Hold Onto Your Hats...

by Sandra Wilkins

          Have you ever wondered where the phrase “Hold onto your hats” came from?  It can mean someone is about to tell a big, windy story or you’re about to go on a fantastic ride of some sort, but I have a feeling its roots came from the weather in Oklahoma.  The last few days spring has blown in full force.  The winds have literally been “sweeping down the plains”—with and without storms.  I can imagine in the days of old when ladies and gentlemen all wore hats, that times like these would be “Hold onto your hats” days.  The gusts would blow them clean off your head if you weren’t clutching them tightly. 

          I try to sit on my back porch and enjoy the sunshine, but I have to brace myself and put my hair in a ponytail so I won’t be pummeled into oblivion.  My grandma’s transplanted lilac bushes are tossed wildly yet emit their glorious aroma.  The daffodils wave erratically but are still bright and cheery.  I realize that it’s silly to complain about a little wind when the birds are contentedly twittering away, butterflies are bravely making their way forward and my daughters are running across the lawn with their dogs.  All is well in my part of the world.  Hopefully, the winds of life won’t buffet you too long and there will be restful times ahead—because “we’re doin’ fine” in Oklahoma.

 Sandra Wilkins is busy writing another series while home educating her two daughters.  Ada’s Heart, Rose’s Hope and Gwen’s Honor are her first three published wholesome historical romances.  Go to www.sandrawilkins.com to find out more about her and her books.