Yesterday was July the 4th. My day was spent with family and friends. In truth the day has become another holiday of rest and retreat, but have we taught or children what the day means and stands for? Do you know why we celebrate? If you enjoyed your day of relaxation, and most of all freedom, remember what the 4th stands for, and if you don't know here are some facts to help you remember.

4th of July History & Trivia -Did You Know…

• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.
• In May, 1776, after nearly a year of trying to resolve their differences with England, the colonies sent delegates to the Second Continental Congress. Finally, in June, admitting that their efforts were hopeless; a committee was formed to compose the formal Declaration of Independence. Headed by Thomas Jefferson, the committee also included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Philip Livingston and Roger Sherman. On June 28, 1776, Thomas Jefferson presented the first draft of the declaration to Congress.
• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.
• Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

The Liberty Bell sounded from the tower of Independence Hall on July 8, 1776, summoning citizens to gather for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence by Colonel John Nixon.

June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress, looking to promote national pride and unity, adopted the national flag. “Resolved: that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.

Before cars ruled the roadway, the Fourth of July was traditionally the most miserable day of the year for horses, tormented by all the noise and by the boys and girls who threw firecrackers at them.

The first Independence Day celebration west of the Mississippi occurred at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in 1805.

On June 24, 1826, Thomas Jefferson sent a letter to Roger C. Weightman, declining an invitation to come to Washington, D.C., to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It was the last letter that Jefferson, who was gravely ill, ever wrote.

Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on Independence Day, July 4, 1826.

The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence did not sign at the same time, nor did they sign on July 4, 1776. The official event occurred on August 2, 1776, when 50 men signed it.

The names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were withheld from the public for more than six months to protect the signers. If independence had not been achieved, the treasonable act of the signers would have, by law, resulted in their deaths.

Thomas McKean was the last to sign in January, 1777.

The origin of Uncle Sam probably began in 1812, when Samuel Wilson was a meat packer who provided meat to the US Army. The meat shipments were stamped with the initials, U.S. Someone joked that the initials stood for “Uncle Sam”. This joke eventually led to the idea of Uncle Sam symbolizing the United States government.

In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday

It is that wonderful time of the year again. Most weekends that I don't have a wedding you can find me at the beach. Taking portraits, and spending time with my family. Last weekend I photographed a superb family from Lexington. I've been lucky enough to photograph them on more than one occasion, and I adore them.

If you are interested in visiting me for portraits at the beach just give me a call. I will be there this upcoming weekend and several more times in July, and August. Most of the sessions are shot in the evening around 7:00.

I think it is time for a summer freebie!

I have been so fortunate to be swamped with entirely new clients this year. My repeat clients have been equally amazing. When you "feel the love" as I have this year it makes you feel grateful, excited, and charmed by each new day. It also makes a person want to "share the love". So this is my plan.....

1. To enter, you must be a fan of Real Life Photography on facebook. (CLICK HERE)
2. Share the contest on your wall.
3. Once you have shared it leave a comment telling me who you will share your extra mini session with and why:      example: My sister would love this session because she is awesome!
4. Be sure to tell your friends to enter....maybe they will share their mini session with you.

Did you see it yesterday? Venus crossed the path of the sun and we could see it from way down here. If you missed the event (or were too scared to watch it from fear of damaging your eyes), check out the video below.

  

This event will not happen again until 105 years have passed.  If you want to partake in more celestial watching this year, we still have a few very interesting events. On August 12th you can view the PERSEID METEOR SHOWER. On November the 13th there will be a total eclipse of the sun. On December 13 & 14th grab your blankets and head outside for the GERMINID METEOR SHOWER.

Two years ago I woke the kids up and together we watched shooting stars until they were completely out of wishes. It was a great night and one I hope to have again this year. Last year the Perseid meteor shower wasn't as spectacular because of a bright moon, but this year looks promising.

Happy Wednesday-
M

Making a go at your own business is not for the faint at heart. I have been so fortunate that my hard work has turned into a business full of fun-filled days and amazing clients.

I know that some of my regular readers are just getting started with their own photography studios, clothing boutiques, design shoppes, etc. I found this today on pinterest and wanted to share it with my readers. I hope you will find inspiration in these words.

One thing they left off...... don't give up.

Happy Monday,
melissa