Showing posts with label 4th of July. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4th of July. Show all posts

7.12.2012

Summer time and the living is easy...

One of the things I love most about summer is how much slower the pace of our usual day-to-day seems. I know I am fortunate to be home with my kids right now and if I was working full-time, I might feel differently, but I do believe the ease of summer is a state of mind.

Something in my head shifts when the weather gets warmer and really, when school ends.  Maybe it's the teacher in me (or the kid), but I flip a switch in my head and get into summer mode. Now that my kids are a little bigger, I really look forward to this shift and relaxed routine.

This mindset seems to  foster a lot more time to catch up with friends, to head out to the backyard daily and throw super last minute get-togethers with friends, family or neighbors.  This July 4th we did just that. We had no plans until the last minute and as I'm learning, these impromptu gatherings are just as fun (maybe even more) as the well-planned ones.


I literally pulled this together a half-an-hour before our friends arrived using knick-knacks from the basement, Eamon's Rarebits Easter basket, a runner from my kitchen and the Christmas linens I forgot to put away. It's nothing fancy, elaborate or stunning, but an example of going with the flow. When my brain is in summer mode, the filter that usually makes me over think lots of things kind of falls to the wayside.

I really love what summer does to me. Towards the end of August you might be reading a very different post, but I really hope I can tap into this summer brain a little more throughout the year.

Do you look forward to slowing down in the summer or do you prefer adventure seeking or finishing off winter's to-do list?

Whatever your pleasure, have a great day.


Erin
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7.04.2012

Happy 4th!


via The Quillcards blog


There are many ways to celebrate the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.


via history.com


 4th of July

 Whether it's with a big crowd 
Rain of confetti at the Boston Pops July 4th Concert at the Hatch Shell at the end of the
Boston Pops July 4th concert

or in your own backyard,

fourth-of-july-2007-table-2.jpg

I hope you get to enjoy the very simple pleasures that quietly bind all Americans 
as we celebrate our freedom.
4th of July
via Pinterest (could not reach original source)
via examiner.com


Happy 4th of July!

Erin




7.04.2011

Simple Gifts...

July 4th has long been one of my favorite holidays. I've never spent it in any extraordinary fashion: no concerts in the park or Macy's fireworks for me, but there's something special about busting out the red, white and blue on Independence Day no matter what your plans.  I didn't decorate with much, but was inspired when I found red, white and blue in the simplest things.


The giant flag we've had forever, hanging from our back fence.
I love that I can see it from the kitchen.



Don't mind the screen: I loved this view through the
blue glass jar in my bathroom.

Last minute wreath:  I found a long banner in the garage, and wrapped it around the empty
grapevine wreath that was on my door, waiting for me to decorate .


I found this old water ski hanging from the rafters in our garage. We've lived in our house for seven years and I noticed it on Saturday. Johnny-on-the-ball, I'm not. Apparently it's been here since we moved in. Loving it in my garden right now.



Regardless of how we celebrate, I think I love July 4th for its' simple, old-fashioned pleasures. 





Beyond the fireworks and ice-cream, showing off my red, white and blue evokes the pride and gratitude I feel to be American.  It reminds me of how fortunate I am to have the freedoms and opportunities I enjoy, which countless men and women throughout our history have fought for.


Have a wonderful, safe and Happy Fourth of July, full of simple pleasures!



Erin
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