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“We on this continent should never forget that men first crossed the Atlantic not to find soil for their ploughs, but to secure liberty for their souls.” – Robert J. McCracken
Your doorstep is just a click away, We’ll get together one of these days. And the division widens: How can you be as nice as me, You’re not from the same slice as me, Where do we go from here my friend, Is this the way our story ends. Independence. Freedom.
The Fourth of July brings images of fireworks, parades, backyard barbecues, and getting out on the lake. But I find it hard to picture Benjamin Franklin sitting at a picnic table eating a hot dog or George Washington skiing behind a speed boat.
Those words were deeply rooted into our history when the founders broke the chains of British rule.
If brought back for a day, what would our Founding Fathers think about how we celebrate our nation’s liberty? Bear with me; this isn’t political commentary. It’s just a short chat about our journey of freedom and independence in America. Is it possible we’ve become too independent, which evolved into too self-centered? John Ondrasik, the singer for the band Five for Fighting, wrote a song called “Slice.” The song compares music and life — and reflects on how all of us are tiny slices of a great big American pie. There was a time a long long time ago, Chevys and levees played on the radio, No cell phones just twenty thousand lights, Swayin’ on a Saturday night, alright. The song ponders a simpler time when we swayed together with a similar sense of community. He continues: Hey man sing me a song, When we were everyone, We were more than just a slice, Of American Pie. When I hear “ When we were everyone, ” I visualize people together in harmony. But then comes the division:
Blood spilled for the right to self-govern, freedom of expression, and the pursuit of happiness. Individual freedoms were the driving force behind the revolution, and what’s more independent than building the American dream through hard work, talent, and determination, regardless of your background or circumstances? But part of freedom and independence must extend beyond the individual to the collective well-being of our nation. And it’s that common thread, that unity, we seem to have lost. The song “Slice” ends with the hope that we are more than just an individual slice of America and that we can come together and merge our tiny wedges into the massive American pie that is our country:
I can’t stop singin’ along, Can you join in, come on, Are we more than just a slice, Of American pie?
How do we become more united and bond as Americans? How do we get back to some measure of civility and cooperative spirit? I hope we can do that little by little, slice by slice. I wish I had all the answers, but I don’t. The best I can do is leave you with a fitting quote by Gerald Stanley Lee: “ America is a tune. It must be sung together. ” Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy Independence Day.
Have you read my blog today, Three hundred million little USA’s,
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An Unconventional ‘Bacon’ of Hope
THE STORY OF THE DANISH PROTEST PIG
In the 19th century, Denmark and Prussia couldn’t agree on where to draw their border. Both countries refused to concede or couldn’t reach an agreement on which country would ultimately control Southern Jutland, which today is Germany’s northernmost state called Schleswig-Holstein. This refusal to compromise ultimately led to war, and in 1848, Denmark won control. However, their victory was short-lived, as roughly a decade later, the Second Schleswig War was underway. This time, though, Prussia was victorious. After their victory, the Prussian authorities slowly began to move into the peninsula, implementing new laws over the Danes living there. These new laws prohibited anything Danish, including all uses of the Danish flag. Needless to say, the Danes were not happy — especially the farmers. These Danish farmers knew they had to protest this oppressive Prussian government, but they couldn’t just publicly wave the Danish flag. So, they got crafty. Danish farmers began to crossbreed their pigs to create a new breed, one that had the same markings as the Danish flag. These
pigs were red in color, with one white vertical stripe and one white horizontal stripe. The farmers named their new
pigs Protestschwein, or the Danish Protest Pig.
This protest pig quickly became the mascot of Danish cultural
independence, and their efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Prussian authorities. In 1881, a local Prussian police station sent communications back to the government in Berlin that farmers were breeding strange-looking pigs. However, while they could not prove that farmers were knowingly breeding the pigs to look like the Danish flag, “it was believed that the farmers were well aware of this and that this pig represented an affront to the Prussians,” according to records from the Red Holstein Breeders Association. Today, the Danish Protest Pig is recognized as its own breed but has a different name: the Husum Red Pied. And, the now-German state of Schleswig-Holstein supports the protection of this pig due to the cultural significance it offered its Danish ancestors so many years ago.
Well, Michigan, summer is here, and the weather has finally warmed up enough to enjoy some fun in the sun and time outdoors with family and friends! If you have free space on your calendar, here are some great events to consider penciling in! Local Events You Don’t Want to Miss
fabulous vendors are coming together to put on a great show. There will also be live music, crafts,
activities for the kids, and various food and beverages. There’s something for everyone!
Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair
From July 27-29, Sterlingfest will feature live music, children’s events, carnival rides, an art fair, food and
Fowlerville Family Fair This week-long fair has some
drinks, and a 5K race, all held at the City of Sterling Heights campus! There are three stages featuring some great musicians all day, every day! This three-day event will be one for the books. Shelby Township Art Fair If you love arts and crafts or just admire others’ creativity, the Shelby Township Art Fair is a great way to spend an afternoon. On August 12 and 13 at Riverbend Park, many
great events and entertainment. From July 24-28, there will be everything
from rodeo-style bull riding to a WWE-inspired wrestling match and even a demolition derby! You can enjoy rides, arts and crafts, a farmers market, livestock, live music, food and drinks, and attractions. If you’re into outdoor activities, there’s something for you. You’ll love the farm and tractor exhibit if you enjoy equestrian activities. Tickets are $5 per person, but kids get in free on Wednesday, July 26. If you are a veteran, active military, fire, EMS, or police, your admission is free on Saturday, July 29!
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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
According to Harvard Health, self-compassion helps minimize the risk of depression and anxiety while improving your health and wellness, too! On July 3, we celebrate Compliment Your Mirror Day, which reminds us of the importance of loving ourselves and being happy with the person we work so hard to be. Some people are better at loving themselves than others, but thankfully, it’s a trait that, if practiced enough, is learnable. To bring self-compassion into your life or to increase the love you show yourself, here are a few tips to practice daily. Practice positive self-talk. Yes, talk to yourself! Your inner voice is a non-stop monologue, and when regularly practiced, positive self-talk can help to increase your happiness, reduce stress and anxiety, improve your confidence, and motivate you toward success. Take care of your body. Eat something comforting and healthy, take a warm bath, exercise, or get a massage. Caring for your physical well-being is key. If you are overtired, lack nutrition or hydration, or feel cramped and sore, you can begin thinking negatively about yourself. Compliment your mirror. A positive self-image is proven to improve your relationships with others, increase your health, and increase your chances of success. Don’t just accept your body, features, and individual beauty; embrace them! Be mindful of yourself. Have you ever lost your temper with yourself? By being mindful, you become more self-aware of your stressors, triggers, and emotions. By learning how to help yourself relax and navigate difficult situations, you can avoid painful and challenging responses. The Benefits of Self-Compassion
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Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com.
• Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law
Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We have grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside the field of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
In today’s world, it’s way too easy to be hard on yourself! Show yourself kindness and practice self-compassion — it won’t disappoint!
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What’s Inside? 1 2 The Swine That Dared to Defy ‘Slice’ Is About More Than Pie
Don’t Miss These Local Events!
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Be Kind to Yourself
Helpful Resources
Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss
Find the Perfect Beach Rental
One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip. Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation. Size Matters How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small, a condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. Location, Location, Location You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand
view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants. The Extras You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
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