I’d like to wish everyone a safe and happy weekend. If you’re in the US—Happy Independence Day (Sunday)!
In light of the holiday, I want to share a memory of this holiday with you. And, because you all know I love a good story (check out my Front Porch series) as you read this, think of an awesome memory about fire or the 4th of July to share with me in the comments, pplllblllease, pretty please? It’ll be fun. Remember, you don’t even have to use your real name and you can make up an email address required in the comment area (my blogging software requires the commenter leave his or her email address).
If you know me, you’ll know I grew up on a farm far from any city center. And, usually on 4th of July weekend we’d buy fireworks to explode as typical families did. Back in those days, most fireworks were legal and my two older brothers made sure to buy a few of the biggest, baddest fireworks they could get their hands on.
I never really liked the explosions, pops, and bangs. They made me jump out of my skin. But, I always enjoyed fire and the sparkling lights. I still love candles because they afford me the opportunity to be a pyro on a small scale.
Anyhoo, my brother got it in his head to solder together some scrap pieces of pipe in my dad’s workshop into a makeshift gun. I watched from across the shop, “Interesting, I wonder what he’s going to do with that.”
Silly me.
Now he’s walking toward me with a fat firecracker, I think they used to call them “inch-and-a-halfers”, stuffing it in one end of the pipe thingy, pointing it at me, and then lighting it.
What the…?
BOOM!
The next thing I know my ears are ringing—almost a hiss—and a chunk of my hair singed off on the right side.
I was none too pleased, and neither was my mother.
Looking back, I think he felt pretty bad about it, I don’t think he thought much would happen or that the firecracker would even stay lit. And, after a few days and a doc visit, my ear stopped ringing. My hair eventually grew back (that’s the cool thing about hair, yes?). I laugh deep in my gut about it now.
Especially now.
Even as I write this.
Sometimes I’m amazed us kids made it through those 4th of July weekends with all the goofy stuff my older brothers did. Well, I’m shocked we survived any week, for that matter.
And so it goes, another Independence Day descends upon us. I still dislike the loud noises, especially since Ms. MS has given me bionic hearing and ultra sensitive nerves. This year for the 4th of July, I’ll be relaxing with a book, possibly a mojito with extra mint, and my heavy duty earplugs.
Have you been scanning your memories as you were reading? What’s your fire or 4th of July story? Lay it on me!
[Photo courtesy spatulated via Creative Commons license.]
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Funny…my older brothers always used to do that same exact thing to me! We used to have bottle rocket wars…lighting them off in our hands and throwing them at each other.
Seriously, how *did* any of us survive?!?!
My favorite 4th of July was when I lived in Chicago, though. I had my daughter with me, and we went down to the pier and watched them shoot rockets and fireworks over the lake. It was by far the biggest and best fireworks display either of us had ever seen, and we watched them together, full of awe, wonder, and love. It was beautiful and magical in every sense of the word.
Jay´s last [type] ..Pure Energy
Hi Jay (M2),
I knew you’d have a good one for me! My brothers used to do that, too, the bottle-rocket war thing. I’d usually run into the house for cover. Wackos!
Your memory of Chicago sounds beautiful, Jay. And what a great way to describe the feeling–beautiful and magical. That’s it! Watching the sparklies so high in the sky is just awesome! I’ll never forget once flying 4th of July late in the evening and being able to see the random fireworks looking down instead of the other way around. It was awesome!
Have a great weekend, California man.
Hi Lori:
OMG…the story of your brother blowing that fat firecracker thingy is scary!! I’m glad your hair grew back and hearing recovered. Me, I had my mini-pyro moments, too. I remember blowing up a firecracker in a bottle and the glass breaking…I’m so thankful I didn’t get hurt. A friend of mine who grew up in Indiana told me that he used to have “bottle rocket wars” with his friends–couldn’t get me to play that game. I guess you can say I did some stupid things but I still had a good deal of fear about firecrackers, etc.
BTW, your idea of reading a good book and drinking a mojito sounds absolutely perfect. I hope you have an enjoyable holiday weekend!!
Tim´s last [type] ..Strategic Partnerships- YouTube Play
Hi Tim,
Yeah, right? I mean, really, what the …? What was he thinking??? There was no harm done, so I actually think it’s really funny now. But, geez!
And, Tim, please tell me you did *not* put a firecracker in a bottle. Uhh, well, WHAT??? What is it with you boys?? (LOL) And like Jay, same with the bottle-rocket wars. At least you were wise to avoid those.
We’ll see about the mojito, but I have a few books to get to still, so I’m looking forward to some quiet time with those. Have a GREAT weekend, Tim.
Glad you survived growing up with two brothers without too much damage. It does make for some funny stories and a few scars. I grew up with two brothers also and can remember being shot with BB’s (I learned to run really fast… helped me on the track team later!) and being the guinea pig for all the new wrestling moves as both of them were on the team. Good thing I was limber!
Don’t remember any funny July 4th stories from my childhood, but I have two sons and they have set off a whole bunch of firecrackers in one of those non-ceramic flower pots (it is like paper mache or something) creating a big explosion and mess. They also felt it was necessary one 4th to build a big bonfire in the driveway. (Why??)
I just have a good sense of humor about it all and, thank goodness, no one has ever gotten hurt. Boys will be boys, eh?!
Hi Debbie,
I agree, even though we practically lived on death’s door it sure made for some funny stories later in life. And, you being shot with BBs? Holy gunshot batgirl! Wow. You make a great point, I think I became very athletic as I grew up just running from my older brother’s experiments! Great point!
I’m laughing right now as I type about the flower pot exploding and the bonfire in your driveway. I bet you’re a cool mom, Debbie. Good for you for letting things roll off your back.
Agreed, thank goodness no one has gotten hurt. The boys were really funny, and I can’t think of any time that their pranks and shenanigans ended up with lasting injuries. Woot!
Hi Lori,
Scary story the one you told, especially when we think what would have happened if everything moved one or two inches left or right. Glad to hear nothing really bad happened.
About 4th of July stories, nothing big except for the one last year, when going in a family trip my wife, our son and me to celebrate with a picnic during the day by the side of Lake Dillon, close to Denver in Colorado State and to wait there for the city fireworks as soon the sun comes down.
Beautiful but rainy day; cold and very green everywhere with a temperature around 40 degrees Fahrenheit; walking by the side of the lake at about 3 PM waiting for the time to start the picnic in that family day. A slightly slippery surface and just a second of not paying attention and my wife lost balance, fell straight down over her right foot and broke the ankle.
Rushing to the local hospital where she spent the following 10 hours in between x-rays, three attempts at fitting a cast in the right way and the typical waiting in a hospital bed.
To make the story short, no picnic, no fireworks in the sky, no pictures, and divided between worried, relieved that it could be worst and yawning, then the next ten months between surgery, metallic plate and screws, recovery and fighting the medical insurance. But she is completely recovered now although her right ankle is now slightly wider than the left; but I told her “I still love you, even with your slightly wider ankle”
This year we’ll watch the city fireworks from a parking lot across the street! But that’s OK, it is still the three of us.
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last [type] ..Being Together
Hi Raul,
Hey, thanks for sharing your story. Holy smokes!
My step-daughter lives in Denver so I know well the weather and environment about which your describing. I can see me doing something like that. What a bummer for your wife!
It sounds like the following ten months weren’t too fun, either. It’s great that you can make some light out of it though, saying that you love her even with a slightly wider ankle. That’s cool. 
I’m with you–it’s either across the street (to watch fireworks) or watching then on YouTube. I’m not much into traveling to watch fireworks anymore. And that’s fine with me and hubs.
Thanks for visiting and have a GREAT weekend, Raul.
Hey Lori,
I do love fireworks. I try and get as close to the launch point as possible.
Q: What do drive-in movies and 4th of July fireworks have in common?
A: They both suck in Alaska. Too bright to see a movie screen or fireworks in the summer. Now New years, that’s another story.
My fireworks story isn’t about the booms, it’s about getting the fireworks.
Back in the mid-70s we lived in Taiwan. As you can imagine, the variety of fireworks was amazing. The only problem was that technically they were illegal! The only place we were able to buy them was the black market, the local source being some deputy of police. Hehe. He was doing fine, lived in a nice house, had a big TV, much more stuff than the other locals.
Have a great 4th, Lori. It’s rainy and dreary up here this year so I’ll be laying low, writing and reading
George Angus´s last [type] ..Book Pricing in the Age of Kindle
Hey George,
How’s my favorite Alaskan Tumblemoose?
That’s true, I can imagine. I lived in Germany for awhile and was in shock and awe during the summer — the daylight hours aren’t as long as in AK, but they’re super long compared to SoCal. And yes, I remember how it affected me in weird ways socially and otherwise.
Hey, thanks for the awesome story. A superb story in ~70 words! You master writer you. I think it’s funny that the dude was actually some deputy of police. Classic!!! Too funny.
I’m sending lots of good vibes that the rain will go away and give you some sunny rays. If you need a break, write another micro-memior for me. YOU ROCK!
*smooch*
Lori,
I smell your hair burning as I type! We always had to work on the farm so we really never did celebrate the 4th. The first time I really enjoyed the 4th was watching fireworks with my boyfriend (now hubs) when we were dating. I was 16 and we knew each other for 4 months. My mom made us take my younger sibs with us! I can remember it being hot, sticky, sitting on the grass as the sky was lit up over and over again. And my heart was beating happy and fast, I was so in love. If I walked into that park today I could show you where exactly where we sat…just like I can smell your hair burning!
Oh and cheers I think I’ll have a glass of white wine.
Tess Bold Life´s last [type] ..Brave- Bold and Daring
Hi Tess,
Ha ha ha, there’s not much worse than the smell of burning hair. Ischy.
What a sweet, sweet story, Tess. Awwww — I can just see you cuddling up with your hubs with your younger sis lurking on. ha ha Another awesome story from you.
Cheers to you and I’ll toast you virtually as you sip your white wine.
Mmmmm!
~xo
For me, the 4th was always about being out on the front porch with a small table, dominoes, and a 40 oz (It’s a West Coast thing).
When it got dark, we would take the party up to my grandmother’s deck. She lived at the top of a hill that overlooked the valley, so we would watch the big fireworks display from the university.
I genuinely love these memories ! If only I could go back to the days when my only worry was homework and getting to baseball practice.
Hi Joshua,
Oh yeah, shaka that, the table, dominoes, and 40 oz. Oh uh huh. I live on the West Coast, too (for over 10 years now).
It’s fun when we can chillax and watch a fireworks display from the patio — I hear you there.
Maybe I’m goofy or spend too much time in the past, but I absolutely love thinking about memories and good times I’ve had. I’m glad you can, too. Remember back then, all the things you couldn’t do, too (driving, voting, vino, etc.). I feel in life I always get a little bad with the extra good things I get to do. You know?
Have a great weekend, Joshua. Thumbs up.
Lori: What a story. I am sure you really were less than pleased to have your hair singed. Good old brothers right … I don’t have one, but I do have a cousin and he gave me a firecracker that was already lit. It of course went off in my hand and although it didn’t burn me too badly, it surely scared me enough to keep my distance from firecrackers … even to this day
Happy 4th to you as well.
Sibyl-alternaview´s last [type] ..30 Things I Wish I Knew Earlier in Life
Hi Sibyl,
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the smell of my singed hair. Blegh!
Your cousin gave you a lit firecracker!? OMG, holy smokes! I’m glad you didn’t get hurt worse than you did. Well, sometimes getting burned makes us more cautious and maybe helped us to be wiser down the road, right?
Happy 4th to you, too, and enjoy your Sunday! I never went out to get some “spirit” for my mojito, so I’ll settling down with a virgin mojito soon. I hope you’re having a great day, keep up the great writing over at Alternaview!
Lori, we don’t celebrate 4th of July down in the underland of Oz, but if we did, I’d totally be doing what your brother did to the neighbour’s dog (who keeps savagely barking at me like I’m some kind of intruder, even though I’ve passed it a gajillion million times over the past few years!).
Okay, no, I wouldn’t really do that. It’s fun to imagine though. I hate large, scary, barky dogs…
Hi Tony,
(I’m glad you’re feeling better! Super news!)
I’m always cognizant of non-US folks when I write posts, and get kind of embarrassed to make a big deal of US holidays. I love it when people from other countries visit my blog and one of my best friends in the world is an Aussie who lives on the Gold Coast. (I thank the internet gods for Skype.) I lived overseas for a spell, too, and quite enjoyed it.
I digress…
OK, that was a knee-slapping funny comment about wanting to re-enact my brother’s gun experiment on your neighbor’s dog. I’ll draw you a diagram and maybe you can try it? (ha ha)
Yeah, large, scary, barky dogs don’t do it for me, either. And I even used to have one back on the farm.
Have a great day and week, Tony!
Hi Lori .. gosh I hate fireworks too – well the boom bangs as you say .. balloons too – because they pop .. but I do love the colours, and the stars and the whooshy fun ..
The 4th of July about 11 years ago I was in Canada .. at Lake Louise and it was fun .. the hotel had lots going on .. I only realise now that Canada Day is three days before ..
Oh well .. there’s nothing to beat the smell of damp leaves, misty air, a big big bonfire and lots of fireworks laid out by your father .. so you won’t get hurt!! .. and just that magic when they go off ..
Gosh you were lucky .. with that hairy scary moment .. a real one .. your hair looks as though it hasn’t suffered though .. healthy long locks ..
Hope you had a brilliant weekend .. and I did please please you?! Cheers Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Hotspur- the Duchess and The Poison Garden
Hi Hilary,
How are you? Lovely thoughts here, as always.
Yeah, that’s right about Canada Day. I think that’s pretty cool that it’s so close to our Independence Day. I think for most of us Yanks, it’s become an excuse to blow things up. But, that’s OK. It’s fun.
Thanks for your sweetie pie comments about my locks. I can remember my mom saying, when I hit my 30s, that I should cut it because older women should have short hair. Of course, being the rebel I am, I now refuse to cut it (LOL). My mom is awesome, but I’ll never forget that comment.
I hope you had a fun weekend, too, Hilary. I see you have a new post out, I’m looking forward to stopping by!
Hi Lori .. thanks .. just a little busy at the moment .. but chugging along – getting to where I need to go to .. such is life!
Lovely having good weather .. that’s the main thing for me at the moment – had way too much cold, snowy, freezing stuff & I’m in the south .. but it’s so miserable …
Ok party time for the whole of N America – sounds good to me .. Ok .. I can see your point about your Mum making her suggestion for your hair – that too – do the opposite .. we usually do to be perverse ..
It’ll be good to see you over at my Poison Garden?!
See you soon anyway .. look after yourself .. Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Hotspur- the Duchess and The Poison Garden