girlabouttulsa
I moved to Oklahoma a decade ago. A small town girl from Arkansas.
A friend lived in Owasso & I would refer to it as, “Oh-wherever.”
I didn’t know much anything about where I was moving, I knew it was an adventure.
I love adventures. And adventures require the right shoes.
So, I ordered a pair of vintage cowboy boots on eBay & prepared for the next chapter in my life.
I moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma on July 5, 2008.
I also wore those boots every. where. that summer. With everything. Even pajamas. Literally annoyingly all the time. Why? Because it’s Oklahoma. If there were ever a place to wear “shit kickers” every day, it was here.
My first night I saw Kill Hannah at The Marquee (now the Vanguard) & saw a bit of the burgeoning downtown. I called the BOK Center the “Bock” Center–No one corrected me for a month. Thanks, guys.
I got my first real taste of Tulsa when I went to D’Fest a few weeks later. Summer in Tulsa is a certain shade of hell but it’s also full of great festivals, events, and concerts.
The Blue Dome District was a vibrating mass of humidity soaked tie-dyed artists and party rockers.
I spotted a “Don’t Hate the 918” button on the ground. How rad. It was fun to say “Don’t Hate The Nine One Eight” & a button (#suckerforthem). So I snagged it, put in my suspenders & enjoyed the shows.
Fun fact: I’ve complimented three strangers a day, every day, since college. I’m actually kind of an introvert #surprise. This was a way for me to open up to people without being anxious. It became a habit, and when I moved to Tulsa, I kept throwing kindness like confetti!
I mean why not? Compliments are free.
Landing in a city that had its own fan club was kismet.
Little did I know, a decade & a life ago, the artist behind the movement would be such a huge influence on the way I saw my new hometown!
I’ve fallen in love with Tulsa, as it’s fallen in love with itself. Cain’s, the BOK, Meadow Gold District, Pearl District. North Tulsa & Downtown Tulsa. Kendall Whittier. Guthrie Green & the Woody Guthrie Center. Tulsa Arts District. Music. Art. Film. Performers. Clubs. Museums. There is always something to do & something to see here. I also love how much the community comes together to support itself, looking at you Outsiders House.
I’ll be showcasing the artists, professionals, characters & businesses that are growing Tulsa! Super excited to share all that’s great about the 918! Posts will go up each Wednesday & you can follow the behind the scenes adventures about town on Instagram @GirlAboutTulsa & hashtag your Tulsa adventures for me to share: #GirlAboutTulsa
Thank you so much, Steve, for a wonderful evening of art, great conversation, & new friends! The perfect way to celebrate all that’s great about the 918! Thank you for sharing the love! Happy 918 Day Mr. 918!
Who would you like to see spotlighted? I wanna know who you love in Tulsa!
Share their website or page below. ❤
