Singalong Time with Pete Seeger and Bruce Springsteen

Take a virtual tour of the USA or wear a virtual USA.

The Betsy Ross Cats

I'm sure you've heard the story of Betsy Ross and how she sewed the first American flag.  Betsy Ross didn't have the easiest life, by the way.  She was disowned by the Quakers.  Her first husband died in an explosion at the munitions depot he was guarding, her second died in a British prison, and her third was sick for many years. She had seven daughters, two of whom died in infancy.  Throughout it all, she maintained a struggling upholstery business.  What choice did she have?

One day, in May of 1776, three members of a secret committee from the Continental Congress appeared on her doorstep:  George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross.  She was already acquainted with Washington, who sat in the pew beside hers in church.   In fact, she had done some sewing work for him in the past.  And she knew Ross because she had married his nephew, who was now deceased.

Washington showed Betsy Ross a rough design for the flag they had in mind, which included a six pointed star.  Betsy, who was no slouch with a pair of scissors, showed the men how to cut out a star.  They were impressed enough to entrust her with making the first US flag.

What you probably didn't  know was that Betsy had help.  Feline help.

Sewing a flag by hand is a lot of work.  If you don't believe me, try cutting out a five-pointed star and sewing a star onto your jeans.  Just one.  Go ahead.  Try.  See what I mean?

And Betsy didn't have much time.  She was on a serious deadline.

That's when the Betsy Ross cats stepped in to help.

Each night while Betsy slept, the cats worked.  (You wondered what cats did during the night, didn't you?  It's not all mice and lizards, apparently.)  Using their claws, they made all the itty bitty holes Betsy needed for sewing. 

They made puncture holes in the stars and the stripes, and the field of blue where the stars would be placed.  

When Betsy needed to sketch out part of the flag, she used their fallen whiskers to make a brush.  (Cat whiskers, by the way, make superb paint brushes, but it's best to check with your cat first.)

Some of the kitties even gave whiskers to be used for the actual stitching.  And with the cats' help, Betsy completed the flag on time.  In the picture, you can see George Washington eyeing a tuft of cat hair on the flag.  Betsy pretended that she had no idea how it got there.

The cats later crossed the ocean to assist in making the post French revolution flag.  They and their ancestors have been instrumental in making flags for many other countries, including Cambodia, Costa Rica, Australia, Chile, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Iceland, Laos, Luxembourg, Nepal, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Philippines,Panama, Russia, Samoa, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Thailand, and even Britain's Union Jack.  (But don't tell Betsy.)

They are commemorated on this bracelet ~ the unsung (or unmeowed) heroes and heroines behind the flag.

Rock it in Rubies for the 4th

Can it be possible that it’s already time to July 4th our way through the weekend? Aside from strategic blanket placement at the fireworks display and avoiding drunk Uncle Joe at the family BBQ, the only thing you really have to worry about is adding a little red, white and blue to your wardrobe.

Luckily, the JI has your back.


Nothing says July more than the month’s birthstone – the rockin’ red ruby. And I say rockin’ because these days the stone is finding it’s way on more hip jewelry styles than your traditional cross necklace and simple pair of studs (the blood-thirsty Twilight vampires would surely agree).



Now, rubies are generally not thought of as an ‘affordable’ stone. They fall into the precious gemstone category along with sapphires and emeralds so are often found in higher price points than the frugalista budget allows.

But with your super secret code to the Friends and Family site, JewelClub, you have access to a whole host of ruby styles at 60% - 70% off the suggested retail price.



I just did a search through their stash, and there are plenty of cool styles that would go perfectly with your Americana garb this weekend – from bold cocktail rings to fun fashion pieces like this ruby purse pendant that is only $60 with their special July discount on selected ruby merchandise. And the original price? $279!!



So whether you’re in the market for the 4th or want to get a meaningful gift for the July birthday girl in your life, take a gander at the JewelClub treasure chest (www.jewelclub.com), enter the special code: INSIDER and walk away with savings you won’t get anywhere else.

Happy birthday to America, happy birthday to you.