"Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth." ~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

As we celebrate today with barbecues, cold beer and fireworks, it's also a time to reflect on exactly what today means.

Two hundred thirty four years ago delegates from all thirteen colonies declared that we would from then on be called United States and not merely colonies of another nation. They declared our freedom.

Since then Americans have fought and died for our rights to disagree with one another publicly, to follow our own dreams, to find our own happiness. No matter what your religion, your political beliefs or the color of your skin - Americans embrace the differences, celebrate diversity and still believe in the force of unity put forth by our forefathers as we move forward with the common goal of FREEDOM.

This year as you raise your beer (or lemon-drop martini) to having a day off from work - take a moment to give thanks for our brave men and women in uniform. From the original Minute Men to our soldiers overseas today.

God Bless America and Let Freedom Ring!

(Please stay safe out there. Drink responsibly and PLEASE don't drink and drive!)

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Yes, folks today is International Picnic Day.

The original concept of a picnic may have been the social banquets held outdoors by wealthy people in medieval  times or perhaps simply a gathering held outdoors to celebrate a successful hunt or an event. The fact is, people have been enjoying eating outside for a long time and for many reasons. 

The origin of the word “picnic” may be attributed to the French word ‘’piquer’’, which could mean “to pick or peck”. It then could have been joined with the obsolete word ‘’nique’’, meaning trifle, to convey the idea of multiple guests bringing different foods which would then be "picked" at by all parties.

From http://www.mahalo.com/international-picnic-day

Some offline sources talk about picnics as they occurred in the Victorian era, where it appears that they rose in popularity. There is a theory that this occurred partly as a way to enjoy eating socially, without the restrictive rules of etiquette which applied to indoor social dining occasions. It seems that other factors which may have added to the appeal were viewing outdoor scenery, and holding a gathering in connection with hunting parties.

http://www.victoriatravelguide.com/travel/victoria-picnic.html

 

The Victorians also believed there was an association that had been made between good health and fresh air which may also have led to the picnic's rise in popularity.

 

Today most people think of a picnic as an informal meal, on a blanket. A day at the beach or a day at the park with the kids. The romantic in me would love to spin tales of heavenly picnics under a shady maple, wine glass in hand and a gorgeous man by my side. BUT, that just wouldn't be me. The idea of eating outside, in the bug filled grass with the wind whipping who knows what into my hair and my food - romance isn't exactly the first thing on my mind. I'm thinking bug spray, long sleeves and a giant hat.

Whatever your idea of the perfect picnic is, I wish it for you today! Have a great weekend!

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Since chocolate and Valentine's Day go hand-in-hand, here's an easy treat to tempt your sweetheart with today (or tonight!)

Truffle Treats

1 Package (8 oz.) Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate squares

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 tub (8 oz.) cool whip extra creamy whipped topping, thawed

Toppings: chopped nuts, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, sprinkles, grated chocolate, etc...

_____

MICROWAVE chocolate in bowl on high 3 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring halfway through heating time. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.  MIX in peanut butter until smooth. COOL to room temperature. GENTLY stir in whipped topping. Refrigerate 1 hour.

ROLL mixture into 1-inch balls. COAT with desired toppings.

Makes 35-40 truffles.

Variation: Use 8 squares Premium White Baking Chocolate instead of Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate.

Recipe courtesy of the "Celebrate with Cool Whip" cookbook.

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Nefarious ~ adj ~ extremely wicked

Today's Word Goal ~ 1000 words

Today's Coffee ~ Plain, ordinary Columbian Supreme

Valentine's Day is one close to the romance writer's heart and I'm no exception. I'm all for the sexy lingerie, the chocolates and the flowers. I've gotten my share of long-stem roses delivered to the office before I was a stay-at-home mom (now they come home with the hubby instead.)

Valentine's Day evokes images of scrumptous dinners, fabulous wines and satin sheets...

Valentine's Day does NOT make me think of this...

How about you? Is this on your list of "must-haves?"

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I'm hoping for the early Spring... how about you?

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http://otherworlddiner.blogspot.com/2009/12/cookie-traditions.html

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Last night I had the pleasure of shopping at local WalMart around 9pm. Feeling quite pleased my holiday purchases I'd carefully selected and placed in my cart, I walked to the cashier closest to the exit I would use to leave the store.

Unbeknownst to me, I got on Scrooge the Evil Cashier's line.

Not only did she grab at my items as I putting them on the counter while complaining with each and every item that it was time for her to leave and she had to hurry, therefore I needed to hurry and get my stuff out my cart asap - but she threw them in the bag without a care and few loud thunks.

When it was discovered that one item was unmarked, she tossed it to the side of her register and proudly announced "I can't sell you what isn't marked."

Um...wtf?

Politely, I asked if we could call someone from that department. She said "No."

I politely commented there was no reason to be rude to me.

She replied, "There is no one back there. You are my last customer, why does this always happen when I need to leave! I'm not calling anyone."

I asked to talk to a manager about her nasty attitude.

She called someone named "AL" he walked by and she said "this customer wants to talk to you about my bad attitude."

To which "Al" replied, "haha, it's the holiday season." AND WALKED AWAY.

So not only did I walk out of the store an unsatisifed customer and without the item in question - but I discovered Scrooge is alive and well and she's a cashier at Walmart Store #2915 at the register right inside the garden center.

Merry Christmas.

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Illuminate ~ vt ~ to give light to; to light up; to make clear

Today's Coffee ~ Green Mountain Spicy Eggnog

Today's Writing Goal ~ Edit 5 more pages

Before Thanksgiving I was complaining (imagine that) about the holiday music in the malls. Because while I'm shopping for halloween decorations I don't want to do it to Here Comes Santa Clause. Now, a week before the holiday and the music is what has me just a little less stessed, a little more in the mood and yes, singing along. And it IS what I want to be shopping to right now.

Sometimes it's the songs that truly represent the reason for the season, like Silent Night or O Holy Night (which is one of my favorites, btw.)

Sometimes it's the twisted Christmas songs that put right in the spirit.

Now the question is, do you sing along? I'll be the first to admit I have a lousy singing voice. My kids will gladly chime in here to second that (I could never sing my kids to sleep as babies - they'd be too busy covering their ears and screaming for me to stop to even think about sleep  )  BUT, when no one is home or I'm in the car alone - I'm singing the Christmas songs baby!

What do you sing along with, the traditional songs or the funny ones? Do you have a favorite song you belt out when no one is home or when you're alone in the car?

So, to put you all in the holiday spirit today here's a few songs to get your feet tapping (feel free to sing along, you know you want to!)

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Harbinger ~ n ~ A forerunner; a herald

Today's Coffee ~ French Vanilla

Today's Writing Goal ~ Edit 5 pages

One week to go to Christmas Eve.

WARNING! GUILTY PLEASURE ALERT...

One of my favorite things about this time of year is the non-stop holiday romances on channels like Lifetime, ABCFamily and the Hallmark channel. Yes, I am a sucker for the drippy sweet, happy ending guaranteed romps through fantasyland. Over-the-top acting, silly premises and just plain heart-warming goodness.

A few favorites this year?

Holiday in Handcuffs (Mario Lopez in nothing but a towel?  Yum!)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Warren Christie in nothing but a towel? See a pattern? Okay his blue eyes are pretty nice too!)

Mr. St. Nick (Shoot me, I happen to like Kelsey Grammer  )

And now for a little stress relief and for your viewing pleasure:

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So, yes, Holidaze is exactly where I'm at these days.

A quick update as we roll into the mad dash toward the end:

Cards? Still thinking about them, haven't bought them (at this point it's not looking good.)

Baking? Thank God we have our annual Gingerbread Cookie Party this weekend! I am still planning on baking for the holiday, just have to get my butt in gear and do it.

Shopping? I'm guessing I'm about 75% done.  A few more things and a few more people on the list and I'll be done. YAY.

Decorating? For the most part done. The stockings still need to go up, but I'm considering this done.

Holiday spirit? No feeling like a hum-bug yet, so that's a good sign. The holiday spirit has been slow in coming this year, and honestly I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the economy and everyone I talk to is complaining about little they have to spend this year. I'm thinking maybe spending less is a good thing and maybe it's time to enjoy what we do have and look at this time of year as more of a celebration of the good? Take away some of the stress and enjoy the company of those loved ones in your life in the moments that we have - right now. Memories last  a lot longer than this years hottest toy.

Enjoy today!

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