Warm Days and Monsters
Adventures sometimes come when we least expect them. While foraging for a birthday gift for my nephew, I stop by one of those places devoted to the entertainment, equipment, and education of kids. Now when I buy toys for little boys, I remember back when I was "that" young and capable of destroying just about anything, I search for items that not only can withstand the test of time, but withstand the abuse a three-year-old can deliver. I head for the Tonka trucks: metal with rounded edges to prevent cuts and caught fingers, large enough to ride on at three, still intact at five, and remain in a usable form long after eight. A quick checkout and I am out the door.
As head down the street, I realize I still need to wrap the beast. My next stop is a variety store to get wrapping paper. I find an acceptable paper and ribbon combination. True, at three they really don't care, but the tearing of wrapping paper provided its own bit of entertainment. Seeing how I am pressed for time since the party starts in 20 minutes, and not wanting to head back to the house, I'll need tape… and a cheap pair of scissors, a child versions run less about $1.19. Crap! I need a nametag! I grab a black marker.
I open the back of my little SUV and quickly wrap the yellow box, add the ribbon, and write my "from your Uncle" message on the box, more for the parents than the nephew, and head to the party.
Several days later, as spring spreads it warmth, I engage in one of my favorite driving experiences. I head down the highway, open the sunroof, drop all the windows, and turn up the music. The combination of sunlight, wind, and music has their effect, and for the next few minutes the world is in harmony.
Somewhere, in the back of my mind, an alarm sounds. The sub-conscience monitors our surroundings and lets us know when something is not right. It starts with a flapping noise then grows with intensity, a sound crawling from the back of the truck; from the back of my empty truck. Suddenly, like a rattlesnake after giving its warning, it strikes; the remaining wrapping paper has vacated its cardboard roll and proceeded to wave and twist in the swirling air. I have to move fast, I do not want it to escape and bite any of the cars behind me, but I also do not want it to attack my head, as I am inept at driving blind. I slow a bit while closing the back windows; it is enough to snuff the life from the little monster and it falls, draping its lifeless body over the backseat. I reach back, grab and wad it into a tight little "heavier than air" ball and stuff it under the seat. I re-drop all the windows and sped up to cruising speed, secure in the knowledge I have vanquished the enemy. The combination of sunlight, wind, and music has their effect, and once again the world is in harmony.
As head down the street, I realize I still need to wrap the beast. My next stop is a variety store to get wrapping paper. I find an acceptable paper and ribbon combination. True, at three they really don't care, but the tearing of wrapping paper provided its own bit of entertainment. Seeing how I am pressed for time since the party starts in 20 minutes, and not wanting to head back to the house, I'll need tape… and a cheap pair of scissors, a child versions run less about $1.19. Crap! I need a nametag! I grab a black marker.
I open the back of my little SUV and quickly wrap the yellow box, add the ribbon, and write my "from your Uncle" message on the box, more for the parents than the nephew, and head to the party.
Several days later, as spring spreads it warmth, I engage in one of my favorite driving experiences. I head down the highway, open the sunroof, drop all the windows, and turn up the music. The combination of sunlight, wind, and music has their effect, and for the next few minutes the world is in harmony.
Somewhere, in the back of my mind, an alarm sounds. The sub-conscience monitors our surroundings and lets us know when something is not right. It starts with a flapping noise then grows with intensity, a sound crawling from the back of the truck; from the back of my empty truck. Suddenly, like a rattlesnake after giving its warning, it strikes; the remaining wrapping paper has vacated its cardboard roll and proceeded to wave and twist in the swirling air. I have to move fast, I do not want it to escape and bite any of the cars behind me, but I also do not want it to attack my head, as I am inept at driving blind. I slow a bit while closing the back windows; it is enough to snuff the life from the little monster and it falls, draping its lifeless body over the backseat. I reach back, grab and wad it into a tight little "heavier than air" ball and stuff it under the seat. I re-drop all the windows and sped up to cruising speed, secure in the knowledge I have vanquished the enemy. The combination of sunlight, wind, and music has their effect, and once again the world is in harmony.
posted by G. Steven Nolte at 1:19 PM
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