Hootin' Anni's

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Next week "WOODEN"

I'm really not a 'believer' that anything is free. "Free", in my sense this week, always comes at a cost in some way, hidden costs that we don't see --You can call me a 'stick in the mud' for thinking free comes very costly. So, this was a difficult, very difficult theme. Since I don't have any small kids to show off their 'free' spirit, I chose "Land of the Free"-------

Roget's New Millennium™ Thesaurus
Main Entry: free
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: independent
- - -

This represents FREE. As in Lee Greenwood's song lyrics go...."And I'm proud to be an AmeriCAN where I least I know I'm free...." "Where the flag still stands for freedom......" [yet again, lives are lost at the cost of 'free America', not to mention taxes]

This photo is outside the county's fairgrounds exhibit hall/auditorium where Hillary Clinton held her campaign rally this past Wednesday in Robstown, Texas.

98 Comments:

Krista had this to say...: I love the quote from Molly Ivins! You are very right in that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Great choice though. One of my favorite things about the photo hunt is seeing other's interpretations!; Sat Feb 16, 04:55:00 AM CST
WillThink4Wine had this to say...: So true. Freedom is not free, but bought at a high price.; Sat Feb 16, 05:04:00 AM CST
Aleckii had this to say...: Very true. My post is also not so much 'free' as it is about 'freedom'. And yes, freedom comes at a price.

Great post!; Sat Feb 16, 05:25:00 AM CST
Yen had this to say...: Very True! Nice entry this week:) Happy Weekend!; Sat Feb 16, 05:29:00 AM CST
TorAa had this to say...: Hallo hello,
I'm commenting with my free will. But of course my PC is not fro free. I even do have to pay an energy bill when using it. But I do it by free will.

Great picture; Sat Feb 16, 05:29:00 AM CST
david mcmahon had this to say...: Interesting interpretation from the land of the brave and the free.....; Sat Feb 16, 05:35:00 AM CST
Sabine had this to say...: Very thoughtful entry for free!
Have a lovely weekend!; Sat Feb 16, 05:47:00 AM CST
Dragonheart & Merlin had this to say...: Our freedoms are certainly not free, as our dad, an officer in the Canadian Forces well knows, as do his grandfather, who fought in the Second World War.; Sat Feb 16, 05:47:00 AM CST
JesieBlogJourney had this to say...: Yes, freedom comes with a cost. I have seen war monuments in Washington D.C. with so many names of those who paid the price for our freedom.

Thanks for visiting mine.

Happy photo hunting.; Sat Feb 16, 05:49:00 AM CST
Lynn had this to say...: We are free to suspend our disbelief. :); Sat Feb 16, 06:04:00 AM CST
bokjae had this to say...: Hi Anni, to me the saying " If the Son of God sets you free then you are FREE indeed! But at what costs!!! The Son of God!; Sat Feb 16, 06:04:00 AM CST
Chikai had this to say...: i totally agree with what you have written here, freedom comes with a great price. nice take! :)

hope you can check out my entries when you have the time. it's here, here, here, and here. thanks! :); Sat Feb 16, 06:38:00 AM CST
Jeanette had this to say...: Hi Dear Anni, As my dear Mum use to say< Nothing in life is free ,you have pay somewere down the track... Jen; Sat Feb 16, 06:46:00 AM CST
cabekritingdailyphoto had this to say...: thank you for stopping by at my blog.
I'm in Indonesia now, but I live in irving, texas 18 years ago, dying to go back there again :-D

but i agree with you, free will come with cost ;-D; Sat Feb 16, 06:52:00 AM CST
mama meji had this to say...: ...and then we have to thank the men and women who keep each of our countries free.

BTW, I'm goign to ask for some love-for free. Please drop by to know the detail.; Sat Feb 16, 06:57:00 AM CST
Carver had this to say...: I'm the same way. I had trouble with the free theme. You did a good job with it. I keep meaning to tell you that I was a big fan of Molly Ivins and I noticed your having quotes from her in your comment section. I was sad she didn't have a longer life. Have a great weekend Anni.; Sat Feb 16, 07:06:00 AM CST
Juliana RW had this to say...: Good choice for FREE theme.

Will u visit my “Free“ Thanks and have a nice weekend; Sat Feb 16, 07:09:00 AM CST
pat had this to say...: Oh great post for the this week's theme.

Happy Weekend.; Sat Feb 16, 07:09:00 AM CST
alpha had this to say...: this is interesting. thanks for checking out my photohunt.; Sat Feb 16, 07:12:00 AM CST
Daisy had this to say...: Oh, the flag is the ultimate symbol of freedom!; Sat Feb 16, 07:17:00 AM CST
Renee had this to say...: Great quote!
You left a comment at my blog...but it's empty...something went wrong or weren't you in the mood to write ;)

Greets Renee; Sat Feb 16, 07:48:00 AM CST
Carin had this to say...: Yep a flag that's the first thing that came to mind when I heard the theme was free. Nice photo.

Have a happy weekend!; Sat Feb 16, 07:48:00 AM CST
farmingfriends had this to say...: A thought provoking entry. Good choice.
Sara from farmingfriends; Sat Feb 16, 07:50:00 AM CST
Sarge Charlie had this to say...: Miss Hoot, this is a nice post, and Lee would tell you that freedom is not free, Hillary will never understand that.; Sat Feb 16, 07:59:00 AM CST
julie had this to say...: The flag is the symbol of freedom and identity. Have the American flag flying with the Philippine flag in my post, Anni :)

Have a great weekend!

My PH entries:
Are We Free?

Fly A Kite; Sat Feb 16, 08:00:00 AM CST
Heather had this to say...: A perfect take on the theme.; Sat Feb 16, 08:06:00 AM CST
Karen had this to say...: Hi Anni!

I'm afraid I have to agree with you, there really isn't such a thing as completely free, either it costs in time, convenience, or of course, "fees" of some sort.

Write From Karen; Sat Feb 16, 08:16:00 AM CST
Gattina had this to say...: I always wonder why Americans need a flag to point out that they live in a free country ! I mean apart from China and a very few others, all European countries, Australia, Canada and even now also Russia is free. For me free was always granted as long as I live I didn't even think about it.

I went to a show "One night of Queen" with a fabolous interpretor of Freddy Mercury. It was absolutely great and I found my youth back ! If you like Freddy too, I made a post about it on Writer Cramps.; Sat Feb 16, 08:16:00 AM CST
ellen b had this to say...: Happy Saturday Anni!
Yep freedom at a cost to someone!; Sat Feb 16, 08:20:00 AM CST
texas_sweetie had this to say...: oh that is looking so free,American flag flying freely; Sat Feb 16, 08:34:00 AM CST
ancient one had this to say...: Loved this post!!; Sat Feb 16, 08:46:00 AM CST
napaboaniya had this to say...: I love your truth behind 'lives cost at the cost of "free America".; Sat Feb 16, 09:02:00 AM CST
Sanni had this to say...: Very creative, Anni - thanks for visiting my entry earlier today ;-)

Happy Hunting!

P.S.: Did I mention I ♥ your new layout? I do!; Sat Feb 16, 09:07:00 AM CST
Quiet Mom had this to say...: Thanks for stopping by my blog and making my entry sound like it actually DOES fit the real theme for this week! LOL I appreciate it!; Sat Feb 16, 09:09:00 AM CST
crazy working mom had this to say...: Very well said, Anni! I don't think Americans need a flag to point out that we live in a free country as someone pointed out in an earlier comment. I think Americans are proud of our heritage and country and realize that many men and women alike fight every day for the freedoms that we enjoy as well as people in other countries! We will never forget that, no matter what the price!!!

Great shot, Anni. :); Sat Feb 16, 09:09:00 AM CST
Ivy Sterling had this to say...: oh great photo for this week, Hmmm i have the same picture of the USA flag too, why didn't think about it for the entry today.
thank you for the visit and happy hunting.

My So Calle Life
La Vida es Hermosa; Sat Feb 16, 09:12:00 AM CST
poor man's nicole richie had this to say...: yeah, I so agree. There's no such thing as free lunch. Maybe we should change the theme to discount? LOL
well laughter is free.

i like you new template.
i've been thinking of cactus or worm with cowboy hat for a tattoo.
long live the cowboys yiha!

Morning Sniffles; Sat Feb 16, 09:13:00 AM CST
Dorid had this to say...: Freedom does indeed come with a price. I hope that we continue to honor the freedom that our founding fathers based this country one.; Sat Feb 16, 09:15:00 AM CST
ellenhearbeats had this to say...: nice presentation of the theme...
btw...you have a very beautiful lay out...the header attracts me most....i just hope I can do it in my site too...; Sat Feb 16, 09:16:00 AM CST
Flip Flop Floozie had this to say...: I choose the same theme for today as you did..DUH!! We do that quite often!! I would not be free without our symbol the flag. I am so thrilled to live in the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!

Sandy; Sat Feb 16, 09:21:00 AM CST
TorAa had this to say...: Oh dear,
thanks for the comment to FREE.
The photographer were of course Anna.
But you never know these days, when a mobile phone is also a Camera +++.
As you can see, I'm without any white stripes. Freedom for us here in the North. Let the Sun shine all over body.

Have a great rest of the weekend; Sat Feb 16, 09:29:00 AM CST
Tats had this to say...: Ooooh a very thought provoking interpretation. Lovely photo!
Have a fab weekend!; Sat Feb 16, 09:29:00 AM CST
ipanema had this to say...: great idea! :); Sat Feb 16, 09:37:00 AM CST
jenny had this to say...: Molly Ivins always cracked me up. Witty and insightful!

Nice blue sky framing tha tbeautiful American flag. Nice shot!

Have a great weekend! Thanks for visiting me.; Sat Feb 16, 09:57:00 AM CST
Lidna had this to say...: Great thoughts and a great picture. My entry is on a very similar idea! It's up at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/prodoceo/481727/

By the way, I love your blog! I love the changes you make to your background...they are all soooo fun!; Sat Feb 16, 09:58:00 AM CST
Utah Mommy had this to say...: WE are indeed very lucky to live in a free country but yet some didn't realize that, i feel bad. Happy weekend!
FREE RIDE; Sat Feb 16, 09:58:00 AM CST
poor man's nicole richie had this to say...: the howdy tats needs lots of courage. LOL. I have high tolerance for pain but I'm so ticklish. Can't even stand foot spa without squirming.
i'm planning to have my first ever tats on my iliac region. Hey i'm wholesome!
i'm still looking for the coolest design.; Sat Feb 16, 10:01:00 AM CST
poor man's nicole richie had this to say...: hahaha sorry to disappoint you. but i'm serious about the tats and i want it to be perfect. i'll just surprise you.

Morning Sniffles; Sat Feb 16, 10:08:00 AM CST
-TNChick- had this to say...: I love that song.

BTW, Happy belated Birthday - I see I missed it, eh? =(; Sat Feb 16, 10:17:00 AM CST
Randi had this to say...: Thank you for your very interesting entry.
In Sweden we take our freedom for granted. I don´t think a Swede would ever think of showing the Swedish flag here. (But we haven´t had - nor participated in - any war during the last 200 years.)
Happy Weekend!; Sat Feb 16, 10:26:00 AM CST
JC had this to say...: Lovely shot... no other flag compares to the U.S. flag!; Sat Feb 16, 10:26:00 AM CST
nikkipolani had this to say...: I like your interpretation and explanation of free. As an immigrant to this country, I certainly do not take my freedoms for granted.; Sat Feb 16, 10:40:00 AM CST
Katney had this to say...: "Freedom isn't free!" I think the song was done by the Up With People groups in the 80s. Great minds run in similar tracks so stop by to see my free photo.; Sat Feb 16, 10:41:00 AM CST
Alasandra had this to say...: Loved you take on 'free'.

Thanks for visiting my photo hunt. Sorry it took me so long to drop by. I overslept today and have too much to do and not enough time to do it in.; Sat Feb 16, 10:57:00 AM CST
Mar had this to say...: Very nice, this wasn't an easy theme, free isn't easy...
Happy PH and happy weekend!; Sat Feb 16, 11:05:00 AM CST
Jersey - The Furry Diva had this to say...: We´re glad the country we live in is free because the U.S. army rescued us!

Thank you for stopping by my take on "free". Welcome back any time ;); Sat Feb 16, 11:05:00 AM CST
Mary had this to say...: Anni,

You made a great choice for "Free." However as you say, nothing is every really free. Everything, including freedom costs something and often freedom is the most expensive of all because of the sacrifice that's been given over the years.

When you have time, please drop over to my Writing Nook. I've dedicated a part of today's post to you. Enjoy!

Have a great weekend.
Blessings,
Mary; Sat Feb 16, 11:05:00 AM CST
Sarge Charlie had this to say...: Hi Miss Hoot, I am back for another bite at the old apple. Please feel free to delete this comment if you so choose.

I read the comment that Gattina left and it just burned my butt. Gattina, in her ivory tower lives on the freedom provided by the blood of American Soldiers who fought to free her and her family in WWII. Frankly, I do not give a Damn if she thinks we need a flag or not, she needs to just say thank you and shut up. In my best Forrest Gump voice, and that is all I have got to say about that.; Sat Feb 16, 11:10:00 AM CST
jientje had this to say...: That's an interesting choice too! Thx for visiting mine!; Sat Feb 16, 11:18:00 AM CST
Mickey had this to say...: While it is true that FREE does not usually mean FREE,I also find that it can mean many different things.
Some of these abstract themes are most interesting to explore because you must think about all the possible meanings in order to take a picture of it :); Sat Feb 16, 11:19:00 AM CST
the teach had this to say...: You took the flag too! Great shot, Anni! Happy PH! :); Sat Feb 16, 11:22:00 AM CST
Liza had this to say...: Good post! I totally agree with you. Happy hunting.; Sat Feb 16, 11:48:00 AM CST
A Simple Life had this to say...: So true, even freedom has a price. Happy weekend.; Sat Feb 16, 11:49:00 AM CST
Jen had this to say...: I agree, nothing is free!! Have a great weekend! Oh and have I mentioned I love the new look? :); Sat Feb 16, 11:50:00 AM CST
Angela (Gran) had this to say...: Great take on the free theme. Our flag flying in the wind is an awesome sight that gives assurance of our freedom.

My unusual free post is here:http://thelifeandtimesofgran.blogspot.com/2008/02/photo-hunters-free.html; Sat Feb 16, 11:53:00 AM CST
Liz had this to say...: You're right: most things have a cost even the 'free' ones.

WE're both fortunate to live in free countries.; Sat Feb 16, 11:54:00 AM CST
Sharon had this to say...: Good morning, I left a little something for you on my blog!

Hugs, Sharon; Sat Feb 16, 12:02:00 PM CST
Sandy had this to say...: Smiles, Anni. Smiles are often given freely...like the ones you give us.; Sat Feb 16, 12:07:00 PM CST
Cats~Goats~Quotes had this to say...: Sometimes the free things are the most expensive..; Sat Feb 16, 12:07:00 PM CST
Dragonstar had this to say...: Nice shot - is the sky always that blue in Texas?
Love your new look here, and thanks for the visit.; Sat Feb 16, 12:34:00 PM CST
PowersTwinB had this to say...: I think you came up with a perfect post for free! My hunt is more fun and free, come on over sweetie! I also wanted to say Hi and send my love; Sat Feb 16, 01:01:00 PM CST
jams o donnell had this to say...: I love the Molly Ivins quote and true of many of our politicians too!

Flags do not confer freedom but they certainly symbolise it. Happy weekend; Sat Feb 16, 01:09:00 PM CST
Mo had this to say...: Love your post, Anni.
Yes, Americans should be proud of our heritage of Freedom but remember that it came with a great cost.

(PS: Go Sarge!)

Over at It’s A Blog Eat Blog World, I just went with chickens!; Sat Feb 16, 01:14:00 PM CST
YTSL had this to say...: Interesting comments in the blog entry. Can't say that I completely agree with them but find them thought-provoking all the same.; Sat Feb 16, 01:58:00 PM CST
Denise had this to say...: Great photo.; Sat Feb 16, 02:22:00 PM CST
Anonymous had this to say...: I feel like Sarge!; Sat Feb 16, 02:39:00 PM CST
Marylin had this to say...: great post, and photo :); Sat Feb 16, 02:55:00 PM CST
Gypsy at heart had this to say...: Good take on the theme. Thanks for stopping by my blog.....; Sat Feb 16, 03:29:00 PM CST
Kimo & Sabi had this to say...: Our mommakitty says even land is expensive!; Sat Feb 16, 04:38:00 PM CST
Ladytink_534 had this to say...: I agree. There is no such thing as free!; Sat Feb 16, 05:11:00 PM CST
Incog & Nito had this to say...: I love your take on the theme. Enjoy your weekend.; Sat Feb 16, 05:22:00 PM CST
PEA had this to say...: I agree with you, our freedom has certainly come at a high cost! Oh Anni, I just love your new header. it made me smile as soon as I saw it:-) xoxo; Sat Feb 16, 08:06:00 PM CST
ian had this to say...: so... who's your choice, anni: barack or hillary? =]; Sat Feb 16, 08:42:00 PM CST
Natalie had this to say...: I feel about the same as you about free...nothing is truly free.; Sat Feb 16, 09:04:00 PM CST
Alison had this to say...: that song always make me cry and I have to turn it up very loud and sing very loud!!! wonderful post, very poignant.; Sat Feb 16, 09:24:00 PM CST
Betty had this to say...: Anni,
Thank you for visiting with me...and yes tobacco sticks were for tying tobacco leaves on to be hung and cured in a very hot tobacco barn.....Betty; Sat Feb 16, 09:29:00 PM CST
Denise had this to say...: Freedom comes at great cost... and freedom is lost by doing nothing.... I love my country but I fear for its survival....

come over and vote for your choice of captions for our Tee shirt.. I will design it after all the votes have been counted........

hugs0x0x0x0; Sat Feb 16, 10:32:00 PM CST
denz had this to say...: wow! you have a very nice picture and I love the way you put consistency of the picture, indeed that is a great post for this week theme! keep it up!!!

check mine:
PhotoHunt-1
PhotoHunt-2
Have a great Weekend!!!; Sat Feb 16, 10:48:00 PM CST
Karen H. had this to say...: Good Early Morning Anni,
I woke up and had to have a snack and thought I would come check my blog. LOL. Very addictive it is huh? LOL. This is such a GREAT POST my friend. "THANK YOU" for posting this. It is indeed so true, NOTHING is really free. This war that is going on right now is costing people their lives. It is so humiliating that this is just going on and on. Let them bring our SOLDIER MEN & WOMEN home so no more are killed and they can be with their Families. If only I were President. Well, I guess I better stop there, I don't want to cause any uproars. Take care my friend and have a great day. Did you go see MS. Hillary? LOL. May God Bless You and Yours.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.
P.S. I got your email and responded to it last night.; Sun Feb 17, 12:50:00 AM CST
Larry had this to say...: darn tooting about the flag standing for freedom -- even here in Canada! Hoping your weekend is going well.; Sun Feb 17, 12:59:00 AM CST
Bengbeng had this to say...: in my opinion, some American take their freedom for granted. i love the American electoral process.it is so fair; Sun Feb 17, 03:42:00 AM CST
Pato & Pearl had this to say...: great picture! Yes, freedom is priceless but many paid the price for it....Have a good weekend!

Pearl; Sun Feb 17, 05:30:00 AM CST
Cindy had this to say...: A great representation of Free. Did you attend the Hillary Clinton rally?; Sun Feb 17, 08:33:00 AM CST
Michelle Johnson had this to say...: What a wonderful choice for Free. I don't think you could have chosen better. I hope Hilary's speech went well. Thanks for sharing. Happy Photo Hunt~; Sun Feb 17, 06:01:00 PM CST
Courtney had this to say...: I once saw a bumper sticker that said "American by birth and Texan by the Grace of God". As a born and raised Texan, I fell in love with it. Your picture reminded me of it.; Mon Feb 18, 08:04:00 AM CST
Janet had this to say...: Go Hillary!; Mon Feb 18, 06:49:00 PM CST
Inland Empire Girl had this to say...: I agree with you... this picture is a true symbol of freedom.; Mon Feb 18, 07:32:00 PM CST
shiera (bisdakbabbles) had this to say...: wow! great photo!
The sky is so blue... perfect background for the flag :); Tue Feb 19, 07:50:00 AM CST

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