fireworks

There is no end to creativity. I tuned into CBS Sunday Morning and watched a story about a man who is a master knife maker…he had to perform a variety of skills in order to be deemed as such. Each week he may work on five knives using fire and a chemical bath to produce a creation that sells for more than $3,000 and oh my, are they stunning. I was amazed at the unique patterns that appeared to have a texture other than smooth; I wanted to reach into the screen, run my hand over the surface to feel the beauty. Following the process narrated by the artist reminded me of my glass classes, particularly the step that used fire at an outrageous temperature to heat the steel in preparation to work it into a usable object. When fired, both glass and metal turn bright hot reddish orange with hints of amber and yellow. Watching the story walked my mind to a flower I passed during a lazy evening stroll this past week, a lily that was just as fiery in color, but in contrast to the fired materials was certainly way cooler and soft to the touch. It didn’t rely on an oven of fire to work out its blush but the heat and light of the sun for sure coaxed the colors to the blossom whose petals made me think of a good friend. Her son is getting married on the day of firecrackers and celebration -- it will be a celebratory union that is sure to make some fireworks of its own I bet!

As a child, every July 4th we either went to the Washington Monument or sat on the hill in my grandparent’s back yard to ooh and ah at the flower-like bursts high in the sky. Perhaps I will get a glimpse this evening from a hill on high somewhere. Until then, I am tickled by a photo that evokes the feel of a little pink firecracker that you can nuzzle your nose up to and no, it won't burn.

have a safe and festive fourth ...

keep your peepers open! ®