let freedom ring

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite days of the year - it's the quintessential summer holiday + we get to light off fireworks. Most especially though, I love the Fourth because of what we're reminded of - some of the amazing history that comes with this country we live in.

I was lucky enough to attend the Freedom Festival Gala several nights ago with my dad, which honored some incredible individuals who understand the price of freedom far more than I ever may be able to. It was inspiring and humbling to say the least, to meet those who have sacrificed greatly for the rights of freedom of speech, freedom to vote, freedom to worship, and freedom to choose everything else we so easily take for granted.

I readily admit I love the BBQ's, re-runs of The Sandlot and Ray Charles' rendition of "America the Beautiful" (seriously there is no better version out there) - but most of all I love this country. Although it's kind of a joke to those who know me, growing up I kept a picture of George Bush on my dashboard in my first car, and gave a speech about "my love for my country" during the Miss Junior Miss Pageant when I was sixteen (which, by the way, was a disaster) - and who knows why, but I was born with this patriotic/political bone in my body that just won't go away ;)

So Happy Fourth of July everyone!!
Hope your holiday weekend is fantastic.