Everyone is creative. Creativity isn’t an elusive muse, or a super power bestowed on a select few, it’s hard work, failures, and persistence. Just like we are all capable of logical thinking, we are all capable of creative thinking. And if we choose to cultivate those skills, it’s only a matter of practice. The more we play with ideas and allow our creativity (and failures) the easier it all becomes.

I spend a lot of time researching the past, usually random details. It’s hard to find specific research on exactly how folks were celebrating America’s national holiday back in the 1950s. But newspaper articles, old television shows, and those who remember, all confirm the same thing: not much has changed. (And why should it?) Back then, American families and friends celebrated this summer holiday the same way we do now, with parades, picnics, and backyard BBQs. Of course, they did it with more jello cake and we do it with bigger fireworks shows. Growing up in the northwest, our family tradition was to visit to Mt. Rainier for a 4th of July snowball fight. That’s a picnic of sorts. But whatever your celebration, I hope you enjoy the time with family and friends.