Happy 4th of July

 

NOTE: In honor of this nations wonderful independence day celebration, and in spirit of that FREEDOM I am posting some wonderful FREE images throughout this post. Feel free to click on them, enlarge them use them in your artwork, or reproduce them.  All these images are free on the web or in the library and are public domain. The hard part is finding them – which I have done for you :)

I Grew up in L.A., in a large Hispanic family who didn’t pay much attention to the 4th of July or any of the celebrations associated with it. We were not unpatriotic by any means, in a Memorial Day post I wrote of my father and his military service, we just didn’t make huge plans. We bought fireworks, set them off with the other kids, burned our fingers and went to bed half deaf because some kids cousin had an friend who worked with someone who had a brother-in-law in Mexico – can you say M80?

It wasn’t until I moved to Washington State and in to our home on a little cul-de-sac on what is called “The Plateau.” basically neighborhood, upon neighborhood of lovely little, and large, single family homes filled with kids, that I really began to appreciate the festivities associated with the 4th. At that time we were “unincorporated” so none of the firework laws that existed for the other cities applied to us, As you can guess everyone came to our area to blow off fireworks – including those “illegal” Indian reservation contraptions.

Our neighborhood would organize a parade in the morning, where all the kids decorated their bikes and wagons and walked up and down the streets like pied pipers led by a single dad, wagon in tow and boom box playing “The Star Spangled Banner.” GREAT TIMES! Later there would be a potluck in front of someone’s house, or the park and weather permitting we would stay out until show time. Sarah, my youngest couldn’t stand the sound and always watched from inside the SUV with earplugs.

Sarah at 4, now she is off to college

After a day of socializing, eating and chasing around children we would set up the orange cones right in front of our house at the end of the cul-de-sac. This is when the magical transformation would occur. Mild-mannered fathers would transform into Pyrotechnic Masters Extraordinaire! Out came the Zippo lighters and gloves. One-by-one each fountain or skyrocket was lit,, children would be pushed away, and then the  OOOHHS and AAWWS were heard from everyone. Someone would yell out “That was my favorite!” By the way my favorite is TNT’s Purple Rain :)

We moved out of that house a number of years ago and now live on property not too far away. Fireworks have been banned so we will attend the Sammamish 4th of July Celebration at the Commons. It is actually a really fun day filled with music, vendors, food and socializing. We are going to have a great day – forecast calls for 80 degrees, clear skies and no humidity.  The firework show is amazing for such a small city. We are all getting there early for optimal viewing.

However you spend your 4th of July I hope you are with people you love. I hope that the skies are clear and the food so good it’s bad for you. Freedom is so precious. I am so thankful to live in a country where I am FREE to practice my faith, FREE to pursue my passions, FREE to express my thoughts and FREE to succeed. Thank you all you men and women who understand that FREEDOM is never FREE!

Now a few images from around my home.

Nothing says Happy 4th like Steinbach. LOL These beautiful pieces are by Bonnie Barrett of  Boardwalk Originals  you can still purchase her designs at Cottages and Gardens online. 

Comments

[Becky Swartzlander]

Happy 4th Amada! Loved your story and thanks for the graphics....Becs

[A Gift Wrapped life]

Nice to hear from you and love your patriotic
post today. Will catch in soon with I'm done with my ever-ending website project. Hope you are having a fabulous holiday weekend.

[Cassandra]

What wonderful images, and what a cute image of Sarah. I love the glasses. :)

Thanks for visiting my blog and joining my Haunted Masquerade blog event! :) Cassandra

[Carrie]

Amada - That picture of Sarah is too funny. Love the glasses. Such a great post.