July 4, 2026
Morning Reflections
The Land That I Love…
This Fourth of July began with one of those mornings that reminds me why I never stop looking up.
The iconic Venice sign glowed in red, white, and blue while the moon quietly hung behind it, as if it wanted to celebrate too. A few minutes later, I found myself walking toward the beautiful Venice mural. When I turned around, the sunrise had painted the sky behind the sign, now backwards from where I stood. It was one of those simple moments that took my breath away.
After an early workout at my favorite place, Gold’s Gym Venice, I headed to the pier. As I walked out, someone was placing small American flags along the railing. It honestly felt as though they had been put there just for me. I knew they weren’t, but being there at that exact moment felt like such a gift.
Low tide stretched across the beach like a fresh canvas. Then came the best part of every morning. The birds spotted me from a distance and began flying toward me. Honey Girl hurried over, excited for her peanuts, and before long the pigeons were stacked on both of my hands, each one patiently waiting their turn. Their joy never gets old. It fills my heart every single day.
Then I looked up and there was Adonis, standing high above, watching over the pier as always. It felt like the perfect ending to a morning filled with beauty, gratitude, and little reminders that home isn’t just a place. It’s the feeling you get when your heart is completely present.
Today, my heart is overflowing.
Happy Fourth of July.
Grateful.
Capturing beauty, sharing light.
--April
