Wednesday, June 11, 2014

She's A Grand Ole Flag






Celebrating National Flag Week





Honoring the red, white, and blue.



 Patriotic holidays and the colors of our country's flag

 have always given me a sense of pride and happiness.



I'm proud to be American!





As an elementary teacher for 30 years,

patriotism was an important component

throughout the year's curriculum.




It wasn't an isolated unit, 

but rather a theme that was woven into

various activities and integrated across the curriculum.





I believe it is important to teach children respect 

for our country's flag and other patriotic symbols and .   .   .





That instilling patriotism at an early 

age enables young children to understand 

the responsibilities of good citizenship.





It makes my heart sing to drive 

through my neighborhood and .   .   .






See families proudly 

display the flag of our country.



It reminds me that the US is a country united, 

one of liberty and justice for all.




THE STARS AND STRIPES




THE RED, WHITE,  AND BLUE






OLD GLORY






LONG MAY SHE WAVE





If you are an American,

 pay tribute to our flag this week.

 "She's A Grand Ole Flag"

 Flag Day ~ June 14


All photos were taken by me and enhanced through the Waterlogue App.

Joining
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephant

on

78 comments:

  1. Jacqueline~Cabin and CottageJune 11, 2014 at 11:59 AM

    Wow! What an exciting presentation! Wonderful to see your photos represented this way. It's an inspiring tribute to our flag.

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  2. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLRJune 11, 2014 at 12:27 PM

    What a beautiful post! Love the use of the waterlogue app. This is stunning!

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  3. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleJune 11, 2014 at 3:26 PM

    Love these pictures.

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  4. PatJune 11, 2014 at 4:42 PM

    Sarah,
    Amazing how you change these photos using the Waterlogue App, dear friend!!!
    Being the wife of a retired Military Career Soldier. . .I salute you!!!
    Thank you for honoring our flag with this post!
    Fondly,
    Pat

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  5. LynnJune 11, 2014 at 4:46 PM

    Very pretty Sarah! I love the red, white and blue:@)

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  6. UnknownJune 11, 2014 at 5:10 PM

    I love these pictures! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I do love the red, white and blue!!!

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  7. Blondie's JournalJune 11, 2014 at 8:41 PM

    Well put, my friend! And the way you used the watercolors for the pictures makes them have a timeless quality. I think of all the wars of the past and the freedom so many brave individuals fought for on our behalf, we renew our sense of love for our country. That's very muchwhat I think of when I see Old Glory waving in the breeze!

    Thank you or a wonderful post, Sarah!

    Jane

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  8. ornate splendorJune 11, 2014 at 8:45 PM

    What an inspiring post, Sarah! It is indeed a happy sight to see lots of American flags displayed in our neighborhoods. Long may patriotism live! Catherine (newest follower of your blogging adventures!)

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  9. Entertaining WomenJune 11, 2014 at 10:28 PM

    We're in complete agreement! Don't you just love the Waterlogue App. I've been having fun with it, too. Cherry Kay

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  10. PondsideJune 11, 2014 at 11:39 PM

    Those were lovely images, Sarah. Your pride shines all through this post. We fly our flag every day, and when we have guests from away we try to fly their flag, as welcome. I'm pretty sure we have the flag of Texas!

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  11. NanaDianaJune 12, 2014 at 12:29 AM

    OMGOSH, Sarah! Those images belong in a book! They are ALL gorgeous and really DO look like original watercolors. Perfect!!!! xo Diana

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  12. PoppyJune 12, 2014 at 12:37 AM

    Hi Sarah,

    A wonderfully heartfelt tribute, both in words and images, to your beloved flag, its symbolic colours and shapes, honouring your country's history, dedication and freedom.

    You live in a beautiful neighbourhood!

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  13. RettabugJune 12, 2014 at 2:43 AM

    How cool...LOVE all your pretty watercolor pics, Sarah!!
    Do you have to have a smart phone to do that? I have no idea how you created them, but they are lovely.

    Flag Day is my sweet Ms. C's birthday...we're doing a cupcake party but we'll have our flag out along with pink balloons. LOL

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  14. DebbieJune 12, 2014 at 5:16 AM

    What an absolutely wonderful post from top to bottom. I loved the way your water colored your photos so I got caught up with that first. Then, I went all the way back and read the words without pictorial interruption in my head. I LOVED them.

    Great, great post for a grand old flag!

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  15. MaryJune 12, 2014 at 5:28 AM

    Sarah, It always heartens me to see the flag fluttering in the breeze and she's more beautiful enhanced with your waterlogue photos! Of course I'm partial your photo of the Adirondack chairs with a view of the sailboat of the water! Happy Flag Week ♥

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  16. ScribblerJune 12, 2014 at 6:36 AM

    What a lovely tribute to Old Glory! Long may she wave.

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  17. Ricki TreleavenJune 12, 2014 at 7:19 AM

    I adore this post. I'm sure everything patriotic has been taken out of common core. UGH!

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  18. Celestina MarieJune 12, 2014 at 8:25 AM

    Hi Sarah, I so enjoyed this post and your gorgeous watercolor photos of Old Glory. My hubby and I were both raised proud Americans and fly our flag each and every day with proper night time etiquette having a light on the flag. Many in our neighborhood have started to do the same and it is such a wonderful sight.
    Growing up, patriotism was taught in school and I remember starting each day saying the Pledge of Allegiance along with singing,
    God Bless America.

    Thank you for sharing!
    Have a nice weekend.

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  19. The French HutchJune 12, 2014 at 9:12 AM

    Sarah this post made my heart sing! Such beautiful patriotic photos featuring our “Old Glory”. And yes, it is so important to teach our precious little ones all about patriotism early on. I always enjoy visiting other countries and learning of their cultures but I’m so thankful to come home to America! And, you will find “Old Glory” proudly displayed at our home.

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  20. JermaineJune 12, 2014 at 11:23 AM

    Dear Sarah,

    What a beautiful tribute to our flag. I so agree that patriotism needs to be fostered in our children and it begins by us doing all we can to keep this a country they can be proud to be a part of. Your pictures are heartwarming and I had no idea until the end that they were your photos that you had processed thru the app...thought they were part of some exhibit... well done! Long may Old Glory wave over the land of the free and the home of the brave. Have a wonderful summer.

    xo Jermaine

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  21. TexWisGirlJune 12, 2014 at 1:32 PM

    there is nothing quite like seeing the american flag on display. :)

    thank you for stopping by today! i do hope you'll find some fences to join with on thursdays! :)

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  22. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderJune 12, 2014 at 3:42 PM

    Dearest Sarah,
    Lovely patriotic post!
    Did you know that the colors of the American flag have been taken from the Dutch?
    You can read about this in my post:{1903 Ladies Home Journal by Edward Bok - The Mother of America & Dutch American Heritage Day}
    Thanks for sharing this with us!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  23. Botanic BleuJune 12, 2014 at 7:49 PM

    Sarah,
    I love all your patriotic photos especially as watercolors. You are a master at the waterlogue app!

    Thanks for the reminder that June 14 is flag day. We need to get out our big flag.

    Judith

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  24. Helen's DecorJune 12, 2014 at 9:36 PM

    Love all the Waterlogue photos. I bought the app, but haven't taken the time to learn how to use it yet.

    Thanks for inspiring me to work on that app.

    Helen

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  25. The TablescaperJune 12, 2014 at 9:47 PM

    Such beautiful images

    - Alma, The Tablescaper

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  26. Castles Crowns and CottagesJune 13, 2014 at 5:19 AM

    Oh Sarah, I am pleasantly reminded that you are a veteran school teacher! I am in my 12th year now, and it has been the most illuminating profession I've been in. There is an almost spiritual component in teaching, as we find ourselves instilling values of learning into these kids. That love of learning we hope, will help them to not just apply the skills taught, but to use them for the good of others.

    I wish my android phone would take on this app; I LOVE WHAT YOU DID to your photos! And thank you dear friend, for coming by and ordering the magazine. I am just a contributing writer and I'm doing my best. It is a new magazine, and I have to hand it to the editor for doing this all on her own. Thank you so much! And if you have time, order The Waiting. It is marvelous. Anita

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  27. MariaJune 13, 2014 at 7:05 AM

    These water colors are brillant such a unique way to do a post and im very impressed! Here is an invite to my Fabulous Friday Party Please show off these at the party
    Here is the invite/link
    thanks Maria

    http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/fabulous-friday-party-2/

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  28. FABBY'S LIVINGJune 13, 2014 at 3:17 PM

    Oh dear Sarah this patriotic images are amazing! I love the wáter color finish to them, you are so talented, because you have to be in order to do this! I always admired it so Sarah! Happy Father's Day weekend my friend.
    Hugs,
    FABBY

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  29. Debbie@Mountain BreathsJune 13, 2014 at 6:53 PM

    It starts with a wonderful photographer like yourself, and the Waterlogue makes it so artistic. I'll get the app for my iPad. Beautiful post Sarah!

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  30. Debbie@Mountain BreathsJune 13, 2014 at 6:57 PM

    Sarah, which do you use? Natural, Bold, Luminous, Travelogue or another.

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  31. JacquelineJune 14, 2014 at 12:11 AM

    What a beautiful collection of "watercolors" of the flag and patriotism. I have been doing a lot of research and sending it to my kids about the beaches of Normandy so that they would know more about the sacrifices that their grandfather, my father made as he crossed Utah beach and survived.
    So glad that you made patriotism a part of all of your teaching. That is wonderful to hear! How blessed we are to be free!

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  32. Candy SJune 14, 2014 at 4:45 AM

    Sarah, I love this post. As I was looking at all of the marvelous pictures of Old Glory I wondered if you had a collection of patriotic art. My goodness you are a creative lady!!! Beautiful!

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  33. BECKYJune 14, 2014 at 5:13 AM

    Hello Sarah! I, too, wondered how you found so many beautiful watercolor paintings! I didn't even know there was such an App! When I was growing up (in the 50s and 60s) we recited the Pledge of Allegiance every day at school. It was a different world then, wasn't it? I miss many things from those days...

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  34. kitty@ Kitty's Kozy KitchenJune 14, 2014 at 7:13 AM

    What a wonderful, patriotic post, dear Sarah! Your watercolor pics are beautiful. Happy Flag Day to you. xo

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  35. La Table De NanaJune 14, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    It si one of the things I love about the USA..The pride you have in flying nd hanging your beautiful flag.
    I too love this post..
    And it makes me want an Ipad for Waterlogue LOL.

    It does..
    Have a good weekend and I hope you are out of harm's way.

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  36. Crystal GrandeurJune 14, 2014 at 10:53 AM

    Pretty post.Beautiful pictures...Love them all...:):)

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  37. BabsJune 14, 2014 at 5:37 PM

    LOVE, LOVE this post. Thanks so much for a wonderfully patriotic post, and beautiful watercolor photos and for passing the patriotic spirit on to your students over the years.

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  38. Tea in the LibraryJune 14, 2014 at 8:20 PM

    Amen! Well said! Bravo!

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  39. Sweet Cottage DreamsJune 15, 2014 at 12:24 AM

    I agree with you, Sarah! Our children need to be taught about the flag and all it represents.

    LOVELY photos! Just lovely!!

    Thank you for your precious comment left for me. Big hugs....

    much love,

    Becky

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  40. Stan and Jody GabaraJune 15, 2014 at 8:07 PM

    Well said Sarah!! Love the watercolors. Thank you so much for stopping by with your sweet comment. Our fathers will never be forgotten. So sorry you lost your dad so young. He has a wonderful daughter to carry on his traditions.
    Hugs,
    Jody

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  41. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonJune 15, 2014 at 8:40 PM

    Love the watercolor app Sarah! Love our country too and I proudly display our flag. I am honored to have the flag that was placed on my step fathers grave. He is really the only dad I ever knew, having lost mine at only 9 months old. I have a lot of flag items displayed in my home. Was wishing I had done a post for 'flag day'. Kuddos to you girl! Thanks for sharing it with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  42. LuluJune 16, 2014 at 7:10 AM

    In our Houston neighborhood, flags often fly thanks to the Rotary Club. Almost every yard has a flag, and I love walking and seeing them blowing in the wind, reminding me house after house how lucky I am to live in this country. Love what you've done with the APP.

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  43. RonJune 16, 2014 at 7:34 AM

    I love the red, white, and blue! I'm definitelt flying the colors! xo

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  44. thepaintedapron.comJune 16, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    Wonderful watercolors Sarah! What a great way to honor the red white and blue!
    Jenna

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  45. Bargain Decorating with LaurieJune 16, 2014 at 9:48 AM

    Sarah, these photos are fabulous! They'd make a great little book, celebrating our USA pride. My heart swells with pride with I see the flag flying, and these photos made my heart swell with pride. laurie

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  46. S H ElliottJune 16, 2014 at 10:14 AM

    I absolutely love your flag pics! And when I saw them my heart became swollen with pride. I have family who fought for this country beginning with the Revolutionary war. It reminded me that I need to get my flag hanger put on the new house. we have a flag that was flown over the capital about ten years ago...and I love it.
    Sheila

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  47. S H ElliottJune 16, 2014 at 10:14 AM

    I absolutely love your flag pics! And when I saw them my heart became swollen with pride. I have family who fought for this country beginning with the Revolutionary war. It reminded me that I need to get my flag hanger put on the new house. we have a flag that was flown over the capital about ten years ago...and I love it.
    Sheila

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  48. Judy BiggerstaffJune 16, 2014 at 6:47 PM

    Love your post and your photos enhanced in watercolor. It is so important to teach patriotism in school. I've been in education for 37 years and see such a need for our students to realize how important it is to be free and respect our country.

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  49. Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLizJune 17, 2014 at 1:08 PM

    Fabulous Sarah! Love the pictures especially "old glory".

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  50. Wsprsweetly Of CottagesJune 17, 2014 at 10:02 PM

    We flew our flag proudly...and now I am getting ready to decorate for the 4th. I ordered couple of items and cannot wait for them to arrive. Coming clear from Europe..England actually. Things that are made by artists. Your water colors of our flag are just beautiful! Did you paint them, Sarah?

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  51. Pattie @ Olla-PodridaJune 17, 2014 at 10:45 PM

    Oooooh, pretty pictures. Did you use the Waterlogue app to make these? I have that one, but have gotten mixed results so far. Your photos are gorgeous.

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  52. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJune 18, 2014 at 1:21 AM

    Such a wonderful tribute for Flag Day, Sarah! The water color effect really enhanced all your beautiful photos. We will be raising our American flag again for the fourth of July--here before we know it. Cheers for the red white and blue--may our flag fly forever free!

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  53. The Charm of HomeJune 18, 2014 at 5:48 PM

    I love the look of that app. I have always wanted to do watercolor! Thanks for linking with Home Sweet Home!
    Sherry

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  54. Art and SandJune 19, 2014 at 9:09 AM

    I am so behind in reading and I missed this Flag Day post.

    I love all the beautiful watercolors you created.

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  55. xinexJune 19, 2014 at 8:48 PM

    Beautiful post, Sarah! I love the photo effects, looks like water color. Thank you so much for for the prayers for Rea....Christine

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  56. DeseraeJune 19, 2014 at 9:32 PM

    So beautiful....thank you for sharing :o) Have a great weekend!!
    ~Des

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  57. Natasha in OzJune 20, 2014 at 4:46 AM

    Thanks for sharing at the Say G’day party. I’ve just pinned your post to the Say G’Day Saturday Board. I love your pictures-they are stunning!

    Hope to see you again this weekend, Sarah.

    Best wishes,
    Natasha in Oz

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  58. AnonymousJune 20, 2014 at 2:08 PM

    Love the photos and wonderful words Sarah~!!!

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  59. A Joyful CottageJune 20, 2014 at 6:49 PM

    Such an inspiring post, Sarah. Thank you for sharing this. It's good to read something positive about our flag.

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  60. Michele M./ Finch RestJune 21, 2014 at 2:13 PM

    Absolutely love your awesome "waterlogue" post, Sarah - love love love those pics like that.

    Love our flag, love our country, love our brave........thank you!

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  61. DebbiedoosJune 22, 2014 at 7:33 AM

    Loves these pretty images and pride in our US flag. I have been playing around with that app too. It's so neat. Happy Summer Sarah!

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  62. bj June 22, 2014 at 12:47 PM

    What an awesome tribute to our beautiful country.

    My heart beats true for the red, white and blue. :)

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  63. Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow June 23, 2014 at 9:12 AM

    What gorgeous photos with the watercolor effect! So pretty.

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  64. Woodside ParkJune 24, 2014 at 8:34 AM

    Dear Sarah,
    What a beautiful tribute!! Your photos are charming - like paintings! I am fortunate enough to have homes in Washington, DC and Maine - both very patriotic and proud! In Maine, we even have our own "small town" festivities, parades and celebrations on Memorial Day, 4th and Labor Day. Thanks for this post!
    Cheers,
    Loi

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  65. Shirley@Housepitality DesignsJune 24, 2014 at 7:51 PM

    Such beautiful images!!!...loved them all!!!
    Displayed my flags proudly on Flag Day!...

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  66. Linda (More Fun Less Laundry)June 25, 2014 at 7:54 AM

    Hi Sarah, Your pictures are always so lovely and this app is perfect for the flag photos! Each one would make a wonderful framed print!! I must try this app too. We are flag people--with two eagle scouts in the family we are always aware of flag etiquette, but I love it for its symbolism and beauty. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and inspiring thoughts. Linda

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  67. The Vintage ChateauJune 25, 2014 at 9:47 PM

    Beautiful message and your photos all look charming!
    Karee

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  68. Entertaining WomenJune 26, 2014 at 11:48 PM

    Hear, hear! I pray that our grandchildren will encounter teachers who understand the importance of our country's history and symbols just like you! Thank you for inviting us for a peek. Cherry Kay

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  69. MariaJune 27, 2014 at 7:45 AM

    Hello

    If you are free today stop by Fabulous FridayParty and link up one of your beautiful paintings.
    Thanks.. hope your day is a happy one!
    Maria
    http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/fabulous-friday-partyinspiring-features/

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  70. StitchforkJune 27, 2014 at 9:44 PM

    Love everything about this post Sarah! Have a wonderful 4th!
    xo

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  71. Parsimonious Décor DarlingJune 28, 2014 at 5:13 PM

    Very lovely!!

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  72. Castles Crowns and CottagesJune 29, 2014 at 6:15 AM

    My dear Sarah, I am so thrilled to now have YOUR NAME and link on my list for the European party! I hear ya about low inspiration; I found a great quote the other day that I need to live by as a WRITER, and paraphrased it communicated that inspiration is fine, but HABIT is what keeps us going, whether you are an artist, musician, writer...just BEING there every day or however frequent your art requires. Sometimes inspiration is not there, but habit shapes us. I know you will be a great addition to the party, and your name is already on my list! Have a splendid Sunday my friend. Anita

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  73. Pura VidaJuly 1, 2014 at 11:36 AM

    Incredible images! God Bless America!

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  74. Pat @ Mille Fiori FavoritiJuly 1, 2014 at 3:49 PM

    Happy 4th of July, Sarah! Have a happy and safe holiday!

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  75. The French HutchJuly 1, 2014 at 7:13 PM

    Hi Sarah,
    Stopped in to wish you a Happy Fourth of July.......

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  76. Art and SandJuly 2, 2014 at 11:54 PM

    I've missed reading your posts. I hope everything is good with you.

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  77. AnonymousJuly 3, 2014 at 9:04 PM

    Sarah, I just love your red, white, and blue images! In my classroom, we also stressed the importance of what it means to be a good citizen of our country. So important… from a very young age! Happy 4th! ♡Dawn

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  78. a quiet lifeJuly 6, 2014 at 7:20 PM

    loved all your pics and sentiment, hope you had a wonderful 4th, so foggy here we couldn't see our own flag 50 feet away!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you to each of you who take the time to leave a comment. I read and appreciate each and every one and will respond to any questions. Your notes are the only way I know who has stopped in for a visit.