Thank you, AMERICA!

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

 My grandmother's quilt was the inspiration for my Fourth of July table.

 Cobalt water bottles hold daisies from my neighbor's garden. I plan to plant daises next year because I have enjoyed my neighbor's so much.

My garden penta's decorated my napkin rings.  Rattan chargers are from World Market, and white plates are Spode Mansard. The red goblets from Wal Mart have been used so often.

Have you wondered where my chairs are? I am excited that I am getting my table and chairs painted. The table I am using in the photo is my patio table.

I am very happy to use this quilt for the first time. Would you believe I have had it in a bag for many years and have never used it at all. I have one more that  my grandmother made that I will use soon as inspiration for a tablescape.

I always learn something every time I do a tablescape. This was how the table started out. The flags seemed too tall and the one bottle looked lonely. I also thought the napkin rings were too plain and that's when I decided to add garden flowers to add some color.  When I cut  the flags shorter and added the smaller blue bottles with daisies I liked it better. What do you think?

I am so glad I saved these water bottles. I hope they are still available because I would like more. Has anyone seen these recently?

The yellow in the quilt gave me the idea about  using daisies. 

I am thinking red, white and blue even in food. Yogurt, blueberries, strawberries and granola make a great snack or breakfast.

The entire time I was setting the table and looking at our flag I was thinking about our country and what our nation represents. I remembered I had several old pieces of sheet music that were my mother's. I found it and looked at the date on it. It said copyright 1939.

It gives me chill bumps now as I look at the tattered old piece of music. I learned that Kate Smith sang this song written by Irving Berlin on Armistice Day in 1938.

As I read the words I was blown away. I always think of the chorus but when I read the first verse it was amazing to me. War clouds were gathering in Europe in 1938. The war started in 1939. Thinking about this verse and history and our nation now has given me much thought the last few days.

I am grateful for a land that's free. As I continued to ponder the words to the song I became interested and googled Irving Berlin. If you are interested you may read more about the history of this song at the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_Bless_America.

Happy Birthday America. May God Bless America always. Happy Fourth of July.

Linking to: Inspire us Tuesday, Let's Dish, Wow Us Wednesday,  What's It Wednesday, Be Inspired and Tablescape Thursday.