Greetings, guys, and Happy Fourth of July. OK, the Fourth is actually tomorrow, but we're closed then, so I'll do it today. Are any of you going to see some good fireworks? Where will you go? Where are the best fireworks in your area?
We're celebrating our independence this weekend, not only from England but from all forms of tyranny and oppression. Sure, our country's not perfect, but we have a lot of freedoms that many places in world don't. One of them is the right to read. Dictators don't like it when their people can read and are free to read. It undermines their ability to oppress.
Frederick Douglas certainly knew it. He told a story about how his master's wife started teaching him to read. The master made her stop because reading would make "unfit" to be a slave. He'd learn new things and become "unsatisfied" with his life. And it was true. Frederick Douglas continued to learn anyway, eventually found his freedom, and became a nationally-famous speaker against slavery. READING IS IMPORTANT, GUYS! Don't ever forget it.Enough talk--let's put this into practice. Here are a couple of really good books for the Fourth or any time:
DK Eyewitness Books--American Revolution
The cover says, "Discover how a few brave patriots battled a great empire." It's true. The American Revolution was an amazing story--a nation of farmers and shopkeepers, a country that was just a strip of land between the mountains and the sea, took on and beat the greatest military power in the world. Of course, we had some help with people like LaFayette and countries like France, but, still, we came awfully close to losing and it's amazing that we won. This book, like all the DK Eyewitness books, gives you lots of good pictures, interesting facts, and makes a good introduction to this fascinating story.The Journey of the One and Only Declaration of Independence by Judith St. George
What a story!! Can you believe we still have the original Declaration? A piece of parchment over 200 years old? It's amazing to think of that--especially when I often can't find the piece of paper I printed 30 minutes ago! The original document of the Declaration of Independence is on display in Washington D. C. but it went through a lot to get there--it had to sneaked away from the British (twice!!), shrank in the hot and humid Washington summers, endured years of chimney and cigar smoke, and was both neglected and fought over many times before finding a place in its permanent display. This book told me a very exciting story that I never knew about. Judith St. George (who wrote the award-winning book So You Want to Be President?) for making history come alive and interesting and fun to read. And Will Hillenbrand's great illustrations really add to the story.
What a story!! Can you believe we still have the original Declaration? A piece of parchment over 200 years old? It's amazing to think of that--especially when I often can't find the piece of paper I printed 30 minutes ago! The original document of the Declaration of Independence is on display in Washington D. C. but it went through a lot to get there--it had to sneaked away from the British (twice!!), shrank in the hot and humid Washington summers, endured years of chimney and cigar smoke, and was both neglected and fought over many times before finding a place in its permanent display. This book told me a very exciting story that I never knew about. Judith St. George (who wrote the award-winning book So You Want to Be President?) for making history come alive and interesting and fun to read. And Will Hillenbrand's great illustrations really add to the story.Enjoy the weekend. Liberty forever!
Carl and Bill
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very sweet, very pretty!
muy dulce, muy lindo!
greeting Ro
Hi Kathleen,
I have tagged you with the Peace Meme...please see my blog for details...
hugs
Gorgeous! It's true, I couldn't get by without my pets. (Thanks for stopping by Dad's blog, you're the best!)
Awww. Great illustration. Very nicely done. I want a dog now more than ever.
Oh so sweet. I just had to turn around and hug my dog!
I have to turn right around and give my dog, Jasper a big hug. Very sweet drawing.
As I write this, my dog is lying next to me, her head leaning against my arm. I can feel her warmth, her breathing, and it makes me so very happy.
This is BEAUTIFUL, Kate, thank you so much for sharing it with all of us!
Very nice idea. I have a cat who acts like a dog and she is the best. I like how you made the dog and the character into a circular composition; it makes them seem close and loving.
This is perfect!
ohh this is so cute. i luv the simplicity and the thought behind it.. 8)
this lovely drawing says more than a thousand words !
That's a real warm illustration Kate. It has a very gentle appearance. Thethings you listed below are glorious too!
adorable!
hey, and those of you who have no pet to hug, i still have two puppies left to find homes for! heheh... :)
xoxox
teri
yes indeed! you are so right and it is well conveyed in your charming drawing! I spend every day with my doggy!
Kate,
It's a full-time job for you just to read your comments! You are rich with friends and supporters. Love this post.
What a sweet scene, great dog illustration.
Hi Kate! So cute. Hope you had a great Valentine's Day.
Hi Kathleen!!!
nice to hear from you...hope all is well...drop me a line and let me know what fun projects you have on the go!!! and how is your art class going?
Cheers,
Diana
so sweet!
You know how I feel about dogs! Dogs are air that we breathe! Such a sweet, loving drawing that captures that love we feel.
Tender and lovely!
This is so adorable. I love it, so moody and well-conceived!!
Nice work Kate. It is a very lovely drawing.
That is the cutest little dog I've seen in a long time! Holy cow!
I am so with you on that theory. My kitties changed my life. I became a happier person the day Joey came into my life, and all three of them make me laugh every single day.
gorgeous.