As the 4th of July approaches, my thoughts turn to my mom. The two will forever be tied in my mind. You see, America's Independence Day was my mother's birthday. As a small child, she believed the fireworks were for her birthday - which I always thought made for a cute story.
There will never be a 4th of July that I don't miss my mom. Since she has passed, I've spent every 4th of July here in Oz. Let me tell you this - Independence Day just doesn't feel the same in Oz. As the holiday means nothing to most of the people here besides my fellow American expats - life goes on business as usual. Sure, there are events planned by expats - but, honestly- I want the whole "shabang." I want a BBQ. I want fireworks. I want to be in the US. If I had that, would I be happy? I can't really say - perhaps I long for something that is gone.
I've resigned myself to sparklers and birthday cake to celebrate in years past. This year, I'm just not sure what I want to do. I am currently following a grain/sugar/alcohol free diet which serves as a challenge to making birthday cake. Now, I've been doing my research and I know it's not impossible. However, the question remains - if I can't buy it in a box - do I want to buy 10 different ingredients and make it myself? I'm just not sure. Though, I am very intrigued by some recipes I have found online.
Perhaps, if I am feeling up to make my grain free/sugar free cake to celebrate my mom's birthday/4th of July I'll blog about it. But, let's be honest, my blogging motivation has been abysmal lately. Keep your fingers crossed folks.
Peace out people. May you all have a lovely holiday filled with friends, family, and love.