Articles & Essays
Celebrating the Red, White, and Blue: Fun Facts About Fourth of July Traditions in America and Aroun
The Fourth of July, America’s birthday, is celebrated annually all over the United States. National flags, cookouts, parades, and fireworks are some key facets of these festivities.
As a nation, we have much to be grateful for. Yet it seems that all too often, people lose sight of what Independence Day truly commemorates and what our jubilant Fourth of July festivities are intended to celebrate.
For some, the Fourth of July is the pivotal day that defines summer. The heat and humidity are usually ablaze, s’mores toasting and bonfires roaring. The holiday is tied to childhood memories and family traditions, marked events, or rituals. It is filled with carefree joy and laughter.
In Honor of Those who Served – Past, Present, and Future.
As the grandchild of a career U.S. Navy, Pearl Harbor Survivor who fought in all the major battles of the Pacific, the daughter of a Vietnam Era U.S. Army Drill Sergeant, and family of those who served in all branches of the service, I am honored to be crafting this November piece to commemorate Veterans Day.
November is known as Military Family Month, a time when we celebrate the contributions and sacrifices made by not only our service men and women, but the families of our U.S. Armed Forces. The U.S. Marine Corps Birthday falls on November 10th, and of course Veterans Day falls on November 11th – the anniversary date of the signing of the armistice which ended World War I and the day when we thank all veterans for their service.
September 12, 2001
While many of us carry on year after year, remembering the attacks yet going about our lives, I feel for the countless people who lost loved ones on that tragic day. Almost all of us knew someone, even if it was the family member or friend of a friend – our lives connected with another who was impacted, their world changed forever. All of our lives changed forever.
A True Companion
This is in honor of the pets who fill the voids humans unintentionally leave. The pets who exceed our expectations with attention, comfort, and loyalty. The pets who we sometimes, yet hopefully not too often (if at all), take for granted.
Six reasons why I will continue to call my dog a fur baby
The blind trust an animal places in us. The unconditional love that they give to us. Being an animal with their four paws, wagging tail and playful nature is what brings us an endless supply of joy.
A tribute to my Pearl Harbor hero and the Greatest Generation.
As Pearl Harbor Day rolls onto the calendar, I’m reminded of the great sacrifices the men and women of our country made on that day – and many days to follow.
What our loved ones really want
After a dinner break with family this evening, I had to get back to work. The reality is I spend 12-14 hours each day working and that is not a complaint – it is a choice and something I love to do. I’m sure to schedule breaks for a stretch, some fetch time with my fur-baby and the such, but tonight I was reminded of something.
Pets are family, too
But I do know that I, too, would rather die with my dog than leave her behind. She is a part of our family and we love her as much as we do each other.
Happy birthday to the love and light of my life
A tribute to Little Viv on her first birthday, January 19, 2021.
To never forget, we need to remember
As I watch the replay of live news broadcasts from the tragic morning of 9/11, I reflect upon the number of lives stopped short that day.
