Sparrow Hawk Revealed! August 18, 2010

This is an article Matt wrote in the July 18, 2005 issue of The Northeastern.  At the time Matt was a staff writer but he went on to be  an editor; this was his first front page headline.  Sparrow Hawk is a controversial and odd place up in the hills near the Illinois River.  Matt is really proud of this article and the effort he put into interviews etc.  I like it too!

Aura of mystery surrounds Sparrow Hawk

Many rumors circulate around Tahlequah and the NSU campus regarding Sparrow Hawk Village.  Some say that the residents are a mysterious cult, and that they are bad news.

“I’ve heard the rumors, but my kid’s doctor lives there with his wife who is a dentist.  I can attest that they are very normal,” said professor Kin Thompson.”

Everyone seems to have their own opinion as to exactly what goes on there.

“Somebody said they worship peacocks,” said Donita Osawee, Tahlequah graduate.”

While the peacock rumor is one that will raise eyebrows, it is not near as disturbing as some more extreme ideas such as residents of Sparrow Hawk Village throwing babies off of he cliff!  This idea is one that even residents of Sparrow Hawk cannot explain.

“We have never heard that one, but of course, it’s completely ridiculous,” said Doris Pass, Sparrow Hawk resident from Tulsa.

Sparrow Hawk village is many things. It is Sancta Sophia Seminary, a university where students from all over the world come to study theology and various religions This school has all of the facilities of most universities including a cafeteria, a wellness center and of course, a library.

“This is a metaphysical research library, one third of our collection are books that are no longer in print and extremely rare.  We have over 150 subjects covering all areas of spirituality,”  said Jenny Roberts, Sparrow Hawk librarian from Tuttle.

The library is primarilty for student use but people in Tahlequah can apply for library priveleges.

“People in town have them,” said Roberts.

Sparrow Hawk is also the LIfe of Christ  Community Church, where every Sunday morning members gather to praise and worship by learning and singing.

“We sing all kinds of songs, not just typically religious ones.  We sing ‘We are the World,’ ‘Oklahoma,’ and ‘It’s a Small World,’ then we also sing all the national, patriotic songs,”  said Pass.

Founded in 1981 by Carol Parrish an Charles Harrah, Sparrow Hawk Village is a place where individuals and families choose to live in a small community, where they know their neighbors and enjoy some of the most beautiful views in the area.  The community currently has between 90 to 100 residents, ranging in age from 2 to 90 years old.  They have their own fire department with 22 firefighters including women.

“We get more calls for 911 and emergency responses than actually fighting fires,” said Charles Pass, Sparrow Hawk fire chief.

The church, which is “Holistic Christian,” is a Christian church, but they emphasize the metaphysical in life and adapt aspects of various religions to explain life’s mysteries.  To many Christians the idea that there are many roads to the same God is blasphemy.  However, for Holistic Christians, this is exactly what they believe.

“We believe there are many paths to the same afterlife, whether you are Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist or Muslim, you are welcome at our church and we incorporate those beliefs,” said Pass.

As far as peacocks, there place in Sparrow Hawk life is greatly exaggerated.

“When Carol Parrish started this community a peacock appeared on the mountain and to protect it and take care of it they built a cage and started feeding it.  Over the years people have given peacocks to the community and we always take them in.  We raise them just like some people raise llamas or anything else,” said Pass.

The peacocks are nothing more than pets, but what about the cross on top of the hill?  Many locals talk about how it used to be painted black.  This accusation of a black cross on Sparrow Hawk hill might help explain some of the feelings about the place.

“When the well was first drilled there was a black waterproof undercoating that was put on it.  It was painted white after a couple months, but people had already started talking about how we put up a black cross.  I suppose people just believe what they want to believe,” said Pass.

After a visit, it may seem to be that Sparrow Hawk village is a pretty normal place.  Visitors see residents as nice and friendly as the could be and Sparrow Hawk residents love when outsiders come up to learn what they are all about. They are open to the public and they have a gift shop and bookstore where visitors can buy things like candles and incense.  Church services are held every Sunday morning at 11 a.m. and guests are always invited to come and check it out.

“We love when people come and visit us, we just wish more did,” said Pass.

My Dinner With a Celebrity August 3, 2010

I wrote this article this morning as a submission for a copywriting job. I had to write about a famous person who I would like to have dinner with. I have to say I am quite proud of it! I want to share it with you.

“Mmmm. That’s so good to my pie hole!”

The first time I witnessed Paula Deen in action, her quirky off-the-wall comments and southern drawl hooked me! Her food, the crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, and Savannah cheesecake, while not melting in my mouth, melted my heart.

Paula is my overwhelming choice to have dinner with. Truth is, I just want to be invited over for dinner at her house! But she would be there! Her southern hospitality and warm smile would make me feel right at home. I imagine an evening with concerns of calories, fat and carbs left outside, and laughter, indulgence, and fun accompanying me inside! I’m not sure who my hips would want me having dinner with, most likely not Paula. But in this alternate universe where I’m dining at the Deen home, my hips have no say.

Aside from cooking fabulous food and being wealthy and famous, I admire Paula on a personal level. She started her road to stardom humbly, selling brown-bag lunches door to door. Through her journey, she’s overcome divorce, depression, poverty and agoraphobia to become one of the most recognizable cooks on the planet. Not too bad for a woman who used to panic at the thought of leaving her house!

I’ll keep my fingers crossed that one day I cross paths with Paula. While we may never get to sit down and eat a meal together, maybe I’ll get to shake her hand and tell her how much her story has inspired me. In my mind every time I watch “Paula’s Home Cooking,” I get to know her a little better.

Paula… you had me at “pie hole.” I’ll be your dinner date anytime!

So….did I get the job?

Decadent, Delicious, Divine July 30, 2010

Ladies all around the world, I hope you have saved your appetite! Today is the day to indulge your culinary fantasies! Today is National Cheesecake Day!

Cheesecake, in my opinion, is the most decadent and delicious of desserts!  The many variations along with it’s rich creamy texture fits any occasion, from happy to sad, get- togethers to break-ups. I like it best at night, after the kids have gone to bed, while I’m sitting on the couch in my pajamas. There’s nothing sweeter in life! Pardon the pun.             

Anyone who knows me, knows that I would rather eat dessert than anything else. If I could get away with it, it would be my only food group. Today, I plan to fully indulge myself in all forms and variations of the thick, creamy dessert. New York Style, Philadelphia Style, Turtle, Chocolate, drizzled with fruit, oh… the list goes on and on!  I have not yet mastered the art of cheesecake baking, I’m left with no choice except to visit the local Cheesecake Factory and purchase half of their cheesecake stock for the day.

I foresee an argument tomorrow with my hips. I know they will punish me. They will despise every delectable bite. Oh well, I’ll deal with tomorrows worries tomorrow.

Today, I give everyone permission to channel your inner fat kid and celebrate the absolute best dessert in our society!

I Didn’t Realize She Came With a Safari July 28, 2010

When I was pregnant with Veronica, one of the veterinarians I work for told me over and over “Do NOT let her sleep with you. Once you let your kid in your bed, you will never get them out.” I mostly followed his advice. Veronica has always had her own bed to sleep in. She slept with us occasionally but for the most part, we never really had trouble getting her to sleep in her own bed.

Last night, while watching a late night rerun of True Blood, I heard Veronica calling for me.

When I had made it to her room she said, “I’m scared Mommy.”

“You’re scared, Baby?”

“Yes. I’m really hot too.”

Pulling at my heartstrings.

I had never dealt with this before.

“You probably need to come sleep in my bed, don’t you, darling?”

“Yes!”

Sucker!

I told her, “Come on. We’ll go night night together.”

“Wait! My animals are scared too! I need to bring them!”

Sigh. Okay.

I went back to my room and crawled back underneath the covers and waited for Veronica before I turned out the light. What I saw next was not what I expected! She came walking in the room, arms full of her baby stuffed animals. She threw them up on the bed and climbed up to tuck them in.

“Now we’re not scared anymore!”

She was so proud of herself. She lined them up and gave them each a good night kiss. When she was done she looked back and forth and said, “Hey! There’s no spot for me!”

After some rearranging, she found a place to sleep. Since Matt wasn’t home from work yet, he missed out. He may have to sleep on the couch!

In the end, I ended up sharing my bed with Veronica, an elephant, two puppy dogs, an otter, a seal, and an alligator. I think Matt even found a place on the community bed as well!

It’s My Party and I’ll Cry if I Want To!

Everyone loves a good party. Birthday parties are particularly fun, especially for the birthday boy or girl. This was not the case with Hudson’s first birthday party. He screamed and cried and would not let me out of his sight, ever.  I don’t know why…. Screaming children running around the pool, taking their wet butts in the house on our cream colored carpet, and scattering HIS toys all over the place. Well, maybe I would cry to.

Only one thing could dry up the tears…baseball cupcakes! These special babies were made by Mommy herself! From the “cake” part of cupcake to the icing to the delicate decorating job, everything was made from scratch, mixed by the hands of love. I’m quite proud of myself! Hudson’s tears turned into squeals of happiness. Soon, thanks to all of the sugar, he was running with the “big” kids. I think I even caught him voluntarily sharing a hot dog or two with Veronica.

While nothing is greater than making my baby boy smile on his birthday, my mother-in-law did something that was the icing on my cupcake.

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of swimsuits, cupcakes, and hot dogs, she started saying, “Attention everyone! I need to say something!”

I thought, “This should be good.”

When she finally had everyone gathered around, she told the story of Matt’s first birthday party.

“When we had my son’s first birthday party, he screamed and cried the WHOLE time. He would NOT let me put him down for anything! I held him and held him. All of a sudden I felt something warm run down my leg. Matto had diarrhea and had expelled himself on me!”

Matt, who was standing behind her, rolled his eyes and said, “Thanks Mom.”

Everyone groaned and moaned. I, however, laughed and laughed. On the inside, that is. I wouldn’t humiliate my poor husband even more by laughing at the horrible story just told about him.

Soon enough, all of our guests were headed out the door! Thank God that was over. Surprisingly, everyone picked up after themselves and we were left with only a minor mess to clean up. Praise the man (or woman) who invented dishwashers! The kitchen was clean in record time (thank you Matt) and the kids and I were cuddled up on the couch, sleep quickly overcoming us.

This Summer… So Far July 24, 2010

Readers, this has been quite a busy summer so far. How is a mother of two children under the age of three supposed to keep up?  Somehow, I have managed some of it.  Unfortunately my blogging has been one of the innocent vicitims of this over-whelm’dness (if that is a word, it certainly represents how I feel). Pots of coffee throughout the day helps.  Here is the time between Memorial Day and end of July in a nutshell:

The summer started out with a trip back to Tahlequah. What a joy packing for Veronica, Hudson, AND myself that was! Any parent who packs every item, no matter how trivial it might be — their children own, knows what a chore packing for a weekend getaway is.

I decided to make the three hour drive right after dinner time, hoping the children would sleep the whole way. Umm….no, that is not what happened. Veronica and Hudson both decided that was the time to scream and cry and beg for potty stops the whole way. (Dear Experienced Parents, Please send tips for traveling with toddlers! My nerves no longer desire to handle ordeals that again!)

The next big event over the summer was Hudson’s first birthday! Hudson screamed and cried the whole entire time. (He later explained those were tears of happiness and what a joy it was to invite 20 strangers over to our house to swim and get in his face for two hours.)

Then, my Mac computer decided to malfunction. Since nothing in my household does anything mediocre, the Mac majorly malfunctioned. Thankfully, the nerds at The Genius Bar in the Apple Store were able to restore it to a brand new condition. (They had to totally reprogram the hard drive so I lost EVERYTHING that was on it before. Dammit.)

Mac Malfunction 2010 was followed by Matt and Amanda Marriage Celebration. All I can say is, never again will I overindulge in alcoholic beverages again. Ha! How many time have we all said that to ourselves?  Some fun memories did come out of the whole ordeal! My house also survived the night with only strange flip flops scattered around the pool and overlooked martini glasses left in front of the fireplace. I add that last part with much gratefulness. Much much gratefulness.

My father in law, Todd came to visit from San Diego. Why the hell anyone would choose to leave the 75 degree weather for 100 degree Oklahoma summer weather is beyond me, but, Todd did seem to enjoy himself the week he was here -and we enjoyed him too!

That was Van Every Summer 2010 summarized in five minutes or less. These are the things memories are made of.  But the damage is done.  I am worn out, have a messy house to clean, two toddlers to put to bed, and I wish for nothing but a hot relaxing shower….and it’s still July!  100 degrees every freakin’ day!

The summer has not ended folks…many adventures to come!

Letters From Prison: Part 6 June 10, 2010

Sunday March 21, 2010  3:30 p.m.

Well not too much to say here. I am taking a break from my daily exercises. Instead, I am focusing on reading my book. So far, it’s been a very good book. It’s one of those books that grabs and keeps your attention. it involves nuns, Jewish diamond dealers, Russian history, French history, and a few famous people in history. Are you all familiar with Cardinal Richelieu and Napoleon Bonaparte? What about Catherine the Great? Czarzina of Russia in 1790? Well those are just a few characters in the book.

Maybe I should try my hand at writing. Maybe a comedy/thriller, or romantic mystery. Or just suspense. But I would have to come up with a character and a thesis and a situation/plot to write about. Maybe I could write a bibliography about my life! Ha! Or perhaps make a movie? Think I could turn this book I’m reading into a movie?

Wanna know what I think? I think I should get out of this mess I’m in first.THEN I can focus on writing.

In other news, I totally smoked my cell mate at spades. We were playing to a thounsand and I made it there like way before him. I think I may have pissed him off because we haven’t played any card games yet.

Ewww!!! This morning we had oatmeal for breakfast and the milk they gave us was spoiled! But, it was too late for me to enjoy my oatmeal ’cause I began pouring the rotten milk into it before I smelled it. But lunch rolled around and I got lucky ’cause I got three slices of bologna! Maybe someone miscounted and I got hooked up. So I wolfed that sammich down like a wolf, ha ha!

Speaking of eating and my cell mate, you know this dude eats loud and smacks his lips??? I’m half tempted to break his back! Not really. He would press charges and I would be in here a lot longer. Speaking of time in, if I get a good deal from the DA and my lawyer, it could be the end of May or first part of June when I could get released. Ha! I might even be released on my birthday! — Happy birthday! You’re being released, pack up your stuff! — Music to my ears!

Has it still been snowing down there? I wouldn’t know about up here. I’m still inside. But from what I can tell, it’s clearing up. A couple of nights ago, the heater was turned up full blast. I think they were trying “reverse torture.” That’s when you take something that’s meant to make you comfortable and over do it. For example:

Cop:    You guys want heat?

Us:      (in unison) Yes!

Cop:    Then have all the heat in the world!! Bwahahah!!

Us:       Nooo!

If I were in charge of torture, I’d do the whole rat skeleton in a coconut bit. (A rat is small and skinny when he gets inside, but eats and eats to where he can’t get out.) So I would feed prisoners sooo much after they got into the cells, then they wouldn’t be able to get out! Ha! Maybe that’s why I’m not in charge of things. I do things backwards. Ha ha! While I was in the Army, I pissed a lot of my leadership off because of my backward ways of doing things. But, I was still able to get things done.

Tonight, we’re supposed to have chicken fajitas with refried beans, and lemon pudding. I’ve been hearing we might be having red Kool-Aid and/or grape Kool-Aid. Chances are, we’ll only have just one type. They turned on the T.V. early today. Like, 7 a.m., during breakfast. it has stayed on the sports channel since this morning. But, I wanted to sleep and read my book so I didn’t watch T.V. so far, my group hasn’t been let out for free time yet. I think they will let us out here in a little bit or so. Annnd this morning there wasn’t any holy molys. Just cops walking around doing routine checks.

So have you all got to call any of those numbers I sent? Did anybody manage to get ahold of my public defender? I still haven’t heard back from him. I hope he has good news. He was telling me on the 15th when we last talked, that during this preliminary hearing on the 23rd, I basically exercise my right to remain silent. This is where the prosecution presents their evidence and all that good stuff. My public defender is supposed to argue my bond there too…supposedly. But, I will not enter any plea during that time. I may not enter a plea until I hear back from Jefferson County. We’ll see what happens Tuesday.

I’m gonna mail out all these letters on Monday or Tuesday. Mainly just to save on stamps. I’ll be sure to get ahold of someone as soon as I can on what I find out in court on Tuesday. Right now, I’m feeling pretty nervous on going to court. I don’t know what they have in store for me, or how bad or good it’s gonna be. I guess you could say not knowing is the worst part about this whole ordeal.

As I keep saying, I really really really really hope something good happens. If something good happens, I want you all to know I’ll be coming home as soon as I can get a chance. It may be months or it may be years, but I will come home. Maybe one of these days, we’ll laugh about all this at one of our kids birthday parties or a family get together.

Well shucks, at least I’ll have some interesting stories to tell. Things from the European Euro to Seoul Soju to the toilet in here that won’t stop flushing. But like I said, there’s nothing in the world for me. So I just need to go home…Hang on, dinner is here….Well dinner was actually good! I am saving the soft tortilla bread for later. Maybe I can save some cookies too.

Too bad this place won’t allow care packages. They’d probably confiscate all the stuff for themselves anyway.

My free time should be coming up here real soon. Hey! I heard Johnny Depp is making a new movie about Alice in Wonderland. Is it out yet? I wanna see that movie! I hear it’s directed by Tim Burton. So, you know it’s gonna be weird. Have you all seen any good movies lately? Have you introduced the kids to The Simpsons or Family Guy yet? Or are they still too young? I can imagine Veronica running around laughing like Peter from Family Guy or Hudson’s first word is Homer’s “D’oh!”

How was the plane ride with Sue? How did she take to it? I still don’t like flying. But hey, everyone has an opinion on something right? And my opinion on what my cell mate’s eating habits remind me of: in that movie Dances With Wolves, and that scene where the guy is eating the buffalo tongues before he is killed. Well, you know how he is loudly smacking and slurping the buffalo tongues? Well, that’s what my cell mate’s eating reminds me of…..ew!

Well, I’m going to get started on writing Sue and Ashley. You all take care and I’ll see you later!

Z

My Apologies June 3, 2010

Sorry for the delay in a new post! I’ve been out of town with the kiddos! I’ve done some things and thought about some things. As soon as I get my thoughts in order, new material will be up, which will be soon!

Thank you!

It Only Makes You Stronger May 24, 2010

Being a mom is hard. Mom’s play many roles besides “Mom”. They are managers, referees, cooks, maids, doctors, taxis, on and on and on. Mothers put everything, and I mean, everything before themselves. They are the last ones to go to sleep and the first to wake up. They finally get to eat dinner once the children are fed, bathed, and in bed. Moms are lucky if they get to shower before noon. And of course there is no one at the end of the day to say, “You did a great job being a mom today!” Nope. Only sleeping children, a messy kitchen, and an empty wine bottle.

While I could go on and on about all of the sacrifices that us moms give, that is not my point today. Instead of crying and boo-hooing about the hardships I face as a parent, I want to take the time to appreciate the things my children to do help me grow into the better person I am slowly becoming…

– They have steadily helped my agility. All of their toys strung throughout the house makes a great obstacle course! I have to be able to dash, twist, and    jump any direction that the situation calls for. As they get older their toy scattering skills only become stronger.

– Veronica helps me get my cardio exercise at various points throughout the day when I have to chase her all across our house, trying to get her                  dressed, eat dinner, etc. Hudson keeps my muscles toned, constantly wanting to being picked up and bounced endlessly on my lap.

– My children are helping me get over a huge HUGE fear of spiders. Whenever I see one of those creepy crawly nasty things working their way across      the floor, I just know they are going after one of my children, fangs bared, ready to bite and chew their next meal. I can’t let that happen. I sweep            down on them with a vengeance! No more spider.

– Actually, the previous statement is false. Me killing a spider still involves me putting both kids on something high, like a chair or coffee table, and         throwing shoes and spraying hairspray on them until they can’t move. I’m still a little chicken.

– Thanks to my kids (or the mind boggling amount of coffee I drink) I now have a stomach of steel! Just about everything that can come out of a                human, has landed on me. I have cleaned up poop, pee, vomit, week old mashed food off beds, carpet, kitchen cabinets, babies, and myself more            times than I really dare to think about and I survived it all, stomach still intact.

– My kids have boosted my self confidence over the short years we have been together. After dealing with tantrums, stubborn toddlers, screaming              babies in public, and leaving the house in your sweats and mismatched shoes, you realize that it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. You      learn to be grateful that you got everyone away from and back home safely without forgetting what you even left the house for.

– I have learned just how resilient I am! Most of us have heard the phrase “If it doesn’t kill you, it only makes you stronger.” None of the nights without    sleep turned into some of the biggest patience testing days of my life haven’t killed me yet. So, I’m only stronger now. Right?

– My kids make me feel like a super hero! My kisses are magical! They make all of the hurt go away! Veronica says they make her heart “feel super              happy!”  I make the monsters in the closet be nice to Veronica so she can sleep. I can change Hudson’s diaper, feed him, and carry on a phone                conversation all at the same time! Both kids run to me when they are scared and want giant hugs! I can do everything with one arm!

While I have plenty of reasons to cry and feel sorry for myself, I have way more reasons to smile and be happy! The two little reasons that run around my house all day outweigh all the others more than anything else!

–

Survival of the Fittest May 19, 2010

“Families with babies and families without are so sorry for each other.” – Ed Howe

Anyone that has parented a two year old probably knows that two year olds don’t like to wear shoes. You go through all of the trouble of holding your child down while getting the damn things on and eventually tied and they take them off as soon as you get into the car. Once you get to your destination, the battle begins all over again. Get the shoes on and tied, go into the doctor’s office and BAM! they’re right back off.

It’s the never ending battle of wills between parent and child.

My two year old loves to wear shoes! She just doesn’t like to wear anything else. We go through the whole shoe battle only with other items of clothing. Even when it’s bedtime and everyone is sleeping and nobody cares what she looks like, she takes it all off!

Her most flamboyantly nude moment happened early last week. We had done our usual morning routine of changing her out of her diaper into her big girl panties and dress. I was cleaning up the kitchen from breakfast while the children played in Veronica’s room. The doorbell rang and I went to greet whoever was at the door. It was the mailman (lady). She had a special delivery but it wasn’t for us. As I stood there on the porch propping the storm door open with my foot, talking to the mail lady, Veronica and Hudson come up right behind me, making all sorts of noise! Hudson had only a diaper on and Veronica (yes, you guessed it!) was wearing only a smile! An evil smile if I say so myself.

“Hi mail man! Hi mail man!”

I’ve never seen her so excited to see the mailman before. I think she was doing it all on purpose.

The mail lady said hi, laughed, and went on to the next house. I thought that was the end of it.

I thought wrong.

My spry and nimble daughter chased the mail lady, still in the nude, still screaming “Hi mail man! Hi mail man!” I chased after her catching her just in time before she made it down the driveway, Hudson crawled and bawled right behind me the whole time. Luckily, I got both children, myself, and the mail back inside before any of the neighbors had time to call Child Protective Services!

Whew!

All I can say is I learned my lesson. I was starting to get too comfortable with my kids. I let my guard down a little and relaxed. I forgot they can sense things like that. I’ve got to keep my game face on!

The kids may have won the battle, but the war still rages on!