I have spent some time considering freedom today... perhaps a little differently than I have in the past. I realize that I am so incredibly blessed to live the life I do. I do not worry about my life and I am able to worship how I see fit. The modern-day conveniences that surround us are abundant and, I admit, taken for granted.
There has been a lot of struggle and suffering for the life I live today, and it all began with the inspired words of Thomas Jefferson, 185 years ago. The famous, elegant words that began the began the American experiment that changed the course of world history.
"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, ...We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
I have found a rare video of Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers as they were drawing up the document. And I have decided to share it with all of you!
Its a little silly and outright bizarre at the end, but it made me giggle a little. Honestly, the historian in me did curl up inside and cringe while watching this.. but for some reason I love this video. For more information about the group that did this you can go here.
In all seriousness, to the men we call our "Founding Fathers" I give my thanks, for the sacrifices and genius you invested into this magnificent country. To the men and women since 1776 who have served to make this country better, safe, and free, thank you! And to a loving God who saw fit to create this "Land of the Free and Home of the Brave" and institute a government led for the people, by the people, I wish to also publicly express my thanks.
I stand for the flag of the United States, I believe that "in God we trust", and I believe that "united we stand, divided we fall." Celebrate Independence Day and never forget the marvelous blessing it is to live in the United States of America.
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
*sigh* My heart doth flutter with the thought...
One of my more labor intensive classes this semester (and reason for most of my homework and tests) is the "fun" one I chose to take this semester. Yes, it does fulfill a requirement, and it is possibly on of my favorite classes I have taken. History of Apparel. *sigh* For any who know me, the name of the class alone speaks volumes about my personality.
How can a class be get any better than the professors introduction that she love to re-enact? Upon discovering the re-enacting in your past, we instantly found a connection... she is currently getting me the information of the group she re-enacts with and I am rather excited. Another plus is that there are only 15 girls in the class... which makes for a fun time...
Just when you thought it couldn't get better... it does.. (I know you are all sitting at the edge of your seats!) We spend lecture going over slides and pictures so that we can understand the history behind fashions, and memorize the endless terms for different parts of clothing. Sounds fun, no?
We spent one lecture while studying ancient middle eastern fashions of wrapping (Egypt, Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman) with bed sheets. We were practicing the different wrapping techniques of these great ancient civilizations... then we had a mini fashion show... did you know the roman togas wrapped in a way to create two pockets?! I didn't until it was on me... :)
I am totally loving this "pumpkin" brays look... :)We have made it through the middle ages of Europe when it is considered that fashion really started... and now through the American Revolution... which brings us to my personal favorite period... the 19th century! *girlish giggle* With each picture I want a new dress... the Romantic era is to die for... the Crinoline period is the one I have lived in... and we are about to enter into the bustle period next week. :D
During the very first class our professor told us about the historical clothing collection that BYU has. Its basically made up of historical originals for the students to study the construction and techniques used historically. She told us that one day this semester we might be able to go down there... (she also mentioned that there is an original Union jacket and cap from the Civil War... which of course made me weak in the knees)
Now for my favorite parts... The other day she brought up one of the original dresses that dated back to the 1840s. I washed my hands and was able to touch the fabric and look at the lining, stitching, and... everything. It was absolutely plain but the fabric was extremely light and airy... much more so than today's cotton... I now more fully understand the need for multiple petticoats as their dresses were rather see-through...
Then, to make things even better, she brought her copies of the Godey's Lady's Book (1842), and Peterson's Lady's magazine (1865)... original fashion magazines of the time... their pages so fragile, the fashion plates still in tact... the stories worded so eloquently... I was tempted, oh so tempted, to just... borrow it for a while to read all the way through it... but alas, my conscious won out.
So there you go, a positively excited post regarding my most passionate subject in life...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Back in Time...
The spell of adventureless days seems to be fading into history... ironically that is exactly what broke our boringness spell... history, I mean...
It is also time to bring my boy back into the story of my life... no don't worry, he didn't go anywhere. (We are going to school and sometimes that takes precedence over adventuring and fun... *sigh*) With the end of the semester coming up in a few weeks the light at the end of the tunnel is almost upon us! Unfortunately, no one told the Utah weather man... whoever is in charge of the weather is not aware that we have officially crossed the threshold into spring... pleas make up your mind! (and make it up on the warm idea...)
Today was a beautiful day and started very early for Bryce and I. Bryce called me at 6:50 in the morning to make sure I was up and getting ready to leave our apartments by 7:00 (and yes this is in the AM, for those of you who don't think college students don't know what AM is... we've read about it...) You see, time travel must start early if you are going to make it back to the 19th century... *sigh* OK, so we drove up to Salt Lake because the Living History Conference was scheduled to start with Breakfast at 8:00.
The Keynote speaker that started off the conference is the dean of history at Weber state. His latest book published is a biography of one of the most interesting characters I have heard about in the history of the Mormon church and Utah... He is right up there with Brigham Young, and Rockwell Porter... even J. Golden Kimball could keep his company. :) But I was very impressed by his story and I wish to share a little about him for those who actually care to read my randomness... This man's name was Jedediah Grant. He was converted in Europe and came over to the US with his family. At age 15 he served a 10 year mission through the eastern and southern states. When he came back to Ohio he married his childhood sweetheart and began the move to the Salt Lake valley. His baby girl died and was buried next to the trail, then his wife died... she made him promise to bury her and the baby in the valley. He drove back to find the baby but she had been found by the wolves, so failed to keep his second promise. (His wife is buried in the cemetery at This is the Place Heritage Park now...) When he got to the valley he was elected the first mayor of Salt Lake City and soon thereafter was called to be the second councilor in the first presidency under Brigham Young. This man had the opinion that being a Mormon was an all or nothing commitment. He was the key player in the "Mormon Reformation of 1856." This reformation started the second councilor "Jeddy Grant" traveled up to Layton where he met a congregation that he felt was spiritually dead. So, naturally... he stood up at the pulpit and told them that they had all just been excommunicated. He then said "if you are going to repent and become a good Mormon, then follow me down to the millpond and I'll baptize you back in." It worked... and Grant did it for multiple congregations all over Utah. Brother Brigham just shook his head and agreed to let him do it. I really want to read this book, it sounds so interesting. (It might be coming up on goodreads sometime soon... ;D )
It kinda makes you stop to wonder though doesn't it? I mean, would I be excommunicated if Grant came to me? Am I spiritually asleep and comfortable enough... am I in it with my all or just what comes easily? I hope I will at least be re-baptized... ;)
After that the man from the Gold rush taught a class on the 49ers and their impact on people in Utah. Did you know that Salt Lake City raked in 1/2 a million dollars in the year of 49... or 50... I can't quite remember... the point being, everyone was filthy rich... except who? the church members. Brigham Young didn't like the traders that set up shop in Salt Lake and didn't believe that it was right for the church to get involved. So the Church was experiencing hard times financially but the people benefited from the abundant economy. Yet another interesting fact... :)
I learned how to garden and how to irrigate. I have the pioneer tips and pointers, where and how far to plant your plants, how deep, and how to work the water, etc. My favorite part of my classes was the "Tea Parties and Military Wives" class. Bryce naturally went to learn about Military Drilling in the Civil War, while I attended this class... :D But I got to attend my first real tea party! It was quite the first experience for me. All the ladies at the table with me were also having a first time, so none of us really knew what we were doing. The hostess brewed 3 loose teas (mango, cherry vanilla, and a black current), also some raspberry tea bags were set out (technically the tea bags weren't invented until 1910...), and there was also hot cocoa and a punch bowl of lemonade. There were also trays upon trays of little snack-like foods... cake, crackers, strawberries, little cookies, etc. (all period). It was a delicate hour. I decided to try one of the herbal teas for the experience... Mango... it tasted like... mango water with a slice of lemon sitting in it... (which it was... ) we passed our bowl of sugar around our table about 4 times before everyone was able to get their drinks down... then we gave up and went for the lemonade... :D When I told Bryce about the food he was totally jealous and wished he had at least poked his head in... haha... that would have been a sight to behold... :D
My last class of the day was Millinery (hat making). I have been inspired to try out a project this year that has to do with seamstressing... I am no good at it, and I think it will be fun to try something that can be turned into a good sill.
With that the conference was over but Bryce and I had stuff to talk about all the way home and have come back to it every so often since. It was a really amazing experience for me and I am glad that we went. Isn't history just amazing? There is something for everyone to be found. It doesn't matter what your hobbies are, there is a history of it. If you know where to look you can find a great, educational experience that you will remember for a good long time. (*hint hint* This is the Place is a great place to experience this... ;D )
Anyway, in all fairness in warning... the historical information will start to be a regular occurrence around this blog... My job is looming ever nearer and excitement for it is growing exponentially. (woah... college word there... sorry, it just slipped out!) Sorry that my posts are so stinking long... just ignore the middle part and pretend you enjoyed it. That's just fine with me! :) Have a wonderful night and until next time!
It is also time to bring my boy back into the story of my life... no don't worry, he didn't go anywhere. (We are going to school and sometimes that takes precedence over adventuring and fun... *sigh*) With the end of the semester coming up in a few weeks the light at the end of the tunnel is almost upon us! Unfortunately, no one told the Utah weather man... whoever is in charge of the weather is not aware that we have officially crossed the threshold into spring... pleas make up your mind! (and make it up on the warm idea...)
Today was a beautiful day and started very early for Bryce and I. Bryce called me at 6:50 in the morning to make sure I was up and getting ready to leave our apartments by 7:00 (and yes this is in the AM, for those of you who don't think college students don't know what AM is... we've read about it...) You see, time travel must start early if you are going to make it back to the 19th century... *sigh* OK, so we drove up to Salt Lake because the Living History Conference was scheduled to start with Breakfast at 8:00.
The Keynote speaker that started off the conference is the dean of history at Weber state. His latest book published is a biography of one of the most interesting characters I have heard about in the history of the Mormon church and Utah... He is right up there with Brigham Young, and Rockwell Porter... even J. Golden Kimball could keep his company. :) But I was very impressed by his story and I wish to share a little about him for those who actually care to read my randomness... This man's name was Jedediah Grant. He was converted in Europe and came over to the US with his family. At age 15 he served a 10 year mission through the eastern and southern states. When he came back to Ohio he married his childhood sweetheart and began the move to the Salt Lake valley. His baby girl died and was buried next to the trail, then his wife died... she made him promise to bury her and the baby in the valley. He drove back to find the baby but she had been found by the wolves, so failed to keep his second promise. (His wife is buried in the cemetery at This is the Place Heritage Park now...) When he got to the valley he was elected the first mayor of Salt Lake City and soon thereafter was called to be the second councilor in the first presidency under Brigham Young. This man had the opinion that being a Mormon was an all or nothing commitment. He was the key player in the "Mormon Reformation of 1856." This reformation started the second councilor "Jeddy Grant" traveled up to Layton where he met a congregation that he felt was spiritually dead. So, naturally... he stood up at the pulpit and told them that they had all just been excommunicated. He then said "if you are going to repent and become a good Mormon, then follow me down to the millpond and I'll baptize you back in." It worked... and Grant did it for multiple congregations all over Utah. Brother Brigham just shook his head and agreed to let him do it. I really want to read this book, it sounds so interesting. (It might be coming up on goodreads sometime soon... ;D )
It kinda makes you stop to wonder though doesn't it? I mean, would I be excommunicated if Grant came to me? Am I spiritually asleep and comfortable enough... am I in it with my all or just what comes easily? I hope I will at least be re-baptized... ;)
After that the man from the Gold rush taught a class on the 49ers and their impact on people in Utah. Did you know that Salt Lake City raked in 1/2 a million dollars in the year of 49... or 50... I can't quite remember... the point being, everyone was filthy rich... except who? the church members. Brigham Young didn't like the traders that set up shop in Salt Lake and didn't believe that it was right for the church to get involved. So the Church was experiencing hard times financially but the people benefited from the abundant economy. Yet another interesting fact... :)
I learned how to garden and how to irrigate. I have the pioneer tips and pointers, where and how far to plant your plants, how deep, and how to work the water, etc. My favorite part of my classes was the "Tea Parties and Military Wives" class. Bryce naturally went to learn about Military Drilling in the Civil War, while I attended this class... :D But I got to attend my first real tea party! It was quite the first experience for me. All the ladies at the table with me were also having a first time, so none of us really knew what we were doing. The hostess brewed 3 loose teas (mango, cherry vanilla, and a black current), also some raspberry tea bags were set out (technically the tea bags weren't invented until 1910...), and there was also hot cocoa and a punch bowl of lemonade. There were also trays upon trays of little snack-like foods... cake, crackers, strawberries, little cookies, etc. (all period). It was a delicate hour. I decided to try one of the herbal teas for the experience... Mango... it tasted like... mango water with a slice of lemon sitting in it... (which it was... ) we passed our bowl of sugar around our table about 4 times before everyone was able to get their drinks down... then we gave up and went for the lemonade... :D When I told Bryce about the food he was totally jealous and wished he had at least poked his head in... haha... that would have been a sight to behold... :D
My last class of the day was Millinery (hat making). I have been inspired to try out a project this year that has to do with seamstressing... I am no good at it, and I think it will be fun to try something that can be turned into a good sill.
With that the conference was over but Bryce and I had stuff to talk about all the way home and have come back to it every so often since. It was a really amazing experience for me and I am glad that we went. Isn't history just amazing? There is something for everyone to be found. It doesn't matter what your hobbies are, there is a history of it. If you know where to look you can find a great, educational experience that you will remember for a good long time. (*hint hint* This is the Place is a great place to experience this... ;D )
Anyway, in all fairness in warning... the historical information will start to be a regular occurrence around this blog... My job is looming ever nearer and excitement for it is growing exponentially. (woah... college word there... sorry, it just slipped out!) Sorry that my posts are so stinking long... just ignore the middle part and pretend you enjoyed it. That's just fine with me! :) Have a wonderful night and until next time!
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