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A nomadic Artist, living and creating in a self-converted van, I paint in a jubilant riot of color to harness the splendor of landscapes through which I travel.
The Oklahoma panhandle doesn’t offer a lot of boondocking options, but during our last visit home, I discovered what might become my new regular pit stop.
I’d been driving for 5 hours, and when I stopped for gas, I realized I still had another 2 hours until our destination. Not thrilled, I climbed into the van, and we got back on the long, straight highway.
I was listening to podcasts and snacking on sugary candies my sister had given me when I passed a sign that intrigued me enough to pull over: Optima Wildlife Refuge.
What I’ve learned during my years of vanlife, is that you can usually spend the night in National Wildlife Refuges, National Grasslands, and other spots that you might not immediately consider.
Thankfully, I had signal, and after a quick search, realized there was a campground five minutes down the road I’d just passed. A quick U-turn and we were on our way toward it.
I should’ve read the Google map reviews a little more closely. I somehow missed that the word “apocalyptic” was used more than once to describe the place, and I quickly realized just how accurate that descriptor was.
I’d later learn from my dad that the area used to be a lake. Optima Lake was built by the Corps of Engineers in the late 70s, but the lake never held water. Millions of dollars were spent to build the lake, an impressive dam, and several lakeside campgrounds, but everything was shut down in 1995. By 2010, the 160 campsites, picnic enclosures, restrooms, and power poles were demolished.
All that aside, it’s a fascinating place to spend the night. I’m always a fan of nature reclaiming the land, so walking around the desolate campground where trees sprout through asphalt, grass grows through every crack it can find, and animals are thriving was interesting, to say the least.
It was total silence, apart from birds and crickets, easy to find a level spot to camp, and there are still a few picnic tables should you need one. And, yes, it`s legal to park there - at your own risk.
Apocalyptic or not, it’s definitely my new go-to when I make the long drive back to my hometown.
Another fun thing I did while in Oklahoma was build some benches for my parents’ front porch.
I made three small benches so they’d be easier to move around to allow different seating arrangements and configurations. Or they could be lined up to create a nice place to lie down, as my dad quickly figured out.
I also built two tiny ottomans that can easily be tucked away beneath the benches when not in use.
Working with my hands has always brought me joy, and I love to build tangible objects that provide long-term, practical use. Paco helped, too. I love how calm he is around all the loud power tools – I’ve definitely conditioned him to the noise and sawdust over the years. 😆👩🏼🔧🛠️🪚
I finally picked up my paintbrushes after a month of being preoccupied with other responsibilities, I couldn`t focus on art.
It took a few days to get back into the swing of it, to where painting felt natural and less clumsy. It’s similar to working out – if you take a break from working your muscles, you can’t just jump in a month later and expect to be at the same place as when you left. That`s how injuries happen.
Instead, you have to slow down and be patient with getting back into the routine, the flow, and back to where it feels effortless instead of feeling like you’re making more of a mess with the paint than any progress.
Like everything in life, you’ve just gotta keep showing up and pushing through those awkward missteps until you find your footing again. 👩🏼🎨🎨🤪
I installed pop-out windows on the rear van doors, and I love them SO much. 😍
For years, I toyed with the option, but the price tag was always higher than I was willing to pay for something in the “nice to have” category and not a necessity.
While in Oklahoma, I happened to see a listing on Facebook Marketplace for a set of pop-out windows for 3x less than what I’d typically found, so I reached out, and the rest is history. 🥳
I had them tinted before I installed them so they’d match the rest of the windows, because I love the privacy they offer.
Installation was pretty quick and easy, and I’m amazed at how well the windows have improved the air flow in the van.
We’re back on the road and settling back into things.
Our last campsite didn’t have a signal, which was a wonderful forced unplugging. I didn’t realize how tired I was after three weeks working around my parents’ house and two long days of driving until I stopped moving. It was nice to have a few days to rest and recalibrate without digital distractions or doomscrolling. Paco must have needed it too.
We’ve had many long walks through trees, naps, slow, quiet mornings, and relocated to a new camp with a signal, so it’s back to life as usual – whatever that means. 🙃
New stickers just hit the shop! 🥳
I fell in love with juniper trees during my first year in the van, traveling through New Mexico and Utah. Their gnarled, twisted, and silvered bodies hooked me completely and I`ve been fascinated with them ever since.
These little stickers are a perfect way to celebrate that love, and I am so pleased with how they turned out.
Head to the link in my bio to see all available stickers 🙌🏼
The last time we were here, these calves were pretty small. Paco enjoyed tormenting them by running at the fence and barking in an attempt to get a rise, but they were never very bothered by him.
Now, a good deal larger, the calves are out to use Paco`s tricks against him, and he is not amused.
He`s so much tougher when there`s a fence between him and the cows. 😂😂
Our travels took a pivot and brought us back to Oklahoma.
It may not have been a planned route change, but I`m glad to be here to help my family. ♥️
One perk of being here is that I get to participate in the Kellyville Community Market this Saturday. I`ll be using the van`s awning as my tent, so you can`t miss my booth!
I`ll have paintings, stickers, and other goodies for sale.
If you`re in the area, stop by and say hello! 👋 Paco will not be in attendance, so if you`re hoping to meet him, I`ll save you the disappointment. 😅
Saturday, April 11
12-4p
21299 U.S. Bicycle Rte 66, Kellyville, OK 74039
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