Memory Lane: Fireworks

I have always loved fireworks and thought that they loved me back until I was 6(ish) years old and my cousins bought bottle rockets for the 4th of July.  They were illegal.  I just thought they were pretty.  It wasn’t either of our faults really, the bottle fell over and to avoid sending a bottle rocket onto someone’s porch my cousin kicked it (the bottle).  I was the new target and while the details are now fuzzy I do remember I was hit with something in the thumb.  This was the first time I realized that fireworks weren’t all pretty.

Fireworks and I made up when I was 9.  My family traveled to Lake Tahoe, California.  We stayed at the Embassy Suites and had all the ice cream we could eat.  My brother, sisters, and I also made up games involving the elevators.  I’m sure the hotel staff was happy to see us leave.  On Independence Day we trucked a mile to the beach, set up camp, and settled into what would be a long day.  I was pooped on by a bird…eeeewwww!  The sun went down and it was finally time to see the show.  Luckily we were right next to a life guard stand and could hear the soundtrack to the fireworks on the boom box.  It was an amazing fireworks display.  One of the best I have seen.  I again loved fireworks.

This year to celebrate our nations birth I headed to Sugarhouse park with some friends to see their fireworks.  While it didn’t compare with the Lake Tahoe show it was fun to be with friends and have a camera handy.

Stars & Stripes

I love holidays.  I often say that my favorite holiday is the one coming up.  I love each holiday for different reasons and for different lengths of time.  I get into some holidays more than others but I love them all.

With today being Independance Day I thought I would list why I love this holiday.

1. BBQ – I love food and the 4th has some of the best.  I am unashamed to eat ribs, get sauce on my face, and eat as though I may never eat again.  (I have mastered the art of eating and not getting food all over me.)
2. The Flags – I get a little choked up when I see so many of the stars and stripes in any one location.  I often catch sight of a flag and am reminded how much sacrifice and service has been given so I can enjoy the freedoms of life.  The flag serves as a great reminder of the gratitude I should feel.
3. Red, White, & Blue – These are some of my favorite colors.  Why? refer to #2.
4. Music – Music has the ability to convey so much with just a few notes and words.  I love the music of the 4th.  I was very excited sitting in church yesterday knowing that the hymns we would sing were all patriotic hymns.  I love to sing the national anthem even though I do it half way on key and miss some of the words in the 2nd & 3rd verses.
5. Fireworks – Who doesn’t love fireworks?  They are awesome.  I am awe struck with the colors and images they produce.  I revert to being a kid again whenever I hear fireworks.  I resemble the scene in ‘The Sandlot’ when they are playing the night game on the 4th.  The fireworks start and all the boys look to the sky and forget about the game.  This would be me.  The rest of the world melts away when the fireworks come on.

I am so grateful for the sacrifice that was made by the forefathers.  I love this country and this holiday.

Happy Independence Day!  Stay safe with all your celebrating.