Fireworks! by Leigh Riker

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!! And, really, what else could I write about today but the glorious celebration of our nation’s birthday?

For the past sixteen years I’ve been lucky to live on a small mountain in Tennessee with a view of the valley and the opposite hills that is like an ever-changing painting. 



I love the sunsets and the rolling hills. It can even be fun (from a safe distance) to watch the approaching summer storms with their truly awesome flashes of lightning—Mother Nature’s own fireworks. 

But tonight, and as on every July 4thhere, I’m hoping for clear weather. I wish you could see the fireworks across that panoramic view from town displays, other people’s homes, and public parks. I won’t even have to leave the house to celebrate—though I admit I’m feeling both happy and a bit sad.

Because this will be the last fireworks display for me here. During a recent trip to Arizona, my husband and I planned to rent a condo for a few months next winter—and, instead, fell in love with a house. And it's time for a change. So I’ll be leaving this gorgeous view soon to make my new home full-time in the desert sun. It’s an unexpected move, there's a ton of stuff to sort then pack, and I have no idea how we’ll celebrate our next Fourth of July—but you can be sure I’ll find some fireworks.

And in the meantime, there'll be line edits on my February book, HER COWBOY SHERIFF, and I'll be finishing up a fifth book in the Kansas Cowboys series. Busy days ahead!

I’m already eager to explore my new area, but no matter where I live, I’m so proud to be part of this great country.

Happy Birthday, America!! 



How do you plan to celebrate?

Comments

  1. That's so exciting! Happy 4th, Leigh.

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  2. Hmm. I posted a reply but it didn’t show up. Thanks, Liz. It is exciting but so much work to downsize. Taking it one day at a time. Happy Fourth to you too!

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  3. That is an incredible sunset photo, Leigh, and I can see how ambivalent you must feel about leaving it. However, I believe there must be beautiful sunsets and sunrises over the Arizona desert too and life changes like your move can be thrilling adventures. Happy July 4th and all the best with your Kansas cowboy series!

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  4. Thank you, Janice. Yes, I’m told we’ll have gorgeous sunsets to see right from our patio there—and a (partial) view of Camelback mountain. The adventure begins! I like your attitude. 😊

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  5. You will have glorious sunrises and sunsets in Arizona, too. But also heat if things go the way they have the past two years. It's always hard to leave someplace you've loved. And packing to move is really, really hard. Just kick back and enjoy your 4th this year.

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    1. Thanks, Roz! I plan to enjoy the Fourth. Hope you do too. On my recent trip to AZ it was plenty hot but different heat unlike the summer steambath here. Won’t miss the humidity.

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  6. Happy 4th!!! Enjoy your mountain view before your next adventure starts.

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    1. I will, Tara. Thanks. Happy Fourth to you too!

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  7. Happy July 4th! Leigh and everyone here :) And welcome to AZ. We must get in touch, lots of HW authors living here <3

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    1. Ooh, great, Cathy! I didn’t realize you’re in AZ. Yes, let’s get in touch there. Happy Fourth!

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  8. Moves can be so exciting, and bittersweet, but always an adventure. I feel so lucky to have moved around a lot and experienced so many different landscapes. Sounds like you're the same way. Enjoy the fireworks today.

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    1. Yes, I am the same way. We have lived all over but never in the West so I’m very excited. So many new things to explore.

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  9. What a beatiful sunset, and what exciting news! We've been living in Arizona part time for the last few years, and loving it. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

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    1. Thanks, Beth. I think I’ll love it there. For the first time in a long time I’ll be near some family members too. Maybe see you in AZ!

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  10. That sunset is absolutely stunning! Hmmm...a certain subset of HW authors seem ideally situated to create a series based in Arizona...or wait, has it already been done? Roz?

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    1. Too true, M.K. Would be interesting, for sure!

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  11. What a gorgeous sunset photo, but I'm sure you'll have many beautiful sunsets and sunrises ahead of you in Arizona!

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