-->The Eve of Independence.

To? -->Day.

July 3, 2026. Friday.

HOPE.

A few days ago, I went up to Thompson Park for their (and my) yearly tradition of the ONNY followed by fireworks to Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. A symphony to commemorate the battle fought by the Patriots against the British in the colonies of the New World in the 1700s. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to declare her independence and roll a storm with warning, our way. Twenty minutes before the symphony was set to hit the stage--canceled. Man! So close. That's ok I thought, it was a delicious evening spent in the outdoors for a little while anyway. Here's what I saw while there.

• the Helpers*--so many helpers*! (probably one of my favorite parts--iykyk)

• a former student who signed her sign name* I gave her when last time she saw me in school

• a little girl do a beautiful little cartwheel

• an aged former colleague that used to stop by my classroom everyday to tell a joke; that night he remarked that he remembers my name and wanted to know if I knew what the conductor named his daughters? I said no and he said, "Anna1, Anna2"

• kids curled into a ball as they rolled down the hill

• cinnamon toasted crunch deep-fried dough

• my bare feet grounded on the green grass and the beautiful sun shining on my face

Overall it was a lovely time spent, and even though I was super disappointed I didn't get to see any fireworks or hear the symphony, I was happy I tried. I knew there would be plenty of other opportunities to see fireworks this weekend with all the celebrations happening to commemorate the most important day in the history of this (no-longer-colonies, but states) nation. The United States of America--250 years old tomorrow! Celebrating!

Peace & Love, Laughter & Light, always.

H.

*

The Future. source: Lilyput Studio