Happy 4th of July to all of us in the States!

OK, yes, I know the political climate is in turmoil to say the least. Yes, I know there are insane troubles among different groups, and everyone is certain the next generation is doomed. Yes, technology has made things scarier than ever before.

But for today, can we just enjoy the fireworks, the extra-large steak, and find a few people we get along with well enough that there’s nothing a brat and some brewskis can’t smooth over? I know I’ll be aiming for just that: enjoying the simplicity of the company of family and friends and some fireworks.

Because let’s face it: I get to live in a country where I, a mother of three and a novelist and someone with just a crazy idea about starting a cookware business on a snippet of an idea, is able to build said business with phone calls, ambition, and a prayer that I’ll get returns on my savings account someday. There’s no government official banning this blog post, or telling me I am not allowed to make cookware because I’m a woman. And while there’s a ton of hard work and an insane amount of praying that it all works out, the hurtles I have are small compared to many others around the world. And part of that is because of the groundwork laid down by those several hundred years ago whose lofty words left a mark (literally) that has stayed relatively true going forward.

I love that the companies I work with to build the cookware in the House Copper line are all small, family owned and operated businesses scattered across the United States. Any time I show up, I get to hang out with the owners who are also working at their forge or workshop when I arrive. Everyone is working hard and thinking about creating something bigger than themselves for the next generation. We’re in it together.

Let’s hope we continue this way – and continually support small, idealistic, and hopeful small American businesses. If we do, that next generation will be like us in 30 years: working hard and hoping the next group of kids won’t mess it all up! Ha! Happy 4th!