Stitches in Time

News can be somewhat disturbing when it comes to our nation's flag. An icon of American freedom, a symbol of liberty, a motif referring to the United States, a banner for independence - all symbolize America and the principles upon which she stands. Yet, there is dissension when and where the flag should be flown. Small flags are displayed on holidays, i.e., Memorial Day, Veterans' Day, Presidents' Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day, as well as beside war memorials and next to the graves of U.S. war veterans. They are flown at public buildings and it is not uncommon to find full-size flags flying in the yards of private homes. So, what's the problem? You live in America, you rejoice in America's freedoms, you honor America's flag!

It was not an easy task the designing of this flag; there were no modern sewing machines and most stitchery was performed by hand and by candlelight or oil lamps. Can you imagine George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross coming into your home and asking you to sew the first flag? While you may have been accustomed to embroidering ruffles for Washington's shirt bosoms and cuffs, would you be up to this entirely different undertaking destined to be the representation of an entire nation for generations to come?

Each day we pass buildings, homes, and grave sites displaying this iconic symbol of America. With each passing, what do you see at the sight of the American flag? Next time you pass one by don't let its vision pass you by without thoughts of embracing the past, empowering the present, and enriching the future of America!

Visit Stitches in Time for a brief review of the making of America's flag, aka, "Stars and Stripes," "Old Glory," and "The Star-Spangled Banner." Put yourself back in time when our key founding fathers established the platform for America's freedom. . .

Note: Be sure to click the small square in the bottom right corner of the video clip to view maximum screen.

Calling All Coffee Lovers

Okay, all you coffee lovers, what is your knowledge of this aromatic, acidic drink that begins your day, uplifts your afternoon and often times lends itself to sleepless nights? It is so g-o-o-o-ood to those of us who indulge on a regular basis regardless of the day or night:) 

Would you believe that coffee has not always been the pleasantest of brew? When did it reach the shores of America and who do we thank for the elimination of the coffee grounds in every cup?

Click How Sweet the Brew to expand your knowledge base. . .

Monumental by Kirk Cameron

This morning I was blessed to have tuned in to Fox and Friends at the time of Kirk Cameron's appearance. I was not aware of his latest production, Monumental, which reflects so much of our American heritage that unfortunately for so many has gone and continues to go unnoticed.

According to Kirk, it all begins on Tuesday, March 27 when more than 550 movie theaters will present a live, one-night experience that includes special guests and music, as well as the first showing of the film.

Families, churches, schools, political clubs are invited to come together and experience it as one community — and then share the message with others. The film will open in theaters in select markets, and come to television and DVD mid-2012.

Visit Kirk's trailer by clicking the link Monumental Trailer.

Forever Watchful

When our forefathers landed at Jamestown in 1607, they echoed loudly the founding of what they acknowledged as their utopia: The land of enchantment—America! Through decade after decade, change after change, advancement after advancement, many, many symbols became lasting representatives of the United States of America. Of these is an icon of American freedom, the American bald eagle, which was adopted as the national bird in 1782.

Have your thoughts of this majestic eagle been one of acceptance and no more? Are you one of those fortunate enough to have witnessed its beauty and poise in flight? Perhaps on a clear, sunny day an unexpected moment led you to lift your eyes toward a lofty perch where regal in stance it balances on a tree limb or gracefully places snippets of food in the gapping mouths of its young. 

Whatever your experiences, or lack thereof, there is strength to be appreciated in the genealogy of the eagle that binds it to America, the land and her people. The eagle's keen eyes are forever watchful as the wind brushes beneath its wings lifting it gently to soar over the hills, valleys, rivers and streams. What a magnificent sight!

Let us all be like the eagle—FOREVER WATCHFUL!

A Visit to 19th Century America

This is my first post in March and I apologize for the delay. As we all have experienced, it is impossible to foresee what is in the 'wind' for any given day. Needless to say, the past week has been totally overwhelming. While performing edits (great feedback from my publisher!), I have delved into additional research. In doing so, today I encountered one of the most informative and concise videos portraying the events of the 19th century.

The 19th century is an era of technology, science, and invention that sends whispers of the past to us heartfully, mindfully, and spiritually from our ancestors. Think about your heritage and what it must have been like without the lightbulb (only candlelight), telephone (that of course, includes the cell phone), typewriter (only feather pens dipped in ink), carpet sweeper (way before the vacuum cleaner), phonographs (oh, dear, no IPods), moving pictures (only the kaleidoscope), packaged toilet paper (finally Sears catalog in the late 19th century), just to name a few.

Check it out...you won't be disappointed! In fact, you will probably learn a lot about America in the 1900s that is truly quite remarkable!

Take the visual tour by clicking The Decades of the 19th Century America: