OOOOk-lahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain! OK-- So I KNOW that the first thing that came into your mind was TORNADO! I ne-ver meet anyone that it isn't the first word they say after finding out where you're from. But fortunately, there is MUCH more to Oklahoma than tornadoes!
Maybe you would be surprised to know that there are lots of places in OK that are not just flat, red dirt! In fact, there are 10 distinct eco-regions in OK that include everything from Rocky Mountain foothills to cypress swamps, tallgrass prairies, and hardwood forests to pine-covered mountains. A few interesting things...
Being so landlocked and all, Oklahoma has more man made lakes than any other state with over one million surface acres of water and more shoreline than the Atlantic and Gulf coasts together. Needless to say, water recreation is very important here. Lots of fishing, boating, water skiing and about anything else you can think of to do on the water!
Oklahoma is bordered by six states, more states than any other. Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, and Missouri make up the list. UPDATE: Someone just pointed out that Kentucky is bordered by 7 states. And she is absolutely right! Just goes to show you shouldn't believe everything you read!
The Shopping Cart, Parking Meter, Aerosol Can and Twist Ties were invented here!
And of course, the famous people... Will Rogers and Wiley Post (both of whom have airports named after them). Mickey Mantle and Johnny Bench. The list of Country Music Stars is LONG! Garth, Blake, Toby, Reba and Carrie just to mention a few. And some that might surprise you, such as Brad Pitt, Ron Howard, and Chuck Norris. And one of the most famous Oklahomans of today, of course, is Ree Drummond of Pioneer Woman fame.
There is lots more to say about OK, but above all, it's the people who make the state special. It is called the Heartland for a reason. I'm not a native Oklahoman and I've lived in lots of other places, but the people here make a difference. Friendly, caring, down to earth and what you see is what you get. Truly the salt of the earth. It's the reason why many CHOOSE to live here, not because they HAVE to. It's why, after tornadoes, floods and other catastrophes that they stayed and rebuilt. It's why, after the devastating bombing in 1995 that took so many lives, those who came to help fell in love with the people they met.
Which brings me to my License Plate Block. Starting with the Turquoise Skies and giving homage to the Red Dirt in the shape of the state, the black rickrack shows the major thoroughfares (I-35, I-40 and I-44) that crisscross across the state. I-44 out of MO and I-40 from OKC to the Texas State Line follow the old Route 66, more miles than any other state, and there are many wonderful things to see along the way. The Red Heart, of course, signifies the Heartland designation. The State Wild Flower is the Indian Blanket which honors the large Native American presence, also more than any other State in the Union.
If you're interested in making your own Block, please email me at hollyhockquilts@gmail.com and I'll send you the PDFs. Free, of course!
THE GIVEAWAYS! There are two. The first is the generous group of Fat 1/4s offered by Clothworks and the 2nd is ALL the leftovers (49 pcs and yes, I have included those I cut) from what they sent to make the block. These are REALLY nice fabrics, folks, and I know you'll enjoy using them.
To enter, just follow me either here or on Facebook and leave a comment telling me where you are following (be sure I have an email address for you). If you want to follow in both places, then leave TWO comments for TWO entries! Pretty simple, huh? Here are the prizes:
Entries for the Giveaway end on Sunday at midnight, June 22nd and will be announced on Monday. International entries are welcome if you have a US address for shipping.
Thanks for visiting and please keep in touch!
