A chat and a HUG

You know those days when you're so emotionally drained from worrying about someone that you love that only a nice long face to face chat with an understanding friend and a great big HUG and sob will make you feel better?

Today is one of those days.
I wish I could pour my heart out just so that some of this emotional, confusing "stuff" could leave my body. It feels like a poison crawling through my veins.

I have so many picture flashes going through my mind, its as if they are haunting me.

Don't get me wrong here I've appreciated all the support, caring messages and calls. I just feel so distant from everyone. Its like I'm on a planet all of my own where I've been left to rott away alone with my poisoned mind.

I wish I could verbally print the images receive my hug have a good ol' cry and release the poisons...

Fireworks

Today I'm reposting last years Fireworks post.
I received an email with some updated info which is worth keeping here for you and I to refer back to.
Its from the SPCA regarding fireworks the laws in SA...

Please read on after my original article...

Fireworks may be beautiful to us but they traumatise animals.

*No cruelty is justifiable.*

Firework displays and celebrations bring confusion anxiety and fear into thelives of animals, causing many to run away from their homes in an effort to escape the frightening detonations.

*Fireworks are not animal friendly.*

You really need to consider all the factors to fully understand the magnitude of the effects of fireworks.
Shelters, animal organisations, and vets are overwhelmed by the after effects of fireworks.
There is an increased number of stray animals and reports of injuries and trauma to animals.

Animals that have been fortunate enough to be reunited with their families after an event like this are part of the lucky few. Animals are hit by cars and are injured – if not KILLED!!

Animals never grow accustomed to these loud bangs.
The hearing of animals is six times more sensitive than that of human hearing. Imagine that.
A dog can hear a whisper from almost three times as far away as you can.

There will always be one fool who will let of really loud bangs so here area few tips to help your pets on during fireworks celebrations. 

- *Keep your pets inside. * 

- *Keep them comfortable.* 

- *Let them hide if they want to – it's their way of coping.* 

- *Keep your curtains closed – I have heard of dogs that have jumped  through windows to "attack" the fireworks.* 

- *Keep your TV or radio on – this will drown out some of the noise from  the bangs.* 

- *Have some pet toys as a distraction.(cat nip toys for cats)* 

- *Speak to your vet about using rescue remedy for a pet that is more  sensitive to loud bangs.* 

- *Stay with your pet – and be calm – pets, just like children are  sensitive to your moods. * 

- *Make sure your Pet ID and other tags are up to date so in –case your  pet does go missing it will be easier to identify you as its owner.*

Here's the SPCA article...

FIREWORKS


THE SPCA GUIDE TO THE LAWS AND REGULATIONS


Issued by the


NATIONAL COUNCIL OF SPCAs


PO Box 1320, ALBERTON 1450


Telephone: (011) 907-3590


Fax: (011) 907-4013


E-mail: nspca@nspca.co.za


Website: www.nspca.co.za





THE EXPLOSIVES ACT No 26 OF 1956

This law applies nationwide with no exceptions.



It is unlawful to discharge any firework in any building, on any public thoroughfare or in any public place or resort without prior written permission of the local authority. (Section 10.34)



Section 10.35 relates to public displays of fireworks and states that no person may do so on any premises without the written permission of the Chief Inspector of Explosives (commonly known as “having a permit”). This written permission will stipulate conditions and any non-compliance with them is a criminal offence.



In terms of the Explosives Act, no person shall allow or permit any children under the age of 16 to handle or use fireworks except under the supervision of an adult person.



This Act is enforced by the South African Police Service (SAPS) not by the SPCA. Please report any offences to your nearest SAPS, giving as many details as you possibly can and quoting the Act name and number plus the relevant section as given above.



IGNORANCE OF THE LAW IS NO EXCUSE – PENALTIES ARE SEVERE






DO NOT BE AFRAID TO REPORT OFFENDERS


FIREWORKS ON PRIVATE PROPERTIES

We are referring to domestic properties in this section and to shop-bought fireworks. Whether or not it is legal to set off fireworks on a person’s own property is governed by the local by-laws. In some areas, no firework may be set off at any time without the written permission of the local authority. In other areas, it is permitted to set off fireworks on specified dates between certain times on domestic properties.



Please check local by-laws and make sure the by-laws you examine or are referred to are the most up-to-date ones. Many Municipalities amended their by-laws recently specifically on the issue of fireworks. Your Council or your local SPCA should be knowledgeable on the situation in your area.



In some areas, the discharging of fireworks could be an offence in terms of noise pollution. It is worth checking - and it is always worth reporting any untoward or hooligan use of fireworks.



Discuss the matter with a local councillor, advise and call your security company and do not be afraid to submit complaints and reports to your local SAPS.





SALE OF FIREWORKS

This falls under the Explosives Act and conditions for sale are strict.



It is not possible for any informal sale of fireworks (hawkers, roadside or any open-air sellers) to conform with this Act. It is imperative that any informal displays of fireworks for sale or sellers of fireworks in the open air are reported to the SAPS as quickly as possible.



In addition to the principles and ethics involved, there is a real danger if fireworks are displayed, handled and sold in the open air.



Any seller of fireworks must be in possession of a current licence issued by the Chief Inspector of the Department of Explosives. This licence (often referred to as a permit) is not transferable. That is, a shop with a permit to sell fireworks may not remove stock to a market or roadside and then claim “We have a permit.” The licence refers to the premises stated on this permit. Don’t be fooled



Fireworks may not be displayed in a window or any other place where fireworks can be interfered with by the public. This means that fireworks in a licensed shop must be either under the counter or locked in a cabinet. It is an offence to display or place fireworks where a shopper can pick them up or handle them in any way – including being able to put them into a shopping basket or trolley.



If you see fireworks displayed in a way that violates the law – report it!



There are strict regulations relating to signage (NO SMOKING, for example) and the necessity of having exits (preferably two) unlocked and unbolted whilst fireworks are on sale and that a clear passage must exist between counters holding fireworks and the exits. The Act states that if a firework dealer has only one exit, the fireworks must be placed at the rear (relative to the exit) of the building.

PACKAGING

This is important and an often overlooked aspect of the issue. Reports confirm that fireworks have been sold at tuck shops, having been taken out of their packaging, much in the way that individual cigarettes are sold at spaza shops.



Fireworks must be marked, labelled, packed and sold in accordance with regulations and fireworks must be in the original packaging complete with instructions when sold. It is an offence in terms of the Explosives Act to interfere with the packaging of fireworks or to permit the packaging to be interfered with.



If you come across fireworks for sale that look as if the packaging has been interfered with or removed, please report it. You could be saving a life or preventing severe injuries.



PYROTECHNICS (ORGANISED “DISPLAYS”)


The SPCA movement said in the past that it preferred organised fireworks events to the random, individual use of fireworks. But this cannot be taken to mean that pyrotechnics events meet with SPCA approval. In fact, it is our opinion that the vast majority of them are inappropriate and that each one should be judged on its own merits.



Perhaps this is another example of events or issues when the SPCA says, “It may be legal but we strongly oppose.” If you do too, then please do not be afraid to make your view known to the organiser (shopping centre etc), local newspapers, councillors in your area and the community whose peace will be shattered by the planned event.



Never underestimate the power of public opinion. And it’s never too soon to start lobbying. If this year’s event disturbed you, let them know NOW before they plan next year’s event.



Stay positive. Tell them how much support will be given if they abandon fireworks.



YOUR PETS

Not left to the end through lack of importance but because we are sick and tired of telling responsible people how to care for traumatised pets, when we should be telling idiots they are breaking the law and ought to wake up and be responsible. Our handy guide to pet owners is below: -



• Ensure all animals have identification

• If possible, stay home with them if you suspect fireworks fiends are about

• If you can’t be home with them, keep them inside and preferably in a room such as the kitchen where the windows are higher (and more difficult to jump through)

• Attempt to mask any noise by drawing curtains and playing calming music at a reasonable volume

• Put familiar and comforting things around them such as toys, baskets etc

• Provide them with something to do such as giving your dog a chewy bone or lots of catnip or a catnip toy for felines.

• If your pets do react badly to fireworks, then seek professional advice from your veterinarian.

• Why not ensure your pets have a hearty and nutritious meal around nightfall. This will make them more likely to be sleepy!

The beginning…
Well here's a little about me to start this baby off…

First things first I've never been an amazing writer so don't expect any beautifully worded articles.
If that does happen to occur its pure co-incidence… ;)

I'm not going to get all morbid now and tell you about my sad existence…lol
I'm a creative, sentimental, passionate, cRaZy - nut.
OK - so I have trust issues too - and a shit load of baggage - but that story will come along later...
I'm way too excited to get this thing off the ground than to sit mulling over all that right now.

So… what's the plot here…I plan to say what I want - how I want - and - why the hell not? ;)

I love music it adds ambience to my moods or changes a bad mood into a good one.

I also enjoy movies so be prepared to read just what I think about a movieI've seen.
Some movies irritate me to such an extent that it can turn into my own homage from the exorcist…
Mostly I tend to stay away from those movies that have imaginary, bright red, no entry signs flashing in front of their DVD boxes!

Back to my homage from the exorcist …Well I do tend to go overboard when it comes to animal abuse… (Actually abuse of any kind gets my blood boiling!)
Like I said the whys and the hows of that will come later.

I have always had an interest in art and creative hobbies.
My latest creative venture is photography.
Since going digital I've realised how much I enjoy photography. I hope to keep-it-up so you'll be able to see some of my photographic experiments here too.

I will get serious every now and again and tell you about the things that are important to me.

That is about it , well for this session any way. ;)

Have a beautiful day

Hello!!!

I am trying something new...
:)