"Independence Day"

Howdy Friends,

As we ride toward another holiday weekend we’re all making plans for adventures, outings and get-togethers. I reckon a bunch of burgers, dogs and steaks will be consumed over lively chatter. Folks will set out to visit, play and sightsee. Beaches, parks and back yards will fill with laughter and fun. Holiday weekends are indeed something to dig into and enjoy.

I planned on counting the number of holiday weekends we have a year, but didn’t get to it, but I know it’s a fair number. Over the years they‘ve taken on a life of their own, chuck full of fun, family, travel, sales and adventures. They almost stand alone in their celebrity; they are, holiday weekends, celebration enough.

Whether it’s Easter, Christmas,Memorial Day, President’s Day (that one rubs me, it used to be Lincoln, then Washington’s birthdays), Columbus Day (reckon we’re in danger of losing this one), or Veterans’ Day they all kick off celebration. They all excite and energize.

So we gather to celebrate, visit and play. It is a good thing. This weekend we’ll have fireworks, parties and outings. As we should for on July 2, 1776, John Adams wrote his wife, “The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Be sure this weekend to remember that on July 4, 1776, “Independence Day,” fifty six courageous patriots declared their independence from Great Britain, creating the very foundation of our nation—to which they pledged their “Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor.”

Have a great celebration, and remember the pledge.

Gitty Up, Dutch Henry

"Simplicity, don’t overlook it ~ Motivational Monday"

Howdy Friends,

Simplicity, while often a great asset, is sometimes overlooked simply because it’s well, simple. Not everything requires deep thought, even though it may be sometimes be called for, but many things just require motivation and sometimes we discard simplicity for procrastination sake.

We’ve all been there. We need to create something, solve something, fix something and we begin with a great first thought, then stop to consider the effects of our actions, and dream up all manners of complicated intertwined reactions and cascades. We make the simple complicated.

Our world has become increasingly complicated. Everything seems to have layers upon layers, consider our TVs, phones and computers, all have dozens upon dozens of functions most of us will never understand, much less use. Our jobs and careers have layers of regulations, guidelines and rules, of course that may be necessary but, is it any wonder that we as individuals struggle with simplicity.

Simplicity, where have you gone?

Making the things in your life you indeed have control of simple, can be a powerful motivator. Eliminate the complexities, the layers, the stalls and self-doubt. Trust your gut, believe in yourself. Many times simple is best.

Gitty Up, Dutch Henry