Happy 4th of July from Be Brave, Be Bold! I hope everyone is celebrating in style with friends & family, enjoying warm weather and indulgent food.
I feel as though we have been celebrating for a week now. Michigan recently legalized the sale of fireworks, so each sunset has been accompanied with the pop of fireworks.
We’ve kicked off July with amazing dinners (chili lobster was a particular highlight!), some great water time on the many lakes, bays, and harbors of Michigan, and quality time with friends and family.
Definitely allow a lot of time for this recipe! Start early.
A birthday celebration on the dock – summer in its purest form.
Americaboarding. Obviously.
I came across two quotes that resonated with me – both for their connection to the Fourth of July, and for my current journey.
When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self-respect.
The farther we travel across the United States, the more we see that despite a changing landscape, a resonating pride in our country spans throughout. The same flags fly in driveways in New Mexico, outside of barns in Ohio, and on the shores of Lake Michigan.
We’ve seen the broad spanse of geography in this country, and it’s glorious.
Bathing in Lake Michigan.
How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!
~Thomas Jefferson
Jefferson may be referring to government, policies, or rights, but I like to think that the “precious blessings” of America are the natural landscapes.
Our 4th of July morning was spent climbing down a 450 foot sand dune, jumping into Lake Michigan, and then climbing back up – a long, tough climb in sand. Swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lake (which feels more like the ocean), I felt we could have easily been in the Mediterranean or Caribbean. Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of the most incredible sights we’ve seen on our travels, and I previously did not know it even existed! There are so many places like this across America, just waiting for us to explore.
Have a wonderful & safe time celebrating!
xo
Lindsay
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