Oh October

Hello October! Last month, at the two-year mark of my husband’s passing, I decided to stop being a bystander in my own life and really start living again. My last blog chronicled the beginning of that new journey with a quick trip to our favorite beach to honor my sweet man. Not so much to let him go, but more so I can keep moving forward. The thought of living life without him has been so hard to imagine, but I know I have to.

The month started with an all-girls guided fishing trip on beautiful Lake Eufaula here in Oklahoma. Our guide, Wild Bill of Wild Bill’s Fishing Adventures was amazing, and we had a nice haul of crappie by the end of the day. But the best part was spending time with the sweetest ladies. The day was filled with lots of laughs, beautiful scenery, and a peace that only being on the water can bring.

Four days later I was off to country dance lessons. The idea came about as my friend Renae and I sat on a rooftop restaurant for lunch talking about trying new things. She mentioned learning how to two-step, and I jumped on it. A local bakery, Laurannae Baking Co + Espresso and Pastry Bar, offers monthly lessons. While we were the oldest dancers there, we had a good time re-learning the electric slide and laughing at ourselves the entire time. I realized the country dancing I used to love involved alcohol, which might explain why I thought I’d be good at this. Boy, was I wrong! These boots were made for walking.

Next stop was Bingo Loco at the Cain’s Ballroom. I bought the tickets months ago and didn’t give my best friends the opportunity to say no. What is Bingo Loco you ask? Think bingo with a rave! Flashing lights, eighties music, and a host ready to make your evening crazy. We sang, we danced, we lost at bingo. My late husband even directed the DJ from high above making sure he played the YMCA, one of Joe’s signature dances, that had me laughing and crying all at the same time.

The following weekend I slowed things down a bit and spent Saturday on a musical tour right here in my own backyard with a few friends. We started at The Church Studio. This historic church-turned-music studio was purchased by Leon Russell in the early seventies and was home for his label, Shelter Records. One of my favorites songs Leon wrote has been covered by so many. This is my favorite rendition.

Many legendary artists recorded in this hallowed sanctuary over the years including Tom Petty, George Harrison, JJ Cale, The GAP Band, Eric Clapton and many more. It’s a beautiful building with rich musical history that is also a recording studio, audio engineering school, museum, and event space.

We rounded out the afternoon with a visit to the Bob Dylan Center in downtown Tulsa. I know, it’s weird there’s a Bob Dylan museum in Tulsa. Local philanthropist, the George Kaiser Family Foundation, purchased the archives, and Bob Dylan was impressed with a previous project the foundation backed (Woody Guthrie Center). When asked about it during a Vanity Fair interview, Dylan responded, “There’s more vibrations on the coasts, for sure, but I’m from Minnesota and I like the casual hum of the heartland.”

If you know me, you know I love ALL music. The collection of memorabilia at The Bob Dylan Center is stunning. From handwritten manuscripts, lyrics, film, photographs, artwork, and musical instruments. It’s an immersive experience providing the guest a deeper understanding of this Nobel Prize-winning artist/poet/singer/songwriter’s impact. I entered as a novice of Dylan’s music but a lover of his songwriting. I left with a greater appreciation for this humble man who helped steer the course of musical history.

And speaking of his songwriting. You knew there had to be more music coming. Here’s one of my favorites written by Bob Dylan and covered by my very talented friend Tim Hewitt. Enjoy . . .

The next event was by far my most favorite of them all. Paul McCartney made his way back to Tulsa for a concert at the BOK Center. My late husband and I saw him back in 2013. Joe was actually the reason for my love of the Beatles and all things Sir Paul. This concert had very special meaning to me. I invited my friend Tim (see beautiful song above) to be my +1. This concert was incredible! I was blown away by all of the old footage of John, Paul, George and Ringo. There was even a beautiful “duet” with Paul & John singing “I’ve Got A Feeling”. Of course, my eyes welled up when Paul sang my favorite “Blackbird”, but those tears were quickly replaced with a peaceful feeling knowing my beautiful man had the best seat in the house up in heaven for this one. This concert was pure magic and I’m so grateful I got to share it with my friend.

I’d say October has been pretty special so far. I wanted to experience more things, get out more, socialize more. Mission accomplished! I’ll leave you with a song that has been my anthem for decades. No matter how hard life gets, no matter what you’re going through, love is truly all we need.