Magical Moment 480, "Happy Memorial Day"

I've said before that my Grandma is the most patriotic person I know. Her family, from Mexico, consisted of her mother raising 10 children alone. And though she is full blooded Mexican, her heart completely belongs to the United States. She is the most appreciative supporter of the military I have ever met. And so for today's post, I turned to one of her many writings to share. She wrote this for her Writer's Group with Betsy Ross and the first hand-stitched flag as her inspiration.

"Red White and Blue"

by Mary M. Valencia 10/13/2009

Ripples high Red, White, and Blue

Sounds of freedom alerts us to

A Nation's fighting battle cry

Amongst the density she flies high.

Forward rushing 3,000 men

Grimace boldly to defend.

Battles fought on common soil

Where once'st with brother they did toil.

The promise of a new tomorrow

Bodies buried lessen the sorrow.

Atrocious battle has been fought

Unmeasured calmness now is sought.

Forward proudly in the lead

Fife and drum, Red, White and Blue in steed.

A step in time, a skip or two

Voice of "Freedom" rings so true.

The price for peace has been paid.

Friends and Foe weapons laid.

O say does that star-spangle banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

My Grandma and I at her beloved home. Yes, she flies her flag every single day. Memorial Day, or otherwise.

Happy Memorial Day! Enjoy your cookouts, day at the beach, and relaxing time with family. But also, remember the deceased, injured, and forever changed men and women who made the sacrifice for country.

Magical Moment 620, "Lilac Garden"

Eddie and I visited the Lilac Gardens at Ringwood Manor in New Jersey, a pristine and beautiful state park with 8 species of lilacs and several varieties within. We went on a rainy afternoon, which turned out perfect because the rain stopped for us when we got there, and began again as soon as we left. It also decorated the plants with gorgeous rain drops, adding to their beauty. And now for a quick game of "Where's Elizabeth?" And "Where's Eddie?" ~~Have a great weekend! ~~

Magical Moment 625, "Thailand - the Elephants"

Needless to say, my favorite part of our Thailand vacation, was our week long volunteering at Elephant Nature Park ! The logging industry was banned in Thailand in 1989, leaving thousands of elephants unemployed. These elephants are now used for tourism. You may have heard of elephant shows featuring the animals playing soccer or painting pictures with their trunks. They are no doubt amazing to watch, but the sad truth is that these elephants have gone through a series of torture and abuse to "break their spirit" by their trainers. This short clip is very hard to watch, but it will give you an idea of what the elephants in captivity in the country of Thailand go through. The only elephants in Thailand who do not endure this, are the very few baby elephants who are first generation born in "safe captivity" at places like Elephant Nature Park. Every other elephant at this park has been brutally abused. Some have been blinded by their owners, le...

Magical Moment 584, "Conversation with Willie"

I opened the glass door of the retail store and walked inside, eyes immediately drawn to the mannequins donning outfits I could never pull off. Yet I couldn't keep my fingers from running over the fabrics displayed on racks that were laid out, row after row around me. Months of penny pinching and shopping-deprivation made me like a hungry child in a bakery. My arms were full of clothes in mere moments. A sales clerk politely offered her assistance and asked my name. "Elizabeth," I told her. "I'm Willie," She replied with a slight southern accent, cheerfully as if we were about to become best friends. She was an older black woman who I noticed was just as attentive to all the customers in her section. Animated and friendly, Willie drew my complete attention as she continued, "Elizabeth, I can remember that. That's my sister's middle name. Her first name is Mary," she explained. Before I could help it, I told her that my first name was actu...

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