HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY AMERICA! by Kimberly R. Thorn

Is it me of does it seem like it should have been more than 250 years since this great county started?  But upon my disbelief, I did do the math and it is indeed exactly 250 years ago today that America began.  Now, some may believe that this is not a great country at this present time.  Do I agree that we have many things that we, as a country need to work on, yes.  But the overall idea of our forefathers of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness does still exist.  Let’s ask ourselves the question, what other country in the world that has these same three principles?

Please don’t get me wrong.  I am well aware of the turmoil that we as American’s face.  I would be dumb not to realize them.    The biggest one is the division between all of us currently.  There are Democrats, Republicans.  Pro-life versus Pro-Choice. Professed Christians and Non-Christians.  Homosexuals and Heterosexuals.  Just to name a few.  If I proceeded to name all of the divisions in this blog, it would take days.  I think you get the gist of what I am saying, though. 

There are two points that I would like to make today, when we are celebrating the 250^th anniversary of this country.  First, where else in the world would you be able to express your differences so openly and freely?  Try it in another country and you would be punished or killed.  Second, let’s remember that even though we are all different people with different beliefs, ideals, preferences, etc. (as I know I am missing tons of specifications), we are all still Americans.  Let us celebrate these divisions and not let them divide and conquer us.  We need to stand united and firm.  We cannot let our differences alienate us from each other. 

Please understand that I do not want to offend anyone.  That is not my intention at all.  I am just so tired and disappointed of the name calling, the finger pointing and the hateful ways that we, as Americans are talking to each other.  We, as a people, will not accomplish anything if we are arguing amongst ourselves.  United we stand, divided we fall.

I thank all who have ever served and still serve our great country along with our forefathers, for giving us the opportunies that we have, even today.  We’ve come a long way and while we still have tons more work to do, I know that we, as Americans can continue to grow and improve.  I remember after 9/11.  We didn’t see each other as different political party members, by sexual orientation, or by religion.  Prior to 9/11, we were divided then as well, but we all came together, as Americans and stood up against those that attacked our people and our Country.  We helped each other.  There were volunteeers from countless communities that all joined together.  That is my America!  One where we pulled together and not let it separate us.  Let’s remember that today as we celebrate our country’s 250^th Anniversary.

Happy 250^th 4^th of July y’all!  Be safe and cool today!  LET FREEDOM RING!

SWEET DAYS OF SUMMER by Sheryl Jordan

Summer is just around the corner, and everyone is getting ready for some fun in the sun! There is a lot to do in the beautiful summer months. Some people will take vacations they have planned months before, while others will travel spontaneously to their destinations. Staycations are also popular choices; experiencing local outings can be a fantastic way to spend summer days.

Summer, oh, how it stirs up nostalgia in me! It is one of my favorite seasons, a time when I find myself reminiscing about summers gone by. The fun-filled days and the not-so-perfect moments—all of them are etched in my memory as wonderful experiences. From family vacations, driving to different states to visit family and friends, going to amusement parks to the bee/wasp stings I endured while playing outside, going on fishing and camping trips, to baseball games where I once sat on a red ant’s nest.

My fondest memories are the Fourth of July celebrations. As I write this, the smells and booms of fireworks shooting up in the sky, bursting to show their bright colors of red, green, blue, and orange, are vivid. It was my highlight of summer, followed four days later by my birthday celebrations.

In recent years, I traveled to various cities during the summer. This summer, I decided not to travel but to do a staycation to relax and unwind. We will attend Juneteenth and 4^th of July celebrations, watching fireworks and joining in the festivities. Some of my family will visit in July for my birthday. I look forward to spending time with them and creating new memories. I also look forward to cookouts and going to the Virginia Beach Ocean Front, Williamsburg, and Bush Gardens.

In my writer’s life, I am going to complete the first two books of a mystery series. To do so, I am setting up interviews with professional female truck drivers. Who knows, I may even be able to go on the road for research with one of them. Now, that would be an adventure! I will also finish building my author’s website and participate in many book signings. An anthology I am a contributing author in will be released soon, so I will be participating in a launch party and promotional book signings.

On the not-so-busy days this summer, I am looking forward to reading, binge-watching movies, and television shows, and just enjoying the dog days of summer.

What are some of your most memorable summers? What plans do you have for this summer?