Author: Brene Brown Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Brene Brown is a researcher with degrees in social work, and her newest book – Atlas of the Heart – is a wonderful non-fiction read as we start a new year. Her work focuses on vulnerability and connection, and she uses that foundation to go even broader for this book. She explores 87 different emotions and experiences, and while that may seem like a lot, she argues that understanding emotional nuances, having the words to express ourselves, will lead to better, stronger connections. As our language is being condensed constantly because of convenience and technology, it seems a good idea in the new year to return to deeper, richer times.
In discussing the emotions and experiences, Brown brings in definitions and quotes and academic research to show the finer points. For example, belonging is different than fitting in – belonging means being accepted for who you are, fitting in means being accepted for being like someone else. For anger too, it may often not be actual anger, but instead be the outward expression masking inward hurt or embarrassment or anxiety. Brown also includes helpful strategies, such as practicing gratitude to overcome foreboding joy, or learning how to walk alongside someone in their grief.
This book is divided into 13 chapters, and it might be wise to tackle just one chapter per month. It can at times get a little complex and dense – though it helps that the most important parts are often bolded or set apart. As our children grow up in the age of social media, as the disconnect between generations grows, as our political sphere gets more divisive, as our mental health struggles worsen, this book feels like it could do a lot of good. It’s a guidebook to help us all better understand ourselves and one another.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Atlas of the Heart today!
Author: Mariam Gates Reviewed by Chloe Fuksa, Putnam Six Bookstore
Did you make a resolution to take up yoga in the new year? Well your kiddos can join you too! Good Morning Yoga and Good Night Yoga are written by Mariam Gates and are each available as both board books and larger hardcover books.
Each book has over ten different yoga poses, and the instructions for them are very clear and easy to follow. In the morning, kids can reach high in the sky, as tall as a volcano, or they can bend their knees and lean forward, like a ski jumper about to take off. At night, they can spread their arms wide like a twinkling star, or bend to the side like a crescent moon. There is even a visualization page near the end of each book, inviting kids to set an intention in the morning for how they’d like their day to go, and letting go of anything troubling them before they sleep at night.
The illustrations for these books are simple and soft – and include plenty of cute animals too. If kids need an energizing sequence to help wake up in the morning or a relaxing sequence to help calm down at night, these books can help them become little yogis. Or frankly, perhaps you are an adult like me who needs very much to start at this basic level too! Regardless, whether they are to be enjoyed by kids or adults alike, these books are visually beautiful and could help kickstart a new routine in 2022.
Visit us in Sunset Plaza or call 580-297-5089 to get your copy of Good Morning Yoga and Good Night Yoga today!
The Perseid meteor shower, seen here at Lake Duolun, China, occurs when Earth passes through a stream of debris left by the comet Swift-Tuttle. Haitong Yu/Getty Images
For millennia, our species has told many a story about the origins of the universe, of the night sky, and of the Earth on which we ride. These stories have included the tales of Gilgamesh, Osiris, Zeus, Jesus, and countless others. However, as the 21st Century develops more sophisticated technology and spacecraft begin probing the outer reaches of our solar system, a new and profoundly humbling story is beginning to emerge. One that’s so wondrous and universally consistent, that it not only changes the ways in which we view the cosmos, but also helps reinforce one’s own belief in a higher power(s). On today’s Cosmic Mariner, we’re traveling into the magnificent world of meteors and how, yes, Bad Company was right; you are, in fact, a shooting star!
Recount the last time you looked into the twinkling night sky and saw a shooting star. Was it a fleeting moment? A flashing green fireball? Did it turn out to be a StarLink satellite? Whatever the case, that streak of flame and plasma you witnessed provides a brief window into both our soul and the chemical makeup of life on Earth. Most of the meteors we view in the evening sky are remnants of asteroids or comets. When these ancient chunks of rock, ice, and metal pass by Earth, the debris they leave behind rests within the orbit of Earth, meaning that we eventually collide with these small debris fields and view them as meteor showers. The most famous of these large showers are the Perseids in August and the Leonids in November. Every 33 years, the Leonids produce a meteor storm in which thousands of meteors fall every minute. Typically, one can view one meteor per minute during the Persieds. While these meteors display beautiful light shows in the dark of night, the story flashes with fascination when viewed under the scientific scope.
Comet Neowise shines brilliantly in the Enid sky as a small meteor zooms through the atmosphere next to it. (Patrick Wine, 2020)
There are multiple different types of meteorites, or meteors that have fallen to the Earth’s surface, and each has a different origin within the universe. Some formed in the molten hearts of planetesimals, some formed in the asteroid belt, some broke off from icy comets, and some are chunks of debris from other worlds like Mars. It has long been known that human beings, and all carbon-based lifeforms for that matter, are made of star stuff. That is, all of the elements that make life work were created in the cores of stars millions of years ago. While stars produce these elements, how do they become dispersed throughout the worlds of the cosmos? Well, I’ll take a wild guess and say that you’re pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down. That’s right! Meteors! In recent studies, it has been uncovered that meteors can and likely do carry the building blocks of DNA and RNA; thymine, cytosine, and uracil. Even more astounding is a recent 2019 study that discovered liquid water and sugar are also carried on meteors; strengthening the hypothesis that meteors are one of the primary ways that basic organic compounds and liquid water, both necessities for life, could have arrived on an ancient Earth. This, in theory, could mean that life is spread throughout the universe via asteroids and comets through a theoretical process known as panspermia. This relatively fringe theory purports that life was and is spread throughout the universe through seeds like comets, asteroids, and yes, alien spacecraft.
While panspermia is just a theory, there is growing evidence that it does hold water. Pun intended. Recent experiments on the ISS discovered organic compounds consistent with ocean life on Earth attached to the exterior of the station. This could be evidence that organic molecules could eject into space, hitch a ride on a passing asteroid or comet, and journey to another world where new lifeforms could take root. That being said, the theory of panspermia does not answer the question of life’s origin. Instead, it simply places the building blocks of life on objects floating through space and explains a possible transference of life throughout the cosmos.
From now on, when you see a shooting star, think about the possibilities of that meteor’s origins and impact. Is it carrying water? Does it have organic compounds? Is it completely iron-nickel from the heart of an ancient planet? Is it from Mars? When we wish upon a star, we are wishing upon the very fabric that built the fundamental structure of who we are. Not only our chemical selves, but our soul as well. There’s a reason our species has looked skyward since the beginning of time. There’s a reason that the Gods of old all reside in the heavens above. We are the cosmos and the cosmos is us. It is even said that the Black Rock in the center of the Grand Mosque in Mecca is a meteorite. I’ve never heard a better description of this sentiment than this quote by Eric Hoffer. “Our passionate preoccupation with the sky, the stars, and a God somewhere in outer space is a homing impulse. We are drawn back to where we came from.”
It’s a new year and like many people, I’ve had a lot on my mind. As an environmentalist at my core, I take all the latest F.E.M.A., E.P.A., C.D.C., and the World Climate Summit reports to heart. It’s scary to think about what we have done to our planet. Many, many people around the world don’t believe the reports that come out about the condition of Earth, they figure if they can’t see it being done and if it isn’t affecting them right now, then it’s not happening. But guess what, it is. We can no longer sit idly by and wait for someone else to take care of it, and here are some ideas on how we can help.
Small ideas are still very important, remember a journey of a thousand miles starts with one little step. The damage we’ve done to Earth didn’t happen overnight and it won’t be fixed overnight either. One of the biggest things to bear in mind is that if we have no plants and trees, we have no oxygen. Yes, you read that right, no oxygen. While trees are our largest producer of breathable oxygen, plants fill in the gap. But how is it possible to dispose of garbage and keep ample room for the flora and fauna, glad you asked…UPCYCLING, also known as recycling but better. You would be amazed at how easy it is to not only have trash but use it in everyday life! Gardening is an excellent time to upcycle, and Winter is a great time to do our new projects to help beat the winter blues.
There are so many ideas it’s staggering, it can be daunting to know to even begin. Let’s start with the first thing most people would think of, planters. Any everyday object can be used as a pot, or a way of displaying many pots. Anything that can hold dirt, can be used to display your glorious blooms and plants. Search your garage, closet, shed, local thrift stores, or look at the local landfill for items for your new project. These items can be whimsical and colorful, but they could also be lovely and simple, just use what matches your personality
There are vast amounts of objects you can use as a planter. Arrange them big or small, single or in a group, and you can paint it or leave it natural, but whatever objects you decide to use as your newest and coolest planter, make sure it can handle water without disintegrating, plus has no residual chemicals left on it, or in it. You need to clean any recycled materials that will hold soil and a plant, especially if the plant will produce food.
Not only can you design planters, but you can also create new gardening tools or customize the ones you have. Have a problem with an existing tool or just plain need one, use your imagination and all the muscle you have and make one. Our ancestors made what they needed, and that information and craftsmanship need to be passed on to the new generations because you can always find basic tools at a major store, but they don’t always meet your needs.
There is a great deal of satisfaction in developing your tools and making them just the way you want them. For example, I need someone to create tools that will make bending over easier on my bad back. I think we all have that need, right?
After you make your planters and potted your plants with the gardening tools you have made, it’s time to get back to work and design, and make, your own patio furniture to rest and relax on.
Tires, pallets, pails, pillows, and paint are the most sought-after objects when it comes to new “used” garden furniture. A splash of color for Spring or a smokey hue for Autumn, it doesn’t matter just see where the wind blows your creativity. You’ll want to seek out the best of the best recycling to make your outdoor furniture, not only does it need to be very sturdy and safe, it will be sitting outside for many years to come. Whether you paint it or not, using premium outdoor paint and a good sealant should do the trick to secure your upcycled furniture for a while.
We all need to take these climate reports seriously, we can’t grow anything on scorched soil. Our beautiful gardens, our bountiful crops, all the life on Earth is depending on us to do our part. So, upcycle your way into a brighter, and cooler tomorrow. God bless you and yours.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” – Ferris Bueller
When Black Mirror’s “Nosedive” aired on Netflix in 2016, I became acutely aware of social media’s potentially negative impact. The episode portrays a world where social platforms’ self-curation and validation-seeking are the backbones of society. In this world, humans rate each other from one to five stars based on various interactions.
In 2019, Japan launched an app called “Line” that tracks what they call “social credit,” through a peer ranking system. I read this news, checked my Lyft and Uber scores to make sure I was still likable enough to catch a ride and got a chill. Hello, flashback to “Nosedive,” and the character who couldn’t rent a certain apartment building without the landlord seeing she had at least a 4.5-star rating.
While I could easily spiral into a dozen conspiracies related to “social credit” and the Metaverse, I will focus on what we can control. The difference between the world we live in today and the “Nosedive” world is: how much power we give social media, i.e. others’ opinions and constant concern with how we present ourselves online.
As a social media strategist, it’s vital to stay aware of how I’m viewing social platforms when accessing them each day. As platforms become more work-focused for me, they feel more like marketing avenues and less like actual spaces to connect with friends. Spending extended time online leads to craving more human interaction and real connection.
I’m officially one year into this journey as a full-time digital marketer/business owner, and I’ve come up with some key practices to cultivate mental and spiritual health, keeping social platforms from becoming all-consuming.
Put the Camera Down, Build Memories
My favorite memories typically end with someone saying, “Oh man, we didn’t get any pictures.” Those moments when you’re having such a good time with family and friends that you forget to take that perfect Instagram photo…those are the best moments!
“Imagine: If you weren’t all about getting that snapshot for social media, might you have spent that time engaging with a local, reading the local newspaper in a coffee shop, or soaking up nature with your own eyes,” says Perri Blumberg in a recent Southern Living travel article.
Shifting your focus away from the camera keeps you more engaged with the present moment, and minimizes your focus on the perfect snapshot to present yourself perfectly to some perfect strangers.
Stop Scrolling When You’re Bored
I quickly found myself in the practice of scrolling through social media feeds in bed at night. This was detrimental to my sleep and well-being. Leaving the phone across the room in the evening, and across the bedroom while I sleep, has been a game-changer. Also, it’s imperative that I catch myself when I’m aimlessly scrolling instead of being productive or engaging with the world around me.
God made our brains for a greater purpose than mindless scrolling! I encourage you to set times to scroll and explore. Keep your relaxed/downtime sacred and separated from social media use.
Strategically Choose Who to Follow and Connect With
Because I receive random messages from social media trolls on business accounts, I’ve become more selective about who I follow.
Would you want to get coffee with this person and listen to them talk for hours on end? If the answer is no, why let them into your daily newsfeed?
Get Real
One of the most troubling memes I’ve seen this year said, “A wedding or engagement is really just a chance to get a lot of Instagram likes.” *Gasp.* How is this concept relevant enough to be made into a joke/meme?!
Your new marriage, the birth of a child, birthday party, or time catching up with friends, is worth more than a lot of likes!!! Get off your phone and prioritize the real world, both the tangible and intangible moments.
Millennials, Gen Zers and Boomers alike: 1. Get real by sharing real life and not just perfect moments online. And 2. Get real by making the moment you’re in more important than the Instagram post you’ll make about it later. Peep my favorite *in the moment* pics from 2021 in the photos above!
Starting 2022 feels like a blur. Isn’t it still 2020?! Do you have any New Years Resolutions? Perhaps even related to your use of social media? We’d love to hear from you on Facebook or the blog!
Cheers to a great year of living in the moment and building real relationships, my friends!
Howdy Okies! This article is going to be a bit different than my “normal” happy-go-lucky hunting/fishing column. Instead, it’s a rant of sorts. I apologize in advance if I offend you with this article, but if I do perhaps you are a guilty party.
Recently on a trip with my son to one of our leases, I counted a dozen empty bags of deer corn in the ditch or out in a field blowing around. He commented to me about how disappointing it was to him. You see, I grew up in the sandhills or in a bass boat. My mother was in nursing school when I was young, and my dad has always said: “hunting and fishing was the best babysitter around.” We’d spend from the minute we got out of school until dark hunting or fishing whatever was in season. I was taught from an early age to leave the place better than I found it. If we camped, we cleaned up everything. If we shot guns, we picked up our shells. If we (me) ate Oreos I picked up the wrapper. We picked up trash that others left behind. Out of everything, I think it’s the deer corn bags that bother me the most. Sure, we watch wildlife shows where sea turtles are trapped in fishing nets and trash on the ocean floor, but this is Oklahoma. We are better than that. Deer hunters, whether to provide meat for the family or looking for a trophy buck are supposed to be stewards of the land. The good Lord has given us this opportunity to enjoy his creations and it’s disappointing some folks think it’s acceptable to litter and trash up the same.
Litter…bad…
I recently built a house on twenty acres north of town off a dirt road. I’ve recently come under a bit of scrutiny for using my personal Facebook page to “call out” people who throw trash on our road. I’ve been known to dig through the trash and locate names and addresses. I take pictures of names and addresses and post them on FB and let them know they have 24 hours to clean it up or I’ll call Sheriff Rink. Guess what? Works every time. Public shaming is a powerful thing. I share to only say this: this shouldn’t be necessary. Again, Okies are better than that. Enjoy the outdoors to the fullest but pick up your dadgum trash.
1-888-5-litter is the hotline to report offenders. In the meantime, keep our land grand and enjoy our beautiful state.
January is the time for a refresh, restart, and regrowth. If you’re like most people, this is when we tell ourselves that we are going to start the year off on the right foot and do things better than the last.
I, myself, have had numerous New Year’s resolutions in the past. From making my bed every day, taking a walk, thinking before I speak, and speaking softer to my kids and husband. But the one that tops most people’s list is eating better, losing weight, and not eating out as often.
I hope the recipe that I chose for this month will help with some of these. It includes ingredients that most people already have in their pantry and fridge, it requires no cooking and it can be a snack or a meal. Also, KIDS LOVE THEM!!! We offer these at Kristi’s Kitchen and they fly off of the shelves! I guarantee, if you are a meat-eater, are on a keto or low carb diet, or just looking for a quick snack, you will LOVE this!
Italian Sub Sandwich Rollups with Red Wine Vinaigrette
3 slices of ham 3 slices of turkey 3 slices of pepperoni 3 slices salami 1 ½ slices provolone cheese ¾ cup shredded lettuce ¼ cup pickled jalapeno and banana peppers, chopped.
Start by laying out the slices of ham. Top each slice of ham with a slice of turkey followed by pepperoni and salami. On one end, place a ½ slice of provolone cheese followed by the lettuce and peppers.
Starting at the end closest to you, fold over the meat and pull back to tuck the lettuce and peppers inside. Finish rolling and secure with a toothpick. Repeat for the other two.
Makes 3 rolls.
You can also make different versions of this. I have also made roast beef and cheddar, turkey and swiss, and buffalo chicken with pepper jack.
Red Wine Vinaigrette
1 1/2 tsp italian seasoning 1+ tsp good quality dijon mustard 1 tsp each coarse kosher Salt and black pepper 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4+ cup red wine vinegar
Place each ingredient in a mason jar or blender. Shake vigorously or blend.
I prefer mine with a little more mustard and vinegar, but the great thing about this dressing is you can make it to your liking! Dip the sandwich roll in the vinaigrette with each bite! Store in the refrigerator for 7-10 days.
The holidays rang true at Chisholm High School! We did the holidays a bit differently. This year, we visited and played games with elementary kids, many organizations did Christmas-related activities, and we had our annual “Lunch in Enid” after missing a year due to Covid.
Every year a service project occurs as part of the festivities. This year the staff decided to have the high school visit the kids at Chisholm Elementary School to form bonds between the elementary and high school students. We also did this project to assist the teachers with their silly students who are anxious for the break. Various activities occurred with the elementary schoolers including bouncy houses, games, and recess. The CHS staff says that they think visiting the kids positively affected all and hopefully provided the elementary kids with good role models.
National Honor Society helped Santa with responding to letters from the kids at the elementary school. The elementary schoolers wrote letters about their Christmas lists to the elves at the North Pole. However, Santa was so busy that the Honor Society decided to help out.
FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) adopted teachers as secret Santas. They asked teachers what their favorite snack or drink was and different FCA members anonymously delivered the Christmas cheer.
Spanish Club had a Christmas fiesta and did their annual service project. This year they decided to become Santa for seniors in nursing homes.
The creative writing class decorated the school for the holidays. They made paper door decorations including Christmas trees, Santa’s uniform, snowmen, and elves.
The final week of classes was dubbed a spirit week for the holidays. Days like ugly Christmas sweater day, pajama day, and flannel day were enjoyed by all. Dress-up days are always fun, and they definitely raised the spirits of students during finals week.
CHS also has an annual “Lunch in Enid”, but due to Covid, it didn’t happen last year. This year everyone (300 students and 32 faculty members) went out to eat in groups in between exams on the last day of the semester. Former principal Jaymie Morley started this tradition over a decade ago. Jim Ebel, a seven-year science teacher at Chisholm, said that the lunch is, “a reward for exhibiting good behavior and reaching academic goals [for students].” This lunch also opens opportunities for new friendships.
Chisholm may be a small school, but there are still people here that some have not met before. The holidays and testing can both be stressful times, so adding a little Christmas cheer brings everyone together. Chisholm has truly bounced back after the pandemic and succeeded in bringing back all their annual traditions!
Mr. Gavitt is incredibly passionate about Enid’s local businesses, but more specifically, the local film industry. He has been a member of the Gaslight Theatre’s acting community for several years and starred in a variety of plays, and most recently starred in Green Day’s American Idiot: The Musical as Tunny Lane. He has worn many hats, from Marine Veteran to Motocross racer to bull rider to business owner, but film holds a truly special place in his heart. In 2020, he became President of Enid’s annual FLY Film Festival and played a key role in organizing the festival, fundraising, scheduling events, networking, and promoting local businesses and organizations. The festival highlighted powerful films like Black Wall Street Burning, which was featured in the local newspaper, and had an incredible turnout coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lane is passionate about supporting Enid’s local industries and chose to network with area businesses like Settler’s Brewing Co., Dandy’s Donuts, Deli and Delights, and Enid Brewing Co. & Eatery for dining and entertainment. As a business owner himself, he truly cares not only about the community, but about its people and drawing attention to the local film industry. His commitment to growing local businesses is what makes him a hidden gem. You won’t find a more kind, passionate or driven individual. He truly cares about helping Enid grow and he deserves this recognition. Congratulations Mr. Gavitt! If you would like to nominate a Local Legend, email your nomination to robert@enidmonthly.com!
With a new year comes New Year’s resolutions. One of the most popular is getting healthier and joining a gym. If you are new to the gym setting there are a few things you will need to know. Gym etiquette is very important when it comes to fitting in at any gym and avoiding dirty looks from the regulars, so here are some tips for beginners.
Put things back where they belong when you are done with them.
Don’t hog the equipment. (i.e. Don’t sit on a machine and play on your phone.)
Wipe things down after you use them.
Respect personal space.
If you don’t know how a piece of equipment works, please feel free to ask someone who works at the gym. Most will be happy to help if they know how!
Ask if anyone close to equipment is using it before taking it over, or ask if you can work with that person.
Practice good hygiene. Don’t be the stinky kid in class.
These rules may seem like a lot, but these are all things that you probably practice in everyday settings. Good luck with your new healthy lifestyle!
If you can get through the first three weeks it then becomes a habit that you will stick with. You will see so many changes and feel so much better. Start with a short workout and add to it each time. Get a trainer if you can afford it. Find a workout partner, as it is easier to keep going if you have someone else depending on you. You will be amazed at how fast your body and mind change for the better after a few short weeks, and if you continue.
Healthy Strawberry Banana Smoothie
-Fresh or frozen strawberries -Banana -Greek Yogurt -Low-fat milk -Ice -Maple syrup for a hint of sweetness (optional)
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Enjoy your healthy snack!
**Come see me at Finer Physiques and get your first session free**
