Blogs

Family, Friends, & Memories…

by on

What does the Fourth of July mean to you? Parades? Fireworks? BBQ’s? A much needed day off of work? Our memories of and traditions celebrating this holiday are as different as the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence. For me and my family, it is a time to come together and celebrate the life and the freedom that we enjoy each day and show appreciation to the men and women who have sacrificed so much, and continue to do so, so that we can enjoy these freedoms.

This Fourth of July, my family and I will be joining my brother and sister along with some dear friends at their home on Peaks Island, Maine. We started this tradition of spending the holiday together years ago, most of us having known each other since childhood. Our days start with coffee on the beach side porch and are spent riding bikes around the small island, diving off the floating dock, BBQ’ing, going to the corner ice cream store and usually end on the same porch with sparklers for the kids and drinks for the adults.

When we were kids my parents would constantly say to us when we would argue, “be good to your brothers and sister, they’re going to be with you long after your Mom and I are gone, so it’s important that you remain close and can count on each other.” Now here we all are, in our 50’s, 40’s, and 30’s with our families, creating new memories, reliving past ones, and doing what our parents wanted us to do, spending quality time with each other.

When I explained the meaning of the Fourth of July to our JAI artisans, they wanted to be part of it and wish each of you a big ‘Happy Fourth of July’. Please know that as much as I share Thai culture and the artisans’ life with each of you, I also share our rich American traditions with them.

Please enjoy a couple of snap shots of my family from last year’s celebrations on Peaks Island. I am in the process of packing for this year’s trip now and wanted to make sure to wish each of you a happy and healthy Fourth of July. I look forward to seeing everyone on July 25th with six hours of shows throughout the day. Please join me on our JAI Jewelry for QVC facebook page and our JAIJewelry Twitter account for new updates and behind the scenes look into all things JAI.