Sunday Snippet

The Reasons to Be Glad this Fourth Edition

This one will be short because honestly, if I don’t keep it short and sweet this weekend, I could easily get off on a rant that would serve no one but me. However, I will say that it’s been hard to feel celebratory this Fourth of July. Some things helped, though ...

PBS’s annual “A Capitol Fourth.” Watch it even if it is July 5. It will make you feel good about the United States again and give you hope. Click and watch. You’ll be glad you did.

Brandi Carlile’s version of “America the Beautiful” sung in front of the Statue of Liberty will touch your patriotic soul and again, give you hope. Click and watch--she will make your heart sing.

My author pal Anna J. Stewart’s gorgeous red, white, and blue cake. I wish I could’ve had a slice, but I’m sure those who did enjoyed it immensely! Nice, Anna!

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding at Madison Square Garden on Friday, July 3 where Paul McCartney sang and there was great joy all around. Those two just warm this little romance author’s heart.

Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty

Hugs from Grandboy, Son, and DIL, just back from a vacation in Hawaii, where they had fun wandering the Big Island, and revisiting Kona Magic Chocolate--where they make the best chocolate ever starting right from the tree! Those faces, even the very mustachioed one (the owner of Kona Magic) make me so happy.

So, yeah, stuff to celebrate, reasons to be joyful, to be glad I live in the United States of America. And I am glad, even as I’m struggling to make sense of the madness that has taken hold of our government. I have faith that the ship will right itself again and that democracy, the rule of law, and our beloved Constitution will prevail. Keep the faith, okay?

Gratitude for This Week: Kids had a good time in Hawaii. Forever Cowboy hit several bestseller lists, including #1 Western romance on Apple Books as of July 4, 2026. (It’s on sale for a short time for just 99 cents! Click the book --> for links.) My flowers are so happy and blooming. We found a new sofa we like for the cottage--can’t wait to get it! The heat is subsiding some here in the Midwest.

Stay well, keep speaking out--it is the only way we will save our democracy, always choose kindness, and most of all, mes amis, stay grateful!