Happy Independence Day

Well-wishes from a Small Town

Dear Friends,

I was unable to get a Quarter Inch out to you yesterday, but I did want to wish you all a happy and celebratory 4th of July. The Square Inch will arrive on schedule tomorrow, but I am spending my 4th at the Festival of the Arts in Livingston, Montana, where Tara is displaying her mosaic artwork. (Note that I said “displaying” instead of “selling.” Oh well.)

The weather has been unseasonably cool for early July, even in Livingston. One goes from T-shirt to sweatshirt and then back again literally from minute to minute. The slightest cloud obscuring the sun can give you the shivers.

I did enjoy watching the Fourth of July parade in Livingston the other night, which is coinciding this year with the centennial celebration of the Livingston Rodeo—which is a huge deal around here, drawing record crowds from all over the country. Our Governor was the marshal for the rodeo. It was as American a thing as I think you can get; the good (incredible civic pride and camaraderie), the bad (some excessive partying), and the ugly (cheers for the local Pride contingent prancing down the street, blowing bubbles). Definitely an encapsulation of this glorious and troubled nation of ours.

I’ll fight culture wars another day. Today I will just give thanks for this country in which I am beyond blessed to live. Have a wonderful Independence Day!