As a liberal Northerner, I have some preconceived beliefs about the South. When I started looking at them, I realized I needed to bring all of the ugliness into the Light if I was to be happy there. It was uncomfortable work. I know enough about belief and selective perception that this work will be ongoing—to be mindful of looking for evidence that supports what I already believe and ignoring evidence to the contrary. I want to be open to the beauty, the charm, the kindness and good manners of Oklahoma. I want to love it there.
So, the Work begins.
SandySue Altered
A Mind Divided 
Apr 03, 2018 @ 05:30:49
I thoroughly like this post. So thoroughly indeed. Trying desperately hard to ignore the things that support my prejudices, but that is the way forward! Lovely artwork 🙂
Apr 03, 2018 @ 06:04:41
It is hard. Thank you for being in this work with me.
Apr 03, 2018 @ 08:26:51
What a good idea, what a great idea, your realization is beginning the process, the uncomfortable honesty — that shakes up our contempt prior to investigation, our stuck ideas . Yay! And opens us up to more of the world. I’ve been looking for deeper non-combative questions to Ask the PeopleWithBadIdeas, etc. and invite them to ask of me, too. Since my intent begins with acknowledging and then being curious against my preconceptions, the other person responds …..Wait a minute. Have I actually done this or am I imagining how it will/should be when I do this.. ?
Apr 03, 2018 @ 13:11:09
Ha! Sometimes imagining the process is as powerful as doing it.
Apr 03, 2018 @ 08:51:36
Is Oklahoma the South? I have to look this up. I never considered it to be Dixie. I always thought of Oklahoma to be Midwest/Indan territory.
Apr 03, 2018 @ 13:09:10
That is true. It is the South to me.
Apr 04, 2018 @ 13:49:17
Well if it’s the south to you that’s all that counts. Plenty of y’alls and lipton ice tea is in order. Practice those, along with some, bless your heart and you will be ready!
Apr 04, 2018 @ 16:56:46
This made me chuckle. My gramma was from Missouri and did/said all those things. They make me feel loved.
Apr 03, 2018 @ 15:26:37
Oklahoma is the South, but it is also the Midwest and Indian territory. I was fortunate when I moved here, to know an older gentleman who brought me books to read so that I could understand better, this area of Oklahoma that I lived in. I realized I had not been taught anything at all up North, about Native Americans. I knew nothing about Oklahoma history. You are wise to ask yourself questions and to explore the area you will be settling in. It is very different in Muskogee than it is here in the southwestern part of the state. These are good, down to earth people who take care of each other. Coming to Oklahoma was life changing for me. I am a better Okie than I ever was a Nebraska girl. This is my home, and I love being both nature girl and bad-ass.
Apr 03, 2018 @ 18:44:16
All that is my hope and dream, Lori.
Apr 03, 2018 @ 16:04:34
It is worthwhile work … for all of us who travel into new cultures and want to make our home there 💛
Apr 03, 2018 @ 18:43:20
Yes, indeedy.
Apr 04, 2018 @ 05:46:42
You are both wise and brave, Sandy. You’ve recognized that you have some prejudices (don’t we all?!), and in my mind that’s the first step towards combatting them. I know you are up to the challenge and have a good feeling about your new chapter. Adventure awaits!
Apr 04, 2018 @ 07:47:52
As Always!
May 09, 2018 @ 02:10:58
How are you liking the ‘Gee?
I lived in and around Muskogee for over 10 years.
May 13, 2018 @ 11:43:10
I do like it. I have a great place to live, which means everything. It is hot, which would be fine except for the humidity, which makes my head explode. But Iowa summers have a *few* days like that, so I’m acclimatizing.