Monday, July 10, 2006

Personal Fireworks

 

As any of you who have stopped here before are aware, I usually try to build my entries around one of my photos or to take one to match the topic. In this particular instance, however,  I was unable to capture the image.  No combination of shutter speed, aperture and sensor sensitivity could duplicate what the eye so readily sees, so I will simply try to paint the picture in words – in hopes that your mind’s eye will see the beauty and feel the awe, as imagination creates what the camera cannot.

 

 

My last entry touched on the topic of celebrations and included pictures of fireworks from the Fourth.  Those photos were actually taken during a local community celebration the weekend before, so that on the night of the Holiday I was home.  As the sky darkened at the end of the day, the air became alive with the sound of celebratory explosions from surrounding towns and I wandered onto the deck to absorb the joyous cacophony.

 

At first, my attention was drawn above the treeline, as the sky lit randomly from the distant explosions – much as lightning will illuminate the clouds from great distance.  But as my eyes adjusted, my vision shifted to the valley below – and a sight that is my recurring favorite memory of summer since moving here, and which will always conjure awe and joy in my soul no matter how many times I am blessed to witness it.

 

The air was still and warm as the night became alive before me.  For in the trees and all around me – some near enough to touch, some far away – glowed hundreds, seemingly thousands, of fireflies.  Their tiny lanterns beamed for an instant, always replaced by the glow of another in a new location – and my mind linked the tiny lights before me with the explosions reporting in the air to create a July Fourth spectacle for my eyes and ears alone. 

 

Minutes passed and the thunderous echoes slowed and died as grand finales faded, yet the light show before and around me continued in mute silence – to my mind becoming all the more beautiful and poignant.  Sometimes the sheer spectacle of an event is so overwhelming that the combination of sight and sound and feel crowds out the ability to think – and when the sounds slowly dissolved into the silence of a summer night, the light itself and the quiet wonder of nature it represented was permitted its opportunity to permeate and become fixed to the soul.  Mesmerized, I not only saw, but felt each pulse of light – and the celebration moved from the external to deep within.

 

I neither know nor care the duration of my experience, but I know that my heart was at peace when I returned inside – a personal gift beyond price.  Whether it originates in a smile from a stranger, the laughter of a child,  the comforting hand of a friend – or the simple glow of a firefly – I hope that same peace fills your heart, soon and often.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Only you can paint such an image of extraordinary beauty with your words....  Thank you for sharing this amazing experience with us.  May such a light always shine for you, upon you and within you...
Michelle

Anonymous said...

We didn't see any fireworks this year.  Heard a few in the distance but sadly, I was deprived of the spectacular show you described so well.  We always hope the Angels are in town on the 4th.  They have a great display after the game.  This year, they were on the road.  Oh, well, wait until next year (we are saying that about a lot more than the fireworks show...LOL).
Regards!   Kathy

Anonymous said...

Your words painted a beautiful picture for me. I find that nature gives us more peace and joy than anything man can create. I envy your view from the deck. How wonderful it must be.  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Hi Sam - thanks for stopping by and saying hello! I have all your alerts saved in my to do folder so I'll be back. I promise. Your journal is one of my top favs so you can be sure of it. ~ Lori

Anonymous said...

I mean Rob (i'm so sorry, your j title always throws me off! I told you my brain has melted!)

Anonymous said...

ahyes your description does bring pictures to mind.

Anonymous said...

It is always about the moments that touch us in some profound way that we keep with us forever.

::hugs::
Me

Anonymous said...

this was very good, very profound.

I enjoyed your firework photo's as well.

Keep up the great work!
Merry
merry1621@aol.com

Anonymous said...

I felt your experience as surely as I was there with you.  Yes, you painted it vividly and well with words.  Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful entry! Also enjoying your great pics!!!!
Blessings, Sugar
http://journals.aol.com/sugarsweet056/SUGARSLIFE/
http://journals.aol.com/sugarsweet056/PRAYING4U/

Anonymous said...

Hi Rob,

I came over from Donna's journal.  Your journal is amazing.....I really enjoyed your pics and you have such a wonderful way with words, it makes me feel like I was right there witnessing it for myself!  Thanks for sharing, I'll be sure to return.

Take Care,
~Bilinda~

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful entry!   I live in Central Florida, city girl, and we don't get to see fireflies.  I have seen them on vacation in NC before and was fascinated with them as well.  My name is Shelly and I followed your link from D's journal...This That and Hockey.  I'm so glad that I did.  Awesome.  And beautiful pictures too.  GBU, Shelly

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing, nature sounds like she put on a great show.

Brenda

Anonymous said...

Another wonderful entry...