Independence Day

Besides, spending time on Twitter. . . it went something like this.

1. It rained in Tucson.

2. Even though it rained, it was still hot, so we headed out for a giant snow cone at the skate park.

3. Trying to dress all patriotic.

4. Lauren's amazing fruit pizza (yes, I kept the leftovers and will be eating it today).

5. Lauren and I waiting for the fireworks to start.

6. Fireworks in Tubac, Arizona.

What a Happy Fourth! 

Made In America

It all started with a "tweet." Yes, a twitter tweet.

I'm really not a big fan of twitter, with only being able to express yourself in a total of 140 characters.

Yet, with applications such as Instagram, it makes it that much better.

I found the picture below taken by my friend Justin Hackworth and had to laugh. I don't know how many conversations I've recently had about how too many things are made in China, including this flag.

Photo by Justin Hackworth

Justin's explanation: "Ironic." Yes, isn't it ironic that something representing our nation is made in China. Then I thought about this series that ABC World News has been running for awhile now called, "Made in America." It's about all sorts of products made right at home and where we can find them. I included David Muir in the tweet to see what he thought and he obviously liked it. 

Apparently, from the tweet to David Muir, phone calls were made and an interview happened. I then found myself with a Twitter message from Justin saying that his pictures made the news. Awesome.

This is the story that came out of it. Well done, David. 

For once, I felt that what I'm learning in my New Media Journalism Master's degree is paying off. Now if only I could find an internship so I can do what David does everyday. 
The day ended with this phrase from Justin, "Twitter is funny." Twitter surprised all of us.

The Fourth of July

source found on Pinterest

Last Sunday, I was asked to play the organ.

I was completely nervous especially when it came time to play our nation's anthem. The song has four flats with difficult lower foot pedals. I was worried that my fingers wouldn't play the right notes and that my feet would go numb.

Lucky for me, ease set in once I started the introduction and everyone stood up.

The words began to sink in, "Oh say, can you see. . ."

My mind then wandered to my grandfather. As young photo journalist, he had a dream. That dream was to take his family to America and to leave everything behind they had in the Philippines in search for a better life. As a single dad, I can't imagine that this was an easy task.

With four daughters in tow, he managed to get their paperwork in order and moved to California. He saw a dream and grasped it, making it a reality.

My mom and her sisters tell me that they are forever blessed that he brought them to this country. I will always be indebted to him for making that sacrifice. From making his dream come true, he has helped me make my dreams come true because I live in a nation of opportunity.

I think he would be proud to know that I am following in his footsteps as a journalist.

We are so blessed and lucky to have freedom. 

"Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, and this be our motto: "In God is our trust!" and the star spangled banner in triumph shall wave; o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"


Today is more than just a holiday, it means living the dream and having the freedom to live that dream. All the while, trusting in God to make it happen. Things will work out. They always do. 


God bless America.