A Memorial Day Option For A Patriot

On this coming Memorial Day, the Palm Springs Air Museum will host its 15th annual flower drop.

The highlight of the ceremony will be a B-25 Mitchell bomber fly-by that drops 3,000 red and white carnations onto the tarmac and the into the awaiting crowd.

Carnations and Mignonette- Boston Public Library

The carnation is sometimes known as the flower of the gods with its scientific name being dianthus.  Dios for god and Zeus and anthos for flower.  

The flowers being dropped will honor all those who lost their lives defending the U.S.  White will signify those lost in the wars of WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  Red is for those lost in more recent military conflicts from the Persian Gulf and Desert Storm to Iraq and Afghanistan. 

I can just imagine the resulting red, white and blue effect as the flowers drop from a sunny Palm Springs sky.  

I am always on the lookout for meaningful ways to celebrate our proud American heritage.  What will you be doing this Memorial Day?

Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself

Please do me a huge favor and read this blog post.

Then let me know what you think.

Honestly.

The Star Spangled Banner Still Rocks!

I love traditional with a twist.  A good friend sent me this today because she knows that about me.

With everything that is going on in the world right now, I can't imagine a better time to celebrate America and the freedom we love.

Enjoy!

Happy Independence Day!

Thankful

 ...that my husband will become completely healthy next year, that he's the most patient and loving soul that anyone could ever know, that he's seen fit to spend his life with me, that he is the one person who can calm my fears, make me smile and KNOW that life is getting better all the time.

...that my nephew, Nathan, now spends his days filled with healthy activities and friends like his new Boy Scout troop, that he thinks that being the father/son team to get the most food donations to the food bank is awesome, that he is now feeling safe enough to voice his opinions about visiting his mother, that Nathan spent this Fall fishing and camping with his Dad.

...that we have cars that run pretty much as they should, a house that is well maintained thanks in part to my strong desire to move away from it, that the fences made it through last nights wind storm once again, that I never want for food- in fact have to keep my consumption of it in check, that I can afford to jack my heat up to keep out the cold damp weather and pretend that I am somewhere in the warm sun, that I have had the opportunity to visit many warm sunny places.

...that sometimes I need to experience true craziness through others only to realize that I'm grateful not to actually be that nutty myself, that I am capable of empathy for said people without having to give up my life and myself to prove it.

...that my dogs make me laugh all the time- especially when Parker proves that his nose is still working by stealing a pork chop right off a plate, that they help keep me warm, show me what unconditional love is all about, that Hailey trusts us enough even after her traumatic start in a puppy mill to literally melt in our laps, that the happy dance they do reminds me how exciting it really is that my husband and I actually do make it home every day.

...that we will have 6 adults, 5 kids, and 5 dogs here to enjoy the chaos and love that will be Thanksgiving at our house this year, that my friend is able to face her future without her husband with strength and grace and that they have chosen to spend one of his last holidays with us.

...that I never stop being amazed at what every new day brings, that life is an ever changing and wonderful adventure in this stunning and wild place that we call AMERICA!

Happy Election Day!

It is your constitutional right.  Use it.  Get out and vote today. 

Every election is important.  Even if your local election does not seem 'exciting', your vote is important.  (And can count for more when there's not as much turnout.)

Not everyone, everywhere in the world has the rights that we do in the U.S.A.  Remember this, and vote!

Thank A Veteran

Whenever I see someone with some clue about them that they have served this great country (a hat, a pin, etc.), I take a moment to ask them about their service.  Some have incredible stories to tell and some don't want to talk about it.  I am always blessed by whatever these people have to say.  Then I take another moment to thank them in a real and heartfelt way, because I do mean it and I can't imagine what my life might be like if they had never served.
Sometimes the most amazing thing about those who have served is how grateful they are for what the military has done for them in their own lives.  I have seen and heard remarkable things about lives being transformed and opportunities had.  No doubt about it, the people who serve the military are unique and usually meant for a special calling.  I am humbled to have the chance to at least thank them and maybe be lucky enough to discover something about their story.

Can't Resist

Before it all goes down, I just have to get my 2 cents or so in on this historic midterm election.  I'm going to avoid pettiness or any urge to say I told you so.  (I'll just be not-so-secretly doing a happy dance all over the joint!) 
So all I have to add to this event is this: I would so much rather be represented by a closer to typical American, not perfectly polished, not a professional political manipulator.  The best person for any job is someone who takes in information, makes sound decisions, and tries diligently to do their best at said job.  I hope the results of this election can help to get our country on a track to actually be a place where average people can contribute in real ways to our wonderful historic tradition.
If you voted, thank you for fulfilling your honorable duty.  If not, I hope you feel more compelled to do so in the future.