not your usual holiday

The 4th of July, that Ultra-American holiday, is normally accompanied by large gatherings of people doing their level best to make as much noise as possible, as if we are still shouting to the world that we are indeed an independent nation. In absence of the noise and the crowds, the fireworks and the parades, the beer and hot-dogs - it is still a day to celebrate, but we are able to do it quietly, with a bit of reflection. Not a bad way to approach it....

I tried to find something representative of the spirit of the celebration - this reminds me of a fireworks flower, with greater simplicity and grace.