okay, so

If I win the lottery, EVER, I'm going to see how much I'd have to pay Jared to do a photoshoot exactly like this.

*is dead*

Has Chris Pine always been that sexy? Lordy.

In other news, I started working on what was SUPPOSED to just be a little timestamp piece for the We Know Each Other As We Always Were 'verse...and it's turned into this great huge THING. Ugh.

Also, I haven't been to bed yet. Maybe I should do that. *ponders*

Memorial Day

I know for many, Memorial Day is a three-day weekend; a chance to have a great outdoor BBQ with friends and family; the official kick-off of summer. Swimming pools open across the country, and drug stores and supermarkets alike are suddenly stocked with sunscreen and flip-flops.

It's also, and unfortunately this has gotten lost as the years pass, a day to remember those who have fallen in service to their country. To remember, to honor, to mourn.

I grew up surrounded by veterans and their families. My mom worked with the Veterans Administration. My grandfather, himself a WWII veteran, was president of the American Legion in Bronson, MI for many years. During the summer months we stayed with my grandparents frequently, and spent a good deal of that time at the Legion. Memorial Day was the day my grandfather got dressed up and attended services to remember the fallen. I cannot observe this day without remembering him, solemn and quiet, honoring his fallen countrymen and women. Rest in peace, Grandpa. It's been eleven years, and I still miss you.

I found this while looking for something else, and it's a gorgeous rendition of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir singing "America the Beautiful", as well as a stunning video of images that pretty much sum up this country.