July 4

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Today has been the United State's annual celebration of Independence - a day most people spend with fire works and cook outs, family gatherings and I'm not sure what else! We had an exquisite cool, sunny, quiet day in the yard, occupied with reading and watching the birds and many chipmunks wrestle over the never ending supply of seeds and cracked corn we dispense, in exchange for the entertainment they provide.

I spent a fair amount of time simply contemplating the word "independence" - thinking about the message it portrays of strength, in separation, by standing boldly alone.  I always took great pride in being called independent when I was young - a self reliant individual on my own.

Along the way I've learned that there is greater strength gathered InDependence, however; or through interdependence, if you prefer.  Having others to rely on means they are there to support me through my struggles, and cheer me on in my triumphs - I can merge their strength with my own.  So it's all in how and where the word is emphasized that I find much to value!

from my computer dictionary:

independence |ˌindəˈpendəns|nounthe fact or state of being independent : Argentina gained independence from Spain in 1816 | I've always valued my independence. See note at liberty .
independent |ˌindəˈpendənt|adjective1 free from outside control; not depending on another's authority : the study is totally independent of central government | Canada's largestindependent investment firm.• (of a country) self-governing : India became independent in 1947.• not belonging to or supported by a political party : the independent candidate.• (of broadcasting, a school, etc.) not supported by public funds.• not influenced or affected by others; impartial : a thorough and independent investigation of the case.• ( Independent) historical Congregational.2 not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence : I wanted to remain independent in old age.• capable of thinking or acting for oneself : advice for independent travelers.• (of income or resources) making it unnecessary to earn one's living :a woman of independent means.3 not connected with another or with each other; separate : we need two independent witnesses to testify | the legislature and the judicature areindependent of each other.• not depending on something else for strength or effectiveness; freestanding : an independent electric shower.• Mathematics (of one of a set of axioms, equations, or quantities) incapable of being expressed in terms of, or derived or deduced from, the others.
interdependent |ˌintərdiˈpendənt|adjective(of two or more people or things) dependent on each other : theincreasingly global nature of human society, with interdependent economies

  The Fourth of July is the day on which Americans commemorate their nation's independence, a word that implies the ability to stand alone, without being sustained by anything else.

While independence is usually associated with countries or nations, freedom and liberty more often apply to people. But unlike freedom, which implies an absence of restraint or compulsion (: the freedom to speak openly), liberty implies the power to choose among alternatives rather than merely being unrestrained (: the liberty to select their own form of government). Freedom can also apply to many different types of oppressive influences (: freedom from interruption; freedom to leave the room at any time), while liberty often connotes deliverance or release (: he gave the slaves their liberty).