Introduction

Pretty

In this We Are Sand Springs magazine we explore the word "Pretty." While there are many meanings for the word in old English and the origins of the word, we utilize the word heavily in our day to day language. Yet, can we comprehend the word in all of it's complexities throughout our daily lives?

While the word is complex, the meaning in our lives can be infinitely more complex. However, somewhere inside our humanity, we were made to recognize pretty things around us.

In the family gatherings, in nature, and in the minute details of our daily routine, if we take a moment to look through truly objective eyes we can find these things to be pretty.

What a tremendous blessing to live in a wonderful hometown community like Sand Springs. A place where people work together, play together, and collaborate together to do great things for our community. Surrounded by the beauty of rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and an abundance of trees that are absolutely beautiful this time of year, Sand Springs provides quality of life opportunities that rival any city in our state. The leaves are turning beautiful colors and dancing in the wind as they fall to the ground in anticipation of the fun holidays ahead. This time of year is one of my favorites because it brings out the warmth and generosity of everyone and inspires us to be better corporate citizens. I believe the physical beauty of our town is only topped by the beauty of the giving spirit, history, and legacy of its people. A spirit of kindness and generosity is what our community was established on by our founder Charles Page. That same spirit is very much alive today. In the midst of hardship, struggle and destruction from a tornado, flooding, ice storm and a global pandemic, we saw and continue to see neighbor helping neighbor, business helping business, churches helping churches, and families, friends and others coming together unified with a powerful resolve to help restore our community and heal from these adverse events. Seeing our community’s passion for others, unity to help, and unrelenting supportive spirit warms my soul and makes me proud to be a Sandite. This time of year I like to count my blessings and try to reflect on all of the things I’m personally thankful for. One of the blessings I’m most thankful for is the honor to serve and represent you, the generous and kind people of our community, at the state capitol. Serving as your state representative the past ten years has been a true blessing because it has allowed me to have a unique perspective of the great people who make up our community. I love to share with leaders from across the state about how wonderful you are, and how you make a difference in the lives of others. You are all a sparkling example of what love looks like, and I am extremely grateful for your trust and support. May your hearts be filled with joy, and your holiday season truly blessed! Jadine Nollan