So Great a Nation

Posted by Tracy

So I've been thinking recently about how amazing it is that we live in such a thriving democracy. I mean, you look around the world and the political power struggles that occur, and it really does make you grateful to live in the United States. Recently I have been watching and reading about so much of the politics that are going on in our nation right now. Usually this only frustrates me at how slow things go and how little gets done. But recently, I have been so impressed with how it all really works: That people with such different ideas can debate and discuss issues with one another. That we can resolve huge political issues without violence or war.

Now I obviously don't think our political system is perfect. I think every administration has its issues and disappoints me in different ways. But the fact that we can do all that we do the way we do it, well.... it simply impresses me. I wish the individuals participating in the system were as open-minded and fluid as the system itself is, but then again, that could be said about anything.

So whether Democrat or Republican, Independent or Non-Voter, I just think everyone can and should appreciate the amazing phenomenon of democracy. I guess I have been thinking about it all lately since the primary debates are going on. Which by the way, Anyone else think the Primaries are way more interesting than the actual Presidential debates? Maybe it's just because I have more people to pick and choose from. Who knows? But there sure a lot of cool people running, both Democrat and Republican. Tons of good ideas out there.

I thought I'd just post this to promote political awareness, regardless of whom or what you vote for. I think it is good to be actively involved. So I made a list of some good information out there about the debates. Try to watch them if possible.

• Democratic Primary Debates - Description and Schedule


• Republican Primary Debates - Description and Schedule


• Primary Debate Videos Blog - This guy does a good job of getting the videos on YouTube for everyone and this link takes you directly to his blog where you can view the videos for both party debates. I don't know about or agree with his views, but he posts good videos.


• Democrat Primary Debate Videos - Posted videos


• Republican Primary Debate Videos - Posted videos


• Presidential Primaries - Description and History


• Presidential Elections - Description and History

Hope everyone is doing well! God Bless!

He Dreamed of Castles…

Posted by Tracy

Anyone who knows me at all knows that, beyond God and Family, the two most important things in my life are Indiana Jones and Castles. Although I am of course exaggerating, it’s funny how close to the truth that statement really is. From as early as I can remember, castles have been a dream of mine; to live in one a lifetime ambition. Well, this past week that ambition has been fueled over and over it seems. For whatever reason, castles have been on my mind.

Perhaps the reason may be because this week I found a company that specializes in building castles! Yeah… If there was ever a website or piece of news that could distract me, showing me a company that builds castles for a living would do it. The company is called CastleMagic and has been in the business of building castles for over twenty years. They were even featured in an article published in Forbes magazine. Now when I say that they build castles, I mean the real deal. Double layered solid stone walls, towers, moats, drawbridges, and portcullises. I mean, these are my kind of people! So needless to say, I have been having a dreamy week.

I have often wondered where my passion for castles originates and why it has survived this long. Perhaps it was all the pretending I was a knight I did as a kid. Maybe it was the Role-Playing games Aaron and I lived in for so many years. Then again, it could be the fantasy books and movies that Dad got me hooked on so young. Who knows… But more and more I find that I love them simply for their architectural magnificence and beauty; their permanence and feeling of safety; their ability to inspire dreams in every individual who looks upon them.

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to make this dream of building my castle a reality, but I do know that I will never stop dreaming. For those of you who haven’t caught hold of the dream quite yet, I’ve listed some of my favorite Castle Sites for learning about them and just starring at the pictures.

Castles of the World
Castles on Wikipedia
Castles For Sale
Castle Magic
Castle Links
Castle Explorer
Google Images of Castles

They are gorgeous aren’t they? God Bless!