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Happy Fourth of July
2009/07/04,20:32

Here in the United States, one of the most important holidays is winding down -- our Independence Day.  We Americans celebrate winning our independence drom the British in 1776 with cookouts, parades and other types of celebration.

For me, however, the holiday is usually quiet.  I do celebrate, but like many African Americans, I have mixed feelings about the Fourth of July.  Independence for the United States did not mean freedom for the many slaves who had been imported from Africa; in fact, slavery in the United States did not end for another 90 years -- with the end of the Civil War in 1865.

However, my overall feelings about the holiday are positive.  I am happy to be an American, and I love this country.  I also love the fact that in many ways, America has continued to move forward as a multicultural nation. The election of Barack Obama as President represented an important milestone for this country.  There are still issues to tackle, but there are also a lot of people who are intent on getting things done.

So I'm celebrating my country's independence, and extending well wishes for all the citizens of this beautiful planet we all share.  Happy Fourth of July, everyone! 

Audrey Henderson
Freelance writer based in Chicago

Easter Sunday
2009/04/05,11:41
Today is Easter Sunday, the most important day on the Christian calendar, with the possible exception of Christmas day. Here in the United States, many people will dress up and go to church services, then celebrate with a special dinner. Many children have already been on Easter egg hunts, or are looking forward to an afternoon of fun after church and Sunday School.

Easter Sunday is in many ways a day of renewal.  Spring is making its appearance in the form of buddng flowers and lengthening days. Even for nonbelievers, the season can be one of celebration.  We've made it through yet another winter. 

I have never celebrated Easter outside the United States, although I have been curious about doing so. I have celebrated other holidays -- New Year's Eve in Toronto, which was great fun; Canada Day in Vancouver -- also great fun; Helsinki Festival, even the Fourth of July, an American holiday if there ever was one, but not Easter. Perhaps one year I will arrange to be abroad, and seek out a beautiful chapel for Easter services.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your Sunday. Happy Easter to you if you celebrate, and happy Spring to everyone. 

Audrey

Audrey Henderson
Freelance writer based in Chicago

Introduction
2009/03/31,13:42

My name is Audrey Henderson.  I am a freelance writer and social policy researcher presently based in the greater Chicago area in the United States.  I will be writing entries here as well as articles for BlogExpat on various subjects in the coming weeks and months.  I love travelling, good food and good music, art, and being outdoors.

One of my major interests is sustainable urban development and affordable housing. Especially as more people gravitate toward urban areas, I believe it is important to intelligently plan our private and public spaces so that people can live well and in harmony together.  I will be writing more about my impressions of urban spaces as well.

In the meantime, I am searching for signs of Spring. 

I hope you enjoy reading my blog entries and articles!

Audrey

Audrey Henderson
Freelance writer based in Chicago

 
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