I am off the island heading for the states this morning. I leave you with a few photos from our Nicaragua Independence Day parade.
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
“How wrong is it for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than to create it herself?”
― Anaïs Nin
“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.”
― Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man
“He saw in happiness the seeds of independence, and in independence the seeds of revolt.”
― Mervyn Peake, Titus Groan
“I am not an angel,” I asserted; “and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself.”
― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
“With the spread of conformity and image-driven superficiality, the allure of an individuated woman in full possession of herself and her powers will prove irresistible. We were born for plenitude and inner fulfillment.”
― Elizabeth Prioleau, Seductress – Women Who Ravished the World and Their Lost Art of Love 
“We need to help people to discover the true meaning of love. Love is generally confused with dependence. Those of us who have grown in true love know that we can love only in proportion to our capacity for independence.”
― Fred Rogers, The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember
“Every path but your own is the path of fate. Keep on your own track, then.”
― Henry David Thoreau
“Independence is a complex word in a foreign tongue. To resist occupation, whether you’re a nation or merely a woman, you must understand the language of your enemy. Conquest and liberation and democracy and divorce are words that mean squat, basically, when you have hungry children and clothes to get out on the line and it looks like rain.”
― Barbara Kingsolver
“Confidence is knowing who you are and not changing it a bit because of someone’s version of your reality is not their reality.”
― Shannon L. Alder
What does independence mean to you?
When will you be back in Nicaragua then?
I’m assuming the quote from Barbara Kingsolver is from one of my all-time favorite books, “The Poisonwood Bible” and I can hear Leah Price uttering it with unflinching and acidic honesty. Independence Day is a grand concept and may include parades and celebrations but, at the end of the day, it still comes down to caring for one’s family one meal, one home and one book at a tme! Anita
One of my favorite books, too. It haunts me. This quote was perfect for my post. 😀
Freedom – to choose another country to live in and embrace its culture and still travel back to the country you were born in to visit 🙂
Haha. Yep. I am in the states now.
Would love to meet you in person, if we can swing it somehow…
Beautiful pictures. Very colorful! Enjoy your trip and visit with family.
Sunni
Thanks, Sunni. I am on my way to visit my mother this morning. I just hope she remembers who I am. If not, I am sure she will see me as a loving stranger.
I’m just astonished by the quotations from Jane Eyre. I read that book over and over while in grade school, and then set it aside. I’m eager to re-read it. It may have shaped me more than I realized.
I feel the same way. I need to redhead the book, too. So many good quotes.
SOOOOO Colorful. I love these.
Thanks, Marcia. I love the colors in Nicaragua. I remember when we brought Robinson to the states to visit. One of his first comments about the suburbs was, “Where are all the colorful houses?” He thought everything was so dull and he couldn’t understand why people didn’t paint their houses vibrant orange, pink, or purple. Lol
Beautiful pictures and the coordinating quotes are wonderful! Safe travels to you 😉
Thanks, Barbara. It was a long trip, but I finally arrived.
What fascinating photos–and all from Ometepe’s celebrations?! Who knew?! Enjoy your trip….
Yes, MH. All the photos are from Ometepe celebrations. This is and has always been my favorite parade.
Debbie- I would have difficulty selecting a favorite from your collection of quotes… Each is full for contemplation. Perhaps the one I found most surprising was from Fred Rogers. I’d like to find a copy of his book. There’s one little nugget of independence… Freedom to read as I choose without censor.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip..
-Jane
Jane, Fred Rogers was from Pittsburgh, where I grew up. I have always admired him. In the Pittsburgh airport, they have a large display honoring him. I miss Mr. Roger’s gentle and loving soul.