Happy Independence Day!!

Happy 4th of July to all Americans!!

Today is a day we celebrate our country's independence. 

Now the other day I watched this video below and was utterly heartbroken. Watch it and you'll see why.

If you just watched it then you'll know that it took till the last two people for someone to finally say what Independence Day is all about. I almost lost hope in my fellow Americans but redemption came at the very end. Still I was super peeved it took so long and after so many different people to get the right answer which should be so easy being all Americans.

Anyways, just to ensure everyone will be able to answer correctly if asked "why do you celebrate the 4th of July?" 
Here is the reason . . .

In 1776 on July 2nd, the Continental Congress penned there names after much debate on the Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration itself was not official accepted till the 4th of July and so the congress then declared that day to be America's day of independence. Plus the declaration was printed up on the 4th and sent out as sign to all that the Colonies were no ones property any longer. Up until July 2nd the Continental Congress had been represent the 13 colonies that existed on the eastern coast of America, most of which had belonged solely to England. So when England demanded more taxes from its oversee colonies to fund its European wars, the colonies banned together and said no more. Thus began the fight for independence and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Out of this war America won its freedom and liberty to become its own country. America also established a new form of government called Democracy, which was to be by the people and for the people. No longer would a country be ruled by one man or king but elected and balanced by group of voted officials and judges. 

America at its birth was a brand new idea and now more than 2 centuries later, we are still trying to establish our nation as our forefather envisioned it.

Well hope I enlightened you somewhat, 
Happy 240 years America!!

"Wed's Wonderings & Wanderings": Historical Fiction vs. Historical Romance

History is a subject that is very near and dear to my heart. I seriously don't remember the time when I began my interest in history but it has always been there. In all honesty I was definitely the nerdy kid who read the encyclopedias for fun, because learning something new excited me.

So when I was in 3rd grade I remember finding this one book in the 6th grade section about Cleopatra the Great. It was unlike any book I read before, it was written in a way as if she had wrote it instead of it being written about her. Suddenly I found myself introduced into a new genre called Historical Fiction. Years later I would find myself rifling through books to read and stumbling into another genre Historical Romance. Definitely by accident mind you, but one I'm not too disappointed about.

All that to say, to this day I'm still conflicted as to the complete merit of enrichment the genres of Historical Romance and Historical Fiction are for readers young and old, but I do see their worth in a pros and cons type fashion.

Historical Fiction is a story based in a historical event or persons and is then embellished to elaborate a certain storyline or person, all of which is mostly fictional. This genre is helpful I believe in capturing readers attention to history usually without overstepping too much historical context. However it's when the story is only hinting at history as a foundation and springs from there that I would say the book is more fantasy that just Historical Fiction. Why be so nitpicky, because if one was to read a book about Cleopatra (aka my fav girl) and it goes off script telling of false facts; One day that reader may actually wants to learn of Cleopatra, and will find that book a complete sham, eventually becoming judgmental towards fiction. Sure the book sparked something, as all books should, but the story at its core should keep close to the truth unless stating it's fantasy. This problem is the reason why if you were to bring up Historical Fiction in a collegiate setting they'd diss, argue or laugh at you (trust me). 

And then there is Historical Romance, which entails love and passion in a past era where the rules and morals are the spark of intrigue. Most of the time I find this genre taxing on history, because though it draws a lot of woman for taboo relationships found with past time periods the writers often miss the opportunity to present the actual history. Of course most authors in this genre aren't too focused on authenticity when it comes to anything more than the romance, which is saddening because history really is grand.

Ultimately, I'm more a champion for Historical Fiction than Historical Romance, but if both genres happen to help spark a readers interest in learning more about history than Yay! a tie shall be called. The more interested in History the better for society. History is an invaluable subject to the world as everything and everyone has a history. Think of it this way everything from yesterday is history, that's a lot of time to look into. 

"Wed's Wonderings & Wanderings": California Mission- San Juan Capistrano

My volleyball team ended our season with a final game out in San Juan Capistrano. The downtown area is quaint and accessible via the train from LA. I've been there a couple of times mostly for leisure but this last August I went to checkout San Juan Capistrano's Mission. 

California had 21 missions established by Franciscan Monks in the 18th century. The missions are piece of California history which should definitely be checked out. San Juan Capistrano's mission is one of the remaining missions that is still open to tours and visits.

This mission is just beautiful, rustic and scenic. I know a few couples who have taken there engagement photos there and after finally visiting the place I see why. The mission was gorgeous to walk around and take photos of and around. 

Now on to the next mission, yes I'm on a mission to see all the missions. Buuuut I'm going to wait till the weather becomes warmer and the pending El Niño passes. 

"Wednesday's, Wonderings & Wanderings": Museums and Art Galleries

    A couple weeks ago I took my BFF to the Getty Center in Los Angeles for her birthday. Now that was a treat for both her and myself, because she was turing 24 and wanted a day out, while as for myself I had never made it out to that Getty location, so I was up for the adventure.

      Let me state that I love art and LOVE history, so museums are a place where the two subjects meet. Seriously I can take hours perusing every inch of the museum looking at everything. So my friends and family that go or are dragged there with me know it will be a long day.  In fact my favorite section is the ancient history era anything pertaining to Greeks, Romans or Egyptian am automatically glued to the glass cases. Oh and if the place has anything with ancient indigenous Indians like the Mayans or Aztecs, then I get just as absorbed into that as well. That's why my favorite place to visit is the Getty Villa up the coast on P.C.H in Malibu. It's built to be modeled after a Roman Villa and it's just a gorgeous place filled with ancient art and antiques.

     Now as for art galleries I find them so beautiful, intriguing and inspiring. I don't like calling myself an artist per say, because compared to true artists I feel like my art is subpar. However, I do love to draw, take photos and take to the pen occasionally. So going to art galleries always makes me feel good, because I get to see true art displayed all in one place from modern to old well know artists. Grant it sometimes I have no clue why things are called art, but most of the time I go with it. Especially since most of my own art is abstract, so shapes and colors are my aesthetic language.

Exhibit from LACMA *not my work

        I have 3 favorite moments concerning art that always stick out, subsequently they are from my time studying abroad in Europe. Number one was me just staring for 30mins straight at the Van Gogh Sunflower painting. Last I knew, it was hosted at the National Gallery Art Gallery in London and it's just so gorgeous I just stood there and stared taking it in. It was my first and thus far not my last Van Gogh painting that I have been blessed to see in person. I have found that Van Gogh paintings are just so odd up close, yet so defined and dare I say normal from afar that you can't help but be mystified by them. The next was the Da Vinci's Mona Lisa located in the Louvre Museum in Paris, loved that place, but the Mona Lisa was definitely a highlight. Seriously, I took a selfie with it and it's still an art work that I look back at and think "You know, it's not as big as you think it is." And last but certainly not least, I must name the entire Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo located in the Vatican City of Rome, Italy. Ugh, I soooo miss Rome but being in that Sistine Chapel was amazing the whole Vatican was amazing but that chapel, Wow! No pictures were allowed, but I snuck a few, they aren't the best but hey I had to try. I just remember staring up at the ceiling, looking at the famous scene where Adam is reaching out to God and God is reaching out to Adam. The tension in the moment is so real that staring at it for more than 10 mins you feel like they almost move and could touch by just moving a smidge more. Like I said loved it and it's space is just splendid that it leaves you in awe at Michelangelo's skill as a painter and artist.

     Well I suppose in the end I think I prefer museums over art galleries, mostly because I have a deeper love of history. Plus in museums they tend to keep a few pieces of art on hand displayed, so you're not only seeing artifacts but art too, because art is big part of history. Don't get me wrong I will always be up for going to galleries, but contemporary work is shall I say interesting. So I've found that trying to figure out modern art is rather half the fun of attending any art gallery. Plus thanks to my location in L.A. there are tons around to go in and peruse when I have a free day and willing companion, I find that's harder to find a willing friend.

So I wonder, which is more your cup of tea, museum or art gallery?