Four things On the Fourth

1. The first fourth of July I ever spent away from my family was in England. Which was fun. Because we went to all the pub, blew up fire works, and attempted to start pub fights in the name of honor and independence.

2. I got married on July 7th, 2007 (7/7/07). I thought, Hey! It'd be great for the two families to meet with a fourth of July cookout! Just three days before I get married! At my house! *groan* It was ROUGH...but also a lot of fun, and one of my happiest fourth of July memories.

3. I recently got back from Florida, after visiting my uncle, who is a WWII vet. He's the kind of uncle who likes to tell stories (which I love) no matter what the time, place or appropriateness (which my aunt does not love). But today, I find myself thinking about some of those stories with a smile on my face and a sense of awe in my heart. I think I'll go write him a letter today.

4. The Fourth of July is one of the few truly American holidays. It has no ties to religion, just history. William Faulkner said, "We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it." So, go out and practice some freedom today! Whatever your activity, be it cooking out, writing, going to the coffee house with friends, or watching fireworks, don't forget to be conscious of the freedom you have to do anything!