It’s one of those holidays that mean something other than it’s actual purpose.  This weekend is usually the kickoff to summer instead of it actually being about remembrance.

I’m not a history expert, nor do I know much about diplomatic or democratic issues.  What I do know is that millions of people and their families have sacrificed more than I can fathom in the name of freedom.

For me, there are fewer freedoms more precious than creative freedom.  Memorial weekend is a hard time to really grasp history and what has been given, gifts that I have always been given. It’s not political, it’s just trying to appreciate and understand ordinary people who have had extraordinary courage and families who endured extraordinary grief.

These photos were taken this afternoon as I took a long stroll around a beautiful spring day.  In these small specks of simplicity, there lies tremendous beauty around us each day, each moment.  Taking a few moments to genuinely love the ability to walk, think, speak, act and exist in a creative freedom is all I could do this Memorial holiday.

Here’s to the grace and beauty of everyday mindfulness and gratitude.