
As I’m typing this on the evening of the 3rd, we are getting ready to go and watch our last fireworks display for the holidays. Over the years, Pool Boy and I have seen many firework displays – at the Royals’ stadium, communities around Northeast Missouri, Chiefs games, and Disney World comes to mind, but we experienced the best of the best – at least for us! – in Boston. We were watching the Boston Pops’ Celebration on TV one night with our friends Mike and Brenda Primrose. One of the guys commented how cool that would be to actually be there, so the next year, we were there!
Standing with almost half a million people if you could count them all on either side of the Charles River and also on the bridges. The fireworks were on barges, the smoke was unreal, and the music from the Pops’ Orchestra was playing in the background and being broadcast over PA systems everywhere! We were hearing the 1812 Overture with FIREWORKS taking the place of the canons, and it was awesome. There was a patriotic sing along (music teacher here found the program order of lyrics online and came with copies in hand!) and I pulled out flags to wave and hats to wear and it was a once in a lifetime experience and I plan NOT to repeat it. Too many people for me now, but what a great memory.
A Pile Of Memories And More Cards!!! So Much Fun!!!

I had a fun time playing with the Bright And Beautiful Memories And More Cards today!!! There are such cute patterns and prints available, and if you throw in 5-6 pieces of coordinating cardstock you can mix and match mats to add to the cards. Some I cut down to smaller sizes, some I added a couple of dies, but with one package of the card mats, card bases/envelopes, one package of basic rhinestone gems, white bakers’ twine, and a pack of dimensionals I had a whole afternoon of crafting! There is still enough supplies to make 4 more cards but I needed a break!

I’m going to be using these cards for a Speed Bingo night later this week in our private group page on FB. If you are not a member of Stamp. Ink. Paper – Crafting With Pam And Lola, this would be a fun time to join us!!! The directions for Speed Bingo will be posted there but it’s really easy to participate! We will do 4 games of Speed Bingo and each winner will receive 4 of these cards PLUS SOME NEW PRODUCT as well, so be sure you are signed up!!! Click on the link below to access our page and request to join – the more the merrier. We started this page the spring of Covid, and we continue to meet most Tuesday nights for a couple of projects, techniques, mystery stamping – just a variety of things!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1085350398465367
Final Thoughts…
That night years ago, while watching the Boston Pops’ Orchestra on TV with Mike and Brenda, his mother Susan was there also. Her Alzheimer issues were progressing and she was losing ground, but she loved to sing, and sing we did. You see, with any kind of brain trauma or decline, music will be the last thing you lose, and it will be one of the first things to return following trauma. That’s the power of music.
Susan was stuggling with lots of issues, but music was there and she and I sat there on the couch singing. Occassionally, she would miss a word but I kept going and she jumped right back in. She had a beautiful voice and I remember looking at Mike and he sat there smiling at his mom, not the fireworks.
That memory was also a once in a lifetime opportunity. And I treasure it even more than being at the Boston Pops’ 4th of July Celebration. Happy Independence Day everyone, and God Bless!

You got me…my eyes got sweaty at the end because I’ve been with a loved one at the end of life’s journey. I love your blog AND cards. Keep up the great work.