OklaHome

Who Do You Think You Are? Season 3

2012-01-27T08:57:00.000-06:00

Next Friday, Feb. 3rd will be the premiere of season 3 of Who Do You Think You Are? on NBC. This season we will take a journey with twelve new celebrities, Blair Underwood, Martin Sheen, Marisa Tomei, Rita Wilson, Paula Deen, Helen Hunt, Jerome Bettis, Rashida Jones(she is Quincy's daughter), Edie Falco,

Jason Sudeikis (so funny), Rob Lowe and Oklahoma's own, Reba McEntire. According to twitter @reba, our girl's episode will air March 2nd.

I love to hear their stories and see their reaction when they hear about a new discovery in their family. We all have a very interesting family history and a story to tell. I have been researching my family for over 10 years now and I'm just glad I'm not famous. I'll tell my own secrets.

I hope you enjoy the show. Watch every episode because sometimes the least famous celebrity will have the most interesting story.

Also, last year when I posted about the beginning of season 2 we were in the middle of one of own Oklahoma blizzards. Not so this year.

Have a great day.

Love,

Territory Mom

Kevin Durant 4th Annual Youth Basketball Camp-OKC

2012-01-23T12:58:00.001-06:00

Kevin Durant to Host 4th Annual Youth Basketball Camp

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma– Oklahoma City Thunder Forward and NBA Superstar will host his 4th annual youth basketball camp. The Kevin Durant ProCamp in partnership with The Oklahoman will be held this summer.

Durant will be on site to direct camp activates and provide instruction. He will be joined by a selection of the top prep and collegiate coaches from the Oklahoma City area. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 18.

The camp will feature various instructional stations specializing in fundamental skills and the team concept of basketball. Groups will be based on camper age and will be small to ensure that each camper gets personalized instruction.

Each camper will receive an autographed camp team photo with Durant, a camp T-shirt and the opportunity to participate in contests. Cost of the camp is $199.

Camp partners include Homeland, OSSO, Clear Channel and The Oklahoman.

With the current success of Durant, spots will be limited and campers are encouraged to register early.

Additional information and registration is available by visiting www.procamps/kevindurant.com or calling 888-389-CAMP (2267).

I wish I was between the ages and 7 tand 18.
Love,
Territory Mom

Has It Been 35 Years - The Cast of Roots Join Oprah Tonight

2012-01-16T15:36:00.001-06:00

It is hard to believe that it has been 35 years since we first saw the miniseries, Roots. Beginning Sunday, January 23, 1977 through Saturday, January 30, 1977, America was glued to the TV to watch the family of Alex Haley.

I was 11 years old and in the 6th grade. It was for me extremely informative yet frightening. The only thing I knew about slavery was from watching Gone With The Wind. So, I did my best to understand slavery, but really I couldn't. How could a little white girl living in the Midwest understand it?

I remember that my entire family watch together. It was very violent. The truth is sometimes violent. No one wanted to miss any of it. Back in 1977 we didn't know it would someday be available on DVD, we didn't even have VHS back then.

I think for me Roots was about discovery. I listened to every interview of Alex Haley. I was so impressed with his family research. I remember the final scenes of the movie where he goes to his ancestral village in Africa and listens to the stories of his family. Sometimes all we have is a story, but sometimes that is all we need to begin our quest for the truth.

Tonight on OWN The cast will join Oprah at 8/7 central. It will be nice to see familiar faces.

Happy Martin Luther King Day.

Love,

Territory Mom

Finding Beauty

2012-01-16T09:48:00.000-06:00

Friday afternoon, we took off on a nature walk in search of Beauty.

We see the new Bernice, just born Dec. 29th, #3 in front and Dusty the bull (I'll do an update on Dusty soon). Anyway behind them in the woods was Beauty I just didn't know it yet.

After a short break to get some water and a couple of oversize hoodies we head out a different direction to find Beauty.

We get to the big pond and there is still ice on it. So cool for the kids.

Nothing like throwing sticks on an icy pond and watching them skid across it.

Finally on the other side of the big pond is Beauty:

She has a white mask on. A white face is called a baldface. Can you see the pretty girl?

Wait, are you a girl or a boy?

Mmmm . . .

You're just a big girl. We love big girls!

Welcome to the world big girl. My daughter named her "Beauty" to go with Bernice.

Beauty was born Friday afternoon the 13th. She was born as big as Bernice who was already 2 weeks old.

My daughter is so excited that Beauty and Bernice will be great friends. They are already aunt and niece.

Have a great Spring-like day in the middle of January. Got to love Oklahoma weather.

Love,

Territory Mom

Friday the 13th On The Farm In Oklahoma

2012-01-13T08:11:00.000-06:00

I told you about Big Mama Red being overdue, here.

This photo was taken two days ago and still no baby. We checked on her yesterday and still no baby which was good since it was freezing.

Since today is Friday the 13th, oooooohh and it is bitter cold again I expect to see a new baby this morning. I'll keep you advised.

I'm not into superstitions, however I do live by the Farmers' Almanac and according to it we have two more Friday the 13ths this year.

Hope you enjoy your day.

Love,

Territory Mom

The New 2012 PBR Season Starts Tonight!!!

2012-01-07T15:32:00.000-06:00

No time to talk but check out this article in People Mag about the PBR, go here. There's a picture of Cord McCoy riding Bushwacker, so cool.

Have a great day.
Love,
Territory Mom

The Baby New Year Is Named Bernice!

2011-12-29T13:07:00.000-06:00

Last night one of our heifers, Grassy was looking for a place to lay down. She was ready to deliver her first calf. We had been watching her carefully. Before I realized it she had wondered off into the woods. I went to look for her and couldn't find her then my husband went to look for her. He found her in the big woods. She was laying down, but she was fine.

This morning before my husband left for work he drove up the rode and found her again in the woods. He called me from the road to let me that he found Grassy. She was laying down, but no calf. The other cows and bulls were in the woods with her. They were surrounding her with love and support. Grassy's mother, Big Mama Red was the closest to her. Isn't that sweet. The first baby makes the entire family a little nervous.

About 10:00 am this morning I see all of the animals down by the house basking in the sun, except for Big Mama Red. So, I get the kids bundled up to go look for Grassy. By the time we got out of the house Big Mama Red is also down enjoying the morning sun and we are unbundling because it is 65 DEGREES!

We start walking into the woods all the while Redbird is explaining to us not to make human sounds only nature sounds. Which means it is okay for the leaves to make crumbling sounds as we walk. Rooster is whispering so loud that he might as well have using a bull horn. It seems like forever until we find Grassy.

I can't get too close to her because she is a little unsettled. I can tell she has had a calf and appears to be fine. By that I mean she is up walking around and about to charge. I can't see a calf anywhere. So we start walking out of the woods. I'm a little concerned, but know there is one somewhere. Then I glance over to the left of Grassy. Do you see her?

Here is a closer look:

Do you see her now?

She is all ears! I was looking for a black or brown calf and found this beautiful strawberry blonde hiding in the leaves. I'm guessing she is a girl because she is so little which is great for a first baby. Immediately, Redbird says she is naming her Bernice.

Here is a little better photo from a different angle:

I wish they were better photos but I had a new mama watching me so I couldn't get too close. One day I'm going to get a big telephoto lens. My animals will really be happy with me then.

However I can as close as I want to No. 3:

She is a little vain and loves having her picture taken.

Anyway, welcome to the world Bernice. Redbird says that is a beautiful day for a beautiful girl to be born so she can see how beautiful it is here. Love that girl and Redbird.

Have a great day.

Love,

Territory Mom

Windshield Oklahoma - The Guthrie's Old Home Place

2011-12-28T08:57:00.000-06:00

Very remote road in Okfuskee County

I get my news from jenx67.com and today she has a post about our own Woody Guthrie and about a new exhibit being put together by the Kaiser Foundation in Tulsa. Jen does a much better job reporting big news than me so you can check out her article, here. She has a special connection to Woody. If you follow me on twitter and facebook you know I have already posted it at both places probably more than once because I have fat finger syndrome.

Anyway, back to Woody and his old home place. In and around Okemah there are many locations that are considered Woody Guthrie's old home. There are some in town and some out of town. You would have to talk to one of his cousins to be sure which place is actually a Guthrie old home place unless you have lived in Okfuskee County all your life and know where the best place to go squirrel hunting.

So, we are driving around one day by the lake trying to locate our old bull. He is now at the cousins' place. We are on this road that seems 10 miles long and I casually ask my husband,

Me: "do you think Woody Guthrie ever went squirrel hunting down here?"

Okay, apparently this was a dumb question because this is the response I got:

Hubs: "Well yeah, everybody's knows this is the best squirrel hunting around!!!"

"That's the old place over there"

Me: "Where?"

Hubs: "there"

Me: "I don't see anything."

Hubs: "Over yonder!"

Should I remind him I haven't lived here all my life?

Silence until we get here:

Everybody out of the truck so we can check out the old WPA bridge.

Nothing breaks the silence better than an old WPA bridge. Very cool rocks.

Now I don't know if Woody ever went squirrel hunting, but if he was hungry he did. Things haven't changed much.

Jen also posted this article Bound For Local Glory At Last from the NY Times.

Got to go someone is wanting biscuits and gravy.

Have a great day.

Love,

Territory Mom

The Joseph In My Family Was Named "Sarah"

2011-12-23T11:48:00.000-06:00

Scenic route Pope County, AR

ARVtripeaks.com

Everyone knows I'm addicted to genealogy. I love to discover stories about my family and hopefully discover some old family photos. I was talking to a friend not long ago and she told me that she didn't want to research her family tree because of what she might discover.

It is not always easy to find out the truth about your family, but with genealogy it is about the good, the bad and the ugly.

For me it is about breaking generational curses. Do not be afraid to seek the truth. Believe me once the family secrets come to light you will begin to understand why this relative or that relative acted the way they did or why there were so many whispers during family gatherings. Hopefully if there is anything bad in your family history you can come to understand it and prevent it from happening to your children and future generations. We do not have to keep paying for something someone did 50 or 100 years ago just because we share the same name.

Now there are good things that have been carried down generation to generation.

When God decided to come to earth he chose his human parents, Mary and Joseph. It was Joseph who had to be convinced that everything was going to be all right with being the adopted parent of Jesus. He had to understand that he was chosen by God to do God's will.

We all have a "Joseph" in our family. Someone who was chosen by God to claim and raise someone else's child. It may to you.

In my family it was Sarah Vaughan Brashear. She was born in 1817 in Tennesse, married in Arkansas in 1837 and died in Pope County, Arkansas in 1891. In 1845 she gave birth to her 4th and 5th children, twins. A boy and a girl. The little girl, Abay, did not survive.

While Sarah was raising her children her husband was busy doing other things. Sarah's maid and friend, Polly also gave birth in 1845 to a son whose father was Sarah's husband. I don't know if Polly gave the child to Sarah or if Polly died. Sarah raised Polly's son "A" as her own. Sarah had six more children with her husband. On census records "A" is listed as Sarah's son.

Sarah did what she could to raise "A" as her own, but it was a small town and people knew the truth. Unfortunately "A" could not escape his generational curses and he was murdered in 1905.

However, the good in Sarah continued to her daughter-in-law, Nancy Brewer Brashear who raised some of her grandchildren. Sarah's granddaugther, Maggie did not live long enough to raise her own children, but Maggie's daughters continued the tradition of raising their grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Sarah had to be fearless to walk through town hearing the whispers of the town folks. I can see her holding "A" hand, his skin a different color than hers, holding her head high and calling him, son.

Joseph did the same thing. He held his head high and took care of Mary and Jesus. God gave Joseph the strength to be fearless.

Who is the Joseph in your family?

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 18:20-21 (NIV)

Merry Christmas!

Love,

Territory Mom

Kevin Durant Basketball Camp-Christmas Gift Idea

2011-12-15T10:57:00.000-06:00

From: Oklahoma Today

I heard from KD's people about a great Christmas gift idea, the 2012 Kevin Durant Basketball ProCamp.

I did a post about it yesterday but I had some computer glitches and the press release didn't post. Sorry about my computer error. It was definitely the computer error and not human error LOL.

The camp will be held this summer at Heritage Hall, OKC for boys and girls, ages 7 to 18. I know what you're thinking. I haven't heard if there will be a camp for adults, but I'll let you know if I hear about it.

Anyway, you can get more information at ProCamp.

Also, here are some other links, just because we love having a pro basketball team in our backyard:

OKC Thunder-KD

Kevin Durant 35

In case you haven't seen it yet, here is KD's great Nike commercial.

Have a great day.

Love,

Territory Mom

Windshield Oklahoma - A Spoon In The Persimmon Seed

2011-12-02T14:56:00.000-06:00

As you can see the persimmons on this tree have already shirveled up. We usually have a lot of persimmons but not this year. Like all the crops this year it was scarce.

We were able to check a persimmon seed and we found a spoon just like last year. A spoon means lots of snow.

Photo from: OklahomaHistory.net

The spoon symbolizes a shovel. A fork means a light snowy winter and a knife means extreme cold. The cold wind will cut through you like a knife. I'd rather have a spoon than a knife.

For more clues to help forecast our winter weather check out this article from The Farmers Almanac.

I've already got the wood pile stocked up for the weekend.

Have a great weekend, stay warm and I hope your team wins.

Love,

Territory Mom

Lost City Knits In Lost City, Oklahoma

2011-11-23T06:37:00.000-06:00

My kids watching the dogs swim after beavers

Introducing my friend, Denise's new website:

Lost City Knits

Hand-dyed Yarns and Original Designs

From the website:

Working with small farmers as well as quality commercial suppliers to offer hand-dyed, natural fibers for knitting, crocheting, and weaving.

Every skein of yarn here was hand dyed by me, in my studio, on our farm near Lost City, Oklahoma

Like most artisans Denise started blogging about Lost City Knits first, but now she has grown so much that she has added a beautiful new website. You will love this remarkable knitster and designer. She captures the essense of Oklahoma in her designs and hand-dyed yarns like the Oklahoma sunset in the above photo.

You may have already met Denise at a local arts and craft fair. She will be at the Alliday Everyday on Dec. 17th at the Ford Truck Exhibit Hall, Tulsa State Fairgrounds, just in time to buy some last minute Chrismas gifts. You can go to the website for the details and a map and it's free to the public.

This a new arts and crafts fair was organized by another blogger friend, Briana Hefley-Shepard. Find her at Bifftastica and at WoodyFest during the 115 degree Oklahoma summer. She is dedicated!

Have a great and safe holiday and enjoy Lost City Knits.

Love,

Territory Mom

OSU Memorial Service

2011-11-21T08:39:00.002-06:00

NOTE: I put this post on my other blog Delayed But Not Denied when I meant to post it here. Sorry for the double post.

Just in case you haven't heard the OSU memorial service for the victims of last week's plane crash will be today at 1:00 pm in the Gallagher Iba Arena in Stillwater. I heard that Channel 6 and Channel 23 in Tulsa will have it on live tv. I'm sure other stations will also. You can also view the live stream online on Channel 6. Go here for more information.

The holidays can sometimes be a difficult time for people then to add the loss of a friend or family member can put someone over the edge. Please keep our OSU friends in your prayers this week.

I will love You, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.

For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.

Psalm 18:1-3,28,35

Love,

Territory Mom

P.S. I never attended OSU but I have friends who did and it holds a special place in my heart. My grandfather's first cousin, Vernon Friels, played for Henry Iba. Maybe one day my children will attend Oklahoma State.

Praying for Our OSU Family

2011-11-18T08:36:00.000-06:00

Please pray for the OSU family. OSU's Women Basketball Coach and Assistant Killed In Plane Crash.

Windshield Oklahoma - Happy Birthday Oklahoma!

2011-11-16T11:10:00.000-06:00

Today the great state of Oklahoma is 104 years old. I guess with the recent earthquakes it is her way to complain about her age. She needs to settle down and stop complaining so much. I mean she looks good for her age. This is what she looks like in my neck of the woods:

We have been friends for 46 years now. Over the years we have grown very close. She is my refuge.

Happy birthday dear friend.

Love,

Territory Mom

Thanks Utah Carl For Serving Our Country-Veteran's Day 11-11-11

2011-11-11T12:31:00.000-06:00

I never knew Utah Carl Branscum, but I like his name.

We were visited family graves on Memorial Day and I took this photo of his grave. He is buried next to my husband's brother. They seem to be keeping each other company.

Utah Carl was raised in Okfuskee County and served his country during the Korean War. He married a girl named, Grace from Texas.

I found his parents closed by:

I bet they were proud of their son. Tandy Branscum served our country during WWI.

I also found Utah Carl's brother:

Later I'll post these photos to findagrave.com so their family can find them.

Veteran's Day is about remembering those who served our country whether we knew them or not.

So, thanks Utah Carl for serving our country.

"Freedom is never free"

unknown

Here are some links to other blogs who are remembering Veteran's Day:

She Is Our Angel

Household 6 Diva

Tasha Does Tulsa

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand

Love,

Territory Mom

Another Strange Thing in Oklahoma

2011-11-08T12:27:00.000-06:00

I bet you thought I was going to write about our recent earthquakes. I will soon especially since my hometown is apparently the epicenter. Denise from Lost City Knits posted this link on the quakes which very informative.

Anyway, today's strange thing is this spider. She is carrying her babies on her back, ooh gross. I had to enhance the above photo just so you can see her. Below is the photo before:

You can barely see her. I was trying to research this spider, but got creeped out pretty quick. I'm pretty sure it is a Dolomedes. They live near water and can glide on the water. This one was seen on our pond dam when we were checking out the beavers back in September.

That is the homeschool lesson for the day.

Have a great day and if you are in Oklahoma brace yourself for the next quake.

Love,

Territory Mom

Happy Birthday Will Rogers and Will Rogers Days In Claremore

2011-11-03T12:29:00.000-05:00

Official Site of Will Rogers

Well, tomorrow is Oklahoma's favorite son's birthday.

William "Will" Penn Adair Rogers was born November 4, 1879 on Dog Iron Ranch near Oologah, OK. His parents were Clement Vann Rogers and Mary America Schrimsher. (Mary had a sister named Alabama).

If you are like me then you already know alot about Will Rogers so I will just provide some links at the end of the post for your reading pleasure.

In celebration of his birthday today kicks off the first day of Will Rogers Days. This is a three day event beginning with children's day at the museum in Claremore, a birthday party tomorrow at Rogers' birthplace in Oologah, a car show and parade. For more information go to the Will Rogers Memorial Museums. The museum site is very informative with quotes, writings, filmography, etc. Also, you can get information about the Will Rogers "In School" program.

If you haven't visited the Will Rogers Memorial Museums and birthplace then put it on your "living list". It's on mine.

Happy birthday Will, we love you.

Territory Mom

Gene Autry Tipped Stetson

Official Website of Will Rogers

Will Rogers at Wikipedia

The Abduction of Maggie Brashear

2011-09-30T13:28:00.000-05:00

Susan Margaret "Maggie" Brashear was bethrothed to Charles Henry "Charlie" Dunn. The wedding was to take place on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Sept. 26, 1886. Maggie's father, W.W. Brashear, Esq. was not going to let anything keep this wedding from taking place. Afterall, Charlie Dunn was Emily Singleton Dunn Kinder's son. Emily's brother, John Abel Singleton was married to W.W.'s sister, Mary and Emily's other brother, William Meredith Singleton was married to W.W.'s other sister, Missouri Margaret. This was the family plan. A few days before the wedding Maggie went missing. Her father had an idea so he didn't wait for the law, actual he was the law. W.W. had been the Justice of the Peace for 18 years. He knew his farmhand had something to do with Maggie's disappearance. This former POW and Assemblyman was not going to let anyone take his daughter. He hitched up his team of horses and took off after the kidnappers. He followed them to Marion County and brought Maggie home and her kidnappers to jail. It is unclear if Maggie actually ran away with them, if it was prank or an abduction. Based on Maggie's testimony during the trial the kidnappers were released Sept. 22, 1886 and she was married to Charlie Dunn four days later on September 26, 1886.

From the Russelleville Democrat:

Sept. 22, 1886: The sensation in Moreland township over the abduction of Maggie Brashear by James K. Biffle and Ed Bowden continues to excite wonderment in that usually quiet community. The runaways were followed to Marion County by the father of the young lady and returned home. Today, the young men will be tried before Esq. Peck on the serious charge of abduction.

Oct., 1886: The trial of J.K. Biffle for the abduction of Maggie Brashear came off last week and we understand that Biffle was discharged from custody on the testimony of the youny lady. Mr. Ed Bowden whose name has been connected with the case, was only a witness, and not an accomplice as stated last week.

Maggie only lived 19 more years after her marriage to Charlie Dunn. She died at the age of 35 of pnenomia two weeks after her ninth child was born. Her oldest child and daugther, Maudie married five months later and left Arkansas, each child soon followed. Charlie died in 1923 in Ryan, OK.

No one returned to Arkansas.

The family living in a logging camp, cir. 1902

Maggie died in 1905

I am the 5th generation from the union of Maggie and Charlie. It is going into it's 7th generation.

So this is the story of the abduction of Maggie Brashear at least the part we know. The real story lives in the mountains of Arkansas.

Love,

Territory Mom

P.S. I'm taking a break from blogging for awhile. You can go here for my explanation. I'll be back soon.

125 Years Ago Today

2011-09-26T13:34:00.000-05:00

125 years ago today, September 26, 1886, Charles "Charlie" Henry Dunn and Susan Margaret "Maggie" Brashear were married on Crow Mountain near the town of Atkins, Arkansas. Charlie was 19 years old and Maggie was 16. They were my great great grandparents. Both of their families lived on Crow Mountain, which is absolutely beautiful.

You can go here to view the flickr photostream of zormsk. You can search "Crow Mountain" on his photostream to fall in love with the area.

This union almost didn't happen.

Maggie had spent the summer of 1886 in love and planning her wedding, but three days prior to her wedding Maggie was kidnapped and taken far into the Arkansas mountains.

To be continued on Wednesday.

Love,

Territory Mom

A Great Oklahoma Love Story on All My Children

2011-09-23T10:01:00.001-05:00

As you know today is the last day for the long running soap opera, All My Children. You don't have to admit that you watched it but we all know you did. I mean for heaven's sakes we only had three channels during the 70's. We had to watch something. I will share one of the great Oklahoma love stories on the show for my farewell tribute:

They had worked side by side so many years. Each one keeping their love for the other a secret until one day they just couldn't keep it hidden any longer. Dr. Charles Tyler and Mona Kane finally revealed their love for each other. Yes, Erica Kane's mother and Phoebe Tyler's husband were in love.

Now, what happens?

Mona: "We have to tell Phoebe"

Charles: "But, Mona she will never give me a divorce."

Mona: "Charles, darling you deserve to be happy, we deserve to be happy"

or something like that.

Apparently, Charles was a bit afraid of Phoebe. Do you blame him? She was something else. So, Mona just went ahead and blackmailed Phoebe forcing her to divorce Charles.

On May 1, 1980, Charles and Mona became, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Tyler and lived happily ever after.

These two Oklahomans were destined to be together.

Dr. Charles Tyler was played by Hugh Hale Franklin, born on August 24, 1916 in Muskogee, OK. His parents were Wallace Franklin and Josephine Morrison Franklin. He was named after his maternal grandfather, Hugh Morrison. By 1920 the family was living in Tulsa, OK where Hugh graduated from the old Central High School.

Old Central High School, Tulsa, OK

Other graduates of Central include, Paul Harvey and Tony Randall.

On a side note I love this building. Go to Historic Tulsa for a brief history of the building.

Hugh became a stage actor, no doubt influenced by Central's drama teacher, Isabelle Ronan. He later married Madeleine L'Engle, the Newbery Award winner for her book, A Wrinkle in Time.

Madeleine and Hugh, 1945

They truly lived happily ever afer until Hugh's death on September 26, 1986. At the time of his death his sister was still living in Tulsa.

Mona Kane Tyler was played by Frances Heflin you know Van's sister.

Mary Frances Heflin was born September 20, 1920 in Oklahoma City, OK to Fanny Shippey and Dr. Emmett Evan Heflin. Her father was born in Alabama around 1880. In 1900 he was living with his sister, Sallie Adams and her family in Ardmore. He and his wife's first son, Martin was born in California around 1907, then at some point the Heflins moved back to Oklahoma to stay. Van Heflin was born in Walters in 1910.

ClassenOkc.org

The Heflin children graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City where their dad was a dentist.

Before being cast on All My Children, Ms. Heflin was a broadway actor, starring in "By the Skin of Our Teeth" and "I Remember Mama". She also appeared on The Patty Duke Show and many others. Her children are directors and actors, Jonathan Kaplan, Mady Kaplan, Marta Heflin and Nora Heflin.

She died in New York City on June 1, 1994.

The show did beautiful tribute to her charachter, Mona Kane and it can be seen on youtube.com.

So, goodbye All My Children and to this beautiful Oklahoma love story.

Love,

Territory Mom

All My Children

FindAGrave-HughFranklin

Meet Madeleine L'Engle

It Rained In Oklahoma!

2011-09-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

Love,

Territory Mom

The Class of '83 Remembers

2011-09-20T08:14:00.000-05:00

My friend Cheryl's birthday is today. She would have been 46 years old, but yesterday was her funeral. One day before her birthday she was laid to rest.

She is survived by her husband, two children, two grandchildren, her parents, her grandparents, her brother, two nieces, many, many relatives and the entire Class of 1983.

She was always so nice. Honestly, you never knew if she was in a bad mood because she was always pleasent. She was a good wife, mother, daughter, granddaughter, and everything else. It's true that only the good die young.

I'm from the small town of Prague so we had a small class, I think 67. I can't find my yearbook to confirm it. She was the fourth from our class, the first of us girls and the first from natural causes. One boy died in a car accident in front of the grocery store one week before our senior year, one died in another car accident on that dangerous curve outside of town and one drowned along with four of his family members.

There is something about losing one of your classmates. You have this bond like no other. It's a different emotion. All those high school memories come rushing back, the good and the bad. You start wondering whatever happened to so and so. I wonder if they are on Facebook.

I think this song helps explain my feelings.

We will always be the Class of '83.

Love,

Territory Mom

Fragment to Olinka by Acel Garland - The Story of Olinka Hrdy - Part 1

2011-09-18T23:53:00.000-05:00

Fragment to Olinka

Acel Garland

Fires dim as embers of fallen moonlight smoulder in your eyes--many fires.

Glowing strange colors deep in your eyes,

for you have slept in the shadow of a white rock

and wandered long in the land of dreams.

The wind that whispers with the colored leaves,

and sighes among the short grass on the prairie has blown across your face,

and chanted a strange music in your ears.

I have been planning to write about my hometown of Prague. My goal was to share with you our history and our people, but since I'm a mom and not an investigative reporter my idea was put on the back burning. One of my stories was going to be about Olinka Hrdy. Then I received an email from This Land Press informing its email subscribers that the cover story for the September issue is about none other than Olinka Hrdy.

I'm thinking if I got paid to blog I would have got my story done sooner, but then maybe not. I haven't read the story in This Land Press because I only read it online and this story is not available yet. So I will tell you a little about what I know about Olinka Hrdy tonight because she died on this date 23 years ago.

Olinka was born in a sod house on the family farm in Prague on August 7, 1902. She was full blood Czech. She was a first generation American on her father's side (Josef Hrdy was born in Bohemia) and second generation on her mother's side (Emma Benes Hrdy was born in Iowa). There is some information out there that she was half Indian which is not true. She did have a cousin who was half Seminole. I'm not sure if a mistake was made because Prague sits on the Sac and Fox Reservation.

Many people did not know she was an artist until she died. She studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and Bruce Goff. She painted nine murals in the home that is now the Tulsa Spotlight Theatre. I've read that the murals do not exist anymore. She worked for the WPA in California and I think some of the murals she painted there still exist. Oh, Olinka had been married. Nobody knew about that. I read about it in her biography. I bet she was spinning over that one. I just knew her as the ol' Czech lady that built her house with her own two hands. Wait until you see it. Oh I also heard about the big fight over her father's will. It's a doozy, but I may or may not share.

I think this is all I will write about the mysterious Olinka for now. I need to do some more research which means I need to talk to my old high school friend's mom because she knows everything.

Brother, Carl, mother Emma and Olinka Hrdy

Czech National Cemetery, Prague, OK

The above poem is engraved on Olinka's grave. Isn't it lovely. The only information I could find about the author, Acel Garland was that he was a member of the Texas Folklore Society. It sounds like he was also very fond of Olinka.

Have a good evening.

Love,

Territory Mom

Two Beloved Okemah Women Have Finished Their Race

2011-09-16T09:39:00.000-05:00

Corner of Woody Guthrie Blvd and Glen D. Johnson Drive

Taken by me during the bitter cold of Feb., 2011

Two women in my community have gone on to a better place this week. One woman, the beloved, Imogene had a long race on this earth and finished at age 90. Brenda's race was cut short because of a tragic accident. She was only 54.

While both women accomplished a lot deal during their lives people share the hometown memories the most. Imogene was the high school football queen in the late 1930's and Brenda loved her horses.

Both women contributed a great deal to the agricultural and educational needs of our community.

I never met these women but I know from reading about their sons in the local paper that they were both devoted and loving mothers. Both women raised outstanding citizens. Imogene had one son and Brenda had two sons.

Watch the following videos and you will agree with me that these were two wonderful women and mothers: OSU 2011 Outstanding Senior and Lessons In Leadership - Dr. Glen Johnson.

It will be a busy day tomorrow in Okemah with two funeral for two lovely ladies.

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

Also, sadly I lost one of my high school classmates this week. She was also a devoted and loving mother. I will post about her later.

Have a great day.

Love,

Territory Mom

For more information you can go to these links:

Imogene Johnson Obit

Parks Brothers Funeral Home - Okemah

Durant Democrat