Sunday Snippet: The Reasons to Be Glad this Fourth Edition
This one will be short because honestly, if I don’t keep it short and sweet this weekend, I could easily get off on a rant that would serve no one but me. However, I will say that it’s been hard to feel celebratory this Fourth of July. Some things helped, though …
PBS’s annual “A Capitol Fourth.” Watch it even if it is July 5. It will make you feel good about the United States again and give you hope. Click and watch. You’ll be glad you did.
Brandi Carlile’s version of “America the Beautiful” sung in front of the Statue of Liberty will touch your patriotic soul and again, give you hope. Click and watch–she will make your heart sing.
My author pal Anna J. Stewart’s gorgeous red, white, and blue cake. I wish I could’ve had a slice, but I’m sure those who did enjoyed it immensely! Nice, Anna!
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3 where Paul McCartney sang and there was great joy all around. Those two just warm this little romance author’s heart.
Hugs from Grandboy, Son, and DIL, just back from a vacation in Hawaii, where they had fun wandering the Big Island, and revisiting Kona Magic Chocolate–where they make the best chocolate ever starting right from the tree! Those faces, even the very mustachioed one (the owner of Kona Magic) make me so happy.
So, yeah, stuff to celebrate, reasons to be joyful, to be glad I live in the United States of America. And I am glad, even as I’m struggling to make sense of the madness that has taken hold of our government. I have faith that the ship will right itself again and that democracy, the rule of law, and our beloved Constitution will prevail. Keep the faith, okay?
Gratitude for This Week: Kids had a good time in Hawaii. Forever Cowboy hit several bestseller lists, including #1 Western romance on Apple Books as of July 4, 2026. (It’s on sale for a short time for just 99 cents! Click the book –> for links.) My flowers are so happy and blooming. We found a couch for the cottage–can’t wait to get it! The heat is subsiding some here in the Midwest.
Stay well, keep speaking out–it is the only way we will save our democracy, always choose kindness, and most of all, mes amis, stay grateful!
3 Comments
Patricia Barraclough
We never miss The Capitol Forth and were concerned it would not happen this year. Even having to change their normal venue didn’t detracty from it. It was so well done and a-political as usual. The fireworks at Mt. Vernin were a nice touch. Too bad they had to be moved. The original, congressionally chartered 250th anniversary celebration was called America250, which was officially overseen by the nonpartisan U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. It started planning in 2016. We have attended the Smithsonian Folk Festivals on the Mall and they are wonderful. Just imagine what a great representation of the diversity, achievement, and greatness of our country that would have put on. Instead, we got a political ralley and political attacks. This should have been such a wonderful celebration, even on a personal level, but it wasn’t. The country was cheated.
I am glad you had an enjoyable weekend. We will have to check out the chocolate place if we ever manage to get over there. Taylor and Travis have shown just how much good those who have the resources can do. Just think what all those who have many more millions and billions could do to better mankind and th Earth. Some are but sadly they are in the minority.
Stay safe and positive. There is always hope better things are coming.
Roseann McGrath Brooks
Thanks for pointing to things that can give us hope this holiday. And congratulations on the #1 Western romance! From River’s Edge to Montana!
Latesha B.
Glad you enjoyd the weekend and that it was filled with love from family and friends. Hope you have a great week, Nan!