Lizzy’s Latest – Happy Birthday, America!!!

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On this day two hundred forty five years ago, America’s founders declared independence from England.  Today, Independence Day is a grand celebration and what better way to celebrate the 4th than going to a hometown carnival! 

We did just that for this photo shoot.  We found our way to the Jolly Shows Carnival in Wheaton, MD last weekend.  We got there a couple hours before it opened to avoid the crowds.  Some time into our photo shoot, Dad, my photographer, commented about how much nicer our photos could be if we could get some pics on the rides.  Ask and you shall receive, right?!  😉 As luck would have it, fate stepped in and propelled our fun shoot into a delightful one!

While shooting near one of the rides, a man approached us curious about what we were up to.  When we told him we were taking pics for a 4th of July post for my blog, he was very enthusiastic about helping us.  He revealed himself as Paul, the owner of the carnival!  Wow!!!  He offered to open up the rides for us and we jumped at that opportunity! 

This is Paul! I promised Paul I’d include him in my blog. 🙂

During our talks, Paul inquired about the cost of my heels saying they looked really nice and figured the rhinestones put the cost of the shoe at about $350!  I was happy to hear my heels looked fancy-schmancy, but assured him I paid less than $100 for the INC Kenjay d’Orsay pumps.  Dad added, I’m not my sister, Jeanette.  Lol!  My sister loves high end designer shoes.  I will stay more practical and I think most of you appreciate that about this blog.  😉 

Paul even gave my Dad tips about better angles for the pics.  At the Gondola wheel, he had my dad get in the gondola ahead of me and started the ride up so that my dad could get some height on me.   Paul was so cool!  He eventually left us to our own devices and checked in with us every so often to see if we wanted to get on another ride.  We did get on one more ride, the Scrambler.  I will share those pics when I review these heels in the coming weeks. 

After the shoot, Paul gave us complimentary drinks, cotton candy, and candy apples!  His kindness and generosity really touched us.  It gives me hope that there are still good people in this world.  Paul, if you’re reading this, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for making this photo shoot so special and unique.  My dad and I really enjoyed meeting you and perhaps our paths will cross again.  😊

Look at Paul, in his element, making sure the rides stay safe!  🙂

Please check out Paul’s carnival, Jolly Shows.  It is family owned and began back in the late 1930s when his grandfather, Frank, who didn’t have a lot of money, but had a dream of owning a business that would make people smile.  He worked hard at realizing his dreams and because of his hard work and perseverance, his legacy continues today.

Frank is the epitome of the American dream.  As we celebrate the 4th of July, let us always remember the men and women who fought and continue to fight to keep America free.  It is this freedom that allows us to pursue our happiness.  What we celebrate today is not a piece of paper, but a way of life here in America.

I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from President Ronald Reagan:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA!!!  May God continue to bless our nation. 

Lizzy’s Latest will be back in a week or two with the review of these heels.  Until then, enjoy the pics and have a wonderful new week.

Style with a Smile!

XoXo,

Lizzy