We have fond memories of 4th of July fireworks in Boulder over the years. The kids and I, and often my mother, had a favorite spot on a grassy little hill next to an ice cream shop. We would get there early, stake out our spot with lawn chairs and a picnic quilt, and then everybody had a double scoop while we waited for the sky to darken. Due to wildfire concerns, the fireworks were permanently cancelled in 2024. Mom, and the ice cream shop are gone….but the memory lives on in our hearts. Instead of fireworks at the CU stadium, this year Boulder had Phish concerts. I stayed home and watched the new season of “Gilded Age” with Paul.
Other communities had drone light shows, with complex patterns and images pulsating in the sky. I have heard there are now drone clubs who get together to practice these multiple-drone flying light displays. Drone shows are considered sustainable compared to fireworks because after the show they are packed up, batteries recharged, to be used again thousands of times. Instead of relying on explosives that can be loud, polluting, and pose safety risks, these shows utilize swarms of drones equipped with vibrant LED lights to create colorful aerial performances. If you have pets, you know it is distressing to our furry friends. It is also traumatic for wildlife (birds!) and humans with PTSD. So I have an open attitude towards making new traditions for the holiday.
This is a different kind of long holiday weekend, but I am using the time to work on some projects in the studio. I am working on finishing 3 quilts, and 3 other quilts are being shipped off this week. When it is sizzling outside, it’s a good time to stay inside and finish some projects!
Stay cool out there – and keep stitching.
sharing your love for fabric,
Luana and Paul
Subscribe to my artist blog here.
Travel/Lecture Dates:
July 18 – SAQA “Balance” opening reception in Durango, CO
July 27 – Aug 6 – Festival of Quilts, Birmingham UK
Sept 12 – SAQA “Camouflage” reception – Arizona Sonora Desert Museum – Tucson AZ
Oct 9-12 – Houston Quilt Festival – Soul Stories
Nov 2-6 – Art Quilt Tahoe – Independent Study
Nov 7-10 – Sacred Threads – Indianapolis – Art & Activism lecture
Visit eQuilter’s Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok pages for Color and Design ideas.
See Luana’s Artist Blog, Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, comment on our blog, or follow us on Facebook.
Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.
