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Cozy Kitchens…The “Heart” of the Home

By
Molly Nicholas
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No surprise to anyone, but family and friends tend to gather in the kitchen regardless of the other available areas in the home. Trends are centering around cozy and comfortable kitchens. Here are a few easy and helpful tips to “cozy up” your kitchen. 

Accent on Vintage – Shiny and bright are out. To keep things warm and cozy, cabinets are painted muted colors and glazed for an aged look. Countertops are also less shiny.  Granite or stone countertops feature a honed finish, a process that eliminates the sheen on the surface. Fabrics with a vintage appearance soften the space and contribute to the homey feel of the room. Mixed patterns are key but should stay in the same color family for a pulled-together look.

Done-in-a-Day Decorating Ideas – Try these no handyman required ideas to up the cute factor in your cooking space:

  • Pull in cottage-style fabric. A Roman shade or tablecloth is all it takes. Pick up one in a floral, check, or toile pattern.
  • Display plates on a shelf above a window or doorway, or hang three in a vertical row, from smallest to largest at the top.
  • Nothing says cottage charm like a pitcher of fresh-cut flowers. Keep the arrangement full, with blooms right at the rim.
  • Mix wood tones. A combination of white distressed, stained, and butcher block will help your kitchen look as if it were put together after many trips to a flea market. Paint or stain wooden chairs or bar stools.

Comfort With Color – Buttery-beige walls are a nice complement. Because the color palette is kept soft and neutral, nothing really stands out and everything blends in harmony. Brighter hues can be added through window treatments and furniture. 

Attention to Details – You can’t just hit one store and buy cottage style. Your room should look as if it evolved over time, achieved after years of shopping at flea markets and antique shops. An arrangement of small plates, baskets, or pretty trays adds that special touch. It’s all about having a collected look-nothing matchy-matchy.

In just a few short steps, kitchens are easily transformed into the cozy heart of the home.

The Tompkins Touch

By
Elizabeth Cummins
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Few people bring more cheer to a room than Ty Tompkins. He picks up good vibes and buzzes around sharing them with others. Meanwhile, his wife Kelly, flies at a steady rate, noticing the unnoticeable, and turning diamonds in the rough into bold, sparkly attractions.

What makes the Tompkins crew so magnetic? I suppose it’s that anyone can find the dirt in a person or situation, but it takes a special eye to find the gold. Ty and Kelly do just that.

Whether you know them personally, you’ve probably seen beautiful artwork, an entertaining video, or a giant snow creation covered in their fingerprints – and promoted by the entire city. I’d also go out on a limb and say you’ve heard of their awesome business, Hive Appeal, which offers mural painting and creative placemaking.

“We named our business Hive Appeal because bees represent community,” Kelly said. “They work together to create something sweet. We love working together to make places more appealing.”

Community. People. Two words at the center of the pair’s motives, who stated they paint bold, colorful murals to bring beauty and joy to Enid’s citizens.

“We always say that people want to do business with PEOPLE,” Kelly said. “Showing the human side of the business creates a connection.”

Over the years, this community building has included everything from event planning to facade renovations for downtown buildings. All inspired by a love for Enid, Oklahoma.

“We love Enid’s envious amount of arts opportunities for a community this size,” the beloved Hive Appeal owners said. “And while the city is large enough to provide a customer base, it’s small enough for anyone to make a difference.”

These busy bees aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Their 2021 plans include creating outdoor augmented reality experiences and indoor mural projects that create more enjoyable office spaces.

“Our goal for 2021 is to make whatever difference we can, hopefully in colorful ways, and to cause as many smiles as possible.”

These smile-makers are two of my favorite people. As such, they’ve taught me some valuable lessons over the years that can be applied not only to life, but to marketing as well.

First, don’t be afraid to be weird. It’s what makes you (or your brand) wonderful.

Second, pouring back into your community fills you up just as much as it does your neighbors.

Third, never apologize for being over-the-top excited about an awesome, unique idea. The world needs more of it!

Fourth, surround yourself with plenty of different types of people. Everyone will benefit.

Ty, a self-proclaimed turquoise blue personality, and Kelly, a rusty orange, said these colors reflect their personalities, “because they are opposites, but are better together.” Aww.

Lastly, always call Ty and Kelly if you’re having a bad day.

Until next time.

Cheers,

Wordy Girl

Loving Roses: St. Valentine’s Day and Beyond

By
Garfield County Master Gardener
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Kris Vculek
Garfield County Master Gardener

As the chill of winter has settled in, the month of February offers a welcome day of romance and color as many celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with the gift of roses for loved ones. Traditionally, red roses, symbolizing love and romance, are the choice for this particular day; however, other colors may be appropriate for expressing any number of emotions. Pink roses symbolize gratitude, grace, admiration, and joy. Enthusiasm and passion are the emotions signified by orange roses. Yellow roses express friendship, and white roses symbolize innocence and purity. Hearts thrill to the delivery of roses of all colors as florists work overtime to fill orders on one of their biggest business days of the year.

The rose’s command of the spotlight isn’t limited to St. Valentine’s Day, as roses of many varieties, adapted to a wide range of growing conditions, are generally popular all over the world. Valued for their color and long blooming season, roses bring beauty into our landscapes and homes from late spring to fall. Although most rose bushes are not high maintenance, there are still important steps one can take to maximize the health and vigor of the plants.

As with many perennials, roses often need to be pruned in early spring. Most Oklahoma roses should not be pruned before March 15, because pruning can stimulate early growth that can be killed by a late freeze (Oklahoma State University Fact Sheet HLA-6403.) With that date fast approaching, now is the time to be sure we have the proper equipment and to review the basics of rose bush pruning.

Before undertaking the task of pruning, be sure to have heavy, thorn-resistant gloves, preferably with high cuffs to protect your wrists as well as your hands. Two types of hand pruners are needed. For cutting off dead canes, anvil pruners, with a pinching cut, are best. For live canes, crossover sheers, with a scissors cutting motion, are recommended. For larger canes, long-handled loppers are needed, and for very large dead limbs, a bow saw works best. Before starting your pruning chores, dip cutting tools in a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Be sure to repeat this disinfecting step when moving from one bush to another. 

Tools for pruning include 1) heavy-duty gloves, 2)long-handled loppers, 3)anvil hand pruners, 4)bypass hand pruners, 5)tree saw, and 6)bleach.

If one is a novice to rose pruning, he or she might start by determining if the bush size or shape needs to be changed and cut canes back accordingly. By mid-March, buds will have appeared on rose bushes from which leaves and stems will grow. The bud’s position determines the shape of the plant. With the goal of an open-centered plant, make cuts just above outward-facing buds, angling the cut downward away from the bud.

Cut away inward-growing canes, especially those that cross over other canes

The next step is identifying and removing dead canes (often dark or blackened). In general, canes growing toward the center of the bush are the ones to be removed, especially those that cross over one another. To ensure plant vigor and more blooms, cut off thin or spindly canes, smaller in diameter than a pencil. Never leave stubs when removing branches or canes.

Remove dead or diseased canes

These pruning steps are fundamental and apply to all types of roses; however, according to David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist, more specialized pruning methods vary according to the type of rose plant. For example, while floribundas, grandifloras, polyanthas, and hybrid tea roses should be pruned before blooming, climbing roses should be pruned following the first flowering in the spring. Old fashioned or antique roses require much less pruning than modern roses but should still have dead or diseased canes removed and long, thin canes cut back to maintain the desired size. Learning about the kinds of roses we have in our home landscapes will help us maximize the beauty of the roses and keep the thrill in our hearts year after year—St. Valentine’s Day and Beyond!

More information on all aspects of growing and maintaining roses is available in Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service Fact Sheet HLA-6403 Roses in Oklahoma.

Basketball Through a Pandemic

By
CHS Athletics
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Written by: Gracie Holder, CHS Senior

Although less appears to be going on during this season of pandemic, and the existence of countless unknowns continue to rise to the surface, there is one season that still seems to capture the attentiveness of many – Chisholm Longhorn Basketball.

The CHS Longhorn Basketball coaches and a few of their senior team members have agreed to be interviewed on their 2020-2021 season as it is one unlike any other; it taking place amid a global pandemic. Omitting, although not dismissing, the fact that this period of introduction to the COVID-19 virus has taken a toll on their season, both the players and coaches are aware of the reality of the arms of this pandemic being able to reach and affect not only their season, but the health of their players, family members, and community as well. The severity of this pandemic has led to rapid changes in education and extracurriculars across the globe. The CHS Longhorns, staff, and parents can vouch for this transition; however, certain unique aspects have derived from this era of uncertainty regardless, making the CHS Longhorn basketball season of 2020-2021 one to remember.

CHS girls’ basketball coach, Tana Turney-Gragg, relayed her coaching approach that especially applies to this year’s circumstances. “We knew going into this season that we would face adversity like no team has before. We try to approach every practice and game like it’s our last. We have already been directly affected by the pandemic with our varsity team being quarantined and having to miss our last four games before Christmas. I think the reality of that situation will make us all appreciate every moment we step on that court together from here on out. You definitely can’t take any opportunity, big or small, for granted this season,” Gragg said. Although this year’s conditions are certainly not ideal for athletes and coaches, they equally are not for others; nonetheless, there is value in this season of life and basketball. As Coach Gragg noted, an attitude of gratitude has been adopted by her athletes, in perhaps the most unpredictable basketball season and year of 2020-2021.

CHS boys’ basketball coach, Corey Miller, responded to the amount of adversity existent this year but moreover gave insight to the elements that are providing the team with an optimistic attitude during this season: “Many factors are keeping us hopeful during this very unusual season. Every school we’ve visited this year, and while at home, has set different protocols to keep everyone safe. From masks, sanitizing, and attendance, we have felt safe that we can continue to play the next game scheduled. My boys saw how last year the season had such an abrupt ending, and with our goal always being making it to the Big House, we don’t want that to happen this year. Every one of our athletes has done a great job of doing their best to social distance and follow those protocols that are in place, so we can play our schedule as intended.” Coach Miller also noted that, for him, this season is not only considerably different due to the virus but also due to personal, family matters: “This season has been especially significant for me, as I lost my dad in the off-season. He was always in the stands and always the guy to send me a text after the game to tell me what we should work on in practice the next day. The boys know that and have made sure that I’ve felt him this year. The first game at Alva they even kept the chair right beside me open just for him.”

Courtney Petersen, a senior for CHS Lady Longhorns, has been a varsity basketball member for the last four years. Her contributions to the team can numerically be represented by her nightly statistics on the court; however, a more distinct way to note Petersen’s dedication is through her relentless persistence. When asked about a particular team value that the CHS Lady Longhorn’s have embraced this season, Petersen noted, “Every year our team has a theme or motto to symbolize a goal or idea we want to strive for. The seniors were able to choose this year’s theme.” Petersen went on to indicate the acronym that was especially attributed to this season and their current circumstances regarding the pandemic. “LAST. L: learn A: and adapt S: successfully as a T: team,” Petersen said. She went on to describe its significance to her and her team members: “We created this because of the unfortunate circumstances we are encountering. We realize that things are going to be different this season, which will require us to adapt to the changes as a team.”

Heston Daniels, another senior on the CHS Longhorns boys’ basketball team, had additional inspiration that led to him characterizing what appeared as an inevitably challenging year as one of just the opposite as the CHS’s community spirit and support never ceases to motivate him and his teammates to play: “The best part about being a Longhorn during basketball season has to be the support from the community – whether it’s basketball, football, or any other sport, the community always shows up in any way they can.” The uniqueness of the CHS community endorsing athletes with their presence and spirit, even in the middle of what seems like global disorder and divide, is what gives the CHS athletes the ability to continue to strive for hope.

While this season of pandemic has certainly not been easy for those involved in the 2020-2021 Chisholm Longhorn basketball season, this period has allotted and developed a cognizance of admiration for the game of basketball that was conceived from this time of ambiguity like no other.

Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin earns aviation inspiration award

By
2nd Lt. Alyssa Letts
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Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin, the 71st Operation Support Squadorn commander and T-6 Instructor Pilot, was awarded the Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award Feb. 3 in a virtual ceremony. Ruffin is the second recipient of the award following Ret. Brig. Gen. McGee for whom the award is named. It was presented by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Alyssa Letts)

VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Lt. Col. Kenyatta Ruffin, the 71st Operations Support Squadron commander, was awarded the Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee Aviation Inspiration Award Feb 3 in a virtual ceremony.

Ruffin is the second recipient of the award following original Tuskegee Airmen, Ret. Brig. Gen. McGee for whom the award is named. It was presented to Ruffin by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as a part of the Hoover Trophy Program.

“General McGee has been a champion of freedom and flying throughout his entire life, and I am humbled to be recognized as reflecting his virtues of determination, leadership and service,” said Ruffin, Jan.31.

The McGee Award celebrates the commitment that Ruffin has made to inspire young aviators around the nation to keep the Tuskegee Airmen legacy alive.

Col. Ruffin and Gen. McGee

“It is presented to an individual who, like General McGee, persevered to overcome challenges en route to learning to fly while inspiring others along the way,” said Elizabeth O’Connell, a representative from AOPA, via email Jan. 27.

“The Tuskegee Airmen produced approximately 1,000 African-American pilots and today, there are less than 300 African-American pilots on active duty in the Air Force,” said Ruffin.

He hopes to reduce that gap by giving underrepresented youth access to the cockpit through a non-profit organization he created in 2012 called the Legacy Flight Academy. It is operated primarily out of Moton Field in Tuskegee, Alabama, the original training location for the Tuskegee Airmen.

The non-profit’s mission is to uphold and sustain the legacy of the heroic Tuskegee Airmen, all while following the slogan: “The Sky’s the Limit … until it’s your point of view.” 

The non-profit works in tandem with partner organizations to help minorities and underrepresented youth succeed, particularly in military career opportunities.

“The concept of fighting for more than just yourself and overcoming more than just the immediate challenges in front of you has become something that has strengthened me as I’ve progressed throughout my career,” said Ruffin. “We are America’s Air Force and it is vitally important that we reflect the nation we protect and represent our fellow Airmen who serve,” said Ruffin.

February’s Doodle

By
Chris Downing
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Kade Couchman – Swimming

By
EHS Athletics
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It’s February and Winter sports are back in full swing; Enid High School has three winter sports programs available for students to compete in. We offer boy and girls wrestling, boys and girls basketball, and boys and girls swimming. This month our Plainsmen/Pacer “Pride of the Plains” student focus is on EHS Junior Swim team member Kade Couchman.

Kade Couchman, a Junior on the EHS Swim Team, came to Enid High School this past fall. Kade started competitive swimming in the fall of 2018. Before that, he hadn’t even had experience with any of the strokes. After talking with Kade he says “many of his challenges stem from my lack of experience with the technical elements of the strokes.”  Over the next two years, Kade would like to help the relay teams for EHS swim to set new records. He wants to encourage the team to push themselves to continue to reach individual state qualifying times as well.  Head Swim Coach Lyndsay Watts says “Kade’s example has helped drive our team toward excellence this year and we are so blessed to have him!”

Being a student-athlete comes with a different set of standards and expectations. Eligibility for athletes is checked weekly and the amount of time the athlete spends on their craft only adds to their workload. “Being an athlete on the Enid High Swim Team has taught me the importance of time management, hard work, and dedication, in the classroom as well as the pool” says Kade Couchman. If Kade could offer advice to other athletes, he would like to tell them to put trust in their coaches and complete the tasks given by their coaches to the best of their ability. Set goals with them and make working toward them a priority.

Kade has never participated in High School athletics until this year. Cooperation and communication are two of the lifelong skills that athletes learn from participating in high school sports. Kade is working on these two skills as a new team member along with becoming an excellent example and team player. His motivation is to live up to the standard that has been set by his older teammates. His plan for the future includes qualifying for State, Nationals, and then to attend a college on a swimming scholarship. “The positive impact that he has made on this team in just a few short months is mind-blowing. Kade holds himself and his teammates to a high standard in regards to attitude and work ethic” said Coach Watts.

As Kade and his teammates continue to strive for excellence, we are excited to see what the future holds for Kade and the EHS Swim team.

Enid Athletics Plainsmen/Pacer Pride of the Plains Brought to You by Slater Mechanical

Chance Davis – Wrestling

By
EHS Athletics
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Chance Davis, a Junior at Enid High School, a 2019-20 Oklahoma State Champion wrestler, and a University of Arkansas – Little Rock commit, finds his motivation stems from the fact that he believes there is always room for improvement. “No matter what you have accomplished you can always get better, there is always someone trying to beat you. I will constantly push myself to get better” he says.

On his commitment to the University of Arkansas – Little Rock, Chance says, “I stepped into Little Rock and instantly found my home, I felt a connection with the coaching staff and really felt it was the right place for me.” Over the years, Chance has moved around a lot. That movement has had positive and negative effects on Chance. Specifically, with wrestling, being under multiple coaches, Chance has had the opportunity to learn a variety of styles of wrestling which has molded into the style he has today. “I didn’t have consistent coaching until I moved to Enid and met Coach Holland and Coach Clayton. They have pushed me past my breaking point and have spent countless hours in the wrestling room with me, and the team, practicing.” said Chance  

Wrestling, though sometimes thought to be an individual sport when on the mat, Chance is always grateful for his team, “they are the ones that prepared me for that match and without them, I wouldn’t be ready to take on anyone. I need my team and my team needs me” he said.   

Being an athlete is hard. It requires many traits that student-athletes will use for a lifetime. For Chance, he has learned many of those traits. “Being an athlete has shown me how to humble myself in winning and losing. I wanted to be mad or sad over a loss, and many times I’ve wanted to freak out. Being an athlete showed me to push past that and get back in the room and work on the mistakes you made and no matter what you can always get better.”

Chance offers this advice to young up and coming athletes: “Accept your fears. Fear is a part of all humans and at some point, everyone experiences fear and anxiousness before a match. This is normal and it can drive you to work even harder to accomplish your goals. Preparing for your sport, working hard every time you practice and compete helps you stay calm when competing.”

For Chance, we know that he has big things to accomplish in his next two seasons at Enid and into his collegiate career. Chance would like to invite you all to come see the Enid Wrestling team and support Enid Athletics. He also added, “Go Big Blue!”

Enid Athletics Plainsmen/Pacer Pride of the Plains Brought to You by Slater Mechanical

Show Some Love

By
Robert Faulk
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Robert Faulk
Enid Monthly Editor Robert Faulk

For some unknown reason, February is closely associated with Love. It could have something to do with Single’s Awareness Day which is held on February 14th each year, or it could be because the cold weather is an invitation to get cuddled up under a blanket with a special someone and watch a movie. In any event, February can either be a romantic time for couples, or a difficult time for those without, or those who have lost a loved one. Regardless of your status, I encourage everyone to reach out and show some love to someone this month, whether it is family, a friend, or even a stranger (with their consent of course), we all need a little more Love in our life. Happy February!

The Tween’s Talk: Valentine’s Day

By
Sophia & Mallie
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It’s the Tweens Sophia and Mallie writing the February Column for ENID MONTHLY. We loved doing the Q&A in November and thought we should do another. Let’s get to the questions!

What does love mean to us? 

“I think love means Family.”- Mallie 

“In my opinion Love means an act of kindness or something nice put towards someone or something. I also think it means an emotion you feel when kindness enters your heart.”-Sophia

Why is it important to tell people you love them?

“It is important because you will never know when the last time you’ll be able to say it is.”- Mallie

“I think it’s important because it makes people feel special and appreciated when you tell them that you love them and it could make someone’s day if they are down in the dumps.”- Sophia 

What is the greatest Valentine gift you have ever received? 

“Stuffed animals and chocolates.”-Mallie

“The most amazing family and friends I could ever have. Also chocolate.”- Sophia

Why do you think the heart is a symbol for Valentine’s Day?

“Because it’s a time to love people”- Mallie 

“Because when you feel loved you can feel it in your heart”-Sophia

If you could decorate candy hearts and put a few words on them what would you put and why?

“I love you because it would make people feel loved”- Mallie

“I would put “Ur awesome” because some people put themselves down and if someone tells them that they are awesome then it will bring them up”-Sophia

Photo by Laura Ockel on Unsplash

What do you love more than anything in the world? 

“I love my mom more than anything in the world.”-Mallie

“I love my family and friends the most because they are the most important people in my life.”-Sophia

What would you do if you were Cupid

“If I was Cupid I would send my mom a bunch of arrows up in heaven.”-Mallie

“If I was Cupid I would make all the people that liked each other fall in love and if they didn’t like each other any more than I would create a special unlove arrow”-Sophia 

Fill in the blank: With love ___ is impossible. 

“With love everything is impossible”-Mallie 

“With love NEGATIVITY is impossible because in my opinion there is no such thing as negative love towards you, someone or something”-Sophia 

For our last question we thought it should be: We often say that we “love” something. For example, “I love chocolate.” What is the difference between loving a person and loving a thing or activity?              

“I think the difference is objects aren’t as important as real people.”- Mallie

“For me, I think the difference is when you love a person you can feel it in your heart and it’s harder to say to someone, but to an object or activity its easier to say and you don’t really feel it in your heart it’s more of a mental love”-Sophia 

We hope you guys and gals enjoyed our Q&A! We had a fun time doing it again this month! Don’t forget to email us at tweensceneenid@gmail.com. Have a great February, stay safe, and HAPPY VALENTINES DAY <3!!!

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