i have a confession...

...i have not read any of the Harry Potter books and i don't have a deep desire to read them.

SHOCK!  HORROR!

but yes, it's true.

Books again..

Finished:

Fourth Dawn

Fifth Seal

The Mill on the Floss

Adam Bede

 

To Read:

Sons and Lovers - Currently Reading

My Antonia - Currently Reading

Pathway to Purpose for Women - Currently Reading

Ines' of my Soul

Sixth Covenant

The Cloister and the Hearth

 

YIKES my book pile is getting dangerously low -must. get. more. books!

 

from whence we came - July 4th

Recently, i had the honor of going to Philadelphia and touring Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and some other historical places.  i remember as a child going through these places, at breakneck speed so that we could get 'to the next thing.' So it was nice to go a bit more slowly as an adult.

One thing that impressed me greatly this time, was the apparent struggle that our Founding Fathers went through BEFORE they decided to declare independence from Britain.  Most, if not all, were considered patriots to the Mother country and in fact, were prosperous men both in Britain and in this new colony.  If you read their words, as they were going through that time, you can sense a deep longing to be free but also not entirely sure that turning their back on Britain was the best thing.  It could've meant total disaster.  It could've meant that Britain would come over and force them back into submission.  They struggled, they debated, they wrote furiously, they pondered, they prayed, they agonized over their decision.

The birth of this country was truly a birth.  Not only because we then had to fight, but because of the labor pains, so to speak, that they went through.  It is also interesting to read Abigail Adams words to her husband.  She would've made a great politician - well thought out words backed with intense passion that these colonies become free.

i wonder if any  of our current leaders, those in the White House, those in the Senate, those in the House, those in local government, those who are 'running' for President - if ANY of them struggle the same way - have the same passion?  Sadly, i'm not sure.

However, for me, when i witnessed those words, those ideas, when i stood in the room where they signed the Declaration of Independence, chills ran up my back.  It is an honor, it is a privilege to live in this country. 

 She is not perfect, but she is a tremendous homeland.

Happy 4th of July!

God bless these United States of America. 

 

Sometimes you just have to know

i refrain and will continue to refrain from making political statements on this blog. That's not what it's about, nor am i going to shove my political thoughts in anyone's face.

However, this man must be read. 

http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/category/dispatches/

 

i used to live in Paris

Last night, at one of my various jobs, a girl was asking some advise on clothing/shoes from her mother.  i could tell by her choice of clothing that she was going on a trip and they were discussing if she should wear sneakers or what...?  i politely asked where she was going and she said "Italy" and i advised her against wearing sneakers because then she would stick out like a tourist in a heartbeat.

i then said something like "i used to live in Paris..." and went on with my conversation.

Then it struck me.

i used to live in Paris.

Paris, France.

Amazing, wonderful, fashionable, old-world, new beginnings Paris.

 

 

then what the devil am i doing in Pennsylvania???

Father's Day

So today is Father's Day - a day for some that brings fun and happiness and for others not so much.

i am incredibly grateful to be in the first camp -- and i don't say that glibly nor haughtily.  i have a fantastic Father - one who kept us safe; one who provided well but also taught us the importance of character before possessions; one who is incredibly strong  both physically and in all other ways (he has two weaknesses that i know of:  1. my Mother 2. chocolate chip cookies); a Father who realized that children need to play and make messes and mistakes and talk back and fall on their rump and pull themselves back up; one who has been our biggest cheerleader and most faithful advisor...and on and on.

He is not perfect; He'll be the first to admit, but he is a good, decent, witty, knowledgeable man.  i am proud to be his daughter.

Happy Father's Day, Dad.

What is Happiness, Part II?

Happiness is cool summer mornings, complete with a simple breakfast of bread, cheese and tomatoes, and strong coffee.  Happiness is seeing your garden flourish and knowing that your hard work is paying off.  Happiness is looking around your house and seeing order and cleanliness. 

Happiness is having your car not start but having a brother who can fix the problem and get you going again (bringing the 3 yr old bubbly niece with him who thinks it's a riot that she and Daddy are there to rescue Auntie! and liberally declaring Daddy is the HERO when the car starts!)

Happiness is seeing a seven yr old brother reading to the two young nieces and rejoicing in his ability and desire to read. 

Happiness is a phone call from a sister in Florida who says that she is having a good time (she's there for the summer) yet misses you. 

Happiness isn't always about family, or the house, or the garden or the day - sometimes happiness is a choice.  Like when you are working a 70 hour week with an 80 min daily commute and you feel summer slipping away...or when someone you love is going through a very hard time and you are unable to comfort because they are in a different country, or when your car doesn't start and it's almost 10pm and you don't know why and you're dead tired.  Therein also lies happiness, if one chooses to, because things can always be worse and if they're not, that is cause for rejoicing.

Happiness is not a fake smile and a carefree attitude or hiding under the covers (my favourite thing to do when life isn't going well) but it is a choice.

Today, on Saturday the 16th of June,i choose happiness.  i choose joy.  i choose to have a good attitude. i choose to snuggle with that 8 month old baby and play under the wheeping willow tree with the three year old. 

It's going to be a good day.