Every day with freshness

On my morning walk, these beautiful lilies spoke to me. They said there is beauty in every morning. See the shadows made by the sun shining and the droplets of water on the petals. We should view each day with a freshness that is there, just for the taking.

Independence day is soon here. In the distance I hear firecrackers sounding off. They are the build-up to the big day when all the pyromaniacs let it loose. Like a slow crescendo and a loud bang at the end.

When my girls were little, we used to let them have a sparkler to draw in the air with. When I think of it now, it seems a little dangerous. But the memories of myself doing it set the tone and so they were allowed as well. Magical. All too soon, they burned out and we were left with a bent piece of wire. Sad.

On a lighter note, we used to go to a local university fireworks display. Everyone would stake a claim with blankets and lawn chairs on the football field, bring a cooler and wait with anticipation for nightfall to come. It was always worth it. A fond memory is of a belly laugh of a one of my little girls laying on me as we watched the explosion of light above us. It seemed to come at us and fizzle out just in time. Many oohs and aahs were the all around chorus. Each year was always better than the one before.

Enjoy the memories. Enjoy our freedom. Have a safe and happy 4th of July, 2009!