the eve of america's birthday.

My stomach is bloated from eating too much watermelon, and that's okay because it's July - and that's how you should eat your way through the month of July. Tomorrow is one of my very most favorite day's out of the year. I love America's birthday more than my own. I love that the whole nation comes together despite our differences and we celebrate our country that let's our freedom ring from sea to shining sea.

Tonight, I kicked my feet back in silence until I began to hear a loud booming and knew it was the sound of a magical firework show ringing in the celebration of the 4th. So, I jumped out of my seat, threw on my flip flops and I ran down the block over to Palisades Park and with the warm sea breeze cooling the summer night, I leaned over the railing to view the coastline of America and watched magic happen in the sky miles down the coast in Malibu and it made me smile. Everyone around me was silent. It was a good quiet moment to take in what we have been given as American citizens. What love I have for this country and for our soldiers who fight selflessly for us. May tomorrow be a beautiful day!

the fourth of july.

Fourth of July was spent with the Zoo and friends looking out at America's purple mountain majesties. It was a beautiful day spent swimming at the pool and walking through the streets of Sugarhouse in Salt Lake with all of the quaint homes decked out in Americana decor and families holding BBQ's and front lawn games while anticipating the fireworks show. As for us, we walked to Sugarhouse park, set up our blankets and grilled out chicken and fish, snacked on watermelon and popcorn while live music was playing and the sun began to set. 

Fireworks always make me a little emotional. I can't help it when they are playing music along and it's all of America's favorite tunes that make us to proud of our country. For me, the firework show is my favorite moment to ponder of the beauty of this land, and for our founding fathers, and for the soldiers who fight and stand up for our country. With everyone on the hill silently watching the fireworks, it brings a peace of mind that we are so blessed to live in a free country. I am so grateful to have a day like the Fourth of July where you can feel the country unite from sea to shining sea, and it's a good feeling to know we aren't coming together as a nation due to a devastating disaster, but instead we are celebrating a very beautiful and historic day. 

I love our country. There is no greater feeling than the feeling of being an American. 

America, the beautiful

God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her. The fourth of July is my favorite day out of the whole year. It's a spiritual day for me. Aside from the noise and the celebration I try to remember the historical events that took place on that day in 1776. The story of America is one that is truly beautiful and powerful. We are a lucky batch of Americans to have the blessing of being raised in a nation of freedom. Let's remember to take some time out of our day of celebrating and give yourself a few moments of silence and reverence to ponder the beauty of this land, to think of our heros who fight selflessly for our nation and for our leaders. Lets remember our founding fathers and give thanks for our blessing we have to be a citizen of this land that we love. There is no better feeling than the one of patriotism. Let's wave our flags proud today and be kind to one another, be loving, be true, be heroic, be American.

Happy Birthday America, we think you are truly something special. 

connecticut.

I know it's all been on everyones mind about the unfortunate event in Connecticut. It's a horrible thing to turn on the news and learn of others misfortunes and see children lose their lives too soon. The whole situation is hard to wrap your head around. When you sit back and watch the news, and keep up with the updated facts of the situation, you can't help but say to yourself how scary the world we live in is, how you feel you can't trust anyone but yourself. When in reality, i don't think that's the case. Though there is a lot of bad in this world, I think we need to focus more on the good and when we do that, the world will become more beautiful and loving. It's the news that brainwashes us into believing the horrible negatives of the world.

Actor morgan freeman (whom i admire) put it brilliantly into words regarding Connecticut's nightmare on Friday. He said,

   "You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here's why. 

     It's because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold, Eric Harris are household names, but do you know a single VICTIM of Columbine? Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.

      CNN's article says that if the body count "holds up", this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox New has plastered the killer's face on all their reports hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer's identity? None that I've seen yet. Because they don't sell. So congratulations, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.

       You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem. You can help by turning off the news." - MORGAN FREEMAN

Pretty blunt I know, but to a degree it's so true. Thankfully within the past couple of days I have seen articles of the news regarding the victims and mourning for them, but I had the same thoughts. I was watching the news and they had a student at the school over the phone tell them verbatim what he saw and what he heard during the shooting and I couldn't help but think to myself, "He's a child! Why on earth are you pulling teeth to get him to relive that moment? It's a horrible thing to ask of him. His innocence was just taken away."

I want to thank President Obama, not that he's reading this obviously, but I watched both of his speeches and I was touched. I was very thankful with how he handled the situation, with the love that he spoke with and the fact that he reverently announced and acknowledged every victim in the Connecticut shooting. He did it slowly and he did it in a way with love and with humility. It hit me hard. It turned my attention to those heros and victims and it broke  my heart.

I do think, and want to give credit to my personal social media because everything that has been posted or plastered on the web has been dedicated to the teachers who became heros and lost their lives for these kids, and for the children who lost their lives too soon. Nothing has been said about the shooter. Nothing has been said about the number count of lives being lost. Everything was of solitude and sending their prayers and thoughts to the families who went home feeling helpless. And ironically, seeing everyone in the United States come together as a nation, as Americans to support their fellow Americans in a time of loss really was beautiful to see and to reminds us, that though the world is scary, and yes there are some awful people out there, there also is a lot of good. And if the news focused more on the good, I think it could change and effect the bad. It doesn't cost anything to be nice to people, and that's how we can begin to change the bad ; to show affection, to show service, to show sympathy, to show kindness and humility. It's what the world needs. Support.

Here's a personal comparison which may come off really stupid but honestly, it's the truth. I dont mind Oprah, but I can't watch her show. She means nothing but good, I know that. But every time I have tried to tune it, it was a negative story, something bad that's happened to someone and she brings them on the show to highlight the bad and have the person relive the moments that most likely haunt them. I just always remember feeling put down, or sad or thinking, there is so much bad in this world. So I choose to not watch Oprah's show. I can't fill my life with negativity. I know to not be naive and think that this world is a perfect place but at the same time, I'd rather revolve my life around happy people, good people, people who pick themselves up from tragedies and rather than hearing the horrific story, I love to hear their heroic story and how they decided to change their lives or gain the good from their misfortunes. I love to hear about deeds, good deeds and service. I hated hearing all of the negativity about Hurricane Sandy, it broke my heart, but when I heard/watched the passionate service that was given to those struggling towns from their fellow American people, I was touched, and I shed tears of joy and proudness. And instead of highlighting the negativity, it highlighted the good in people and if anything, it brought a nation together. That's what I love. And that's why I choose to watch Ellen Degeneres' show. I don't think there is anyone happier in the media than this woman. And for that, she is loved and people crave her because thats what we need everyday, is a good laugh, a happy story, a story about service and good deeds. I find myself crying when I watch her show whether it be crying because she did something hilarious with the people involved at her show, or becomes she highlighted service being done in the year 2012 for people in need. Positivity is contagious. That is why people are drawn to her, because when a day is gloomy, when times get tough, when trials dig deep, we just want to be loved.

Sorry, that is just what came to mind when Freeman emphasized how the media craves and displays the negativity, because that is what sells. It just reminded me Ellen, and how she is a form of media that praises GOOD.

I think it's amazing that this video of goodness is being shared all over the web after Connecticut's disaster. People have become saddened over the fact that something so horrible could happen and that this world is a horrible place. We just need to stop and remember the good.

In this time of trouble and heartbreak, let's focus on the lives of the victims and their goodness. Let's commend them for their heroic decisions the teachers had to make to save the lives of other children. And let's remember to focus on them and the children and their goodness and the beautiful lives that they lived, and the wonderful legends they left behind. Let's pray for their families and keep them close in our hearts. And let's remember the goodness of this world. And let us not forget the love of our Heavenly Father, and through him we can be comforted and learn to love with compassion and to forgive as a child would. And know that He is always with us and He'll never leave our side.

"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard... do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."

My heart is with Connecticut.



      

america : 2012 election

I know what you're thinking, "great, another remark regarding politics and the 2012 election." But before you tune out, I invite you and hope that you take the time to read what is about to be said. Some things need to be explained. I never get political on this blog because I try to stay out of that stuff when it's not necessary, but I do believe today is an okay day to practice freedom of speech and speak out as an American citizen. 

I'm sure you've had your dosage of political chaos on the internet, namely Facebook, and whether you are a Republican or a Democratic,  I'm sure you feel a sense of exhaustion from everyones thoughts : some negative, some positive, but a lot of them sympathetic. A fair amount of respect as well as disrespect has been exercised greatly in the media and I think some things need to be set straight. Unfortunately, I get so emotionally consumed in this that I have a loss of words and can't explain myself as I wish I could. So with that said, I want to share with you a post from my cousin Ashley's blog. She simply puts what needs to be said. Her feelings and emotions are something that I agree with deeply and feel the same way. We talked a bit tonight on the topic of the election and I felt deeply impressed to share her thoughts. Please take the time to read them, and please be respectful. 

"Where should I even begin? More than anything, I am just sad. In the 2008 election, I didn't necessarily love or strongly believe in McCain's abilities to shape this place up, but I certainly was in alignment with him more than I was with President Obama. This time around, however, I tried to inform myself on a daily basis with doses from both sides of the media. I campaigned for Governor Romney in Nevada. I made phone calls. I donated money. I tried to maintain composure and good standing with my friends, regardless of their political beliefs. I did these things because I believed, and still believe in Mitt. I truly believed that he could put us on a better path than the one we've been on for the past 4 years. I invested my time, money, and emotions because I knew that this election and campaign was something bigger than me. 

I don't regret anything that I invested. I feel like I've learned so many life lessons and grown in a spiritual and personal way, from this experience. I have fasted and prayed over and over again through this election. I've had multiple spiritual experiences that I will take with me forever. 

Am I disappointed? Of course. How could I not be? And I think that's okay. I'm not angry. I'm not name calling. I'm just sad. I feel frustrated when I see and read about so many of my friends trying to tell people to "stop whining and get over it." It hasn't even been a whole 24 hours! I would think that liberals more than anyone, would be able to understand that people are entitled to their feelings. People are allowed to be sad. I'm not validating or condoning people calling the President or other liberals, names. I think there is a serious line that should not be crossed. But if someone is sad, is that so wrong? I feel pretty confident in saying that every single Obama supporter I know, would be experiencing some of my same thoughts and emotions, had the election not been in their favor. 

I work with fabulous woman who has different political beliefs than I do. You want to know what our conversation was this morning? It started out as something entirely different. She didn't gloat. I didn't name call. I congratulated her and her candidate and she responded with something along the lines of, "Thanks! I am happy and am trying to contain it." What a lady. Isn't that how this should be? So many claim that we all need to "be American and move on." Is it American to tell people to shut up and get over it? This was a very important election for both sides and I think it's okay to feel upset if it doesn't work out in your favor. It is NOT okay to resort to extremes in either direction, and I know I have Facebook friends on both sides who felt it was acceptable to take it to a whole different level. They are no longer my Facebook friends. ;)

Mitt is, and always will be in my book, a class act. He is a humble, gracious, and generous man. I don't know that any informed individual could argue that, regardless of whether one agrees with his policies. I believe with everything in my being that his sole purpose in running was because he really believed that he could help the country. He didn't run for fame and money. He ran because he loves America. I can't help but feel sad when I hear anyone try to pollute his name with religious slanders and name calling. I feel proud to have supported him for the past 4 years. 

Above all, the election is over. The truth is, America doesn't crumble or succeed because of one man alone. While I feel the sadness and disappointment, I know that deep down, the only way to respond to this, is to pray for our President and our country. I hope that we will be able to pull through these hard financial times. America is a great country and will prosper if the people can remember the principals that we laid down by our Founding Fathers. 

"Men may fail in this country, earthquakes may come, seas may heave beyond their boundaries, there may be great drought, disaster, and hardship, but this nation, founded on principals laid down by men whom God raise up, will never fail. This is the cradle of humanity, where life on this Earth began in the Garden of Eden. This is the place of the New Jerusalem. This is the place that the Lord said is favored about all other nations in all of the world. This is the place where the Savior will come to His temple. This is the favored land in all the world. Yes, I repeat, men will fail, but this nation won't fail. I have faith in America; you and I must have faith in America, if we understand the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are living in a day when we must pay heed to these challenges. 

I plead with you to not preach pessimism. Preach that this is the greatest country in all the world. This is the favored land. This is the land of our forefathers. It is the nation that will stand despite whatever trials or crises it may yet have to pass through." 

- HAROLD B. LEE

I love that. No one is perfect, government and citizens alike. BUT, this is America. It truly is the greatest country in all of the world and I am proud to be a citizen of this blessed land. 

P.S. How beautiful did Ann look last night? They are truly a powerhouse couple and I wish their entire family well. " - ASHLEY ECKEL RASMUSSEN

I really have nothing to say after that. Ash summed everything up beautifully and perfectly. I understand how easy it is, the night of, the day after, to be heated, to be swamped with your raw feelings and emotions in the moment of it all. I have certainly had my fair share of emotions. I did try my best to educate myself as much as possible with the election. I tried to educate myself with both President Obama's policies and Governor Romney's. After it was all said and done, I was overwhelmed with a large amount of sadness and emotion. I didn't truly know, until that moment, how emotionally involved and passionate I had become with this election. This was a pivotal moment for America and it was a lot to take in all at once. 

I congratulate President Obama and I pray that he may move this country forward in the best way possible. As for Mitt Romney, I thank him for his hard work, his honesty, his integrity, his example, and his leadership. I don't think there is anyone quite like this man. He is truly special and has made an impact in my life. He is a true leader and I will always believe in him. I thank him for his continuous reminder of what the country was founded upon. He is a man of honor, a true hero. A film is coming to theaters soon starring Daniel Day Lewis called "Lincoln". The trailer is powerful and moving and I intend to see this. As it will be a great reminder of our American history of a President who meant so much to our country. Within the trailer, a quote is said from Mary Todd Lincoln which I think can apply to Mitt Romney in some ways. She said, "No one's ever been loved so much by the people. Don't waste that power." 

This nation under God has a birth of freedom, that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not parish from the Earth. For this, I am very blessed and grateful for my freedom. 

As an American, I will support President Obama respectfully and my God bless America, my home sweet home.  

be american.

this photo is a teaser, it makes me feel that tomorrow is the 4th of july, but it's not. its election day and you know it, so be american and cast your vote for president. your voice is important, so go to the polls and grab that ballot and mark that check. for tomorrow is an important day. we are the american people. let's be american and vote. happy monday to you all!

happy birthday, america.

America, the beautiful. Today is your special day, to shine in the american skies with your sparklers so high. We thank you for our freedom and rights and dedicate this day to you on the 4th of July! We're proud to be an American as we wave our flags so high, so Happy Birthday America, for you're one of a kind!

(apologize for the poor photo quality. my actual camera has some complications due to the sea on the island of hilton head and the thing has yet to repair, so the iphone I lean towards these days. blast...)

america.

goodbye england.

i really had fun hanging out with you for six weeks.

i truly find you fascinating and entertaining.

i sure am going to miss you.

dont worry, im sure i'll be back for another visit.

but it's time i must go back to my country.

im going to america.

p.s. who am i kidding? im keeping the blog.

p.p.s. and thanks mom and dad for such a fun HOLIDAY! i loved spending time with the two of you! you guys are a blast! love you both!