Happy 249th birthday United States of America! Hello Friend. What are your plans today? Hopefully it’s something fun. Here in the states, people will be celebrating to the wee hours of the morning, gathering around barbecues, and lighting fireworks that light up the night sky in a dazzling array of colors. Everywhere you look, there are American flags decorating houses, sidewalks, and clothing, symbolizing the unity and pride we feel for our country. Our flag is pretty with the red and white stripes and the blue field with white stars, representing bravery, purity, and justice, making this day a meaningful occasion for people of all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the freedoms we cherish.

When I was young, we would celebrate the Fourth of July at my Grandma Bea’s house in the country. My dad would stop at a fireworks stand on the way and buy an assortment of firecrackers to take to Grandma’s house. My favorite ones were where a plastic guy would shoot out, tumbling down to the ground with a parachute that floated gracefully in the breeze. I would eagerly dash through the field to retrieve all the little guys. I also liked the “snakes,” those small, black pellets that you would light to watch them grow into ashy serpents, leaving behind a trail of smoke. In those moments, my joy was simple and pure, a carefree existence filled with wonder. Now that I am older, my interests have shifted, and I find myself captivated by the more elaborate displays—the grand finale fireworks that light up the sky in vibrant hues, transforming the darkness into a canvas of dazzling sparks and shimmering colors, evoking a sense of awe and nostalgia for those childhood celebrations.

This year we are meeting some relatives for lunch, but the rest of the day we will be relaxing at home. Tonight, Mr. Handsome and I are going to drive to a nearby town to see their fireworks display. We aren’t keen on crowds, so after some thought, we decided the bustling city was not a place for us this evening; instead, we look forward to soaking in the festive atmosphere from a more serene vantage point.

I hope you have the best day and Happy 4th!

Best,

Amy