Bestsy Ross

Betsy Ross is a well-known symbol of our history. Whether or not she actually made the first American flag is up for debate. Is it possible? Yes. Probable, unfortunately, no. Yet, the legend comes from her own grandson, who told the story of George Washington, Robert Morris, and her husband's uncle, George Ross coming to see her and asking her to design a flag for the newly independent colonies.

What we do know about Betsy Ross is that she was a flag maker and also, eventually, the widow of two Revolutionary War soldiers. I'd say that makes her a definite Patriot.

Whether or not Betsy Ross actually made our flag is not as important as it is to remember that women played a big role in the revolution of our great country! I want to do a few more posts this week about the important roles that they played in our independence.

On another note, are any of you decorating for the Fourth of July? I'll be posting some pictures later this week.

Have a great day!

Summer Fun

It's hot and there's nothing to do about it, so, we might as well celebrate the season. Looking around the web, I found Martha Stewart's 60 Days of Summer. I especially like these Star Medallions, and I noticed in the comment section that several people are making them with paper. She's got some great ideas, so check it out!

Stay cool!

Afternoon Movie

One cure for the afternoon heat is to sit back in your air conditioned living room, den, or wherever you like to watch television and turn on an old movie. I try to get some things done outside in the morning and then take the afternoon to read, do research for my writing, or occasionally, watch an old movie.

Bringing Up Baby is one of my all-time favorites. I think that this is Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn at their best. I will say that this screwball comedy is a little much if you like a slower pace. But if you've never watched this movie and want to see something a little bit silly and crazy--this is the movie for you. Enjoy~and stay cool!

To Weed or Not to Weed

I love weeds. Well, some of them. Some are rightfully called wildflowers, but many still consider them a weed. But for a person who is somewhat challenged in the green-thumb department (like me), weeds can be a wonderful help. Whenever some new looking plant pops up among my struggling-to-stay-alive flowers, I usually leave it, at least for a while, just to see what it may become.

My Mom's Black-eyed Susan flowers.

There is some sort of wild pea-vine (I think), that shows up every year in my day lilies. The leaves are nice, there are no stickers, and they will eventually bloom some very pretty purple/lavender flowers. I think they are a nice 'filler' for that area once the day lilies are finished. And after several years, they haven't harmed the day lilies at all. Of course, day lilies are tough plants. Maybe nothing can harm them. Even all the honeysuckle around here hasn't conquered them, yet.

How about you~do you weed-out all the weeds?

Tuesday Chores and Writing News

Hello everyone. I hope wherever you are that it's cooler than it is here. Our high was only about 90 degrees, but boy was it humid!

I still have a few things to plant out in my flower/herb bed and if I don't get it done by the end of next week, it will probably be too late. I guess I'd better stop hoping for a cool-down and get out there and do it!

Today I baked bread and also cut out some fabric squares to make napkins. I've needed to do this for a while, as we tend to use a lot of paper products~more than we need to. I would love to quit using paper towels, too, but I'm afraid that would only add to my laundry, which is hard to keep up with as it is. Have some of you done away with using paper towels?

I have some exciting news I want to share with all of you. I have a romance story being published in Woman's World magazine. It is supposed to be in the July 8th issue. I also had a mini-mystery in the May 10th issue. I had the wrong date for that story and didn't get to tell all of you about it. The story will be published under Mary L. Briggs.

Hope you're having a great week!

Remember Your Neighbors This Week

29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.

31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.

32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.

33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.

35The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Luke 10: 29-37

Saturday

I'm posting this as a special request for prayer for the families down south of us. The devastating floods at the beautiful and remote Caddo Gap area took the lives of seventeen people (as I write this). There are possibly twenty-four more persons unaccounted for.

It was such a freak thing to happen. I can't imagine the terror that those people were going through. The water rose so quickly that most were unable to get out. Yesterday, no survivors were found, but there is still hope that some may be out there.

Thank you, friends.