Skip to main content

Omaha Magazine

OmahaHome Entryway

Jun 11, 2019 03:29PM ● By Sandy Matson

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”

- Thomas Paine

The July/August issue is one of my favorites. It reminds me of growing up in small-town Garner, Iowa, where my family and I attended big Fourth of July cookouts, parades, carnivals, and fireworks. As we get older, however, we understand that the true reasons behind the holiday are sobering and should fill us with patriotic pride. Knowing our history and why we are able to celebrate this day each and every year should make it all the more meaningful.

Speaking of history, in this issue we go back to a time in the early 1900s when—with the help of Sears, Roebuck & Co.—a person could build a beautiful six-room cottage for under $2,000. 

Those who are afraid to dabble in color won’t be when they see Angie Arkfeld’s villa. This will give you the inspiration you need to put a new color on your wall. Others may find inspiration in Bing Chen’s picturesque backyard, Dennis Wattier and Deborah Murphy’s artwork, Scott Evans’ tips to harvesting native gardens for pollinators, or even my DIY summer concrete projects featured on page 6.

Finally, I’d like to give a personal thank-you to all those who are active or retired military members for being instrumental in ensuring the USA continues to enjoy its freedoms. 

Enjoy the summer!

Sandy Matson Contributing Editor


This article was printed in the July/August 2019 edition of OmahaHome. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

Sandy Matson_Entryway

Evvnt Calendar