After heating our houses for 25 years, the glow of firewood is gone, but I do like watching a fire's flames just like you do. This is such a good story about childhood. We grew up in good times when adults didn't invade and control every minute of our lives. Thank you, Paul, for this glorious story.
Thanks, Sue! I'm not getting informed when people comment now, so that's one more thing to fix today. Been nuts and busy lately, but I need to dive back into Substack more - it's my happy place,
I agree. While I've honed and massaged my FB feed to present some really cool, friendly stuff, there's so much to be learned from Substack folks. And I've yet to be reamed to the core by someone. And if unsubscribing takes place, it's usually because we just don't have the time to dive into it all. It's a groaning board and luscious food.
I am married to a guy that loves fireworks, and chainsaws. loves blowing up and chopping down stuff. not to be sexist, but, is it a "guy" thing? Great read, Paul. thank you!
What a stellar piece. I always relate madly to the wild innocence & vibrance of childhoods of yore - it brings tears of saudade to my eyes. & I enjoyed your view through the lens of fire. I was always frightened of fireworks & fire in general. I am convinced I was spared a lifetime of smoking because I was wary of even lighting matches. But those days of unscripted dreaming & play are etched into my soul. Thanks for kicking up some beautiful memories by sharing yours with us.
I loved this piece Paul. Ah, your quest was so similar to mine. I never trekked to the Mountaindale Road area for 'works', but that was a smart move. #2, and the upper block, where the Badie's lived was an explosive hub - especially on the 4th. How did I not know that you and Roland were kabooming with your mini cannons?
After heating our houses for 25 years, the glow of firewood is gone, but I do like watching a fire's flames just like you do. This is such a good story about childhood. We grew up in good times when adults didn't invade and control every minute of our lives. Thank you, Paul, for this glorious story.
Thanks, Sue! I'm not getting informed when people comment now, so that's one more thing to fix today. Been nuts and busy lately, but I need to dive back into Substack more - it's my happy place,
I agree. While I've honed and massaged my FB feed to present some really cool, friendly stuff, there's so much to be learned from Substack folks. And I've yet to be reamed to the core by someone. And if unsubscribing takes place, it's usually because we just don't have the time to dive into it all. It's a groaning board and luscious food.
I am married to a guy that loves fireworks, and chainsaws. loves blowing up and chopping down stuff. not to be sexist, but, is it a "guy" thing? Great read, Paul. thank you!
Thank you, Tabby!!
What a stellar piece. I always relate madly to the wild innocence & vibrance of childhoods of yore - it brings tears of saudade to my eyes. & I enjoyed your view through the lens of fire. I was always frightened of fireworks & fire in general. I am convinced I was spared a lifetime of smoking because I was wary of even lighting matches. But those days of unscripted dreaming & play are etched into my soul. Thanks for kicking up some beautiful memories by sharing yours with us.
Thanks, Ellen! We came out of the same basic ethos, even if it was separated by a body of water and the Bronx!!
Absolutely! Mine was the chick version - jump rope, jacks, Barbie nonsense & snarky "Slam Books."
I loved this piece Paul. Ah, your quest was so similar to mine. I never trekked to the Mountaindale Road area for 'works', but that was a smart move. #2, and the upper block, where the Badie's lived was an explosive hub - especially on the 4th. How did I not know that you and Roland were kabooming with your mini cannons?
You were probably making noise at the same time! Thanks for being there, James!