Saturday, 04 July 2009
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Together We Are One
By The O'Jays
see relatedTo You And You Too
The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely - Carl Jung
32 years ago, I arrived here on the Central Coast of California. I arrived on the evening of July 3rd, and woke up on July fourth in an apartment that over looked the Pacific Ocean. My man, aka The King as we jokingly call him now, turned on the radio and Jimmy Hendrix's version of the Star Spangle Banner was playing. Welcoming me to my future. That night, as I sat on the roof of our apartment watching the fireworks show over the ocean, with several people I had just met that day, I knew it was the beginning of my own independence. Someone thought they'd be funny and removed the ladder we had used to get up on the roof, so we had to work together to get off. We became better neighbors on my first day in town.
I have left this place only once since then, and returned a year later, as my heart heard the call of the ocean and the love of my life was here waiting. I look on this day of independence as my own personal Independence Day along with my nation. Each day that I've been here has been an opportunity to know myself better, to learn from my experiences, and to invest in my relationships with my family, my neighbors, and my community.
Now, I have this amazing virtual community that has opened my eyes to who we are as people even more. A community that has accepted my writing, and photography with open minds and kind feedback. Thank you Xanga community for being part of my independence and for letting me share a bit of how I see things. May you have a wonderful day no matter where you may be.
Featured Grownups is talking about Independence. Check it out.
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Comments (31)
Awww, that's a sweet thing to say, xanga is a neat place!! Fireworks over the ocean, sigh, must be spectacular!! :)
So happy I have met people like you here too!
@guestbrief - It is and we can see it from our place we live now ,about a mile from the ocean, if the night is clear. Our neighborhood takes the day seriously and there is color everwhere. I sit in my chair, look up, and watch the show. Have a wonderful day Rhonda!
@storyslut - Thank you. You too,my friend. Enjoy your day!
What an amazing photo! The story isn't too shabby either. Well....actually, it's rather great. I'm always happy I found you on here. Happy Independence day to you!
Beautiful story and photo (pats heart and points to you)
What a good story! Thanks for sharing. My grandpa came through Ellis Island, New York on the evening of July 4th 1920 with his family when he was 7. They were coming from Italy. I will never forget him telling me how they thought all the fireworks in the sky was celebration that they had arrived. Because of my grandpa and his families American dreams, I was able to be born here in the U.S.A. Happy Independence Day~
@shellisland - The feel's mutual, you. Your post gave me a belly laugh today. Bless your heart for that one.
@TheLoquaciousLady - Thanks Jess.
@MICHELECANNON29 - I love your story. What a welcoming time that must have been. My people came from England. And here we are, you and I, Americans. Happy Independence Day to you too.
that is a nice thing to remember on the 4th of July
@Jillycarmel - Each and every fourth of July, Jill. Ah! Sweet memories with explosions and color all around me.
What a sweet post. I know that you are happy where you live, its nice that you can share your independence day with our nation!!!
Awesome photo!!! I am always amazed at peoples talents!!!
@firefighterswife - The party is much bigger that way.
Thank you.
Xanga is fun as it is so diverse you never know who or what is going to pop up. Very nice picture...Happy 4th of July!
"Jimmy Hendrix's version of the Star Spangle Banner was playing. Welcoming me to my future."
That's a mighty fine welcome!
I love this - a celebration of many things on many levels. I am glad to have found you, friend!
Nice Post. Happy Independence Day!
You are linked.
"32 years ago, I arrived here on the Central Coast of California. I arrived on the evening of July 3rd, and woke up on July fourth in an apartment that over looked the Pacific Ocean. My man, aka The King as we jokingly call him now, turned on the radio and Jimmy Hendrix's version of the Star Spangle Banner was playing. Welcoming me to my future. That night, as I sat on the roof of our apartment watching the fireworks show over the ocean, with several people I had just met that day, I knew it was the beginning of my own independence."
Loved these opening sentences. I was right there with you.
@rebootie - And there we know the difference, my friend Boots. There it is.
@slinky - Right back 'atcha'.
@nellinidaho - You too Nell. What an amazing adventure this has become.
@radicalramblings - Thank you. You too.
@Featured_Grownups - Glad you feel the experience. What's next?
Happy 4th of July!
XANGA is awesome because of people like you.
@Jaynebug - he brought color to your b/w world like that song.
@RestlessButterfly -Thanks Rez. You Too.
@Jillycarmel -
amen sister!!!
For the fourth, I read an article over the phone to my mother (Alzheimer's) last night, entitled "Making History," by Peggy Noonan. Peggy claims a "genius cluster" founded the U.S. Then she added, "What could we possibly have done to deserve it? Nothing of course. Some gifts are just given."
None of the closest relationships in my life (my wife, job and children) would have been possible without the U.S. liberation of South Korea. Too, there are some beautiful public parks here now, two just finished this year, within walking distance of my home. They are unlike anything available in North Korea. I hope those people gain freedom somehow, but my students are not interested in the freedom of North Korean people. I cannot feel complete freedom when I know other people suffer deprivation.