In for Wendy today is...

I'd like to thank the academy. Just being nominated is truly an honor. I can't tell you what this prestigious award means to me. Oh, wait, that is a speech for another occasion. I am honestly flattered that Wendy thought to ask me to "guest blog" for her while she is visiting the Happiest Place on Earth!

This being the Fourth of July, something must be said about how much I love America. I don't say it often enough, but there is no where else I wold rather live! I have traveled abroad a bit and while I am regularly dazzled by the other places I visit, there is nothing to match the feeling of "coming home" to America. (Even when the point of entry is LAX.) You just feel something when you have been away and then return to the place you love as much as I love America.

That said, I thought I would just share a few things that I love about America with all of you, Wendy's dear readers (whom she assured me would probably not read the blog all weekend).

A--Advantages are ours here to achieve our dreams, yet these are determined by ourselves alone. There is only pressure from within to excel or fall aside.

M--Many Patriots devoted to service to their country, from the early revolutionary soldiers to our friends neighbors and brothers-in-law that are serving today in Iraq and Afghanistan.

E--Education was an important enough virtue in the colonial days that a "free public education" became an ideal we are still working toward.

R--Riches, not only in the monetary connotation, are here for those who are willing to work hard and persevere.

I--Independence from tyranny and despotism and freedom to govern ourselves, with the responsibility to match.

C--Our Creator's Provident Blessings are laid upon this land to equal our obedience to Him.

A--All have been welcomed, as the poem engraved at the Statue of Liberty: "...Give me your tired, your poor,Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Have a marvelous Independence Day with friends and family and fellow Americans. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful, promised land. Thanks for letting me share few thoughts today! Happy 4th of July! And, Wendy--have a great time and safe trip home!