A small-town Friday night

Too often I hear people complain about there being nothing to do in our little Oklahoma town. It’s true we don’t have all the big city amenities but if you cultivate friendships and seek out opportunities for fun you’ll find plenty to do.

Last night we were invited to two parties. The first was a belated birthday gathering for a friend whose birthday was during Happyland Music Fest weekend and therefore not a good time for a party. It was a small group but that’s where some of the best conversations take place. Over pizza and wine, we discussed books, films, and religion. It was just the sort of conversation that is too rare these days and has me contemplating starting an Inklings-esque discussion group.

Next on the evening’s agenda was a birthday party for one of our musician friends which was held at our favorite local dive bar, the Statesman Quality Inn bar. It’s one of those dark and smoky places that manages to make everyone feel like family. Last night it was decorated with balloons and there were cupcakes and finger foods. A number of our musician friends performed throughout the evening, mostly in a laid back, spontaneous fashion.

Here are two of the guys in the local metal band, Our Mother’s Martyr, which performed at our Happyland Music Fest, performing Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”:

And here is another friend responding to a joking request to play “Freebird”:

Over the course of the night we enjoyed the live music, chatted with friends, batted balloons around the room and had sing-alongs including “Let it Be” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”.

We had such a fun night and were once again reminded that life is what you make it.