Sunday, June 19, 2005

Pursuit of Happiness

Sunny Hi 110 Lo 84 for Baghdad, Iraq
Mostly Sunny, Hi 84 Lo 62 for NKY, USA

Happy Sunday and Happy Father's Day!!

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--"


The Pursuit of Happiness... Our Founding Fathers had enough insight to realize that when declaring our independence, being happy was critical. So, generations after our Founding Fathers risked death for treason against the crown, we honor them by continuing to strive for the American Dream.

We live in a country that allows us to have differing opinions. We peacefully have elections and the transition of power is civil. WE are given all the opportunities to succeed and to pursue happiness. How profound. How wonderful.

I know, I know... Liberals trying to change that is another story and not my focus on this fine Sunday. I encourage your thoughts, but I ask you to stay on topic with me.

Yesterday, we drove out to visit with some old friends that bought a home in the country... waaaayyyy out in the country. Keep in mind, he works just north of Cincinnati, she works in Northern Kentucky. They bought a home about 20 minutes from Frankfort, Kentucky. OK. I know they will read this, but I thought they were nuts... Why in the world would anyone do that?? The cost of gas-- the long drive-- what about in the winter when it snows? -- What if they break down, or hit a deer??-- what if they need to get to a hospital, fast???? Good Grief...

Michael and I hop in the car and take the scenic route to their new home. As we drive, the beauty of this fine state we now call home becomes quite apparent. As a prejudiced native Ohioan I must tell you, the rolling hills of Kentucky, the vast open valleys that hold tobacco farms and horse farms, the friendlier folks -- there is nothing like it...

Along the way we see an ancient steam engine, all kinds of wildlife, swamp like ponds and lakes, the river, smiling folks waving hello, (one kid had a shotgun--- don't see that in Burlington), postcard perfect farms, 19th Century Victorian homes, a "fish market", small towns with populations of 23, open fields and thickly wooded areas. All the things that Michael and I like to discover and enjoy. When we finally arrive at their home, we fall in love instantly with the charm of their home. It is a home one would see in "Connecticut Digest". The interior of their home was just as welcoming-- Lots and lots of character. They anxiously guide us through their home to see all the amenities. They are excited to show and share their home with us. Michael and I feel at home and are already secretly planning our next visit. We are finally lead outside to the deck. They have a view of the river. Deer go through the wooded back yard-- they live in a wildlife haven. It is perfectly quiet except for the sounds of birds chirping and singing. We eventually had dinner. It was a lovely evening-- good food, good drink, good conversation.

What's my point? Everyone has the right to pursue happiness in their own way. Our two friends, although sacrifice a longer drive, have found a place that they call home-- Home in the truest sense-- Home when you think of those wonderful memories of childhood- those warm fuzzies we all carry in our pockets but sometimes forget to pull out and cherish now and again. Am I so obtuse that I didn't think our friends would have taken everything into consideration prior to this move? Shame on me. This new home makes them profoundly happy. They are pursuing THEIR American Dream- not mine and not yours. We all at some point or another are willing to choose what makes us happy. Pursuing happiness was never intended to be simple--it was never a "gimmee" or entitlement. Our Founding Fathers knew that the importance of happiness was not necessarily "happiness" for the sake of "happiness". The journey and the struggle to obtain our goals and dreams is the most important part. It simply doesn't get any better than that.

To all the Dad's-- Have a wonderful day. You are important in ways that can not be counted. I offer a humble thank you to all of you. And remember, Dad, we need you.

WebSites and Blogs to Visit:

For an unbelievable look at life from the opposite side of the fence, take a look at Margaret Cho's blog. You may remember her. Comedian... supposed to be funny... funny like Al Franken...apparently...

Take a look at Cool Blue. This will splash some water on your face and cleanse you of the previous blog.

My conservative chick blog of the week Knowledge Is Power.

Have a great Sunday everyone!


A perfect day Posted by Hello


God's handiwork Posted by Hello


The pursuit of happiness even in the most difficult situations Posted by Hello

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