Red, white & blue

I hope your weekend was a little bit of fabulous!  Here are a few snapshots from my weekend… 

{there were flags}

{sidewalk chalk art}

{cool refreshment beneath blue, blue skies}

{even a patriotic pups or two}

{did I mention there were flags?}

And with that, I’m off to frolic a tad longer!

To our independence

{photo: Lee, Russell, 1903-1986, photographer}

Here we are, heading into a long 4th of July weekend yet again… 

Things have certainly changed since America’s first birthday, July 4th, 1776.  We have over 300 million more people calling it home, for starters. We’re a little more hurried; a little more “space age.”  We’ve changed for the good, maybe a bit for the worse.

As we head into the weekend, however, let’s focus on things that remain the same. Let’s focus on the colors of the flag and all they represent–red {valor and hardiness}, white {purity and innocence}, and blue {vigilance, perseverance, and justice}.  Let’s focus on freedom–and remember those who continue to risk their lives that we might keep it. Let’s focus on things that make this country great–things like “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” 

Then, let’s get out there and celebrate like we mean it–with friends and family, picnics and BBQs, apple pies and Rootbeer floats,  parades and fireworks… 

Happy 4th of July, dear readers!

Patriotic pinwheels

Independence Day is quickly approaching. We can only hope the day will warm and bright–the perfect weather for BBQs, croquet, cherry-pit-spitting contests, fireworks, and… PINWHEELS! 

After all, a 4th of July celebration is bound to be more fun with these festive fellows, wouldn’t you agree?!

{Independence Day Pinwheels by Rule42}

To the Stars and Stripes

You might say the birthday of the ”Stars and Stripes” was first celebrated June 14, 1885, in a one room schoolhouse made of stone.  The teacher, a nineteen-year-old Bernard J. Cigrand, stuck a small flag in an inkwell and asked his students to write an essay on the significance of the American flag.

Cingrand, you see, was the youngest of six children whose parents immigrated to the United States from Luxembourg. Being taught to love this great nation from an early age, it’s only natural he would grow to have a deep respect for that which sybolized all she stood for: the American flag. 

So, as he worked to sell scrap iron and rags to buy books …

… to sell books and Bibles for the US Book and Bible Club … 

… as a conductor on a steam barge …

… as a school teacher at Stony Hill …

… as a contributing editor of the Encyclopedia Americana …     

… as a Dentist, and finally, Dean of Columbian Dental College …

He worked to promote patriotism and respect for the flag.  He wrote books and pamplets; he submitted proposals and delivered speeches. Though he did witness President Woodrow Wilson issue a proclamation claiming Flag day as a national event, he did not live to see the final outcome:  President Harry S. Truman signing legislation officially designating June 14th as Flag Day.  

Flag Day still stands, though the meaning has faltered.  Sure, we fly that flag.  We fly it in daylight and the darkest of nights–be it calm, or blustery.  We fly it laden with grime, and dotted with holes.  When it becomes tattered beyond recognition, we toss it atop the garbage heap.

Seems we’ve lost the very thing Cingrand fought for: respect.

This year, as we unfurl the red, white, and blue let us stop and think of all it represents; let us treat it with the dignity it deserves … and teach others to do the same.

To doughnuts…

Hip-hip-HOORAY!  Hip-hip-HOORAY!

That’s right, my friends, today is National Doughnut Day.  And a day with a donut-in-hand is a very-good-day indeed.  

Speaking of this fabulous holiday, did you know:

• The Chicago Salvation Army started the holiday in 1938 as a funraiser–and to honor the women who volunteered to make homebaked goods–including donuts–for the men on the front lines during WWI;
• Donuts made on the front lines were often cooked in a solider’s metal helmet, filled with oil–let us hope the helmet had yet to be used;
• Krispi Kreme is giving away free donuts TODAY; click here for a list of participating stores;
• TODAY Dunkin’ Donuts will give you a free donut with the purchase of any beverage; and
• Fried sugar is actually good for you.

Okay, I may have made up that last bit–but I like to think it’s a fact they simply have yet to discover.  So with that, go forth and enjoy one of life’s more sinful pleasures … and may your weekend be the sweetest of sweet!