Happy 4th of July!

Fireworks. That is the one word that our kids associate with this holiday. "Where are we going to see the fireworks, Dad?" The place that we usually go to has become so large, it is impossible to enjoy them. Kids falling in your lap (that aren't yours) screaming, crying kids that don't like the noise, 15 minutes of beauty in exchange for an hour in the car waiting for traffic to move so we can drive the 7 minutes home. But.... you cannot see them from our house because of the state park and the beautiful trees! Hmmmmm......sound like a scrooge, but the older I get, the less I enjoy the crowds. This year, we have been invited to my sister's home in Maryland to watch the display from her backyard. Kris and Chris have a great view, including a pool to float in during the display, and we are looking forward to relaxing in a QUIET place.

In honor of this day, a few years ago I made these cards and kept them sitting around as a reminder that this holiday is about our freedom. So, for as much as I detest the crowds, there is more about life than me and my dislikes.

The first picture is a matchbook card. All products used are CTMH, but alas, retired. This card was my first attempt at distressing- sanding,tearing, masking, and edging in ink. This was also the first card that I submitted for publication and was accepted! The second card is a sleeve for a popcorn bag. Great idea for the movie lover- fill a bucket up with candy, popcorn and a GC to a local movie store. Why not cover the candy and bags of popcorn with your favorite c/s and stamps? The stamps used here, again CTMH, but used a word set to stamp various phrases/words that represent freedom.

Happy 4th and enjoy your fireworks display wherever you may go!