Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! ; the state folk song by Woodie Guthrie, Oklahoma Hills ; and the state children’s song, Oklahoma, Our Native Land – catchy tunes, one and all. The state’s official instruments are the fiddle and the drum, and the kids found both tom-tom and djembe drums and paraded around our house. (Note to self: next time we have a drum fest, pick a day when it’s not raining and the kids can go outside). Our attempts at square dancing, the state’s official dance, were comical but loads of fun. (Second note to self: toddlers are great at doing the do-si-do but they’ll wear you out if you’re not careful). We showed the children videos of the Rosette Nebula, Oklahoma’s official astronomical object, and promised to take them to Tulsa to see the statue of The Driller , Oklahoma’s official state monument. They’re looking forward to a hunt for the collared lizard (the state reptile), bullfrogs (the state amphibian) and honey bees (the state insect) in their own yard and the neighborhood park, all easy to find during summer months. The entire family enjoyed our month-long quest to see and experience Oklahoma’s symbols, and we learned a lot. Grandparents, parents and children alike marveled at the beauty and bounty of our home state. My grandson asked if we could explore Oklahoma’s diverse geographical regions in a future adventure. I can’t wait! Camille Landry is a mother, grandmother, writer, political activist and the owner Nappy Roots Books, an independent African American bookstore, art gallery, gathering space and community center.
THE DRILLER , TULSA
LANDRY AND HER GRANDCHILDREN ENJOY A PICNIC.
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