Monday, May 26, 2014

Red, White and Chambray | Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!  This holiday is a lot more meaningful than Sam getting the day off. Don't get me wrong, I love the fact that he gets a paid holiday... any extra time with him is appreciated (especially with as much as he's been traveling for work lately) but the holiday is much more than that. It's a day to be grateful--to reflect on what we have, and why we have it. From those who have gone before us, to those who are currently making sacrifices to make this life as we know it possible... they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. America may not be perfect. We have our fair share of problems to work through. Yet, the fact that I live in a country that enjoys and protects a degree of freedom that many throughout the history of this world could only have dreamed of, is not lost on me. I can get on this little blog of mine, and shout my ideas and opinions all day long if I so desire. Me. A member of a religion born in obscurity and protected by the freedoms promised by the constitution--a true homegrown, American undertaking (and one that, I'm convinced, could not have survived anywhere else). Me. A woman--educated, empowered, encouraged even to do and say as I please.  These are not a trifle things. Peering through the lens of history (and sadly some contemporary events as well) the rights that I enjoy are made that much more impressive.

As a social studies major in college I took my fair share of history classes that emphasized the negative in American history and politics. Yet, despite the shortcomings, there has always been a silver lining--a desire to improve, to move forward, and to stay true to the principles this country was founded on. We may not always agree on the best ways to implement the American dream, or what that even means--but I'm glad for the opportunity to disagree. Democracy, freedom... it can be a messy business letting everyone have a voice, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I am proud to be an American--proud of my heritage, and proud of our potential. And, along with my love of country, comes a deep and profound respect for those who have made very real, often heartbreaking sacrifices to protect it. I owe much to the men and women who have fought--even died--to protect that freedoms I enjoy every day. 

...like (but not limited to of course) the ability to talk about fashion and photography. This is my first pair of Buffalo brand jeans, and I'm in love. I've been looking for a good pair of distressed, lighter washed jeans to wear this summer, and these are perfect. I love the fit, feel, and look of them--almost the definition of a boyfriend jean, but skinny rather than a relaxed fit (which I prefer). Additionally from this post, my red and white checkered shirt is my attempt at being festive. At Sam's suggestion I paired it with my straw fedora hat I got earlier this spring. Klair went to bed a little early last night, so Sam and I had some fun taking a few fun/creative photos in our yard. Don't worry though, there will be an overload of Klair pictures once we get them uploaded. She's pretty darn cute in her little holiday outfit, if I do say so myself!

Happy Memorial Day!
 I hope you all have a beautiful day filled with lots of love and laughter. 

Jeans | Shirt (similar) | Hat (similar) | Shoes 

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