Saturday, June 11, 2011

Big Bang Theory


Fireworks on the 4th of July were an unknown thing to me until the summer of my twelfth birthday. My family loaded into our great white Behemoth and headed to Kennet Square, Pennsylvania, to spend the holiday with my mother's brother, my Uncle Joe.


Uncle Joe loved picnics more than anything. Long hours spent as a telephone linemen during the week placed a longing in him to spend his weekends firmly rooted to the ground. My Aunt Betty would pack cold fried chicken and deviled eggs, potato salad and canned bread and butter pickles into a large wooden hamper. A blanket to spread under the shadiest tree found, a plaid thermos of hot black coffee for endless cups, two teaspoons of sugar each.


My little brother and I exhausted the daylight hours on nearby swings, our father our begged for pusher to get us started. Khaki pants and squared off madras, moments treasured by children used to suits and ties. We couldn't imagine a promised ending of our day even better than these moments.


A nearby hill cresting a bowl shaped valley below, Uncle Joe instructed us to lie on our backs on the dampening grass and keep our eyes on the darkening sky above us.


I can remember to this day the electricity of anticipation and the satisfying fulfillment of all that had been promised. Disappointment was not possible on this special day.


I would hold close the memories of this happy day with my loved ones longing for the next opportunity to witness the celebration of the 4th of July. It would not come for many years in the future; but when it came, it was added alongside my most precious memory of this very first one.


SPECIAL THANK YOU: To Laurie of Magpie-Ethel for the inspiration her vintage sparklers provided in making my own felt ones. It's not to late to purchase one for yourself in her most wonderful Etsy shop!

17 comments:

Celestial Charms said...

Hi Elizabeth,
What delightful 4th of July creations, and a happy remembrance from your childhood.
Maureen

Annesphamily said...

Fireworks are so amazing! I rember my childhood well. My dad and mom always had a huge metal bucket filled with water so we could douse our sparklers into the water when finished! I still love them. Happy weekend.

2daisies said...

Elizabeth-
Thanks for all your wonderful patterns and stories! 4th of July is even more special to me since that's the date my husband chose for our wedding date. A day he said he'll always remember :-) It'll be our 26th anniversary this July.Can't wait to make your Big and Band Sparklers to go with my Magpie Ethel (Laurie's) 4th of July gals.I always look forward to your creations and reading your next blog.
Doreen

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Love your sparklers {I almost said firecrackers}, Elizabeth! The Boom banner is just perfect for them and for your 4th of July decorations.

My Vintage Mending said...

What fun. Glad to see you grabbed some spun head goodness too. Miss Laurie's creations are such happy additions. I love your color combinations. Smiles...Renee

GardenOfDaisies said...

Your Aunt BEtty;s picnic lunch sounds delicious! And UNcle Joe's fireworks so splendid!! We have so many wonderful family memories of the 4th!

Hearts Turned said...

What wonderful memories of the glorious Fourth, Elizabeth! I LOVE your sweet creations, too--always perfection!

Wishing you the loveliest of weekends, dear friend...

Julie

laurie -magpie ethel said...

Loving the firework display and can hear the boom - bang of the lights in the sky! Your little firecracker felt fellows are amazing. You never cease to amaze me what comes from ordinary felt and needle..xo

Anonymous said...

Oh my! These are so adorable! I love a good firework show or just setting them off with my boys. Good fun! ♥

Ina said...

Ilove reading your blog. I love reading about your memories of growing up. I also love the beautiful things you make!! have you ever thought about making things and then selling them on etsy?? you are really talented. ;0

Suz said...

Oh, my gosh, E. I think those sparklers are the cutest things I have seen yet. My dad was a doctor and spent the Fourth of July warning us about the dangers of fireworks. But then, he also spent many a Fourth of July with someone who had lost a finger. I guess there was a reason!
Love,
Suz

Jenny Holiday & Aaron said...

I cannnnnot say it enough...You are AMAZING!! I actually sit here shaking my head side to side at how awesome you are!! On every level!

Love to you!!

Happy Summer!

xoxo Jenny......and Aaron

Nancy said...

Absolutely adorable!!!! and another wonderful memory! Of course you can use the tag - you never even need to ask. xoxo Nancy

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

E,
I wish I had time today. I really want to make that little man. How do you do the legs, by the way? I guess if I look further I would find a tutorial on that part of the project. And where on earth do you find the polka dotted cupcake cups? So cute!!
I fondly remember summer fireworks also, down by the lake. Magical. Another wonderful post, as always!
Julie

Nan said...

So good to see you posting and creating again. I love the stories you tell and of course your interpretations of Laurie's work is just so darn cute I love them.
E. I still don't have my wall of cabinets in my craft room and I'm not moved yet. Bob is finishing the lower bedroom first and Friday he leaves for a 3 week trip with our grandson. I do use the room for cutting my fabrics when sewing it's marvelous for that at this point.

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