Author: Impower You

Healing through art & therapy! I used to be depressed and codependent with very low self worth and many unhealthy habits. But several years ago I started the healing process and am sharing what I learned with gratitude and hope for each of us. Peace & hugs, Leah
I Am More Than Just a Girl Book

Women Roar: Suey Park is Not Your Asian Sidekick

Impower You

In 2013 Suey Park tweeted “#NotYourAsianSidekick” and blew a breath of fresh air into American feminism. Put off by the standard of Asian women as tokens in white womens feminism, her goal is to create a space where Asian-American women lead and include everyone as equally important.

Why “Not Your Asian Sidekick” instead of “Asian American Feminist”? Suey created a hashtag that would be easily accepted and used by those who weren’t comfortable or who didn’t feel safe using feminism as a label. “I think for a lot of women who don’t feel like they can really come out as feminist, #NotYourAsianSidekick is a way to come into that conversation.” She also wanted to appeal to young girls and send the message that the destructive “submissive Asian” stereotype and cultural pressure to act “Asian” weren’t their only options; “There is no model for what an Asian American is.”

Flack from some so-called progressive whites and even Asians accused her of not trying hard enough to rise above hurdles, as if racism in feminism(and society at large) was no longer a real issue. Hopefully as a reader of this blog you understand that is far from true and have probably heard the slogan “Racism isn’t over, but I’m over racism”. Suey fought more than her share of racism from her peers along with pressure from her Korean-American culture and wanting to please her parents who sacrificed so she could have a better life. She never felt smart enough with math and science so she focused on her beauty and developed an eating disorder for several years. Now that she focuses on inner growth she can move past material ideas and be a part of the gender equality movement. Read her full article on WashingtonPost.org

Almost 2 years later Suey Park is still going strong by adding more activism to her tweetivism. She continues to push conversations about feminism while facing down haters which sadly are a part of all social justice movements, why can’t we all get along?! Her latest blog post reminds us not to fight other feminists, but if we do, to attempt at reconciliation and find common ground to dismantle our common enemy. “The enemy is white supremacy. The enemy is patriarchy. These structures of violence not only create economic violence, death and inequity, but we would do well to realize the strains it puts between marginalized people.” Read her full post at SueyPark.com and follow her on Twitter.com/suey_park

We are more than JUST girls, we are half the population. If you need some guidance or inspiration grab your copies of “More Than Just a Girl” and “Fierce: A New Generation of Female Empowerment” at Amazon.com

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Empowering Discussions

High Heels Look Great, But Destroy Your Feet, Your Posture and Your Health

Impower You

If I put on high heels I’d definitely run into things like doorways and low hanging fans. Yikes!  I’m six feet tall so high heels are not an important part of my life, but I know many women who swear by the heel. The reasons range from wanting to be taller and feeling fierce to career dress codes and staying trendy. Well those are all justifiable reasons, but are they worth it?

I previously worked in a shoe store and we didn’t sell many high or even low heels.  What we did have were many older woman who came in looking for relief and encouraging us to not wear high heels, or if we insisted to do so sparingly. Then they showed us their feet and WOW! Some were deformed and some were painful, but none of them were happy.

I’m not about to shame you into flats. Your body is your responsibility and I pass no judgement. I share this because I’ve seen how bad high heels are. Check out this infographic from Visual.ly and decide for yourself. The decision is always yours.

danger of high heels infographic, unhealthy high heels

 

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Social Action

Saving Women and Girls from Danger in Refugee Camps; The Darfur Women Network Supplies Safe Stoves to Women

Impower You

by Leah Oviedo.

After escaping violence at home, women and girls in refugee camps face many dangers such as violence, hunger, displacement and looting. On top of this when they venture far away in search of firewood or water, they also risk rape, assault, abduction, beating and death.

Firewood is the main reason for these dangerous excursions out of camps near Touloum, Chad. As the conflict in Darfur, Sudan continues, more refugees arrive with few if any resources from home. They rely on aid organizations and donations to survive, but cooking food usually requires collecting wood far from their new homes. As more people arrive and more trees are cut down close to the camp there is less wood for each individual along with the added problem of deforestation. The cutting of so many trees has caused erosion and also creates conflict with locals who rely on the forest for their own survival.

The Darfur Women Network(DWN) is stepping in with fuel-efficient stoves and a reforestation plan to support the refugees. On August 25, 2014 they distributed 202 stoves to women in the camp. Many women showed up to receive a stove and witness the occasion dressed in their colorful, cleaned clothes. There was a  huge celebration and much appreciation.

The “safe stoves” are made with a mixture of mud, water and donkey’s dung and produced by refugee women in their own homes for a production total cost of $10 each. A woman can produce one or two stoves a day depending on her home chores, the time it takes to collect the materials, and drying time which is dependent on the season. The stoves are designed with two windows on its side, a big one for firewood and smaller one for air. A pot is placed inside the stove to hold and keep it stable during the cooking process. It can cook with as little firewood as one stick, unlike a traditional stove.

These clay safe stoves were chosen based on the test that DWN and refugees did for three stoves; a traditional stove, metal stove, and clay stove. As a result, the clay stove was chosen because it is efficient, safe, culturally acceptable, cheap and doesn’t create smoke. Since the stoves are made by refugee women, they are able to earn an income and become empowered. Once a stove is given the DWN continues to offer support. Recipients are taught to utilize all the benefits of the stoves, trained to use different cooking techniques in relation to time and consumption of firewood, and advising on how to change eating habits and cooking processes to benefit the women and girls.

Fuel efficient stoves are only part of the solution since refugees still need firewood. DWN is partnering with the Chad Agriculture Department to provide seedlings so each family can plant at least three desert-trees. “If the 7000 families do their jobs, the refugee mothers and girls will be safe and protected.” says DWN founder Mastora Bakhiet. With less danger and more time saved from searching for fuel, families will have the ability and strength to focus on education and income creation.

The organization is fully operated by volunteers and was started by Mastora Bakhiet who moved to the US from Darfur over 10 years ago. They supply resources, economic development programs, and partner with another organization that offers daycare for young mothers to attend school. Based in Mastora’s home town of Indiana, USA the mission of this non-profit is to empower women and girls from Darfur and improve their cultural communication among various communities. DWN works together with refugees determine their needs and collaborate to meet those needs via education, awareness, and empowerment. Also, this project will help women build their teamwork skills, small business management, and self-sufficiency.

Mastora has a goal to bring a total of 7,000 stoves to the camp. She is hopeful more people will get involved and donate so that all women in the camp are able to cook safely. “So, now, I call on those who value the dignity of women and girls and  who  support the survivors of Darfur genocide to help us continue to provide our clients with safe stoves.” says Mastora. You can help supply safe stoves to women and girl refugees through Global Giving, Globalgiving.org/projects/protect-empower-refugee-women-and-girls-from-darfur/, Paypal, or send a check to 2902 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208-4715. Volunteer and get involved on the DWN website, http://www.DarfurWomenNetwork.webs.com

Many of the refugees in Chad are seeking safety from a violent conflict that started in 2003 when Janjaweed(an Arab Militia) allied with the Sudanese government to kill Africans and force them to leave their lands in Darfur. Genocide and violence have forced tens of thousands to seek refuge. Ongoing violence continues to create refugees, many of whom are women and children. Returning home is not an option. These stoves are needed now.

 Related links:

Facebook.com/DarfurWomen

Bringing It All Back Home, To Darfur

 

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Dating violence poster
Empowering Discussions

100 Colleges and Schools Unite To Stop Rape: National Carry That Weight Day of Action Supports Survivors of Sexual and Domestic Violence

Impower You

You may have heard of Emma Sulkowicz who has been carrying her dorm mattress everywhere she goes to protest Columbia University’s decision to allow her rapist to continue attending Columbia. While there are always critics and haters who convince themselves she is only doing this for attention, many more support her decision. On October 29th students at 100 colleges will join Emma in a National Carry That Weight Day by carrying their own mattress or pillow everywhere they go.

“Through this powerful demonstration of solidarity, these participants will tangibly express their commitment to lift the burden of sexual violence from the shoulders of survivors—to carry the weight together.”  Find a map of the events at carryingtheweighttogether.com. You can also look for events with the hashtag #carrythatweight.

This protest is more about supporting one woman’s brave stand, it also is a chance to empower students who are working to improve their schools policies on sexual and domestic violence response. “We must work together to support survivors in our communities and hold our institutions accountable to do the same. The Day of Action is a call to students nationwide to stand in solidarity with survivors and work toward safer, healthier communities in which survivors find compassion and support and are not silenced or stigmatized,” said Allie Rickard, founder of Carrying the Weight Together and a lead student organizer at Columbia University.

Having a national day of rape awareness gives us strength to confront and dismantle rape culture. “Want to support survivors? Believe them, listen to them. Want to end campus sexual assault altogether? Believe student leadership — and don’t stop following their lead.  All of us having a role in carrying the weight,” said Emily May, co-founder and Executive Director of Hollaback! and one of the lead organizers for the event.

On October 29th, the student demonstration at Columbia will begin at 3:30 p.m consisting of a march of 28 mattresses representing the 28 students who have filed a Title IX complaint against Columbia and a rally on Low Steps. Emma Sulkowicz and fellow students will be joined by legislators and public figures, including New York City Public Advocate Letitia James, and will speak on the topic of sexual and domestic violence.

The #carrythatweight National Day of Action is organized by No Red Tape and Carrying the Weight Together at Columbia University, with support from nonprofits Hollaback!, and Rhize. In addition, the following organizations have signed up as partners: PAVE, SurvJustice, Know Your IX, National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, YTH, The UnSlut Project, Fem2pt0, FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture, Price of Silence, Feminist Apparel, YWCA of Brooklyn, National Organization for Women Virtual Chapter for Young Feminists and Allies, Girls Educational and Mentoring Services, Violence Intervention Program, Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, and Surviving in Numbers.

Related Links:

Interview with Emily May of Hollaback. Changeisup2u.wordpress.com/2014/01/06/emily-may-hollaback/

Learn Physical Self Defense and Take Control. Impoweryou.org/selfdefense/

But wait there’s more….

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health and food image
Empowering Discussions

Eat Well to Feel Well! Eating Healthy Should Be Basic Human Nature; So Why Don’t We?

Impower You

Newsflash: A major obstacle to feeling good is eating bad food. Does your morning begin with carbs and sugar, such as coffee and donuts or sugary smoothies and bagels? Is your afternoon snack a chocolate bar and energy drink? Are you eating fresh vegetables and fruit even once a day when you should have a serving with every meal? Do you constantly say, “I eat fairly healthy.” and then wonder why you have health issues or feel tired more often?  That’s been my catch phrase since puberty and I’m tired of saying it.

You know those ads that say ” click here for the amazingly simple secret to….yadda, yadda, yadda”? Well it’s no secret that healthy eating keeps us in better shape both physically and mentally. When our bodies are healthy it’s easier to stay in a balanced mood and to have energy for all our daily activities. Thanks to a continuous consumption of mass media, what is or isn’t healthy can be confusing for a lot of people. instead of listening to how our bodies react to food and doing our own research we rely on others to tell us how to eat. One headline says fish is better than beef, and next week a headline says fish is loaded with mercury. We used to think diet soda was good for us, but studies show how diet drinks are more harmful than the regular version. The word “natural” used to pertain to “hippie” foods from your local co-op like granola, sugar-free foods, food without additives or preservatives and local organic produce, meat and dairy. Now it’s used for anything remotely plant or meat based regardless of additives, preservatives, hormones and antibiotics.

One thing that bugs me is how many ingredients are in our food. Last week I volunteered at a food bank to pack up bags and hand out food to those in need. I would only eat a few items that were available and felt guilty giving food-like products away even though I knew this was all the food some peopel would have for a while! It was a cornucopia of carbs, salt, artificial flavors and coloring, MSG(monosodium glutamate), and so much SUGAR!  Almost everything was in a box or can and had a list of ingredients that took up a quarter of the label, full of words that sounded more fitting for a chemistry class. Whether eating out or at home the food that tastes best only has a few ingredients, that I can pronounce. Give me seasoning and herbs, but not a bunch of flavors made in a lab to taste like real food. How insane is it that we create flavors to taste like actual food instead of using actual food to create flavor?

Another pet peeve is this push by so many large agribusinesses to NOT label GMO’s(genetically modified organisms/ geneticaly engineered food). Why should we not be allowed to know what is in our food? I feel as if the more these large corporations attempt to stop labeling the more they are hiding facts about the safety of GMO’s. If they are safe then why can’t we have labels and make our own choices? And why in the world doesn’t the FDA(Food and Drug Administration) step in with regulations? Are they really that corrupted by lobbyists with million dollar pockets? It’s time to take stand and pressure federal agencies to protect our nations health.

I know you’re busy, but you deserve to know what’s in your food. Do some research and get passionate about protecting our food and rights.

SPEAK UP! Tell the FDA to label genetically engineered foods: Leftaction.com/action/fda-label-genetically-engineered-foods

What are they afraid of? Biotech and Agribusiness Spending Heavily to Defeat State GMO Food Labeling Votes: Cornucopia.org/2014/10/biotech-agribusinesses-spending-heavily-defeat-state-gmo-food-labeling-votes/

Juice or flavored sugar water? What’s in our orange juice? Mamavation.com/2014/05/how-scientists-have-changed-the-orange-juice-you-feed-your-kids.html

Is diet soda better? Diet soda can confuse your body signals and may cause weught gain. Huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/11/diet-soda-health-risks_n_3581842.html

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Art

Autumn Photography: Abandoned Buildings and Wide Open Spaces

Impower You

I love photographing abandoned and antique homes, colorful alleyways, vines overtaking buildings, and wide open spaces.

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stacked river rocks

If you like the photos you can order some of these as greeting cards on my Zazzle.com/OviedoStyle shop.

If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com orAmazon.com. If you need content marketing, editing services, or a blogger, Hire Me.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: “The Altered I: Memoir of Holocaust Survivor Joseph Kempler” by April Voytko Kempler

Impower You

“The Altered I: Memoir of Holocaust Survivor Joseph Kempler” as told by April Voytko Kempler is  a story of perseverance, and human strength. Read this book and be inspired by an enduring spirit that found freedom so many never reached.

Joseph Kempler was just a boy when the German Nazi’s invaded Poland and stole his youth, and ripped apart his family. The reader is guided through a story of fear and tragedy, but also of hope. His teenage years were spent hiding from Nazi’s in the country with his parents, and once separated alone in ghettos, he worked in forced labor camps, and was eventually sent to a camp designed to work all who were imprisoned towards a quick death. Along the way he grew into an adult, saw death close up, met up with a cherished friend, and occasionally united with his older siblings.

Though his life was unnecessarily changed, his ability to survive and attempt to live when he could have easily given up or into hate is a story to share.  His experience shows the extent to which humanity can survive in conditions as deplorable, terrifying and long-lasting as those perpetuated by the Nazis.

Like most books about the holocaust, Joseph’s harrowing story is not for the faint of heart. I recommend it for mature readers who want to better understand this terrible genocide that so painfully brought a world to war.

I learned an interesting tidbit in this book about how Jehovah Witnesses were imprisoned for refusing to go along with Hitler’s genocide. They were imprisoned in camps next to Jewish people for that so-called crime. While they could have easily lied and played along as free as any other German, instead they stood their ground. I’m not a religious person, but I really admire those ethics just like Joseph did when he learned who they were and why they were imprisoned alongside him.

Grab your copy at Amazon.com

books about the holocaust, holocaust survivor, the altered i memoir of a holociast survivor

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harvest music festival
Empowering Discussions, Travel

Travel- Harvest Festival at Mulberry Mountain: Elephant Revival, Swimming Holes and Rick’s Bakery

Impower You

Music festivals don’t usually interest me unless a band I adore is playing or it means spending time with loved ones. Luckily, both reasons spurred me to attend the Harvest Music Festival at Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas.  A lot of music venues are too crowded or too stimulating for my tastes, but Mulberry Mountain had space to spare and plenty to see other than the stages and booths. There was ample parking, lots of open space, and seemingly hundreds of campers enjoying three days of freedom.

After arriving and finding my friends who I’ve known and loved since birth, we hiked a short, but rough trail to a beautiful blue-green swimming hole. I’d previously agreed to jump into the water not expecting the drop to be too severe. However after stripping down to my skivvies(I hadn’t packed a swim suit) and watching my friends jump first, my legs did not want to move off that ledge. It looked to be about 20 feet down and with malfunctioning legs the descent seemed a little dangerous. My friends hollered at me and people near by started a count down, so in the face of peer pressure I jumped. Surprisingly the jump was quite fun aside from a wedgie in the wrong place and a small cut on my toe. The water was just right for the unseasonable warmth. I’m so glad I jumped.

harvest music festival

The band was Elephant Revival, a Colorado quintet of folk, gypsy, rock, and alternative music with sound bouncing back and forth between soulful and mellow to funky and upbeat. With instruments that include a washboard, banjo, musical saw and mandolin you can expect to hear music that will delight your senses. Among their dazzling set they played two of my favorite songs “Down To The Sea” and “Ring Around The Moon“. Guest musicians joined them on stage for various songs and they even had some beatboxing thrown in. You’ve got to hear them for yourself; check out their tour schedule to see when they will perform near you.

harvest music festival

Many people attended with their finest clothes, dressed up as unicorns, dancing with hula hoops, walking with creatures on their heads, and expressing themselves with an array of happy colors. This played in nicely with the green trees that slowly were turning to autumn colors.

harvest music festival

harvest music festival

I didn’t want to leave my friends or the beauty of the mountain, but all good things eventually end so new goodness can come our way. Early Sunday morning before leaving I took a solo hike down to the river and came across an unexpected gift. A kid with the same name of a beloved friend walked my way and offered me a fragrant stick of incense. On the way back up we met again and finished the hike up together. Before departing he gave me a book to read and a CD to borrow. I’ve just started the book, a parable of sorts, and plan on listening to the CD once I shut this tablet down.  It’s such a joy to randomly meet pleasant people who give without needing to receive.  I felt at peace with leaving, though part of that was from a serious lack of sleep.

Did I mention the bands continue to play long after midnight and fellow concert goers continue to play music and set off fireworks until 7am? As they kept me awake for much of the night I reminded myself that these people were not trying to be rude, but only celebrating life and that kept me from opening up my tent flap and yelling at them to knock it off. 🙂

harvest music festival

Sidenote: On the road to Harvest Festival, my friend and I stopped at Rick’s Bakery in Fayetteville. They had delicious pumpkin donuts that had actual flavor, not just the expected sweetness of most donuts. Their coffee was good too and if you are caffeine sensitive like me than you know how difficult finding quality decaf can be when you’re traveling. Rick’s is more than bakery, it’s also a funky gift shop with a cafe and clean restrooms. Definitely worth a stop if you’re traveling through.

harvest music festival

Where will I go next? Stay tuned by subscribing to email updates in the right hand side bar or follow me on Facebook.com/ImpowerYou.

You can see more of my travels on the Epic Journey page

If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com orAmazon.com. If you need content marketing, editing services, or a blogger, Hire Me.

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D.I.Y. Therapy

D.I.Y. Therapy: What is Going On Here? – Turn On Your Inner Guidance System

Impower You
Need a little inspiration?
Are you searching for answers?
Turn on your inner guidance system.

Embrace your true self to learn about who YOU are and what you need. While other people can be wonderful guides, only we truly know what’s best for ourselves. Inside you will find inspiration and answers to difficult questions. Psychologists have a term for this called “ego development” which explains that we mature and evolve over our lifespan as we become more self-aware. I take this to mean that if we can accept ourselves, than we can grow into our own guide. This is in place of needing someone or something else to lead the way and tell us what is right. So go ahead and ask yourself who you are and who you want to be. Don’t focus on what society, your family or friends expect. Focus on what feels right for YOU.

Self Awareness means searching for insight about what is your real essence. Accept and celebrate who you are; accept and celebrate your differences. You are not wrong for being different, you just are.

  • What do you love about yourself?
  • What have you accomplished so far?
  • What have you risked?
  • What quirks make you special?
  • What are your strengths?

Even the smallest steps can be difficult; don’t push those aside as unimportant. Look at how you have changed and matured and be proud. En route to self-awareness you might need some help so ask for it, read books, listen to other people and be open to learning something new. You never know when that new information will come in handy during your journey. I can say that from personal experience these are great actions to take.

Over the years I have forced myself to look deeper at my actions and thoughts to see who I really am. I have found that what I used to think was wrong is actually just different. My personal beliefs, my passions, my goals and the process I am taking to get what is right for me. I see and feel life differently than what I see in the masses. This used to bother me and cause the belief that I was broken. I not longer feel there is aright or wrong on most points of view, because as I accept my own differences I can accept that other people also see life through a different lens. What they see is based on who they are and what they have experienced. I am simply gong to live my life in a way that feels right to me. Like the saying goes, “You do your thing and I will do mine.”

How will you know that your inner voice is on track? Once you realize that nobody else can love you as much as you love yourself you won’t crave outside approval to be different. It takes commitment and bravery to go against the expectations of others. We are all capable to think for ourselves. Follow your intuition and really live in a way that YOU feel is right. It will be much easier to get past obstacles when we know our own strength.

free sunset

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Travel

Travel- Exploring an Eclectic Downtown in Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Impower You

I was still unexpectedly awake when October 15th turned into the 16th and continued to stay awake until 3am. That’s what happens when you hang out with friends in a band, but I forgot this fact since I haven’t done that in so many years. The next evening I was still recuperating, but it was well worthwhile.

The show was at the Dream theater in a small unassuming college town at the edge of the Ozarks in beautiful Tahlequah, Oklahoma. So why was I, the person who loves to be asleep early and wake up for sunrises, able to stay conscious for such a long stretch?  Because the concert included two of my dearest friends, who I’ve known since birth and stayed in touch with despite my family’s gypsy ways. Annie and Bonnie Paine are talented musicians who can sing and play a variety of instruments. Despite Bonnie’s busy schedule touring with another great band, Elephant Revival, I was lucky to catch up with both at once.

The music was a montage of talented rock, folk, alternative, americana and blues. Each band had their own signature style and there were many crossover performances creating a feeling of being at a private jam on a back porch. Together they put on a beautiful show. Featuring more than the guitar and drums of most pop music I was enamored with the washboard, bass, clarinet and fiddle. I haven’t had this much fun at a concert in years.

If I had to pick a favorite it would be “Cottonwood Snow” with Annie and Bonnie Paine, Allison Olassa and featuring Patti Richardson on clarinet. Patti is also a talented photographer.

Possibly the world’s greatest rock and roll fiddler, a talented lyricist and a fun person to boot is”Randy Crouch and the Flying Horse”

A band to fall in love with and listen to as your falling in love is “The Deer” from Austin Texas.

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If you want delicious food for any meal stop by the Iguana Cafe at 500 N. Muskogee Ave. in downtown Tahlequah. They have a variety of food for vegetarians and carnivores, plus some superb smoothies. I recommend the Garden Snake sandwich and Four Berry smoothie. They also have wi-fi which allowed me to get a lot of work done while I ate and saw people from the previous night’s fun.

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I arrived just in time for the Third Thursday event celebrating local shops, musicians, and artists.  I met Rodslen Brown who runs the Project A Association, a non-profit designed as a prevention program for youth in the surrounding area. Their objective is to “provide hands on involvement, learning, basic work ethics and effective decision-making through education and training.” For more information send an email to ProjectAMuskogee@yahoo.com or call 918-683-2753. Rodslen is featured with the hand-woven baskets in the photo collage below.

I felt at home in this artistic town with a bustling theater, music and art scene. Artist Linda Callaway caught my eye with her clever looking blank dolls covered in beautiful hand drawn tattoos. You can order from her by calling 918-351-8918. Musicians performed a variety of music on every block, but my favorite was a man wearing zombie makeup on the guitar who encouraged us to join him in singing “Monster Mash”.  I don’t care for singing in public, but I will admit that it was fun. There were even actors from the Tahlequah Community Playhouse walking around in full costume advertising the upcoming play, “The Trial of Ebenzer Scrooge”.

Tahlequah Oklahoma

 

Ready for breakfast or dessert? Morgans Bakery has been a local favorite for over 50 years, and you can walk over to Kawi cafe for a cup of Cherokee blend coffee. Kawi means coffee in Cherokee and on top of tasty food, this delightful stop is a project of the Cherokee Department of Commerce offering free training for enterprising entrepreneurs.

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One of my favorite perks of a small rural town is the beautiful scenery in place of the endless concrete and freeways found in larger cities. October seems to be the best time of year for a visit. The summer heat is over, most of the bugs are gone, the low humidity is not turning my hair into a ball of curly frizz, temps are hovering in the 70’s and the vivid green foliage slowly changes as bursts of red and orange hint at the approaching autumn.

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These last two collages are a spattering of the eclectic treasures to be found by off the path explorers like me. You will find murals, parks, stone bridges,  art, culture and a copper horse. Oklahoma used to be Indian country and there is still much Native American influence, as noted by the street signs printed in both English and Cherokee. So what’s with the cell on the wall? This humorous write-up for the bathroom graffiti was too funny not to share and is a good indication of the local laid back vibe.

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Where will I go next? Stay tuned by subscribing to email updates in the right hand side bar or follow me on Facebook.com/ImpowerYou.

If you like this blog check out my books and art at Leahis.com orAmazon.com.

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