“But I refuse to burn my energy adding extra magic and sparkle to other people’s lives to get them to love me. I’m busy casting spells for myself. Everyone who was ever told a fairy-tale knows what happens to women who do their own magic.”

This article. If you’re a woman, especially in her twenties, should be mandatory reading material. Mandatory even if you’re offended by f-bombs. I stand up and salute this writer.

“Religion can be the enemy of God. It’s often what happens when God, like Elvis, has left the building. [laughs] A list of instructions where there was once conviction; dogma where once people just did it; a congregation led by a man where once they were led by the Holy Spirit. Discipline replacing discipleship.”

Bono talks Jesus. Preach Bono. Preach.

“I think I can love my country and want it to do better (sometimes a lot better even). I do not think that these two things – my love and my criticism – have to be mutually exclusive.”

My friend Jerusalem talks love of country and all things 4th of July. Love this so much. 

Lastly, I’m taking a blog break for a bit. I’m going to spend some time with my sister (who is back on vacation from her THIRD year in China).  We’re partying on the 4th. I’m going to keep plugging away at my latest writing project. Heck, maybe I’ll even clean my house. I mean… miracles do happen. 

Until then, have a wonderful holiday week. Take a deep breath. Sit outside and look up at the trees, and the wind, and the clouds. If things are good, be thankful. If things are not good, know that they can, and will, get better, and be thankful anyway.  

Hugs to you all.