Dear Divas:

This month we celebrate Independence Day in the United States and as Divas we're celebrating independence in our columns. Each column has something in it that relates to the independence we all have as women. Empowered as females, as the mothers and daughters of our culture, we are half the reason that this world is what it is today. (The other half being men, of course! LOL)  We hope that you take the time to read each of the offerings here this month and reflect upon them. The messages are meant as a reaffirmation of who we are and who we can be as women.

We welcome to the Diva Newsletter staff our new Mother Earth columnist, Diva April. In addition, we wish Diva Rici a very happy Fourth of July birthday! You can read about her July 4th adventures and challenges in her column. Diva Cally is on vacation but managed to send in her column before taking off for a well deserved break. Diva Winterheart's column this month is dedicated to her nephew in the Middle East and features some very yummy American foods. In our culture column, Diva Melda gives us a look at some women whose independence is in question. Diva Grace addresses our inner independence and strengths in the Zen column. Living Well's Diva Bonnie gives us information for surviving the war torn times we live in. Surf's Up's Diva Pepper has a plethora of places on the internet where you can find information about supporting our troops. And Diva Pam's Bits N Bytes includes support blinkies. If you're looking to become independent in your computing, Diva Winterheart has a guest article in the TechHubby column this month and it's guaranteed to break you free of Bill Gates! Each column looks at independence and strength and survival from a different perspective that is the reflection of the cultural, emotional, and intellectual differences of all Divas.

We hope that you not only enjoy this newsletter but that you think about it. It is our wish that each of you take something away with you after reading it. We wish you and yours a very happy Independence Day, whether you are American or not. Independence is in each of us and we should celebrate it each, and every day that we are alive.