(no subject)

[nishatalitha]

What night is more perfect for using the cultural passion for things that go BOOM icon than Guy Fawkes, or so I commented to tamarillow as we walked down to the lookout to watch the WCC fireworks. This lead to a running discussion of influential fireworks in literature (Follow My Leader for me and Anne of Windy Willows for her), followed in turn by memorable fireworks in literature (Bujold, Tolkein) and our own memorable fireworks experiences.

The fireworks were very pretty. I could manage to identify the occasional tree and flowers, but for the most part it was shiny pretty explosions. The wind was just right for where we were sitting and so we had a lovely view. I was reminded of the fireworks fountain in 'Thunderstorms and Rainbows' a short story by Margaret Mahy (to be found in The Downhill Crocodile Whizz and other stories).

But mostly this post is an excuse to use this icon on this date.

Comments

[repton-infinity.livejournal.com]

Which lookout? Steph and I were sitting on the bank at Stellin Memorial Park, just near the photographer.

[nishatalitha.livejournal.com]

Down Organi Kaupappa, on the side of the road/lookout about the first corner as you go down. Similar angle, not quite as high.

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

Wow. Follow My Leader. That book made a very strong impression on me when I was a kid, and I don't think I've ever heard it mentioned since.

I adore fireworks. But I do prefer that the professionals set them off.

[nishatalitha.livejournal.com]

It made a strong impression on me, too. I'm not entirely sure why now - possibly it was the first time I'd ever realised that coins had ridges around their edges!

Sparklers I can handle, but actual fireworks - better the professionals. And theirs are prettier.

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

That wasn't exactly the impression it made on me [g]. Although it didn't stop me from setting off fireworks as a kid, either.

My first husband and I almost set a grass-covered field on fire once...

[nishatalitha.livejournal.com]

Well, it wasn't the main impression, but it was one of things that struck me about it.

For all that I like playing with fire and like the smell of gunpowder, setting off fireworks doesn't appeal to me very much at all. They're too quick.

...almost?

[mmegaera.livejournal.com]

...almost?

Er, yes. Ever seen a firework called Crazy Jacks? They look something like firecrackers, only they don't make racket like firecrackers. They spin and jump and make bright lights. Sometimes they jump ten-twenty feet, either up or out. We were setting some off in the middle of this country road...

Fortunately we got to the one that got away and stomped it out before it set the grass on fire.

[nishatalitha.livejournal.com]

I think they were banned here before I ever really realised they existed, so no I've never seen one.

Glad you got that on in time, though.