Ray of Sunshine: Freedom

On this Independence Day, focus your gratitude on the freedoms you enjoy every day. Then, utilize those freedoms to make a better world around you.

Blessings for your day and week. Spread sunshine. Be the light.

Fire in the Sky

Today is the 4th of July.  In addition to the patriotic significance, I associate this all-American holiday with gatherings of family and friends for barbecues, picnics and swimming, and with watching fireworks splashing against the night sky.  I've seen some pretty amazing fireworks displays in my life, including in my youth on a class trip to Europe and several years of magnificent pyrotechnics associated with The Great Circus Parade in Milwaukee.  Our community and those in the surrounding area all have elaborate fireworks displays that attract families.  Lately in preparation for the big holiday, fireworks vendors have been out selling their wares.  Night after night, I've been hearing pop after pop after pop that indicate that for some, the 4th of July has started early.  As I ooh and ahh with our neighbors at the community fireworks this evening, I'll also say a prayer for all of the heroes who have protected and continue to protect our country.  Happy 4th of July, everyone, and God bless us all.

Sparklers

When I was a little girl, I didn't like fire.  I didn't like candles nor did I like matches or lighters.  On the 4th of July, I had to be brave, however, and allow myself to take a lit sparkler or two and help light up the sky with my own little version of fireworks.  Once I summoned up the courage, I'd enjoy holding the little metal wands of the sparklers, waving them around, listening to the sizzle as the fire burned down the wick, creating little flashes of light all around me.  It was all so magical.  But nothing was so magical as watching real fireworks.  To this day, I ooh and aah, just like the little ones, when I see a magnificent fireworks display. Alas, due to the oppressive heat and drought, our community has had to postpone its 4th of July fireworks presentation this year until later in the month when, hopefully, the conditions will permit.  Tonight, we'll watch the full moon instead and look for fireflies.  So, however you spend this star-spangled evening -- lighting sparklers or basking in the light of the full moon, watching fireworks or chasing fireflies, enjoying a big gathering or quietly appreciating the meaning of our Independence Day, may you have a Happy 4th of July!