Happy Birthday No. 235 to the United States and No. 7 to the Official Escape From Corporate America Blog!

Happy Independence Day United States.  Whatever you are doing at this moment, stop and count your blessings for the privilege to live in a country where opportunity abounds.  Freedom is something one should never take for granted - only used to do what you wish.

And while you are celebrating, raise a glass in our honor to toast Birthday No. 7 for Escape For Corporate America!  Yes, it's been that long since we started this blog (click here to see how an article I authored planted the seed for this blog) and since then, you have been following us religiously.  So thanks for that  -- we appreciate your readership very much -- and we hope you continue to stay with us year after year as we feature stories relating to women who embark on the challenging journey of breaking away from Corporate America to start a business.

The picture (shown above)?  I took it over the weekend while running along the Chicago lakefront.  It symbolizes much of what I think this blog is about:  power, equality and starting a business!

Note:  Last year we gave you a free gift in honor of our double celebration.  If you haven't already opened it, do so now to get the inspiration you need to start a business:  Entrepreneurial Obsession:  13 Ways to Create a Brighter Future For Your Business.

Best wishes for continued success!  Back with you soon.