Happy 4th of July!

Grateful to live in Maine, proud to be an American.

Happy Independence Day!

Independence Day ~ July 4th

Here in the US, it's Independence Day, a popular summer holiday. And the time of year we associate with red...

white...

and blue...

Are you ready?

It's a good time to fly a flag (or two)...

Take a walk on the beach...

Dabble your toes...

Smell a beach rose...

Or maybe even create a sand turtle!

You can explore the road less traveled...

Visit a lighthouse...

Eat fresh veggies...

Work in the garden...

Or just stop and smell the flowers ...

And if you're lucky enough to own a boat, you can lift anchor and simply sail away!

July 4, 2010 ~ Independence Day

Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom. - Einstein



Our ultimate freedom is the right and power to decide how anybody or anything outside ourselves will affect us. - Stephen Covey



Just living is not enough, said the butterfly, one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower. - Hans Christian Anderson



As you barbecue the hamburgers and watch the fireworks this weekend, why not take a moment to appreciate what you have? Whether or not you are an American, chances are you have much to feel good about. Your friends, family, home (be it humble or grand), community, talents, passions -- and most important of all -- the freedom to choose what you'll focus on in any given moment. More than any other person or event, it is your focus that will ultimately determine your personal happiness. Use your freedom of thought wisely this weekend, and have a wonderful holiday!

Recognition & holiday weekend wishes

My good friend Silke of Metamorphosis has given me an award. She says it's because I inspire her -- well, the truth is, we inspire and support each other. Thank you, Silke, for this recognition. Your friendship is the best gift of all!


I'd also like to take a moment to share a photo (above) that I took last night in downtown Portland (Maine) of geraniums on a doorstep, all dressed up for the Fourth, and to wish everyone a happy holiday weekend!

I went to Portland to view the Call of the Coast exhibit at the Portland Museum of Art. I always find it so inspiring and uplifting to see great works of art, such as those by Edward Hopper, Childe Hassam, and Rockwell Kent, among others. I was not able to take any photos of the exhibit, but I did snap one outside the museum. It is a view of the museum garden, which contains this unusual piece of art crafted of wire and filled with stones. (Sorry, I don't know the name of the piece or the artist.) Beyond, you can see some of the American Neoclassical Sculpture exhibit through the window.