What a year we are in the middle of….forgive me for my lack of posting here. It’s been such a trying time and has drastically altered my photography plans. I think though on this 4th of July, we can take assurance in the hope of freedom that our forefathers had. Yes, life is complicated in the USA now, just as it was then - but that doesn't mean we throw it all away and stomp on it. This is still the greatest nation on earth. Thankfully with Disney releasing the brilliant Hamilton musical onto the streaming app, we can all be reminded of the true promise in the founding of our nation. (There’s an excellent article here that goes deeper into the topic and is written by a naturalized US citizen originally from China.) Hamilton was born disadvantaged in every way as the bastard child of a single woman, yet his life story is nothing short of astounding. This is still the land of opportunity!

I cannot get enough of John Adam’s words to his wife Abigail in a letter in July 1776 that writes about July 4th,

“I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. -- I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should [regret] it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Happy 4th my friends!!

Emily Troutman Photography