Friday, July 3, 2009

Independence Day

The Fourth of July. Traditionally, this is a day to gather with friends and family. But in thinking back on the meaning behind this day, at some point, I hope you'll take time to think and reflect on what it is we're truly celebrating... our Independence Day.
Of course the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 but it's so much more than that. On this day, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk.Never has a simple act of signing one's name carried such weight, such a profound commitment. By signing the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stood in direct defiance of the British government. They became marked men, and willingly so. As I was doing some research on the significance of July 4th, I came across some interesting facts about these men. Today as we all enjoy the freedom our forefathers guaranteed us, join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of 56 extraordinary Americans.Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War
If you ever feel like your lone voice can never be heard, that the political system isn't set up for "regular" Americans to change the course of history, remember: The signers were flesh and blood, mortal men with a divinely-inspired aim. Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were well educated, smart enough to know that by signing the Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrants. They did it anyway, and God bless them for it. We must never take that liberty for granted. Too many have given too much. In the words of the Signers themselves, "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." Their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor -- I think that's a price paid worth a few minutes of reflection, don't you? But let's not be solemn in that reflection. I say rejoice and share this information with your friends and family, especially your kids. The Signers asked for nothing in return for their pledge, but I say that we show our thanks with a pledge of our own: To remember, to be grateful, and to carry on in their spirit.
America is the greatest country this world has ever and will ever know, and it will stay that way so long as "we the people" remember that... just like in 1776. It's US that surrounds them, and we will never back down.

God Bless America!!

Semper Fi
Fair Winds and following seas

Linda


By the way, I "borrowed" some of this post from a Great American.
Thank you Glenn.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Big Disappointment

Sometimes things we work for just don't happen. I will not be able to open my studio at this time. I am ready, but building and the landlord are not. I still need several structural things done, which I will not do in a building I don't own. This has been the hold up. I have now been informed that the building is for sale and there is a buyer.
This would be a good thing except the work that needs to be done to come up to code will raise the rent to a number I won't pay.
I think things happen for a reason and this is no exception. I just don't know what the reason it is yet. In the meantime I will try to find another space, but it isn't looking too promising at this time.
If my hubby would just let me have the garage....lol lol !!! So onward and upward....I am disappointed but there is always another day to consider options and just paint...which is all I want to do anyway. Maybe I just didn't want it enough.

Linda