Independence is a precious, sought after, state of being, and it goes hand in hand with freedom. From the independence of country, right down to ones own personal level of independence, it has high value.
(I took pictures of flags around the RV park this morning, to put in this blog 🙂 )
From the time we are babies, we strive for it…it’s inborn. We want to feed ourselves, crawl, walk, run…run our own lives.
Nations fight for it and struggle to maintain it.
Some say it’s just an illusion. Some say it’s all about strength and power and money. From certain perspectives, those things are true, and I do understand those perspectives. It’s only tangible as long as there is strength and power to maintain it, and independence and freedom are all relative.
But in the reality of being in the present moment, I see independence and freedom coming from the Spirit. It’s a state of heart and mind that spreads into the physical world if all the other ingredients are in place, which include will and faith and attitude and strength, along with power and finances….and so many factors.
It’s always static and relative however. For instance, we won our independence from England, but in doing so we took the independence and and freedom from other people who had lived on this land for thousands of years, loved it, took care of it, and relied on it’s bounties to sustain their way of life. We left (and continue to leave) much death and destruction of people, animals, land, water and air. We call it progress. We call it civilization. Ironic.
Don’t get me wrong. I love my USofA! I’m patriotic. I get chills, and sometimes tears, when I hear our National Anthem. I fly the flag. I’m thankful for the freedom and independence of this country, and I hope it lasts awhile yet. But I’m not so patriotic that I’m blind.
Oops. I bit blurry!
I’m grateful to those who have fought in our wars, but I don’t like the killing. I have stood in some of our national cemeteries and mourned the deaths of so many thousands of lives. I have stood on battlefields, like Wounded Knee, and the tears have rolled down my face. I want there to be a better way.
All We Need Is Love. All I Am Saying Is Give Peace A Chance. Imagine….imagine all the people, living life in peace….you may say that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
Maybe you are one?
I’m grateful that living in this relatively free and independent country allows me to live the lifestyle I’ve chosen. On a personal level my own independence is crimped right now, and as I hobble along with a sore back, I grasp even deeper the importance of health and strength in the scheme of things. I see how fleeting it can be.
My friend “Kerry” (“Annabelle’s” mom) also a full-time, solo RVer, whom I recently visited in Sisters, OR has recently experienced a blow to her independence because she fell and broke her leg while working at the RV park. It was a serious break and required surgery. She’s barely walking with crutches and can’t drive for at least 6 weeks. The city RV park where she was working when it happened just gave her notice that she has to move…in one week. She does have friends and support in the area, but so far doesn’t know where she will be living. If anyone has suggestions that might help her, please mention it in the ‘comments’ section. She wants to stay in her 5th wheel and she needs hook-ups.
On a more up-beat note, I’m expecting friends Reine and Paul here later today. I met them on the Casita Forum before I ever set out on this journey. Then we met in person at the “Pine Knot Rally” in southeast Texas early in my travels. Now they are on their way up to Glacier NP and will be spending the night here right next to me. I’ll be happy to see them!
Happy 4th to you all! May we all ponder Independence and Freedom and discover what it means to our own hearts and minds.
Below are the words to the first verse of “America The Beautiful”, the 1904 version.
“O beautifull for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!”
Purple mountain majesties.
Wandering Spirit 
Thanks, just what I needed today.
Happy to be of service Badger Rick!🇺🇸
So sorry to hear of Kerry’s problem. How thoughtless of the campground to require her to move. I think often of your other moving statement in this post – about how we have taken the freedom from so many in this country to replace it with what we perceive as our right! Can’t do much about it now, but the perpetrators are (fill in the blank!).
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Hi Judie,
So hard for Kerry right now. 😔
The RV park I’m staying at is on an Indian Reservation…the Flathead Indian Reservation, and I’m thinking about it a lot. It’s their land…but it’s ALL their land. I feel conflicted…thankful to be here in this beauty, but at the same time sad and ashamed about the way it was acquired. Loving my country, but broken-hearted by the pain and sorrow and distruction of a way of life that was caused to establish it.
Exactly!
The death and destruction that has taken place in the name of independence and freedom is too much to fully fathom. Being a dreamer, like you, I also dream of world peace…but know realistically that you and I will never live to see it happen…how sad! On the brighter side…I am on my way with tow vehicle ER(Easy Rider) and FS2(Freespirit2), of course. Headed out to the Hill Country to visit youngest daughter & son-in-law for the 4th. Went through San Antonio at rush hour..wanted to scream..too much for this country girl!! Tuesday will head back to where I’ve been staying, pick up solar and generator, then head north. HAPPY DAYS!! Have a great 4th, Micky.
YAY!!!!! Pat Freespirit, your time has arrived! Yay! and Yay! and Yay! Your wings have spread. I’m so happy for you girl! Congratulations!
Thank you, Micky!! And a big Happy Birthday to you! I am now parked at a casino in Louisiana for tonight w/elec. Solar panels did not come in, but the generator did…not big enough to run ac though…bought a fan. Went in to check out the casino, and won $66.00 on a penny slot machine…whoopee.. If you were here, I’d treat you to dinner for your birthday, but guess I’ll use it for gas…. I am having a blast!!
Great to hear you are on the road Pat, and having a blast! And winning on the penny machine….gotta be a good sign! Glad you have electricity where you are to run that air conditioning for now at least. I also have a fan, besides the built in Fantastic Fan I bought a 12 volt fan. So how do you get your solar panels now?
And thank you for the birthday wishes!
Well,they are paid for, and were supposed to be shipped on June 30..so much for that. Now they say they won’t be here for 4 weeks, so I’m having them sent to a friends that I’ll be visiting later. But in spite of it all….I’m lovin’ life!!
Loved reading your post today, you really put things in a meaningful perspective. Take care of your back and please continue to be a strong example of independence to your readers. Thank you. Blessed Be.
Welcome Patti, and thank you! It’s just been a nice peaceful day so far, and I don’t know if I dare say it, but my back seems to be doing a bit better!
Your friend Kerry has some legal support for #1 her injury on the job and 2 losing her job/space because of it. Free legal help is available in Oregon.
Yes it’s covers by workmanship comp, and she is now, finally getting help paid by her insurance…shopping,not walking, cleaning…all covered. AND the city came thru and said she could stay there, but they are moving her down a few spaces. The spot didn’t have water or electric so they are putting it in! Will cover this in my next post.
Micky! It’s Saturday, and it’s YOUR BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday, girl, have a lovely day!!
Hi Maureen, thank you! Having a really nice day!