Stars, Stripes, and Sustainable Strides

July 4th, 2026 marks a memorable day: 

America's 250th birthday. 

We've all seen the snippets coming our way regarding this semiquincentennial birthday & American anniversary: patriotic parades ahead, firework events, festivals & celebrations.... and even down to sales galore at all the stores, with decor red ♥️, white 🤍, and blue 💙, and discount signs everywhere!  

I've been around long enough to lightly remember the 1976 U.S. Bicentennial. "Lightly" because I was not quite 7 years old. And now here we are.... 50 years later. 😱 If 50 is a lot, what about 1/4 of a millennium?!

Yes, 250 years is a big deal! 

Imagining back to 1776 and the era of quills, cannons, and candlelight, we've come a long way, baby! Can you imagine our forefathers even trying to fathom televisions, computers or live-streamed shows on smartphones? Then think about all that goes with all of that: from microchips to electricity to Google (or Amazon or Best Buy) to drones to satellites to AI. They wouldn't even be able to wrap their head around a fraction of all that. 

250 years of inventions and innovations have carried us far! A LOT has changed since that very first Independence Day.

Since the very beginning, we have been a nation that "shoots for the stars ⭐️." In 1776, that looked like freedom and the birth of a nation. It was centered around ordinary people breaking free from a king (or other ruler), with the idea of equality and voting for folks to shape their own future. From its inception, democracy has counted on the dynamic balance of the the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the government. 

From there, our country soared by the way of life-changing innovations: railroads and telegraphs, light bulbs and airplanes, radios and televisions, rockets and moon landings, computers and the internet. Each invention launched us into a brighter, shinier future of possibility. 

Much like the stripes on our national flag, with each decade we see the stripes of history and the timeline of change progressing us forward. Advances in agriculture, transportation, energy, production, communication, and more moved us forward in a multitude of ways. 

Not surprisingly, along with these new solutions came some environmental and social issues that needed to be solved. Air/water/land pollution, overcrowded cities, climate challenges, and other issues became the next problems to solve. Yet again, we made strides to solve those new problems. A sweeping stripe of environmental stewardship took place with the first Earth Day in 1970 and other environmental and health protections getting put into practice, policy, and law. We see these layering stripes of progress, advancement, enlightenment, and future success sometimes layered with the dark stripes of history where we aren't always proud of our past choices. This right here is in part the philosophy backing why I became a teacher: we need to learn from our past mistakes in history in order to not repeat it. 

So as we go forward with our democracy, our nation, and all the inevitable inventions and innovations ahead, we need to make sure our future strides are sustainable ones. I tell my students all the time: we are problem solvers. So it is part of our jobs as American citizens, global citizens, digital citizens and decision makers, and future changemakers to factor in forward thinking as we go. Maybe that is in the future of hybrid or electric cars. Perhaps it is in alternative energy such as wind, solar, hydropower, or geothermal. Maybe our throwaway-culture will grab hold of a model more focused around circular design to reuse and reinvest materials. Perhaps communities could be designed with the climate in mind to help create flood-resistant cities and build in protections to help offset our warming planet in areas that are prone to heat-waves and droughts.

I'm a big proponent of small acts making a big impact. As we think about new shining star innovations as we continue to move forward in the stripes of the future, let's factor in those sustainable strides. In doing so, we can truly celebrate the longevity of our history and the distance we have traveled as a nation. Likewise, we can proudly take on an inspiring future. In doing so, it will set the precedent for our kids to watch our country grow stronger each step of the way, where one day they will take on that same challenge as adults! Let's create a fireworks-worthy celebration as we craft the best possible answer to the question: Where do we want our country to be in 50, 100, 250 years from now?

For more information about America's 250th birthday, click the first link above or go to: https://america250.org/

Images from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:America250_flag.svg, 1976 image (A float during the American Bicentennial Grand Parade in Washington, D.C. Photo via National Archives) from https://www.reuters.com/pictures/how-america-celebrated-its-200th-birthday-1976-2026-06-03/?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us

1776 first 4th graphic created using Perplexity.com and using this prompt: "Create a graphic image of what the 1st 4th of July might have looked like in 1776, showing the simplicity of the times. Include stars in the sky, and make sure to show the flag at the time." American Innovation graphic created using Perplexity.com and the following prompt: "Make an interesting graphic showing the progress of time with these inventions, with stars in a flag blue sky: railroads and telegraphs, light bulbs and airplanes, radios and televisions, rockets and moon landings, computers and the internet." The future "Circle City" graphic created on Perplexity.com using the bulk of the next-to-last paragraph. The Independence Day/4th of July banner created at canva.com

Independence Day & The Declaration of Interdependence

The summer is clipping along and the 4th of July is here. Our nation's birthday. Next year on this date, it will be our country's 250th anniversary of our country's birth.

Where are you on your Civics education? When was the last time you read the Declaration of Independence, written July 4, 1776? If it's been awhile, you can read it here at the National Archives. 

The 4th of July brings with it all the celebration of a national holiday and a day off of work: parades, pools, barbeques, and fireworks. Bigger than that though, it brings with it the ideas central to our nation: freedom, autonomy, self-determination. 

But, in a world growing more complex by the year with digital advancements, AI, social media, innovation, technological growth, environmental issues, climate change, and more--perhaps we're also on the cusp of needing more. Yes, we're celebrating our independence, but maybe there's also a need to celebrate our interdependence. Ways that we are all connected to each other and our planet, requiring not only life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but perhaps also an approach and vision toward shared responsibility. 

In doing so, we take note on how local actions ripple outwardly to our global community. How our stewardship of the Earth is tied not only to our greater purpose but also our greater connection. A vision toward sustainability and how caring for our shared home will impact everyone with the cleanliness of the water, air, the soil that grows our food, and the energy that powers this planet of ours. 

Knowing and understanding this interdependence is what environmental literacy is all about. 

Maybe this holiday as we are thinking about flags, fireworks, and freedom, maybe its time to think about freedom not about standing alone, but standing together. Maybe its worth create your own Declaration of Interdependence by filling in the blanks below, in the style of the Declaration of Independence's Preamble:

Creating a Personal Declaration of Interdependence by Vicki Dabrowka at Canva.com using Canva Code; Top image created in canva.com

4th of July 2024

Happy Birthday America!

4th of July, our country's birthday, is definitely one of our biggest national holidays in the US. 

Parades, picnics, barbecues, flags, festivities, and fireworks all are part of this national celebration.  

Were there to be a red, white, and blue birthday cake, we'd be placing 248 candles on the cake for the country that was "born" on July 4, 1776.

Every 4th I like to post a little something about the holiday:

• ways to celebrate in an eco-friendly way; 
• ways to add a little environmental green to your red, white, & blue routine;
• ways to honor our country by getting outdoors, etc. 

To check out my thoughts on all those topics and what I've written in the past, you can easily go back into the archives for 4th of July. May they serve as inspiration to tie together patriotism and environmental stewardship.

In thinking about what to write this year, I started thinking about the symbolism of our nation's colors, thinking about how they can tie in to both environmentalism as well as the meaning of the holiday. It led me to become a bit philosophical and even include a little play on words:

♥️ Red

The color word "red" is a homophone for the past tense of the verb "to read." As Americans, we definitely should be well-read! My challenge for you is that during this week of our nation's independence, make time and take time to read. Read it all: history, biographies, environmental stewardship, social justice issues, the news, non-fiction, and more. With it being an election year, being informed, well-read citizens is the best present we can give our country!

🤍 White

The color white can symbolize a lot of ideas: purity, honesty, innocence, cleanliness, equality. It even is the color of those racing, chasing arrows on our recycle symbol. All good food for thought. The white daisy photo above reminds me of the adage "stop and smell the flowers." Which of course is synonymous to "live in the moment." This is something that holidays often tend to help us with because they are rare and precious, and we tend to NOT take them for granted, not in the same way we often do during our "regular days." Smell the flowers this 4th of July. Appreciate your holiday. Treasure the gifts of your nation, your friends, your family. 

💙 Blue

Being both the color of the sky and of water, blue is the perfect symbol for "being outside." Take time this holiday weekend to soak up some sun, get some Vitamin N (Nature), and romp around outside. Ground yourself in nature. Unplug. Counter your tech time by spending some time in the great outdoors. Breathe in the beauty that surrounds in the world outside our walls! 

May this Independence Day be filled with many remarkable moments

and memories in the making!

♥️🤍💙      

Images created at Canva.com.

11 Outdoor Adventures to Have This 4th of July Weekend

July 4th weekend is here! Trying to figure out what to do? Here are 11 ideas on some outdoor adventures (because 11 is the perfect number mathematically, given the holiday's date: 7/4....7 + 4 = 11!) 

Who's to say you need to do just one?! Whatever you do, have a fun one and see if you can get outdoors!

For 39 more ideas on how to spend the weekend, check out Erin Cavoto's article "50 Fun Things to Do on July 4th to Keep the Whole Family Entertained" from The Pioneer Woman's website which inspired today's post and imagry!

Image created from Canva.com.

July Holidays Ahead

July marks the official "halfway through the calendar" time of year. In some ways, the 4th of July marks that "halfway through summer" place (especially for students and teachers, where the summer goes too fast to begin with!)

Here at the cusp of the 4th of July weekend, while you are celebrating your patriotic pride and the lazy, hazy days of summertime, here are a few other holidays on the horizon this month. I found the fun facts and dates on NationalToday.com--a festive website with serious and silly holidays and it can definitely take you down the rabbit hole of marking your calendar with some good ones! Each holiday has a detailed timeline graphic to give you the history of how it came to be (along with some important milestones per holiday)  : 

American Independence Day is July 4th annually. But, did you know that July 2nd is Made in the USA Day. Makes sense given the theme of the holiday weekend and putting our shopping dollars into purchasing American-made items. The day was created by Joel Joseph of the Made in the USA Foundation and first celebrated in 1989. That's also when the "Made in the USA" label started to appear on products.

National Clean Beaches Week falls during the first week of July on the 1st through the 7th. Since beaches are often are the place where folks land for the 4th of July, it makes sense. Sadly too, it makes sense that a lot of people often come with a lot of litter. So definitely a time to spruce up our shorelines, especially to keep that waste from becoming polluting marine debris. This annual event started in 2003 and has the support of many coastal communities to keep beaches, shores, and marine animals healthy!

July 11th is World Population Day. Overpopulation is the cause of many of our environmental issues. The more people we have, the more resources we use. That impacts gender equality, human rights concern, poverty, food, energy, and more. It was named Five Billion Day in 1987 (when the global population hit that number). From there, the United Nations Development Program established world Population Day in 1989, and it was officially voted as a UNDP day December 1990. Here in 2022 at this writing, we are very near 8 million, a number that changes literally by the second. You can discover the exact count by checking out World Population Clock, which shows you that second-by-second count.

World Nature Conservation Day falls annually on July 28. The emphasis on the day is making sure to maintain and preserve healthy environments and take care of our planetary natural resources. Not only does this take care of the flora and fauna, but all of that impacts clean soil, water, and air--and human health! Industrialization, deforestation, and other human impacts diminish our natural resources and biodiversity and impact the effects of climate change. 

July 29th marks International Tiger Day. Our largest of the "big cats," tigers also are faced with habitat loss, hunting, and poaching, and invading human impact, numbers are on a high decline. This day was created in 2010 when numbers revealed that 97% of all wild tigers population had depleted over the previous 100 years, leaving approximately 3000 tigers in the wild and tigers at the risk of extinction.

By noting these dates on our calendar, we can help raise awareness, funds, and potential solutions to these "environmental" holidays.

All banner icons created at www.canva.com.

Red, White, & Rejuvenate

I ran across Matthew E. May's June 30, 2016 article "The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Productivity Over A Long Weekend Is Also The Most Fun." The "long weekend" in question was the 4th of July holiday, and he wrote it 5 years--long before pandemics and quarantines. Yet, "the meat" of the article still holds so very true. While "Red, White, & BBQ" sound like a great plan for the Fourth, his points in his article make a solid call for nature outings, unplugging, and firefly fireworks as being an even better plan!

He detailed studies from the University of Kansas and University of Utah that investigated the effect of stepping into nature and stepping away from our digital devices and their impact on creativity. I know I was pretty tech-centric 5 years ago (and often wrote about my love-hate relationship with technology--despite the fact that my job is very tech-connected)... but it doesn't hold a candle to the tech life I've lived this past year with zoom calls, hybrid & remote teaching, and the necessity of having to use texts, Facebook, and video calls with loved ones who live far away. If there was a researched and studied benefit 5 years ago, you can bet it's still needed and probably in the category of mandatory versus just plain necessary.

The findings in this study showed that a 4 days in nature (hiking, in this study) showed a 50% improvement in creativity. Futher findings showed that insight and problem solving were also improved due to stepping away from the constant demands that our pinging smartphones and digital data overtax our busy brains. This is particularly true for our the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for processing and organizing information, short term memory, attention, decision making, and impulse control. We get tired and stressed and digitally overstimulated, these sometimes are the first things to be affected and go on the fritz!

Whether it was a result of the increased time in nature, the decreased time with tech, or the combination of the two was not delineated. However, it does seem like a stellar combination to pursue given the outcome. Do we need days on end of this unplugged, nature-centric regimen? Probably not. But some time out in nature, soaking in some green or some blue, might be the best way for you to really reset this red, white, & blue holiday to help you not only rejuvenate but to also up your game at work or at home.

Images created at canvas.com

4th of July Flags

When it comes to the 4th of July, in America, one of the first things that comes to mind is the flag. It is the symbol of our nation and an icon for what we stand for.

I typically see the 4th of July as the halfway point of the year. Our nation's birthday happens near the start of the 7th month and the 2nd half of the year. And what a year 2020 has been.

Thinking back on the first half of this year, I'm struck that there are other flags of honor to celebrate this country that I love and care about. Flags that take our defining American ideals and values of freedom, liberty, equality, democracy, unity, & diversity. These are what stand at the base of who we are. In this time when we've seen so much loss due to the coronavirus, it's certainly a time to take hold of what is important.

As you celebrate Independence Day, think about the flags that come to your mind. Here are some of mine. I envision them waving proudly in the air, alongside our American flag, giving us all strength, courage, hope, gratitude, perseverance, faith, resilience, and community. Happy 4th of July!

Images created at www.canva.com from their photos and also these sites: https://www.flagamerican.com/earthdayflag.aspx, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gay_Pride_Flag.svg, https://www.amazon.com/Matter-Bandera-Detener-violencia-Banderas/dp/B06WWHPK7N/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=%22black+lives+matter%22+flag&qid=1593273252&sr=8-4, https://www.flags.com/healthcare-heroes-flag/, https://www.noveltiescompany.com/products/coexist-flag-5530

Footloose & Fancy Free--Sans Shoes

Ahh... freedom.
Not American nor patriotic freedom.
(Though so important for Independence Day!)
Not freedom of speech... or incarceration...
or religious freedom.

All of these are vital, American, human freedoms we all should have every single day. But, I'm talking about a different kind of freedom. I'm talking about kick-off-those-sneakers freedom. Free-from-the-bondage-of-high-heels kind of freedom. Lose your Cinderella slippers and get your toes in the sand or feel the softness of the grass underfoot.

(I think Zac Brown Band has a song that goes a little something like that.)

Those are all the summertime thoughts that swirled ahead when I ran across Mother Nature Network's article by Christian Cotroneo "Why Not Wearing Shoes Does a Body Good." He details Nature Journal's study about how calloused (or "well-seasoned") feet are better for you than your shoes, which truly have desensitized your feet while also changing the way we walk. Flashback here to having a gravel end to my driveway as a kid and how THAT feels... or the flash-forward from there as a parent walking over Legos hidden in the carpet. Ouch with a side of ouch! But, we lose a little bit of foot-to-brain communication with a life of shoes. Granted, we aren't needing that same level of environmental neural connection that we may have needed back in the cave days... but another way the evolution of man-made items have changed the man (and woman)!

Given it's summer time, it's certainly the season to try life barefooted sometimes. In fact, the concepts of grounding (or earthing) are becoming both an environmental, health/wellness, and personal energy trend. It's a way to induce calm and reduce stress. Not to mention, a good way to start working on both your rewilding and your nature deficit disorder!

Like I said, it's summer & the Fourth of July is upon us! What better time is there to celebrate freedoms! The timing couldn't be better! May your 4th be footloose & fancy free, no shoes needed. Use the freedom to build up that sensory experience and a callous or two along the way.

Freedom image from https://leadingwithtrust.com/2015/07/12/5-freedom-fostering-ways-to-develop-high-performing-teams/, screenshot from https://www.mnn.com/green-tech/research-innovations/stories/not-wearing-shoes-callus-study, quote image created on Canva.com

Happy 4th of July

Cheers to all of you celebrating Independence Day this year.

Check out this checklist and see what you can mark off for your celebration!

Checklist created at https://app.edu.buncee.com/buncee/a5dd5b3d606c448ea303cb6d71ea78b5, image from https://4thofjulyproducts.com/4th-of-july-quotes-and-sayings/

Happy 4th of July 2017

A birthday is a personal and special day. In part because of it's "one-a-year-ness." But also due to it's significance to our growth and individual history.

The same holds true for our country's birthday--which for me, of course, is the United States of America. Today's America's 241st birthday. A significant day based on heritage, ideals, beliefs, and pride.

I ran across this John Cena video the other day, and despite the fact that it was released last year, it seems even more relevant than ever before.
My favorite part:

"To our motto: 'e pluribus unim;' 'From many, one.' It's even in our country's name. The United States. This year, patriotism shouldn't be just about pride of country. It should be about love...love beyond age, disability, sexuality, race, religion, or any other labels. Because the second any of us judge people based on those labels, we're not really being patriotic, are we?...Remember, that to love America, is to love all Americans. Because love has no labels."

May your 4th of July be safe, wonderful, 

meaningful, fun, festive, and full of love for all.

     

Video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdK8hBkR3s; image from http://www.3creekranch-jh.com/default.aspx?p=.NETEventView&ID=200474&qfilter=&type=0&ssid=&chgs=

Freedoms, Flags, & the Fourth

No, I'm not bellowing "Braveheart's" iconic sound byte: "Freeeeeeeeedom!"

But, that being said, the 4th of July is upon us, and it brings about thoughts of our freedoms.

It's been a week and change here in the grand ole U.S. of A. A week+ OF change!  "Freedom" has taken new heights.  Unless you have been living under a rock the last 7--10 days, the Supreme Court has aok'ed and authorized gay marriage in all 50 of the United States.  Rainbow flags are a-flying.  As they should be.  Let's vote in honor of "happy."  ALL people are entitled to the right to be happy! We all deserve to be happy, especially as life is hard enough.

There's also the counter-flags, the ones that are NOT a-flying. The move to bring down the Confederate flags in the aftermath of the Charleston church massacre is a good one.  President Obama excelled as an orator during his eulogy at Rev. Clementa Pickney's funeral.

"It's true, the flag did not cause these murders... but we all have to acknowledge the flag has always represented more than just ancestral pride. For many, black and white, that flag was a reminder of systemic oppression and racial subjugation. We see that now....By taking down that flag, we express God's grace." ~Pres. Obama

There's even the new freedom to take pics at the White House.

Then, there's the "green" flag that was flown symbolically by way of The Pope's Encyclical!!  Way to go, Pope Francis, defender of our planet!

Yes, freedoms abound.  
And with that comes responsibility.

As a long-time liberal, I have always been in favor of "happy." I see the "freedom of happy" as extensive.  I think of conversations I've had with people who feel others "should" & "could" be doing things differently--for reason A, B, C, X, Y, Z. Given the very recent history of the US, it causes me to ponder: "Why do we all care what others are doing or what others are caring about?  Does it matter to us?"

The answer is no--others' lives are theirs. Our business is ours.  

We all have the right to be free, to go forth, and to...

• love one another,
• love ourselves,
• help our planet,
• refuse,
• reduce,
• reuse,
• recycle,
• take responsibility,
• take action,
• make a move, 
• make a motion,
• fight for what we believe in,
• share what's good,
• not get sucked into the vortex,
• turn on our minds,
• turn off the social media influences,
• fill ourselves with the power of good versus the power of evil,
• make healthy choices,
• share our messages,
• pursue happiness,
• take part in incremental change,
• learn something new,
• be true to our friends, family, and selves,
• be innovative, be creative, be inspiring, and be connected.

This 4th....go forth & be happy.  

Embrace love, embrace each other, embrace what surrounds you.  

What makes you happy, and what freedoms inspire you?!

Freedom Wordle:  http://www.dreamstime.com/royalty-free-stock-photography-freedom-word-cloud-image13269107 ;  flags: http://www.truthrevolt.org/sites/default/files/styles/content_full_width/public/field/image/articles/gay_marriage_81102178.jpg?itok=67iw93y3; freedom & happiness: http://www.liveluvcreate.com/image/freedom_and_happiness-290909.html, Sparkler heart: http://4theloveofyoga.com/yoga-sequences/4th-of-july-freedom-yoga-flow-celebrate-being-free/