It's All About the View

There was a time during my childhood when my aunt and uncle lived in western Oklahoma. The rest of our family lived in or around Ada, Oklahoma, which is in the southeastern area of the state. The topography of eastern and western Oklahoma is vastly different. The landscape east of Interstate 35 is green and lush with lots of trees and hills. West of I-35, the landscape becomes flat with miles of wheat fields. The northeastern region of Oklahoma is called Green Country, while the southwestern region is known as Great Plains Country.

During the time my aunt and uncle lived in western Oklahoma, I recall hearing my uncle tell my parents how much he loved the view in western Oklahoma. “I like being able to see the sunrise and sunset without the clutter of trees,” he said.

“Trees aren’t clutter,” I thought.

Having known known nothing different, I loved the beauty of living among the pecan trees that peppered our family farm and the neighborhoods in our small town. That limited viewpoint was further solidified when my family drove west along Route 66 for a family vacation to California when I was 10 years old. Less than 2 hours into our trip, we had passed Oklahoma City, and my sister and I were already bored. As I gazed out the windows of our Ford station wagon with nothing but miles of highway in front of us, I began to question my uncle’s sanity. How could anyone like that view?

Fast forward 15 years, and I found myself living northwest of Oklahoma City after my husband accepted a basketball coaching position at Cashion Schools. With only slightly more maturity and a different perspective, I began to appreciate the beauty of the yellow wheat waving in the wind during harvest time as the sun set beyond the horizon.

I was reminded of these memories as I stood on the balcony on the last day at my previous apartment overlooking the construction of a new skyrise apartment building being built across the street. My husband will tell you that it’s all about the view with me. I’ve been fortunate to be able to travel to different cities, states, countries and continents since that trip to California more than 50 years ago. I’ve photographed beach views, lake views, mountain views, and skyline views, as well as views from winding country roads. Many of these photos are hanging on the walls in my new apartment. Each photo represents a different perspective and has contributed to my evolving viewpoints. Just like the people I have met along the way; these viewpoints have added a richness to my journeys.

But there have been times when my view has become obstructed – literally and figuratively. As I stood on the balcony that day, I thought of the photo I had taken on the first day I moved into that apartment, as well as the dozens I’ve taken since (check out my Instagram @shellindallas to see many of the photos taken from that balcony). That first panoramic photo depicted a clear view of American Airlines Center, the W Hotel, and downtown Dallas with the Bank of America building clearly visible. During the past 5 years, the view has changed dramatically with the addition of several new skyrises, a cinema, and numerous new retails shops and restaurants. I love all of the additions to the Victory Park neighborhood, but I could no longer see downtown or even the W Hotel.

As I waited for the movers to arrive that morning, I was already tired. I had been working long hours and weekends for months without a break. My mind was foggy. I know – this seems to be a recurring theme of my blog posts. The weather was unseasonably beautiful for early December even for Dallas, but I knew that I would have to spend all weekend moving and organizing. The next week and weekend would be more long hours at work. I didn’t even know when I would have time to do any holiday shopping – even finding time to shop online seemed improbable.

I glanced at my phone to view the series of text messages coming from a group of friends who are members of an Outing Club that my husband’s family has been members of for more than 70 years. Many of the friends were at their cabins and sending frame-worthy photos of the river and woods. I longed to be there. Honestly, I longed to be anywhere other than where I was on that day.

Then I remembered that while lots of things seemed beyond my control, there were things that I could still control – namely my attitude. I took a deep breath and paused for a quick meditation.

As the first light of the day poured into the windows of my new apartment the next morning, I rose and stepped outside to stand on the balcony and looked out at my new view. At that moment, my friend Mary Ann sent me a text “to check on you.” I replied by sending her a photo of my new view, as well as the photo I had taken the day prior.

“I’m glad your view is clearer now,” she replied.

Yes, Mary Ann, my literal view is clearer. Now to do some more work on my figurative view!