Fireworks

Fireworks are strange, beautiful things. They carry a whiff of Orient mystery and serve it up with a flash and a bang. Look at the names of the sparkly things: Diamonds in the Dark, Electric Rainbow, Magic Crystals, Black Cats. They sound almost hallucinatory.

The London Eye on New Year's Eve

When I was living in Valencia, in Spain, there were fireworks every night during July. We went to see them at a tiny park near the dried up river bed. No silly safety regulations for the Valencianos; we lay on the ground and watched the huge fountains of light overhead. It was like being inside a Star Wars movie, or going warp speed. I never experienced fireworks like that before, and I suppose I never will again.

Imagine this right overhead.

When we visit our cousins in Massachusetts, we view the 'works from the beach. The inlet is surrounded by at least six far off towns, so we get to watch all their displays from one place. The kids race along the sand, and at some point someone sends up those glowing lanterns that were a big part of that movie, Tangled. 

Fireworks were recorded in the 7th century, in China. How did that long-ago inventor feel when he (or she) discovered those colorful explosions? Did they run away, screaming? That would have been quite something in the 7th century. Or were they all, "WooHoo! YESSS!"

In the US we'll be setting off fireworks for the Fourth. England waits until Guy Fawkes night, in November, and Ireland celebrates Halloween with the bangers. Valencia has the entire month of July, as I said. 

Guy Fawkes night

Setting up a display is an artwork in itself. The largest ones require gears, chains, and precision timing. When you add music to the mix that requires a new level of physics and pyrotechnics. 

Fireworks set up

Of course, I must add that people study to be able to do this. Be very, very careful on your own - in fact, leave it to the pros and go and watch a professional display.


Or this could happen:

Summer Rain

We had planned to head to the beach today, but it began to rain and the downpour said No Dice to all that. So now I'm stuck with two 8 year olds and three teen girls (plus my girlfriend, thank God, who'll help to shoulder the burden.)

So what the hell are we going to do today?


I have a feeling we'll end up at the mall. I think that shopping is fun, although sometimes it can be over the top. 


But with the rain and all there are other things that seem much more important. I'd really like to watch a Miyazake movie marathon, or read A Fine Balance (great book) or work on my own formats of my three books that have to go up on Amazon in July. 

I'm halfway through the first one, so you tell me if that schedule seems reasonable at all.


I seriously need a serious workout because with the teens and the kids there have been a lot of snacks floating around and one or two of them might have found their way into my mouth.


Plus I did dishes last night (twice) and again this morning and all of a sudden it's like, woah, crockery mountain at the sink. Please explain that if you can, housekeeping gods. So I suppose what I'm saying here is that, as usual, I could use some time to clean my house.


Plus, of course I have to blog and tweet and post to facebook and read emails, but that is an ongoing Sysyphusean task. 


Could also use a good pedicure, she said as she looked at the curved talons on the ends of her feet. 


However, I think we'll end up at the mall. Well played, three teen-aged girls, well played.

What's Your Talent?

None of these will get me on any show starring Howard Stern or Sharon Osbourne, but here are some things I'm good at:


I burst into flames on the beach, so I'm really good at applying self-tanner. Not to look tanned, you understand. Somewhat normal is my goal.

Self-tanner FAIL, poor dear. 

I can create a dinner for my husband from the last of the Panko breadcrumbs, that one last chicken breast, and mayo. And rosemary; for crap's sake, don't forget the rosemary!


If a surprise guest will arrive in 30 minutes, I can create the illusion of cleanliness. Just don't open the door of the closet or the Dora Tent.

Love this thing. You can shovel a lot of stuff in here.

I can extricate myself from any conversation on politics.


I can spend 200 $ on groceries and realize as I pull into the driveway that I haven't actually bought anything to eat.


I can sit through the ninetieth showing of "Good Luck Charlie, It's Christmas!" and enjoy it.

I can also extricate myself from any volleyball pick up game ever.




Here are some things that I can't do:


I can't find my husband, The Great Disappearing Act, when breakfast is ready.


I can't make my kid throw away any of her stuffed animals. (Sweetie, one more round of gift giving and Daddy and I will have to sleep in the garage, ok?)

Nor can I organize my desk. My friend can move two things and all of a sudden everything is in order, but I just don't have that gene.


I cannot resist any dish made with black olives.  Ditto mushrooms.

Oh yeah. Bring it on.

Breakfast is ready (Jersey blueberries, fresh cantaloupe, and waffles) and I have to go and shout in vain for my husband.


Please, in the interim, share some talents and challenges of your own!