Red, White and Blue…and Freedom, Love and Peace


Once again it took me longer than expected to get back here.  I’ve been in a slump…thinking and worrying about all the terrible things that have been going on…tornadoes in Oklahoma, terrorism domestically and overseas and, basically, the injustices that have been occurring seemingly everywhere.  There is no doubt that we live in tough times.  I am grateful that for the moment my family and I and our loved ones are okay, but I still feel very weighted down by all that’s been happening around us (sometimes I’m too sensitive for my own good).  Sometimes feelings of compassion can be overwhelming…but I’ve been working on trying to see the bright spots in spite of all of this.

And speaking of bright spots, this past Memorial Day our family went into Boston for some leisure and simple togetherness.  We went to Quincy Market to window shop and people watch.  While we were there we saw some very talented street performers who gave us extra reasons to smile.

Our flag with blazing colors of red, white and blue was at center stage.  Seeing this made me feel proud and patriotic.

On that same day we also went to nearby North End for some Italian food treats.  While strolling around I happen to spot some more red, white and blue.  I love that this old neighborhood still hangs on to the traditional.

The flag below says it well –  it reads peace and freedom to me…which is something I’m pretty sure we all want and need.

And here’s a tranquil scene, graced by a single flying flag.

Sometimes a single statement is enough…like this one big, white star, which serves as a beacon of hope (the center piece at a place of worship in the North End neighborhood).

And speaking of stars, here are my own two (Bill and Brook are my very own personal beacons of hope).  I took this photo of them while we were at our favorite seafood shack in Maine a couple of weekends prior.  BTW, it was purely by accident that Bill and Brook matched the red, white and blue surroundings.

Switching gears a bit…I only recently felt up to looking through my photographs from Hong Kong.  This took me a while since I’ve been afraid of facing these photos (my emotions are still fragile as I’ve been processing the passing of my father).  I know this is normal and I know to give it time…yet it’s still very hard.

Okay, back to the photos.  As you’ll notice in the photos below, I’ve chosen ones that have colors of red, white and blue.  I love that signs of freedom (in our culture) are across the world…showing up in unexpected ways and places…

…hanging from above…

…stacked up in neat piles…

…and near the ground and underfoot.

Red cabs grabbed my eye as we sped by in our own taxi.

And I love that there were blue ones two, also speeding by (behind Brook and me).

Life speeds by. Some things we can control and some things we can’t…this is life.  And in this life we need freedom.  We need freedom to work, play, create…and love.  And through love everyone can be healed, happy, united and in peace.

Wishing you all freedom, love and overall peace.  May you feel it everywhere you go (and also within).



12 Comments, Comment or Ping

  1. Melissa S.

    I am praying peace for your troubled heart, my friend. John 14:27 Love to you!

    June 3rd, 2013

  2. good to see you posting again – I´ve missed you!

    June 3rd, 2013

  3. Jeanette in Illinois

    Becky, My heart was happy as I saw your new post and yet heavy at the same time knowing what you have been experiecing…
    Sending you peace and love from my heart to yours. Know we are here for each other in spirit, in voice and in heart.
    Wishing you a lightened heart filled with blissful serenity, peace in surrendering to your compassionate soul and kindred creative love to open yourself up to divine inspiration – as you express yourself so beautifully…
    Hugs,
    Jeanette

    June 4th, 2013

  4. Becky,

    Like you, all the horrendous crimes of recent are taking their toll on my energy, so I decided not to listen to the news for a while. Hearing negative reports night after night wears me down. I don’t need or want a blow by blow of every horrible crime that occurs.

    Thank you for reminding people of what that magnificent red, white and blue color combination represents in this country. A month doesn’t pass that we don’t hear of some community in this wonderful nation where someone is fighting to keep their flag erected. I now live in the Boston area, but am originally from western Canada. Sadly, Canadian’s do not have the same patriotism of our southern neighbors. Rarely do you see a Canadian flag on a front porch.

    Many thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts and photos,

    JoJo

    June 4th, 2013

  5. Jani Howe

    Becky, Colin and I were only discussing all this upheaval in the world, and our own U.S. share, in all the natural disasters we have lately suffered, just on Sunday after tea. It’s been on our minds, as well, lately. Maybe because there is so much of it, I don’t know. I said to Colin, do you think maybe God is trying to give us a message? One must say it is very odd, indeed, that we seem to be singled out.
    I am so glad there are many good people in the world, as seen from the response to these disasters. People opening their hearts and giving all they can to help. My prayer is that more of the ‘good’ will begin to surface. Soon! Maybe for the same reason as above, this year’s Memorial Day seemed very touching to me.
    Let us all work toward, and pray for, some peace in our world.

    June 4th, 2013

  6. Thanks for sharing your stories, thoughts and comments and encouragement. I always gain so much from hearing from you wonderful ladies, thank you.

    June 4th, 2013

  7. Freedom is not free. The price is often too exorbitant however we fight on. Red White and Blue is a sign of our freedom we enjoy every day. Your post is very poignant and I read every word several times over. It gives me much thought for what I have and how thankful I am. I really appreciate your words and sharing of photos to tell your story. Peace and Love to you dear…

    June 5th, 2013

  8. “The world is too much with us, late and soon”
    I think of those words often, when I get feeling a little overwhelmed with it all.
    I understand so well what you mean about feeling a compassion that is almost too much at times – a gift always, and a curse on occasion…
    I remember trying to explain the overwhelming sadness I felt descend on me when the Gulf War began… how do you tell someone you just feel so very sad for the world without sounding like you’re crazy?
    The red, white and blue can be a powerful guiding symbol that steadies and comforts and the imagery you chose to convey that is wonderful Becky. The USA is a great country with far more amazing and wonderful people than anything else, and that has been demonstrated over and over again. Freedom, love and peace may all be absolutes, and not easy to attain but I believe even the smallest amounts can mean so much, and a little will often lead to more, building and building….

    June 6th, 2013

  9. ann marie

    Oh my goodness, so many things hit home on this post. I’ve been feeling quite sensitive myself as to all that has gone wrong in the world. It’s so out of control, everyone is just out of control.
    But it made me smile to see the barber pole — my parents were both barbers and I remember that pole from a very little girl and it made me happy to see it again.
    And it made me smile to see you and Brook, very lovely photo.
    All we can do is keep on keeping on and spreading the good quietly and patiently, right?
    Sending good vibes ….

    June 6th, 2013

  10. Thank you all for sharing your insight…it’s always good to get your perspectives, thank you.

    June 7th, 2013

  11. Wonderful photos! Brook is getting tall 😀 Everyone looks lovely and I love your photos, the colors, the hope!

    We have to look for the good daily-not always easy, but our spirits need to embrace it~ (((hugs)))

    June 7th, 2013

  12. Linda K

    I agree that sometimes all the tragedies and injustices can bring one heartache and low energy. And it’s OK to feel it. But then you need to let it go and take that energy to a higher level. I love how you collected such a variety of photos into the red white and blue theme. Love the shots of you and your family. Brook is really growing up. Oh, and I love her heart shaped shades 🙂 Love and peace to you and yours.

    June 7th, 2013

Reply to “Red, White and Blue…and Freedom, Love and Peace”