Oklahoma Trips on a Tank Full

With summer fast approaching you may be wondering like me, how do I keep these kids entertained all summer?  Luckily, if you live in Oklahoma like me, there are many opportunities that this great state has to offer.  I've included a link to the Oklahoma State Department of Tourism where you can request free brochures and receive free coupons for children friendly museums and activities.  http://www.oktourism.com/literature-request/

From trips to the Oklahoma City Adventure District visiting the Oklahoma City Zoo or the Oklahoma Science Museum to trips to Frontier City Amusement Park and White Water, there is so much to do. Of course, the Oklahoma Aquarium and the Bricktown Ballpark are great destinations for summer fun but have you also visited Andy Alligator's in Norman or Leonardo's Discovery Warehouse in Enid? Looking for a cool place to eat with your kids that won't break your bank?  Check out Pop's on Route 66 in Arcadia or Meers Restaurant in Meers near Lawton and Altus. If you're near Stillwater of course you have to check out the world famous Eskimo Joe's.

My family travels frequently and we love to travel around Oklahoma.  You don't have to travel far or spend a lot of money in gas (which is going up again!!!) to find something to do.  I encourage you to look around Oklahoma before making your expensive travel plans for the summer and notice all that Oklahoma has to offer.  Is this a great state or what?

www.shellyperkins.com
Shelly Perkins Photography

Fun at the Nature Center at Lake Thunderbird

I wanted to share a few pics of our afternoon at the Lake Thunderbird Nature Center in Norman, Oklahoma. This is a great place to spend a little time with your kiddos. It is located off Oklahoma State Highway 9 on the south side of the lake. The center is free since Lake Thunderbird is a state park and is open everyday 9-5 except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

The center has an official park ranger on duty to talk about the wildlife found in Oklahoma and locally in Cleveland County around the lake. The park ranger can also give you maps and point you to great hiking and biking trails or places to play in the water, even if you don't own a boat or a ski-do. The Lake Thunderbird Nature Center is a fun place to spend an afternoon.

For more info check out:
http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.4386


Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

White Daffodils on my Daddy's Birthday

Today was Daddy's birthday but it was his first spent in Heaven. What an amazing gift I found when I woke up and looked outside in my front yard. Last spring, my Dad and I planted a few spring bulbs and what do I see? Daffodils had bloomed and were swaying in the gentle Oklahoma breeze. It made me smile and remember planting them and everything that he helped me do. He always helped with the kids and around the house. Papa John, as everyone called him, was an amazing guy. I sure miss him but it also blessed my soul to see the beautiful flowers. Here is one of the white daffodils which were a gift to me on his birthday, sent from Heaven.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

The Oklahoma Aquarium Offers Family Fun

Recently two of my daughters and I were able to visit the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks, Oklahoma for the first time. What an amazing place not so far from home. I've heard great things about the aquarium but never took the time to visit. It is a public, non-profit aquarium just minutes from Tulsa devoted to their mission "Conservation Through Education."

We had a great time and I would love to share a few photos from our visit. Who would have known that such an amazing aquarium existed in land-locked Oklahoma? If you are near Jenks, Oklahoma or visiting the Tulsa area, I suggest you stop in for at least a few hours and see what you've been missing. My girls had a great time and I'm sure we'll be back.

Checking out Rick Sinnett's Work for Public Arts Project 66

I was able to meet Rick Sinnett this past weekend at The Womb Art Gallery.  Great guy and amazing artist doing some colossal things in Oklahoma along Route 66 and throughout the state.  He showed me his drawings which will stimulate the old wheat elevator that now houses Rocktown Climbing Gym in OKC.  What a great idea to not only use public art to revitalize an area but also to tie the state together.  I can't wait to see it and photograph this talented artist's work.  Thanks Rick for sharing your vision.

Happy Birthday Picasso

Today is Pablo Picasso's 130th birthday! He was born on Oct. 25, 1881.



One of my favorite works by Picasso is "Girl in the Mirror," c. 1932.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PICASSO.

Five Quick Stress Busters for your Monday

Have you been feeling stressed lately?
Here it is ~ another Monday!!

Here are FIVE QUICK STRESS BUSTERS to help you through your week.

Use these quick techniques whenever you feel stressed at work or home:

1. Count to 10 slow and take deep breaths.

2. Do five slow, small circles with your head, stretching out your neck muscles.

3. Stop what you are doing and get up. Walk around your office or go to another room for just a few minutes. It's amazing what just by getting up and moving how much it can help you.

4. Picture yourself in a place you find relaxing. Close your eyes and go there in your mind for a few minutes.

5. The most important one of all, TRUST IN GOD. Say a prayer, remember you don't walk alone and if you trust in God, he'll carry you through the rough spots.

Now get out there and Enjoy your Monday and make it a great week !


Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com



post idea credits:
photo=http://www.itimes.com/public/people/iti133802/blog/Stressed-Out-Be-Mindful-Creative
stress buster list=http://foggybottomrambles.blogspot.com/

Meers Longhorn Burgers at Meers Store and Restaurant

Wow, what a great burger joint we discovered in the southwestern part of Oklahoma near Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. This place is located in an old gold mining town called Meers and is pretty much all that's left of the town. Meers Burgers are quite famous in its parts and as we discovered from the many articles hanging around that it's actually famous nationwide. Several newspapers and foodies have been there and trumped it, even including the New York Times, Travelocity Editor's Pick, Tulsa World, made a list on Man Vs. Food, and has been included in a documentary.

Getting to Meers Store and Restaurant is half the fun. Traveling just a little over an hour southwest from Oklahoma City on I-44, you'll head to Lawton. Hungry patrons will find it located in a little spot in the country near the Wichita Mountains, which is hidden but easy to find. You'll discover the fun decor which makes you feel like you've stepped back in time going out for a bite with your grandpa. Meers is a place where people can put their business cards up for those who made need your services or where military members hit up the doors with their "zaps" from their squadron. My husband, a retired Air Force pilot, noticed a sticker from his New York squadron zapped proudly on the men's room door.

When you look at the menu you'll notice that everything is made to order. Served in gold panning plates, the HUGE longhorn burgers are cooked well done and the "cowboy burgers" include mustard. However, for all of you ketchup lovers who eat "yankee burgers" or the mayo burgers which are "sissy burgers," you can order them up also. Our family ordered BBQ brisket, a Meers longhorn burger, a chili cheese dog and even cheese fries. They were served with several sides of potato salad, cole slaw, beans and a hot roll. Everything was delicious. Our drinks were served in glass mason jars which my daughters thought were cool and wanted to take home. We really didn't have room for dessert but when we found out they have IBC root bear floats and cherry cobbler a' la mode made with real homemade ice-cream and served in giant bowls, we HAD to have some. We left with full tummies and headed for a drive up to the top of Mount Scott in the Wichita Mountains. My kids had a great time at Meers Store and Restaurant and I'm sure we'll return again.

www.meersstore.com

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Route 66 Kicks by Shelly Perkins Photography

I recently was able to spend an afternoon with my husband cruising in my convertible down Route 66. Living in Oklahoma, we are lucky to have a strip of this historical mother road with some really cool attractions and sites. One of my favorite places to take my kids is Pops in Arcadia, Oklahoma. It's so fun to watch them debate over the hundreds of choices of soda.

We had a great day trip driving on Route 66. Luckily, my husband is a pretty good sport and never growls when I want to stop somewhere to shoot pics. I wanted to make sure I made a funky shot with the Route 66 sign to signify the fun associated with the road. I hope you enjoy this shot which I'm going to metal print and hang in my own home.

So if you or your kiddos get bored, jump in your car and get your kicks on Route 66.

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

the Horseman

Wanted to share this little shot I made with a negative process. I guess I'm enjoying monotones and black and white at the moment.

the "Horseman"
Oklahoma Cowboy

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Do you think your Child should be on the COVER OF A MAGAZINE?

Do you think your child or grandchild should be on the cover of a magazine? Now's your chance to enter them in AmeriKidz Magazine Cover Contest sponsored by Shelly Perkins Photography. OCTOBER 22, 2010 ~ TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER! Go to
http://www.amerikidz.com/to enter. TWO AGE DIVISIONS! Winners will be announced by the Magazine next week and then photographed by Shelly Perkins Photography!

Send any snapshot to AmeriKidz.com or post on their facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1078145644#!/pages/AmeriKidz-of-OKC-Metro/311583926206

Shelly Perkins Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Oklahoma Fall Fun

Looking for something to do with your kids this weekend in Oklahoma? Check out this link from AmeriKidz Magazine and you will see there are plenty of happenings around the state to keep you and your kiddos busy.
What better time to break out your camera and shoot some scrapbook photos of your family than in the fall? Fall festivals and pumpkin patches make the nicest backdrops. Everyone have fun and stay safe.
http://amerikidz.com/ok/calendar.htm#oct

Guthrie's Beautiful Saint Mary's Catholic Church by Shelly Perkins Photography

When returning home from a trip to Stillwater, I decided to take a drive through historical old town Guthrie. I love shooting photos in Guthrie. It's a beautiful town and some of the nicest people live there. Well, if you don't know me, I will have to tell you, I am always drawn to churches and temples. Wherever I go, I always find a church to stop in or shoot a photo of. I found the gorgeous traditional brick Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Guthrie. The sky was beautiful, only a few clouds in sight and I knew I had to make an image of St. Mary's. I hope you enjoy the image of the church. If you ever are driving through Oklahoma, pull off of I-35 and take a drive through Oklahoma's first capitol. You will not be disappointed.

Shelly Perkins Photography
of Oklahoma
specializing in Children's Photography
www.shellyperkins.com

Art in Ardmore

I was able to make a stop in Ardmore and check out some of the local artists and photographers. I took a few photos and included the beautiful sky. Looks can be deceiving....it was soooo cold! That darn Oklahoma wind was sure blowing. Here's one of my favorite exhibits in front of the Goddard Center Art Studio located on First SW in Ardmore, Oklahoma.