 15 Jamál (Beauty), 171 BE - Monday, May 12, 2014 about 2:25 pm Pacific Standard Time
It is beautiful Monday here in Las Vegas. I woke up when the alarm went off this morning and pressed the snooze button because I stayed up later then normal last night. After pressing the snooze button a couple of time I finally got up, took my first morning medication, put the dishes away that I washed last night, and made a carafe of coffee. I could not think of an entry for today's theme, so I did some other work on-line before fixing myself something to eat. After eating, meditating, and I think a short nap, I turned the computer back on to do some more work.
As I was waiting for the computer to boot, the verse from Psalms 46 popped into my mind. The only part of the verse I could remember was "Be still, and know that I am God;" I could not even remember in which book it was located. I found several different translations, but chose the King James because that is the version I prefer to read. Every time I read it, I remember growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and going to Vacation Bible School and memorizing this verse.
Exhale
Silence surrounds the peaceful mind
Tranquility comforts the lover of God
In stillness and silence my soul
Listens for the music of the spheres
Listens for the whispers of faith
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalms 46:10 The King James Bible
It is beautiful Monday here in Las Vegas. I woke up when the alarm went off this morning and pressed the snooze button because I stayed up later then normal last night. After pressing the snooze button a couple of time I finally got up, took my first morning medication, put the dishes away that I washed last night, and made a carafe of coffee. I could not think of an entry for today's theme, so I did some other work on-line before fixing myself something to eat. After eating, meditating, and I think a short nap, I turned the computer back on to do some more work.
As I was waiting for the computer to boot, the verse from Psalms 46 popped into my mind. The only part of the verse I could remember was "Be still, and know that I am God;" I could not even remember in which book it was located. I found several different translations, but chose the King James because that is the version I prefer to read. Every time I read it, I remember growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, and going to Vacation Bible School and memorizing this verse.
Meditation Poem
Breath inExhale
Silence surrounds the peaceful mind
Tranquility comforts the lover of God
In stillness and silence my soul
Listens for the music of the spheres
Listens for the whispers of faith
Monday, May 14, 2012
Monday Meditation: Washing Dishes by Hand in Las Vegas
Kamál (Perfection), 17 Jamál (Beauty), 169 BE – Monday, May
14, 2012 about 10:40 AM Pacific Time
There is nothing like washing dishes by hand to focus my
mind on the moment. The feel of the hot soapy water on my bare hands is an
invigorating experience. I have to scrub clean each dish and then rinse each
bowl, cup, plate, or fork. After that, I place them on the drying rack. Through
out this process, my mind remains focused on the utensil and nothing else.
After finishing the dishes, I look out my kitchen window.
The play of light and shadow appear fresh. The white, pink, and red oleanders
seem to glisten in the morning sun. Today, the neighbor’s cat did not walk
across the backyard or along the top of fence. However, the birds were singing
and the sunshine seemed brighter then usual, perhaps my imagination or just the
feeling I get after focusing on one thing for five or ten minutes.
I do not know how long it took me to wash the dish this
morning. I did not look at the clock on the microwave. I focused exclusively on
getting the dishes clean. Now I know how my Grandmother felt when she washed
dishes in the kitchen sink in Blackwell ,
Oklahoma
Friday, February 10, 2012
Family History Friday: Grocery Shopping with my Grandparents
I remember going grocery shopping with Grandma and Grandpa. My grandparents went grocery shopping once a week. On Friday, Grandma would make the shopping list and then on Saturday, when Grandpa was off, they would go to the “grocery store”.
On Saturday, morning Grandma would get up and make breakfast. After breakfast, she and Grandpa would go grocery shopping. They always went to Safeway in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I can’t remember for sure, but I think Safeway was the only grocery store in Blackwell at that time. There was another privately owned market in Blackwell, but Safeway (I think) was the only supermarket in town.
When they arrived at the grocery store, Grandpa would push the shopping cart while Grandma picked the items from the shelves and put them into the cart. They would start at one side of the store and go up and down every isle until they had bought every item on Grandma’s shopping list. Since Grandma always wrote a complete list, they didn’t have to buy anything that wasn’t on the list.
The only exception my grandparents ever made was when one or more of their grandchildren went with them. Grandpa always bought something for the kids, even if it wasn’t on the list.
On Saturday, morning Grandma would get up and make breakfast. After breakfast, she and Grandpa would go grocery shopping. They always went to Safeway in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I can’t remember for sure, but I think Safeway was the only grocery store in Blackwell at that time. There was another privately owned market in Blackwell, but Safeway (I think) was the only supermarket in town.
When they arrived at the grocery store, Grandpa would push the shopping cart while Grandma picked the items from the shelves and put them into the cart. They would start at one side of the store and go up and down every isle until they had bought every item on Grandma’s shopping list. Since Grandma always wrote a complete list, they didn’t have to buy anything that wasn’t on the list.
The only exception my grandparents ever made was when one or more of their grandchildren went with them. Grandpa always bought something for the kids, even if it wasn’t on the list.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
One Week until Christmas Day and another week until New Year’s Day
Jamál (Beauty), 7 Masá’il (Questions), 168 BE – Sunday, December 18, 2011 about 3:50 PM Pacific Time
I no longer celebrate Christmas. Christmas Eve is my birthday and Christmas day brings back memories of my childhood in Blackwell, Oklahoma. My Grandmother Newland enjoyed Christmas because she could do one of her favorite things. Grandma enjoyed cooking and baking. Every year at this time, she would bake pies, cakes, and cookies.
Grandma began baking a few days before Thanksgiving and continued until after New Year’s Day. In addition to baking, Grandma fixed turkey, ham, and everything else that went along with the holidays. In addition, Grandma cleaned house. Grandma did a through how cleaning twice a year, once in the spring and again before the New Year.
The holiday season was a busy time for Grandma. For several years, she planned and cooked the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s dinners, while she was cleaning the house for the New Year. Thinking about it make me tired, because I am not sure I can do all the things she did.
Where do I begin writing about my Grandmother’s Christmas and New Year’s rituals? I suppose I should begin with her cooking, especially her pumpkin and apple pies. For years, Grandma made her own pastries for the holidays. I cannot bake pies like my Grandmother, I can cook many of the other dishes she made, but not the pies; therefore, when I want a pie I buy it in the store. Grandma Newland also made her own whipped cream.
I no longer celebrate Christmas. Christmas Eve is my birthday and Christmas day brings back memories of my childhood in Blackwell, Oklahoma. My Grandmother Newland enjoyed Christmas because she could do one of her favorite things. Grandma enjoyed cooking and baking. Every year at this time, she would bake pies, cakes, and cookies.
Grandma began baking a few days before Thanksgiving and continued until after New Year’s Day. In addition to baking, Grandma fixed turkey, ham, and everything else that went along with the holidays. In addition, Grandma cleaned house. Grandma did a through how cleaning twice a year, once in the spring and again before the New Year.
The holiday season was a busy time for Grandma. For several years, she planned and cooked the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s dinners, while she was cleaning the house for the New Year. Thinking about it make me tired, because I am not sure I can do all the things she did.
Where do I begin writing about my Grandmother’s Christmas and New Year’s rituals? I suppose I should begin with her cooking, especially her pumpkin and apple pies. For years, Grandma made her own pastries for the holidays. I cannot bake pies like my Grandmother, I can cook many of the other dishes she made, but not the pies; therefore, when I want a pie I buy it in the store. Grandma Newland also made her own whipped cream.
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Tomorrow is America’s Birthday
Jamál (Beauty), 10 Rahmat (Mercy), 167 BE – Sunday, July 3, 2011 about 3:55 PM Pacific Time
For the past couple of nights, someone has set off firecrackers. This happens in this neighborhood every year around this time. Someone begins celebrating America’s Birthday two or three days early. I do not mind hearing the firecrackers because their sound brings back memories of my childhood.
I remember celebrating the Fourth of July in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Someone always wanted to begin the celebration a few days early. It was not a big deal at the time firecrackers were noisy and scary. On the night of the Fourth, we celebrated to occasion at Lake Blackwell where we barbequed during the day and set off fireworks at night. Grandpa always watched us and made sure we were safe.
A few times, we went to Lake Carl Blackwell for the Fourth, but most of the time we went to Lake Blackwell. I always enjoyed spending Independence Day with Grandpa and Grandma at Lake Blackwell.
For the past couple of nights, someone has set off firecrackers. This happens in this neighborhood every year around this time. Someone begins celebrating America’s Birthday two or three days early. I do not mind hearing the firecrackers because their sound brings back memories of my childhood.
I remember celebrating the Fourth of July in Blackwell, Oklahoma. Someone always wanted to begin the celebration a few days early. It was not a big deal at the time firecrackers were noisy and scary. On the night of the Fourth, we celebrated to occasion at Lake Blackwell where we barbequed during the day and set off fireworks at night. Grandpa always watched us and made sure we were safe.
A few times, we went to Lake Carl Blackwell for the Fourth, but most of the time we went to Lake Blackwell. I always enjoyed spending Independence Day with Grandpa and Grandma at Lake Blackwell.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Tears and songs: Show me the way to go home
Jalál (Glory), 8 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Saturday, April 16, 2011 about 1:53 PM Pacific Time
Mom is happy. She is singing, “Show me the way to go home”. Mom has a beautiful voice and I enjoy hearing her sing. Mom usually sings this song when she is happy. I suspect it may have a meaning to her, but I do not know what because she will not tell me.
This morning Mom was unhappy. Mom cried and said everyone hated her, which seems to be normal with Alzheimer’s patients. Mom also wanted to see her parents. Mom’s parents, my grandparents, are dead. We buried them in Blackwell, Oklahoma, years ago. Mom does not remember they died. Instead, she thinks they are traveling somewhere.
Mom cries because she misses her mother and father. She always says that her father went east and her mother went north or west. I am not sure what she is referring to, but I would like to know; unfortunately, Mom cannot tell me what she means. Since Mom cannot tell me, because she does not remember, I will continue to wonder about that. The only thing I can do when Mom brings up Grandma and Grandpa is change the subject so that Mom does not cry.
Mom is happy. She is singing, “Show me the way to go home”. Mom has a beautiful voice and I enjoy hearing her sing. Mom usually sings this song when she is happy. I suspect it may have a meaning to her, but I do not know what because she will not tell me.
This morning Mom was unhappy. Mom cried and said everyone hated her, which seems to be normal with Alzheimer’s patients. Mom also wanted to see her parents. Mom’s parents, my grandparents, are dead. We buried them in Blackwell, Oklahoma, years ago. Mom does not remember they died. Instead, she thinks they are traveling somewhere.
Mom cries because she misses her mother and father. She always says that her father went east and her mother went north or west. I am not sure what she is referring to, but I would like to know; unfortunately, Mom cannot tell me what she means. Since Mom cannot tell me, because she does not remember, I will continue to wonder about that. The only thing I can do when Mom brings up Grandma and Grandpa is change the subject so that Mom does not cry.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Remembering Grandpa’s House
Istiqlál (Independence), 7 Jalál (Glory), 168 BE – Friday, April 15, 2011 about 5:30 PM Pacific Time
Today the contractor called and they will arrive on Monday to redo the bathroom. This brought back a memory from my childhood. I remember Grandpa Newland adding a storage room to his house in the Smelter Heights. He built the room along the side of the house, so that it we could enter it from either the living room or one of the bedrooms. In addition, he put a door in that entered the room from the outside.
I think some of the neighbors helped him, but he did most of the work himself. Once the spare room was finished, he put a deep freeze in plus some shelves. I know Grandma used the shelves to store winter quilts. I cannot remember what else she stored in that room.
I would like to go back to Blackwell for a visit some day. I know my grandparents’ house is no longer there; however, I would like to see what the city is like. I would also like to visit their grave; perhaps lay some flowers there. Grandma always liked roses; I do not remember what type of flowers Grandpa liked.
Today the contractor called and they will arrive on Monday to redo the bathroom. This brought back a memory from my childhood. I remember Grandpa Newland adding a storage room to his house in the Smelter Heights. He built the room along the side of the house, so that it we could enter it from either the living room or one of the bedrooms. In addition, he put a door in that entered the room from the outside.
I think some of the neighbors helped him, but he did most of the work himself. Once the spare room was finished, he put a deep freeze in plus some shelves. I know Grandma used the shelves to store winter quilts. I cannot remember what else she stored in that room.
I would like to go back to Blackwell for a visit some day. I know my grandparents’ house is no longer there; however, I would like to see what the city is like. I would also like to visit their grave; perhaps lay some flowers there. Grandma always liked roses; I do not remember what type of flowers Grandpa liked.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thoughts on Spring-Cleaning
Fidál (Grace), 16 Mulk (Dominion), 167 BE – Tuesday, February 22, 2011 about 9:27 PM Pacific Time
The first day a spring is in March, so my thoughts turn to my Grandma Newland and spring-cleaning. My grandmother always began spring-cleaning in the kitchen dining room combination of her house. She began by washing down all the counter space; once she completed that job then she would take the dishes out of the cupboards and put in new shelf paper. Grandma did not like her dishes touching the wooden shelves.
Grandma never waited until the first day of spring to do the spring-cleaning. She would start that job on either March 1 or February 28. Grandma always did a through spring-cleaning and the rest of the year kept the house spotless, which was not an easy task.
Grandpa and Grandma Newland lived in Blackwell, Oklahoma, in the Smelter Heights. There was a zinc smelter close to their home and the smoke from that settled on everything. Despite the fact that the location of their home did not lend itself to a spotless house, Grandma kept the house spotless. This was a testament to Grandma Newland’s persistence and stubbornness.
No matter which way the wind blew or how much dust came into the house, Grandma was determined to keep the house spotless and dust free. She accomplished this daunting task, while making cooking for Grandpa during the week and four grandchildren on the weekends.
The first day a spring is in March, so my thoughts turn to my Grandma Newland and spring-cleaning. My grandmother always began spring-cleaning in the kitchen dining room combination of her house. She began by washing down all the counter space; once she completed that job then she would take the dishes out of the cupboards and put in new shelf paper. Grandma did not like her dishes touching the wooden shelves.
Grandma never waited until the first day of spring to do the spring-cleaning. She would start that job on either March 1 or February 28. Grandma always did a through spring-cleaning and the rest of the year kept the house spotless, which was not an easy task.
Grandpa and Grandma Newland lived in Blackwell, Oklahoma, in the Smelter Heights. There was a zinc smelter close to their home and the smoke from that settled on everything. Despite the fact that the location of their home did not lend itself to a spotless house, Grandma kept the house spotless. This was a testament to Grandma Newland’s persistence and stubbornness.
No matter which way the wind blew or how much dust came into the house, Grandma was determined to keep the house spotless and dust free. She accomplished this daunting task, while making cooking for Grandpa during the week and four grandchildren on the weekends.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Memories of Valentines Day
Istijlál (Majesty), 4 Mulk (Dominion), 167 BE – Thursday, February 10, 2011 about 4:12 PM Pacific Time
I have fond memories of Valentines Day. When I went to Grade School in Blackwell, Oklahoma, we had Valentines Day parties on that day, if it fell during a weekday, but if it occurred on a Saturday or Sunday then we had a party on Friday.
The day before the party, the entire class made mailboxes out of shoeboxes. We cut out red and pink hearts to decorate the shoeboxes and then each student put his or her name on the box. The next day, each student brought Valentines cards and put them in the shoebox mailboxes.
One of the rule, this was made by the teachers and stated every year, was that everyone in the class received a card from all the other students. It did not matter to the teachers whether an individual student liked or associated with another student. You participated and you gave everyone in the class a Valentines card.
None of the students made their own Valentines cards or bought expensive cards for this occasion. Before the party, a student’s parents took the student to the store and they bought a little book containing cards you could cut out and give to the other students. I am not sure how much those little cards cost, but they were not over $2.00 and some of them were less then $1.00. I always enjoyed those Valentines parties.
I have fond memories of Valentines Day. When I went to Grade School in Blackwell, Oklahoma, we had Valentines Day parties on that day, if it fell during a weekday, but if it occurred on a Saturday or Sunday then we had a party on Friday.
The day before the party, the entire class made mailboxes out of shoeboxes. We cut out red and pink hearts to decorate the shoeboxes and then each student put his or her name on the box. The next day, each student brought Valentines cards and put them in the shoebox mailboxes.
One of the rule, this was made by the teachers and stated every year, was that everyone in the class received a card from all the other students. It did not matter to the teachers whether an individual student liked or associated with another student. You participated and you gave everyone in the class a Valentines card.
None of the students made their own Valentines cards or bought expensive cards for this occasion. Before the party, a student’s parents took the student to the store and they bought a little book containing cards you could cut out and give to the other students. I am not sure how much those little cards cost, but they were not over $2.00 and some of them were less then $1.00. I always enjoyed those Valentines parties.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Sunday Thoughts and Memories
Jamál (Beauty), 19 Sultán (Sovereignty), 167 BE – Sunday, February 6, 2011 about 3:11 PM Pacific Time
It is Sunday afternoon, February 6, 2011, tonight, at 7:00 PM, is the Feast of Mulk (Dominion). Mom and I are planning to attend, so I will probably begin getting ready about 5:00 or 5:30 PM. In the mean time, Mom is dozing on the love seat in the breakfast room. Since we will be out later then she is normally out, I am not going to let her sleep.
Today is also Super Bowl Sunday, not that I watch that game or any other football game. I would enjoy attending the game in person, but I do not normally enjoy watching sports on television. The only exception I make concerns the Summer and Winter Olympic games; those I will watch on television. I would also enjoy attending them in person.
Sunday always brings back fond memories. Grandma and Grandpa Newland always attended Sunday services at the First Southern Baptist Mission in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I enjoyed attending the Services with my Grandparents. I remember attending Sunday school and learning verses from the bible. I still remember the Lord’s Prayer and the Twenty-Third Psalms, which were two of the verses I memorized for Sunday school classes.
I miss my Grandparents, my mother’s parents. Mom misses them as well. She talks about them all the time and wonders where they are living. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease and she does not remember attending their funeral in Blackwell. I have told Mom that Grandma and Grandpa sold the house and move to a retirement village. She seemed satisfied with that explanation.
It is Sunday afternoon, February 6, 2011, tonight, at 7:00 PM, is the Feast of Mulk (Dominion). Mom and I are planning to attend, so I will probably begin getting ready about 5:00 or 5:30 PM. In the mean time, Mom is dozing on the love seat in the breakfast room. Since we will be out later then she is normally out, I am not going to let her sleep.
Today is also Super Bowl Sunday, not that I watch that game or any other football game. I would enjoy attending the game in person, but I do not normally enjoy watching sports on television. The only exception I make concerns the Summer and Winter Olympic games; those I will watch on television. I would also enjoy attending them in person.
Sunday always brings back fond memories. Grandma and Grandpa Newland always attended Sunday services at the First Southern Baptist Mission in Blackwell, Oklahoma. I enjoyed attending the Services with my Grandparents. I remember attending Sunday school and learning verses from the bible. I still remember the Lord’s Prayer and the Twenty-Third Psalms, which were two of the verses I memorized for Sunday school classes.
I miss my Grandparents, my mother’s parents. Mom misses them as well. She talks about them all the time and wonders where they are living. Mom has Alzheimer’s disease and she does not remember attending their funeral in Blackwell. I have told Mom that Grandma and Grandpa sold the house and move to a retirement village. She seemed satisfied with that explanation.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
I remember Blackwell, Oklahoma
Jamál (Beauty), 2 Núr (Light), 167 BE – Saturday, June 5, 2010 about 8:54 PM Pacific Time
My brother sent me a link about Blackwell, Oklahoma, my hometown. The link was a May 15, 2008 article in corpwatch.org called Suing the Smelter: Oklahoma Town Takes on Freeport by Eliza Strickland.
The article brought back memories of the Smelter Heights, of my Grandpa Newland going to work everyday at the Smelter, and of the laundry days Grandma Newland refused to hang cloths on the line because of the smoke from the Smelter. If the wind changed directions after Grandma hung the cloths out, she would rewash the cloths because she refused to wear cloths smelling like smoke.
I remember Blackwell,
I remember the Zinc Smelter,
I remember the smoke stacks bellowing smoke,
I remember Grandpa Newland after he retired...
My brother sent me a link about Blackwell, Oklahoma, my hometown. The link was a May 15, 2008 article in corpwatch.org called Suing the Smelter: Oklahoma Town Takes on Freeport by Eliza Strickland.
The article brought back memories of the Smelter Heights, of my Grandpa Newland going to work everyday at the Smelter, and of the laundry days Grandma Newland refused to hang cloths on the line because of the smoke from the Smelter. If the wind changed directions after Grandma hung the cloths out, she would rewash the cloths because she refused to wear cloths smelling like smoke.
I remember Blackwell,
I remember the Zinc Smelter,
I remember the smoke stacks bellowing smoke,
I remember Grandpa Newland after he retired...
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thanksgiving 2009
Istijlál (Majesty), 4 Qawl (Speech), 166 BE – Thursday, November 26, 2009 about 2:33 PM Pacific Time
When I was a child in Blackwell, Oklahoma, I never thought much of the spiritual aspects of Thanksgiving. I knew history of the holiday, but I never really understood the spiritual meaning of Thanksgiving.
We gathered at my grandparents' house and ate turkey. Grandma would cook the turkey in the oven. Grandpa would say a prayer of gratitude at the table and then we would have our Thanksgiving feast. Now, at 62 the spiritual implications of the holiday are revealing themselves.
This year I had some devastating news before the holiday started. Last Friday, I took my mother to see her doctor because she was acting odd, acting unusual, not acting like herself. The doctor diagnosed Mom with Alzheimer's and put Mom on a medication that is supposed to have an effect on the problem. I'll know if it helps Mom in four to six weeks.
A person would think that something like this would make me doubt the love of the Creator, the love of God. It doesn't because I know God loves me. I know God loves my mother. I know God loves all of humanity. This is a test and like all tests, its intention is to draw those involved nearer to God.
When I was a child in Blackwell, Oklahoma, I never thought much of the spiritual aspects of Thanksgiving. I knew history of the holiday, but I never really understood the spiritual meaning of Thanksgiving.
We gathered at my grandparents' house and ate turkey. Grandma would cook the turkey in the oven. Grandpa would say a prayer of gratitude at the table and then we would have our Thanksgiving feast. Now, at 62 the spiritual implications of the holiday are revealing themselves.
This year I had some devastating news before the holiday started. Last Friday, I took my mother to see her doctor because she was acting odd, acting unusual, not acting like herself. The doctor diagnosed Mom with Alzheimer's and put Mom on a medication that is supposed to have an effect on the problem. I'll know if it helps Mom in four to six weeks.
A person would think that something like this would make me doubt the love of the Creator, the love of God. It doesn't because I know God loves me. I know God loves my mother. I know God loves all of humanity. This is a test and like all tests, its intention is to draw those involved nearer to God.
Monday, October 26, 2009
As I watch the sun set in Las Vegas
Kamál (Perfection), 11 ‘Ilm (Knowledge), 166 BE – Monday, October 26, 2009 about 6:00 PM Pacific Time
I watch sunset in
Las Vegas remembering
sunset in Blackwell.
Sunset always brings back memories of Oklahoma. Sometimes I remember sunset at Lake Blackwell. Sometimes I remember sunsets in Blackwell. Today I am remembering a sunset I witnessed at my grandparents home.
It was autumn. I was outside playing in the yard. Grandma liked us to spend as much time outside as possible. It was getting close to dinnertime and Grandpa had just came home from work. I think it might have been a Friday because we always went to my Grandparents' house on Friday evening or Saturday.
I don't remember how we got to their house, perhaps we walked. We did a lot of walking when I was a child. My two brothers, my sister and me walked together. As I said, it was sunset and Grandma called us in for dinner. Why I remember that particular sunset I don't know.
I watch sunset in
Las Vegas remembering
sunset in Blackwell.
Sunset always brings back memories of Oklahoma. Sometimes I remember sunset at Lake Blackwell. Sometimes I remember sunsets in Blackwell. Today I am remembering a sunset I witnessed at my grandparents home.
It was autumn. I was outside playing in the yard. Grandma liked us to spend as much time outside as possible. It was getting close to dinnertime and Grandpa had just came home from work. I think it might have been a Friday because we always went to my Grandparents' house on Friday evening or Saturday.
I don't remember how we got to their house, perhaps we walked. We did a lot of walking when I was a child. My two brothers, my sister and me walked together. As I said, it was sunset and Grandma called us in for dinner. Why I remember that particular sunset I don't know.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The Pets I have known
Jamál (Beauty), 6 ‘Izzat (Might), 166 BE – Sunday, September 13, 2009 about 9:33 AM Pacific Time
I've had a personal relationship with numerous pets during my 62 years. The pets I'm most familiar with are dogs, cats, and birds. When I was growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, we had a reddish-blond Cocker spaniel called Patsy, a black Cocker spaniel (Patsy's son) called Skizicks, and a black ans white cat called Mittens. Later my grandmother found a Siamese cat call Jay and she had a Parakeet called Pete.
Through the years, I've had other cats and dogs in my life. In Shawnee, Oklahoma, there was a little dog, called Peanuts and a mixed breed called Bonnie. In Las Vegas, Nevada, there was a Springer spaniel call Specks and numerous cats. All these pets gave me unconditional love and acceptance, in addition the taught me responsibility and caring for other creatures in the universe.
I've had a personal relationship with numerous pets during my 62 years. The pets I'm most familiar with are dogs, cats, and birds. When I was growing up in Blackwell, Oklahoma, we had a reddish-blond Cocker spaniel called Patsy, a black Cocker spaniel (Patsy's son) called Skizicks, and a black ans white cat called Mittens. Later my grandmother found a Siamese cat call Jay and she had a Parakeet called Pete.
Through the years, I've had other cats and dogs in my life. In Shawnee, Oklahoma, there was a little dog, called Peanuts and a mixed breed called Bonnie. In Las Vegas, Nevada, there was a Springer spaniel call Specks and numerous cats. All these pets gave me unconditional love and acceptance, in addition the taught me responsibility and caring for other creatures in the universe.
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