Dear Reader:

Traditional fireworks that increasingly brag about being bigger, better, and louder than previous years… are now being re-examined by many Canadians and Italians…can America be far behind?

We all are aware that the loud fireworks from July the 4th celebrations…whether displayed by town, city, community, or even neighbors’ fireworks cause our pets much distress, as well as, small children (many who cry and  hold their hands over their ears)  along with veterans suffering from PTSD…another oxymoron since we are supposed to be celebrating the bravery of our veterans who  helped preserve our country’s freedom.

Two specific locations have stepped up to re-create fireworks that are still beautiful for observers but quieter on the nervous system of wildlife, pets, children, and some veterans.

Banff, Canada: (Title photo)

Banff, a resort town situated near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, switched to low-noise pyrotechnics in order to lessen the stress on wildlife and pets, according to Corrie DiManno, the deputy mayor.

“We wanted to minimize the impact on wildlife in the town site and obviously the surrounding national park, as loud fireworks can be stressful to them,” DiManno announced. “And for us, moving to special-effect pyrotechnics helps us to walk the walk, so to speak. We consider ourselves leaders in this environment preservation.

…The process of launching fireworks requires two stages.  The first stage includes the firing of the propellant charge, which shoots the fireworks into the air. The second stage contains the explosive charge and the material that makes colorful patterns. The noise level of the fireworks depends the chemical composition of the explosive charge and how tightly it’s wrapped.

Quiet fireworks aren’t a new invention, but they’re gaining popularity in parts of Europe.  *Collecchio, a town in Italy, banned regular fireworks in 2015. In Britain, venues near residents, wildlife or livestock only allow for quiet fireworks.

According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), shelters across the U.S. report an increase in the number of lost animals after the Fourth of July, as panicked dogs and cats flee from the booms and bangs of typical fireworks.

Collecchio, Italy:

It just wouldn’t be a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks — but for some, the fireworks display is less than enjoyable.

Young children, wildlife, pets and even veterans can have a difficult time with all of the noise that comes with seeing beautiful streaks of color in the sky. That’s precisely why Collecchio, Italy, passed a law that only permits the use of “quiet fireworks.”

“Quiet fireworks” may seem like an oxymoron, but there is a good chance you’ve seen them before, as these types of fireworks are usually seen within a traditional display. Ever seen the “comet tail” type that shoots a streak across the sky and then sparkles before it fades away? Then you’ve seen “quiet fireworks” — and you probably thought they were just as beautiful as the loud, booming ones.

Wildlife animals, like deer and coyotes are killed more on July the 4th than any other night as  animals panic and run into the highways to escape the sounds. 

When around fireworks, dogs panic and are known to jump through glass windows, jump over fences, get lost or even killed.”

Animals aren’t the only ones who find fireworks bothersome. Some children have a sensitivity to sustained loud noises. As Dr. Alan Greene wrote for Parents Magazine:

“All of our ears are vulnerable to loud noises, especially sustained loud noises … Some of kids’ senses aren’t as well developed as [adults] (vision, for instance), and others are even more acute, such as taste and hearing, so the fireworks may sound louder to [them].”

For combat veterans or others dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the loud noises could trigger a “fight-or-flight response,” according to the National Institute of Mental Health.  Some combat veterans have taken to posting signs outside their homes  asking neighbors to “be courteous with fireworks.”

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The longer I fight my particular cancer with its ups and downs concerning my white cell count…a condition that leaves me feeling depleted of energy a lot …I realize that when I “hit the wall” and my body tells me to rest…I must do it right then. I rest, relax, and then am ready to go again.

Eating small amounts of food several times a day and resting small amounts of time throughout the day seem to be the secret for me to keep my whole system functioning better than the traditional three meals and no naps that was previously my habit.

So when I read this recent observation by Kaitlyn, my lovely daughter-in-law, about a situation she experienced while hiking in Ireland…I could easily relate…it is the way I live my life more than before.

I am rested. I am whole
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One day in Ireland Tommy and I hiked around a mountain lake in Annascaul. Tommy wanted to walk ahead and I felt ready to rest. I remember laying my head in the grass next to the stream and wanting to freeze that time. All I had to do was be: to lay on the earth and listen to her. I knew I would reflect back to this time and wish so badly for this simple state of beautiful being, and here it is.
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Tonight while meditating for the new moon and thinking about all the things I wanted call into my life, I realized@at the root of it is a desire to feel whole.
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I’m sure most of us can relate to the feeling of running on fumes: of feeling incomplete and unable to even accomplish the tasks we want because were so exhausted. I find myself lacking the will to even complete the most restorative tasks such as journaling, or meditating.
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When I’m done, I’m done and we live in a world that never rests. I KNOW I need to rest and rejuvenate and yet I still find myself committing to things that deplete me.
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So this month I believe I will focus on rest. We don’t have to do more to be more.
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I am rested. I am whole

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So until tomorrow…Native-Americans understood  the need to pause and rest on Mother Earth…to take time to listen to her ‘heartbeat’…letting ours go in sync with hers. Even on a holiday finding time to “be” is an important part of the celebration.

Happy Fourth of July!

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

*Beverly Parkinson is so excited…she got her first morning glory bloom yesterday…she has waited all summer…I told her she got her natural blue…now just add a little red and white. Happy July 4th.

*Remember Brooke and Ted today…still at the rehab center in Hendersonville…prayers are needed to give Ted the strength needed to be able to return home…that would be the best celebration of all!

Rutledge took his last hike yesterday before heading back to the low country…(the third hike in three days)…

Enjoy it now sweet grandson because it is so hot back home… your Boo Boo feels like she is about to pass out just hiking from the house to the garden and back…unbelievably  toasty…it makes everyone pretty testy!