4th of July 2024 Musings...

What does the 4^th of July mean to me?  A lot. 

 

One of my earliest memories was my parents and family going down to the bi-centennial parade in Manchester, NH. I was just a kid, but it was impressed on me that it was a big day and I wouldn’t experience another milestone like this. I have a few pics from that day, but they’re a bit faded now.  I often think back of my family walking up from my house to Deerfield Park in Manchester to watch the fireworks.  Fireworks bring out the little kid in me. They capture an “awe factor” It’s a reminder of Freedom to me and having an appreciation of that freedom. 

 

Growing up when I did in NH, civics was important. I learned a lot about NH government as well as the nation’s. I think the one of the lasting impressions I have from that period is that “Fair” means a lot.  And it’s important to me that I’m a fair minded person. 

 

In 1986, I entered military service on 8 July.  Not quite the 4^th, but I remember the spirit of patriotism was soaring high in the nation. It was the time of Reagan, and I was very proud to serve under Reagan as a president. 

 

Between 1986-to about 2005ish, the 4^th meant a time to relax, enjoy the lazy summer day, BBQ, fly your flag and tip your hat to American’s birthday with a fireworks display.  Then in 2005, our family went to Avalon, CA on Catalina Island for the 4^th.  It was amazing.  Nothing said “home” California style than the golf cart parade and the USC marching band.  After a BBQ on the beach, we went and saw the fireworks on the beach in Avalon. We went to Avalon from about 2005 to 2012. It was a memorable time for us and the boys. They still have warm memories of the 4^th.  So to all the founding fathers – thank you. 

 

Home of the Brave and Land of the Free. 

We have a Republic. Let’s keep it. 

Happ 4th to the USA!!

 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

 

 

Fun Facts: 

 

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, 2 of our founding fathers, died on the same day - 4^th July 1826.  50 years after the Declaration of Independence. 

 

200 copies of the Declaration of Independence were drafted, but only 27 are accounted for.

 

Congress declared the 4^th of July an official holiday - in 1870!

 

The Star Spangled Banner was inspired by the War of 1812. A poem put to music, it became the USA's official national anthem in 1931.

*****

My story, Arrow Through the Heart takes place in New Hampshire around the 4th of July.  Logan & Ella have a fun celebrating, but danger surrounds Ella. Can Logan help to keep her safe?

Buy Arrow Through the Heart

 

 

 

Welcome to July 2024!!

I just want to welcome the Blog followers to July! The 4^th of July is just around the corner, and I bought tickets to see the fireworks show at Ventura college. We’ve gone before. It’s nothing special, but it feels more special than just staying in Santa Clarita and watching the fireworks at the mall.  I love Santa Clarita, but fireworks at mall is a tad crowded and there’s too much asphalt. 

 

We’ve gone to Ventura a couple of times, now. It’s at the college and we get to sit down on the grass and bring items for a picnic. We can bring in coolers, lawn chairs, blankies, but there’s no alcohol, no pets, no smoking/vaping.  There will be food trucks, which are kinda’ neat.  I think I got an ice cream from them last year.  When the boys were little, they went and played on the bounce houses.  This year we just have Boy #2, Joey, who is 17. Boy #1, Andy is on Catalina Island at Camp Emerald Bay during the 4^th doing his Boy Scout thing.  The only thing with Ventura is that it can get a little cramped feeling. Boy #2 has never been big on fireworks, as he’s also sensitive to loud sound. The vacuum cleaner drove him crazy when he was younger. 

 

For a long time, we used to go to Avalon on Catalina Island for the 4^th of July.  What started out as a 2-3 overnighter turned into a week-long event.  And trust me, you can pack a whole week of 4^th of July fun on Catalina.  We usually rented a condo on Hamilton cove and drove the golf cart everywhere. There’s BBQ’ing, fishing, relaxing, and the fireworks in the harbor were very memorable.  There’s the golf cart parade and the USC marching band. 4^th of July on Avalon was something special, and I think we did it from 2005 to 2012 when the boys were little.  We stopped because the in-laws started coming and honestly, 2012 was not as pleasant as it could have been. 

 

We might go back next year.  Boy #2 suggested we go while on vacation and Hubby and I are seriously considering it – no in laws. We’re putting our foot down. I think Joey, heck - we all do - have great 4^th of July memories on Catalina and we’d like to go back.  The 4^th of July isn’t the same when we’re not in Avalon. 

 

This year I bought some fun decorations at Walmart and Dollar tree to spruce up the lawn. I’ve got beads and headbands.  I want to bring Popeye’s chicken to eat on the lawn in Ventura. Last year Hubby made sandwiches and they were okay, but it was too much.

 

What do you have planned for the 4^th? 

********

Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is resident who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together.

As things heat up between them, each evaluates their plans for their life. When Ella is confronted by a stalker, Logan comes to her aid, but can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

Buy Arrow Through the Heart

4th of July 2023

Happy 247^th Birthday to the USA.  Boy, that’s a lot of candles! 

 

It’s challenging birthday as well. Gas prices are up, Food prices are up.  Home prices are up. And there are more controversial topics as well, but this 4^th I wanted to strike a patriotic note.  Yes, we live in challenging times and if we don’t stick up for the values the founding fathers fought for, we may loose some of those of those things that make America unique. That said,

 

If you love this country, own it. Be proud. Fly your flag. Sing those songs – God Bless America! Be proud of the patriots who have fought in past wars and the patriots now who fight for freedom. Never forget what makes this country special and step up. Never be afraid to say “God Bless America.” 

 

Fun Facts:

 

The 13 original colonies are:

New Hampshire

Massachusetts

Connecticut

Rhode Island

New York

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Delware

Maryland

Virginia

North Carolina

South Carolina

Georgia 

 

There were 2.5 million Americans in July 1776.

 

56 people signed the Declaration of Independence.

 

The first 4^th of July parade was in Bristol, Rhode Island in 1785.

 

In 1941, the US Government declared the 4^th of July a Federal holiday.

 

In 1776 Dunlap printing printed 200 copies of the Declaration of Independence Only 26 remain. 

 

Blue Fireworks are the hardest to make because the balance in chemicals has to be just right. 

 

 

This Independence day is low-key for me.  We’re heading out to Ventura to enjoy a picnic dinner before watching the fireworks at the college.  

 

Past traditions including visit Catalina Island and watching the 4^th of July golf cart parade and the USC Marching band. Baking a blueberry pie and decorating it like a flag has been something we’ve done before. Buying 4^th of July flowers and flying the flag has been something we’ve done.  We’ve visited Pismo Beach and Cayucos California because there’s nothing like fireworks over the coast. One year, we went to see a Dodger Game on the 4th. In 2021 we traveled to New Hampshire and had a warmhearted friends & family get together complete with BBQ and pie! 

 

How do you spend your 4^th? 

 

From the Declaration of Independence:

 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. 

 

 

References:

https://wallethub.com/blog/4th-of-july-facts/22075

https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-declaration-of-independence

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

https://selecthealth.org/blog/2016/06/7-things-about-fireworks

https://www.energy.gov/articles/5-facts-about-fireworks

 

From my Summer 4^th of July story, Arrow Through the Heart 

 

BLURB: 

 

Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

EXCERPT: 

 

They finished their meal and he collected their trash. Glancing at his watch, he discovered it was eight-thirty. Logan frowned, knowing he had to leave.

 

"Thank you again for everything. I had a nice day, despite finding my room trashed." The corners of Ella's lips tipped upward.

 

God, that smile was like an arrow through his heart.

 

"I had a nice day, too." He paused, looked away for a second, suddenly nervous, then back at Ella. "I'm busy tomorrow at the inn, but I plan on watching your meet." 

 

"You don't have to, if you're busy—"

 

"I want to." He drew in a breath. "Maybe we can spend the evening together? Go for a boat ride? I'll show you some of the islands in the lake. We could have a picnic dinner and watch the sun set."

 

"All right." Her voice was soft and low, and her emerald eyes sparkled in the subdued room light.

 

He stood and walked over to the door. She followed him. His jaw tensed when he turned to look at her. He wanted to kiss her, but it was way too soon. 

 

"I'll see you tomorrow," she whispered.

 

"Good night," he said.

"Good night."

 

BUY LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Arrow-Through-Heart-Stephanie-Burkhart-ebook/dp/B0C5ZWD28D/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26UOXJLEPU6XI&keywords=stephanie+burkhart&qid=1688498861&sprefix=stephanie+burkhar%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1

 

 

4th of July Fun Facts 2016 #4thofJuly

The United States is turning 240 years old this year! That's amazing. Here are some really cool facts about our nation and the 4^th of July:

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, 2 of our founding fathers, died on the same day - 4^th July 1826.  50 years after the Declaration of Independence.

200 copies of the Declaration of Independence were drafted, but only 27 are accounted for.

Congress declared the 4^th of July an official holiday - in 1870!

The Star Spangled Banner was inspired by the War of 1812. A poem put to music, it became the USA's official national anthem in 1931.

President Calvin Coolidge was born on the 4^th of July - in 1872!

Benjamin Franklin was 70 years old when he signed the Declaration of Independence.

Really?? 87% of American flags are made in China.

The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper.

It's all about the Fireworks!

The 4^th wouldn't be the 4^th without fireworks. 97% of fireworks in the USA come from China.

My favorite place to celebrate the 4^th of July is on Catalina Island. I love watching the fireworks explode over the bay. I also like seeing the golf cart parade. There's always a lot of variety. The USC marching band opens up the parade and plays in the casino in the evening. There's plenty of time to BBQ, too!

And the 4^th wouldn't be the 4^th without my Old Navy Flag Shirt.

The 4^th is a fun holiday to celebrate the birth of a nation, but let's not forget how unique it is. 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Have a great 4^th and thanks for stopping by!

Question: What do you do to make the 4^th special for you?

Snippet Sunday: 99 cents romance: Arrow Through the Heart. Perfect for the 4th of July #wewriwa

Hi all, I'm participating in the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday. This month, I'll be taking snippets from my sweet summer romance, Arrow Through The Heart . You can find the Weekend Warriors Snippet Sunday list at:

About this snippet:   The conversation continues from last week. Logan and Ella prepare their picnic. 

ENJOY THIS SNIPPET:

"No, we all know each other. Usually the neighbors ask and I check the place once a week in the summer. In the winter, it's not accessible."

"Ah."

They sat down and Logan unpacked. There was wine, cold fried chicken, potato salad, corn on the cob, and watermelon.

"I can light a small fire if you want anything warmed up," he said. 

"No, I'm fine."

Logan poured the wine and inclined his glass for a toast. "Congrats on your win, and may we have a happy Fourth." 

ARROW THROUGH THE HEART : 

BLURB:  
Summer vacation and the Fourth of July brings Ella to New Hampshire while participating in a tennis competition. Logan is an innkeeper's son who bumps into Ella and invites her for an ice cream. Attraction flares and they enjoy spending time together, but each has their own plans for their life. Then disaster strikes Ella. Can a summer attraction truly become a lasting relationship?

Reviews:

5 Stars, Jaclyn DiBona, Amazon Reviewer, "Another wonderful book."

5 Stars, Muddy Rose Reviews, Amazon Reviewer, "A sweet novella about falling in love."

4 Stars, beasmom, Amazon Reviewer, "An enjoyable read." 

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: https://amzn.com/B00TJH0UT6

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/arrow-through-the-heart-stephanie-burkhart/1121218765?ean=2940046574821

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/518986

Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/arrow-through-the-heart-1

1st Lady of Independence #4thofjuly

Planet of the Apes

I've never seen the Statue of Liberty up close. I'd love to, and I will one day, but right now my chances are slim.

Truth be told, I don't know if I need to see her up close. She's on coins, postcards, and stamps. She's been in several iconic movies. For me, the most chilling representation of what she stands for is in the "Planet of the Apes" – Lady Liberty half buried in sand is a poignant statement. Freedom and Liberty as we knew it has died an ugly death (in the movie.) Thank goodness, that is only a movie and the real Lady Liberty still stands tall and proud in New York Harbor.

What does the Statue of Liberty mean to me? It embodies the high ideals that the founding fathers strived for: freedom, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, equality, and justice. Some of these lofty ideals we still struggle with 244 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. For me, I look to the Statue of Liberty and I believe that American spirit will never die.

Have a great 4^th of July. May it be filled with fun, BBQ, and fireworks – and a toast to liberty.

Enjoy these fun facts about the statue:

--The Statue was a gift to the United States from the people of France.

--Lady Liberty was dedicated on 28 Oct 1886 by President Grover Cleveland.

--Frederic Bartholdi designed the statue. Gustav Eiffel built it.

--The US faced great economic challenges raising money to build the pedestal. (The French did the rest) Joseph Pulitzer spearheaded a fundraising drive. Soon, 102,000.00 dollars were raised from 120,000 donors. 80% of the total had been 1.00 or less.

--Emma Lazarus initially declined to write a poem for the statue. When she observed the living conditions of refugees in New York from Eastern Europe, she expressed her empathy by writing "The Colossus." The poem's most iconic lines: "Give me your tired/your poor/your huddled masses/yearning to breathe free."

--No one in the US died during the construction.

--On 28 Oct 1886, New York had a parade. The stock exchange threw ticker tape from the windows. It was the 1^st ticker tape parade.

--On D-Day, 6 Jun 1944, the lights on Lady Liberty flashed "dot, dot, dot, dash," morse code for "V" for victory.

Question: What does Lady Liberty mean to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Me? I have to work at the call center for LAPD from 6 am to 2 pm. Then I'm off to BBQ at Castaic Lake with the boys and then Magic Mountain for the light show. How do you plan to spend your 4^th?