4th of July

I may not be a "yankee doodle dandy" or live in the amber waves of grain, among the purple mountain majesties or near the redwood forest, but I love the 4th of July and I am celebrating by enjoying one of the oceans white with foam.

There are too many songs about America for me to pick my favorite, they all paint the landscape of the country so poetically. One summer when I was in high school I went on a teen tour all across the country. Ever since then it's become a life goal of mine to visit every state and see what makes it special, what part it plays in this incredible nation.

I was "welcome[d] to Miami" when I was 13, so I can check Florida off the list; "I love LA," having lived there for four years, so California's taken care of; and I've "walk[ed] in Memphis" and sang "Oklahoma" in Oklahoma, so I think those count too.

I truly love experiencing what each state has to offer, and New Jersey has always offered me Independence Days filled with family, bbq's, sun, and rooftop views of fireworks displays.

And speaking of, how can I even mention these iconic blasts of color without referencing Katy Perry's "Firework"? Listening to the song while actually watching fireworks couldn't be more inspiring. It captures the spirit of freedom: to be whomever you are, and to own every day just as fireworks on the 4th of July captivate audiences with their surprise and brilliance.

From the rooftop deck at the shore in New Jersey, my family and I get to watch 360 degrees fireworks over the ocean and other beaches in the surrounding area. This is one of my all-time favorite sights to see: a blank, black canvas dotted in designs that are constantly changing and creating new images. There is always a different direction to look and a new pattern popping up over someone's shoulder.

That's the secret gem of this country: there is always somewhere different to travel and see, and always something new to discover in the uniqueness of each state and person. It doesn't matter whether you prefer purple fireworks, like the mountain majesties, or amber ones, as the waves of grain. This country is a collaboration of colors woven to unite us all, and best exemplified by our "Star Spangled Banner," proudly exhibiting the red, white and blue.

Happy 4th of July!!