Mercy, what a week! Days of pain, fear, and worry
that came from much trauma and drama in the lives of our family, friends and the country. Yesterday
the sun shined and spring put her toe out once more while the forecast called
for rain and cold including frost yet again with the new week. We were tired
both physically and mentally tired yesterday morning, arising late. We could
let the day slip by or push forward to try and grab some joy. It was a late
start in more ways than one, but we headed west dreaming of Santa Fe but
knowing we could not make it in the half dozen hours we had.
Shortly beyond Joplin the land leveled into the longer
stretches of flat land reaching for distant Oklahoma hills. The fields were velvet
green while rivers and rivulets raced forward from recent rains. DH observed
the cattle seemed satisfied. They too appreciated the nice day. We headed for
the Gilcrease Museum and drove right into town with complete ease which was
helpful in our low energy state. We had visited here over a quarter of a
century ago with kids…enough said. I always wanted to return. While we did make
it to the Philbrook last year, it took a while to make it to the Gilcrease
again. It definitely was worth the push to get there.
The Gilcrease grounds were beautiful. Passing
through grand gates, we wove among just budding dogwood, redbuds, and azaleas
trying to bloom. Once inside, we did not begin to absorb all we saw. Once the
mind sees so much color and content, it reaches a saturation point. Starting
with tired minds did not help us, but again, we pushed on. Photos were not
allowed here which saddened me. The pictures of Remington, Charlie Russell, and
other famous western artists were wonderful. We met the work of new artists
too. The wood carving of Willard Stone was absolutely amazing. and the museum
had a good deal of his work since he was Oklahoman. The works in cherry and
walnut ached to be touched, but I did not dare. The wood seemed to speak under
the influence of Stone’s hands. He not only found shape and design, but he
slicked the wood as satin smooth as a river stone.
There was a special exhibit of Woody Crumbo’s work
called Bending, Weaving, and Dancing. Also an Oklahoma artist, Crumbo supported
himself as an artist by doing traditional dancing. Some of his work was in
Kiowa Flat style, other work had more depth. It all reflected movement. In a
little work room aside, a Fancy Dancer costume was set up in front of tables obviously
used as a model for painters. Beautiful.
The museum was busy due to a special artists day.
The restaurant was serving only an expensive brunch for the day. I was sorry to
miss the buffalo burger with fried green tomato and breakfast food is not my
favorite meal anyway. However, we were so hungry it was better than fighting traffic
to find a place to eat. So we sat in the beautiful dining area that overlooked the
beautiful Osage Hills, which would be nicer later in spring for sure.
We wore out long before we wanted to, but DH said we
would return someday. Ha, I don’t have another quarter of a century left! But
both were glad to see all that we did. DH remarked on the color in the
paintings. I liked that there were also many colorful headdresses…such lovely feathers
and beading. Some were more than 120 years old…one can only imagine the men who
wore the war bonnets. I loved seeing the many moccasins…the deerskin dresses
and shirts, some trimmed with horse and human hair. It was all fodder to mull
over in the brain once we returned to our ordinary life.
The day had been well worth the push.
11 comments:
It does sound as if you had a truly lovely day. I lamented to my hubby earlier today that we're missing a beautiful spring day here, stuck inside doing chores. We did get to the park with the dogs a little earlier for a nice walk, and then out to the market, but the bulk of the day has been spent indoors doing those things which must be done. Ugh. I would much rather have been outside. Or at the museum you wrote about! You've made it seem inviting!
That's exactly the sort of thing I like to do. Thanks for posting pictures.
What a beautiful place to visit. Thank you for sharing. Shall put this place on my list to visit!
That was a terrific day trip, Bookie. Just my style, including the lovely lunch. So glad you got to go!
When we take just one day at a time, each day is a lifetime, in itself.
Susan
I had never heard of this museum before. Your description of the museum and journey were so vivid, I felt I was there--and wish I could be there. Your photos are great. Thanks for sharing them.
What interesting sites, Claudia. We just returned from Cherokee country where we saw similar sights...
One of these days you should just "push" your way to NE Indiana! Sure would be nice to meet you :)
Hi Claudia, I've been bad about reading blogs lately and so I'm catching up a bit... looks like you and hubby are out and about having some fun and enjoying the sites. Good for you!
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