With that revealed, I suppose it is no surprise the 4th of July is one of my very favorite holidays! As a kid, I remember my very first fireworks show - and being so terrified of the loud noise that I spent the entire show nestled in my father's shoulder in tears, afraid to watch! As a teenager, I had outgrown that fear, and I remember celebrating with a friend's family and watching his father set off fireworks that rivaled the nearby country club's annual show (okay, maybe not the safe and sane fireworks, but it WAS a sight to be seen). And I'll never forget the phenomenal show we saw at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena one year!
However, my most favorite 4th of July memories have been made more recently while spending the past several 4th of July holidays with my family at Bass Lake. After a fun BBQ with family and friends, we load everyone up and head to the dock at dusk. We hop in the boat and find our spot in the middle of the lake. Can I tell you, there is no better place to watch fireworks than out in the open space of a beautiful lake with the silhouette of the mountains and trees creating a gorgeous backdrop. It is amazingly peaceful, and every year I find myself not only enjoying the fireworks, but taking some time to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this great country. My thoughts always go to those who have fought and are still fighting to keep us safe and free, and to the loved ones of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and liberty.
As we get close to this 4th of July holiday, I'd love to hear about your favorite Independence Day memories or traditions. Simply share via the Comments link below between now and July 4th. On Monday, July 6th, I'll choose one lucky winner to receive a fun assortment of red, white and blue embellishments from Close To My Heart (okay, they'll be Cranberry, Outdoor Denim and White Daisy)!