It's seems pretty clear that when we consider all the world events since Indy Day, 2002, that our "independence" is more precious than ever...and hopefully our respect and gratitude for it is equally as great.

I can't imagine what it would be like not to be able to, oh, pack a bag on a Sunday night, and just "head-out", crossing border after border, without being chased by someone saying I can't. And, having the freedom and independence to stop when I wanted to. It's my opinion that independence breeds motivation, if we simply allow it to. Motivation to do anything ... motivation to achieve. Ahhh, to be truly independent, both as a people, and as a nation. May we always hold it dear ... and may we never ... ever ... take it for granted.

It was Independence Day, one year ago, that provided the motivation for this little weekly missive. At the time, I sensed that a lot of people, myself certainly included, were down in the dumps, and I elected to get off my skinny behind and do something about it. Or, at least try.

And so twenty-six Fortnight's ago, ... fifty-two short weeks ago ... The Fortnight Weekly was born. It was as ragged then as it is now, but it was, and still is, a creature born of nothing more than pure and simple motivation ... and more importantly ... the independence to claim that motivation.

I invite you to go back and read that first installment, "Let's All Take a Deep Breath", if you care to ... because the message seems to be as appropriate and as positive today, as it was a year ago. Thanks for the year, everyone ... and Happy Independence Day to all.