My celebrations for Fourth of July are hardly typical. Most can usually count on a big BBQ, heat and then staring at the night sky and avoiding mosquitoes. Regardless what the event, the ripeness of summer beckons our spirits and is something we can count on; whether hosting a big shindig in the backyard, accompanying others to an event or flying solo. And indeed, celebrating Independence and most holidays are about a personal declaration of who and how we like to spend our free time.
In 2006 I was boarding a plane to visit China which felt really strange, leaving that morning while all the festivities were underway. I had no idea that i'd see fireworks almost every night in China. I guess there are perks to inventing pyrotechnics!
2007, I attended the largest parade in the entire United States with a rollerskating strawberry and banana and beach cruisers, in a small town called Alameda and won an award.
2008, I visited a friends country house and there among the walnut groves and the roses in full bloom. I will never forget the Martha Stewart of a dessert we assembled. Vine ripened and seasonally appropriate blueberries, and raspberries provided the stripes along with powdered sugar and strawberries. The time it took to complete the project was not nearly divisible by the length of time it took to devour the sweet treat, a snap shot was not even granted!
This year I had the great chance to visit the Santa Fe National Forest to camp with an eclectic bunch. At first I was a skeptic, then the magic of the woods and the season took over and I met some friends who I was meant to meet and had some wholesome fun. Though it rained, A LOT, the thunder and lightening were in a way a nice alternative to fireworks. The canopy of trees that kept me warm and dry and allowed me to sit and read, one of my favorite rainy day or everyday past times will indeed be a cherished memory.
One of the themes that has brought these years together is a strange sense of longing. Among the choice of independence and the freedom this choice often provides, the paradox of feeling alone is alive and well. Within the realization of my independence, it can bring about a peculiar sense of loneliness.
It seems my cellular memory at this time of year is heightened and takes over my senses keeping me in a daze of partial present sense and mostly of nostalgia.
Maybe I do miss my brother and family, care to spend the day with a special other, or perhaps these are the stages of life that are most pivotal into creating the life and memories I choose to remember and leave as my personal legacy.
Fireworks like Christmas lights are often more fun with the kids. But what happens to the newly accustomed adults still kids at heart? What about those that are still afraid to light fires, but opt for a sparkler any day?
Eventually I'll take my Susan B. Anthony of a friend up on her invitation after the parade. Her husband plays the bag pipes and they are the coolest Kosher hippie couple, (and perhaps the only) i've ever met. I may even bring out my most prized possession, the American flag I have actually "Made in America" .
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