I was born, raised and currently reside in Oklahoma. I fell in love at an early age with the natural beauty offered up to us here in the Great Plains. A lot of people look at the plains as a wide expanse that is necessary to cross to get from one side of the country to the other. I feel sorry for those that don't take the time to experience it. I take as much time as possible to let the sights, sounds and smells of the plains wash over me. My favorite time of the year is spring, when beautiful thunderstorms can be found on almost a daily basis. Violent storms are always a possibility, but a run of the mill storm tossing bolts of lightning out on a warm evening can be most enjoyable. It is equally fulfilling to see the many beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and deep dark night skies which give way to colorful aurora events as well as meteor shower and comet displays. Throw in groomed crops, not so groomed native grasses and wildlife and you have a complete show. Beauty is all around us folks, you just have to give a little time to take it in.