In A Vase On Monday

Happy Independence Day to my U.S. friends!  To begin this day each year, it has become my tradition to read the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  In light of the political gong show that is currently taking place and before the hubbub of freedom fairs, parades, picnics, air shows, and fireworks,  it's nice to enjoy a quiet moment in the morning before anyone else is awake, the dogs still softly snoring, to read and contemplate.

Today's In A Vase just happened as these things sometimes do while I was working in the garden and found a fallen begonia bloom, to lovely to let wither so quickly, and threw it on the water of a bird bath.  The birds don't seem to mind.   It's not red, white, and blue and it doesn't scream independence but like the reading of the documents, it's quiet and reflective.

How quickly the bloom  goes to seed, the plant itself withers and dies but the solid rock, the foundation remains from year to year. “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.”  If you are a U.S. citizen, I invite you to join me in my tradition of reading these charters of freedom, the foundation of our country,  each year.

 In A Vase on Monday is hosted by Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.  Click here to see her arrangement today and to find links to those of other participating bloggers.