Land of the Brave, the Independent, the Free

I am of the patriotic sort. The girl who wears red, white, and blue on the 4^th of July and who insists on attending parades (even though my kids think they’re too old) and planning barbeques (even though they all whine) and then finding the best local fireworks show (even if I have to go without them). I love everything this holiday is about, what it stands for, and how it came to be. And I have a very special place in my heart for The Star Spangled Banner, particularly after a few years ago when I visited the very place where Francis Scott Key became inspired to write it.

But sadly, in South Texas, there is no parade, no city carnival/festival, and only a very small fireworks show in one of the nearby towns. Instead, we got up before sunrise and drove an hour away to see baby sea turtles released into the wild. We spent the day at the beach. We had our barbeque and spent the day together, and regardless of the whining, my family remembered why the country celebrates this glorious holiday.

Because thousands of brave soldiers have fought, and continue to fight, to keep our country strong—to keep us free. Because of that freedom, I am brave enough to follow dreams of my own. Like writing. And my kids can follow their dreams.

So, you know how two years ago we moved to Texas so I could finally live by my beach (that I LOVE)? Well. Not all dreams last forever, and my love affair with the beach was to be short lived in order for my husband to chase a dream of his own. I won’t go into all the crazy exciting details about it, because you can read about it here, but the bottom line is, the Giles family is headed BACK to Utah! This means another cross-country move.

And it’s happening fast. As in, now.

So please forgive me if over the next couple weeks I’m a bit absent. I promise I’ll be back in due time. And hey, if you follow my Facebook author page, I’ll post pictures along the way.

Happy July!

I’m back! And happy Independence Day.

Though it feels like I’ve been gone for a very, very long time, I’m back! And trying to get back into real-life routines like blogging. And writing. The good news is I’m now several chapters into a new work in progress, and thanks to the much-needed break, feeling excited and optimistic about it.

While I was gone, I crossed some cool things off my bucket list, but that’s another post for another day. Today is a very important day for the United States. It’s the anniversary of the day when our founding fathers officially declared the split with England and signed the Declaration of Independence.

Independence Day.

I saw this document once. About a year and a half ago, we were in Washington D.C.. A cold snap had blanketed the area with freezing temperatures the likes of which I have never experienced. The kind of cold that seeps through your clothes, through your very skin, and starts to freeze your bones. I didn’t know it could get so cold. Nonetheless, flocks of people lined up at the National Archives and settled in for a lengthy wait, all hoping to catch a glimpse of the antique document that, in so many ways, changed the world. When it was my turn, I stood there, staring at those signatures, that fragile parchment, and was struck with amazement.

They were just words.

Strung together by brilliant and desperate people, yes. Important people. But words, just the same. Words that shaped a nation. Words that defined a society. Words that changed the world.

So today, while you’re out celebrating (and I certainly hope you are), I hope you will take a moment to think hard about your own words, and what they can do. The potential power that can be found by simply finding the right words.

Today, I am grateful for my freedom, and for all those who work every day to give those freedoms to us, as well as others.

Happy 4th of July!

Rachel Morgan Tagged Me!

It’s been a long time since someone tagged me, but last week, Rachel Morgan did just that. And since it’s my birthday this week, I figured there’s no better time for a fun party game. So I hope you’ll forgive me for indulging myself.

1. Do you think you’re hot?

Of course. Someone should call 911, because I’m on fire, peeps, FIRE! (Okay, seriously, it’s like 95 degrees outside, it’s Independence Day week, so there are fireworks happening all over the place, and since it’s summer, we’re firing up the grill for some serious BBQ. How much hotter does it get?)

2. Upload a picture or wallpaper you are using at the moment.
Hawaii, January 2010 (This was the view from our hotel Lanai/balcony.)

 Washington DC in December 2010, and yes, that is my family all bundled up in all those layers of clothes.

3. When was the last time you ate chicken?

Last Friday night at a Chinese restaurant. It was mixed with zucchini, broccoli, and mushrooms, topping a bed of fresh noodles, and topped with spicy brown sauce. Delish! (And actually, mine had shrimp, but my husband’s had chicken, so I stole a piece of the chicken off his plate. It counts, right?)

4. The song (s) you listened to lately.

Oh man, what a question. You all know how much I love music, right? But, considering Independence Day celebrations, I have listened to The Star Spangled Banner a few times, Garth Brooks’s We Shall Be Free, and Toby Keith’s Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue.

But aside from the patriotic songs I’ve had in my head (and also because I posted one on Monday) this is my new current favorite.

Linkin Park, Iridescent


5. What were you thinking while doing this?

Black Forest juicy oozers are quite delicious, and make very tasty blog-writing treats. I should stock up. Also I should get some Dr. Pepper to keep in the fridge in my garage.



6. Do you have nicknames? What are they?

Nicki, Nick, Mom, babe, and Fab #3 (but only people who know what that means get to use it!)

7. Tag 8 blogger friends

Okay, I’m going to pick some people I’ve never tagged before, or whose blogs I have recently started to follow. (No offense to my regular, long-time friends—you can be tagged too if you want!)

Jemi Frasier
Donna K. Weaver
Heather Cashman
Matthew MacNish
Michelle Davidson Argyle
Jeff King
Christine Fonseca
Theresa Milstein

Can't wait to see your answers!

Bravery, Freedom, and the Human Spirit

Happy Independence Day, all!

I'm so proud to be an American. But no matter where you're from, or where you live, or what you do for a living, I think this video applies to us all.

I Have the Freedom to Pursue My Dreams

When I was young, this song was one of my favorites. I used to sing it regularly, no matter the season. It's still one of my favorites, and never fails to bring me a sense of pride.

Happy Independence Day!

And a great big THANK YOU to the men and women of the armed forces who have made it possible for all of us to pursue our biggest dreams.