Wednesday is one of our biggest summer holidays and I’m all ready to put on my red, white, and blue to celebrate our nation’s birthday. I love the 4th of July celebrations, seeing people together with family and friends, smokin’ and grillin’ up a storm, and ending the day by watching spectacular fireworks. The 4th is a day that pulls us together to reflect for a bit and have some good, ole fashioned community fun. I thought I’d share 3 of the things that I’ll be celebrating (and wishing for) on the 4th (and this week/year really), so here goes….
Our Country, Our People
I’ve been on social media since February of this year, and I have to tell you, at times it’s very scary what you see. There definitely is a chasm in our country, fueled by politics, die-hards, and rhetoric out the kazoo (from the left and the right, I’m not singling out anyone or any side). It’s easy to get discouraged by what you read and see on television. I hope, for the sake of the world’s future, we can unite someday and remember our unity is what makes our country so great. We should not agree on everything all the time—differing opinions (and the freedom to do so) is what keeps us great and brings in new ideas for new times, IMO.
My wish for this 4th of July is that all sides take a breather, just a moment, to appreciate the wonderful things we have here in the U.S.A., side by side. Times will change, people will vote, issues will be sorted, and one day (hopefully) we will be united again. My ancestors, who came here as immigrants, served in a war to bring this country to fruition, and I for one, do not want their efforts to be in vain.
This year I’m attending the Mission Viejo 4th of July celebration, volunteering in the D.A.R. booth to hand out flags to those brave enough to answer a history question (everyone’s a winner 🙂 ). There will be live music, tons of foods and drink, and a community celebration of our country. Wherever you will be celebrating the 4th this year, eat, drink (responsibly please), and have fun—I know I will. And please, don’t forget to smile at your neighbor, for today, we’re all Americans.
On Sunday there were lots of Twitter posts from Indie authors who took selfies of themselves with their books to celebrate #IndieBooksBeSeen and #IndiePrideDay (yes, including yours truly, with a crown hat of course 🙂 ). It was a lot of fun to see the writers whose tweets I have been reading all these months, posing with their books. I feel honored and blessed to be in this community as I learn the industry and continue to hone the writing craft. I’m continuously amazed at the knowledge and support you find, and it is so helpful to know I’m not alone as I make this writing journey. For my third book I still plan on self-publishing at this time. I’m comfortable with the process and I like the freedom self-publishing offers. I’m finding new tools and resources to use with book 3, and I know I will have a quality product in the end. Being an Indie author isn’t for everyone, I respect that. For me, it’s a path I plan on staying on, at least for now—and for that, I celebrate my #amwritingmystery indie-pendence 🙂 .
Celebrate and Embrace the Daily Chaos
I know all of us live in a whirl wind at times. Family events, work commitments, travel, chores, pets—-there’s always something to keep us on our toes (and lets not even bring up the heat and humidity). I used to get pretty overwhelmed at times, trying to keep up, not disappoint anyone, and generally run myself into the ground. Things changed for me when I finally realized I couldn’t be all things to all people—-never could, never will. At our house, you never know what you’re going to get from day to day (just like a box of chocolates). Holidays can be especially stressful when we stress over everything being ‘just right’. Just do your best and don’t stress. Eat your hamburgers without the missing mustard if need be, or the carrots without the dip that disappeared. Don’t let the little things ruin a great day, it’s not worth it to you or anyone. Best advice, don’t sweat the small stuff. And remember, it’s all small stuff.
I wish all of you a wonderful 4th of July holiday—celebrate and enjoy the day, you’ve earned it. God Bless America!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. From sea to shining sea; peace, unity, love, and joy. Thank you to our service men and women, and their families, who protect and serve our great country every day. Gemma would approve 🙂
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