REALITY BOOM

Even though the weatherman said chance of rain yesterday, I went canoeing. There’s something about putting paddle to water and gliding along that has a calming affect on me. I forgot about the "to do" list at home, all the incidentals I promised to get done before my week of vacation is over. The wood deck and wood fence aren’t getting cleaned and stained; The wood trim on the house isn’t getting painted; The new screen doors, which I purchased last summer, are still propped against the garage wall begging to be installed. By gently stirring the water and causing movement, I am able to enjoy the moment.

Reflecting back, I feel a slight tinge of guilt for not checking at least one item off that dreaded list. Not that it should matter. As soon as an item is scratched, some new chore comes up and has to be prioritized. Trips to Home Depot—I like to call them $100 errands—remind me of other projects that fell by the wayside. The real trick is not getting overwhelmed, not shutting down and doing nothing at all. In a civilized society there are responsibilities that can’t be ignored, that simply need to be accomplished.

Today is the Fourth of July, need I remind you. Last night the neighbors lit M-80’s and Roman Candles from our street. I know that when I get today’s newspaper I’ll pick-up sulfur smelling paper shrapnel and burnt wicks off my driveway. Tonight will be no different, they’ll make an extra trip to a fireworks tent or purchase more illegal explosives from the back of someone’s rented U-Haul. As you can tell, I’m not into the whole loud banging euphoria of patriotic bliss. I’d rather spend my time quietly gliding down a river. Unfortunately, while paddling along, some father along the shoreline allowed his son the pleasure of throwing a few firecrackers into the air. Peace can only last so long, until the reality of the day hits us hard.