A “Bug-tastic” 4th!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Celebrations, Poetry

This 4th of July carried a less celebratory tone, although freedom isn’t to be taken for granted. Consequently, we continue to honor those who serve in the U.S. military, both in the past and present, in order to protect our freedoms. I don’t normally ‘talk’ politics here, so I’ll leave out the gory details of our emotions. But if you felt the same this weekend, then you’re able to read between the lines. With this being said…

Fun at the county fair deflected unsettling thoughts as we immersed our minds into the ‘bug-tastic’ theme. Ladybugs, bees, butterflies – a terrific trio that does good for the ecosystem – deserved to be in the spotlight. A beautiful butterfly landed on my husband’s sleeve, such a remarkable moment that it brought tears of joy. And there are no words to describe what it feels like when one of these graceful insects rests on your finger. One thing for sure though, breathing is paused. Our early arrival meant a short Ferris-wheel line. Pod #1 was our ride in the sky. I held my hat for fear of the sun-protecting accessory flying into the wild blue yonder. My hair blew every which way, but miles of smiles also took flight. The views were spectacular, a painter’s masterpiece of an annual county fair with humans looking like armies of ants. Once on solid ground, the animals called. How could we not feel love? Tiny, cuddly, furry babies to ooh and ahh over. A sheep got a haircut, “baa-ing” because maybe he didn’t like the experience. But he probably felt relief in the summer sun once that thick layer of wool was removed. Dollars evaporated as we supported cool vendors. Bonsai trees received our admiration – lovely in their miniature forms, especially, two gorgeous bougainvillea. Once a year fair food entices, a savory and sweet indulgence for the palate. We even bought a funnel cake to go so that smaller portions would be possible. Just a taste is all it takes. A summer strawberry sinfully delicious delight! The sun watched over the crowd that would grow later in the day, but the golden orb complied, didn’t smother with intense heat. A little breeze shadowed us from here to there, keeping pleasant company. A margarita and rum punch hit the spot when the sun sat higher. Picnic tables with a sea of umbrellas in lime greens, petunia pinks, and turquoise invited us to sit, enjoy, and people watch. Time mystifies, because hours later, all the desired stops were checked off, so it was time to walk through the exit gate, no hand stamp. We were good for the day.

county fairs welcome
all ages one to beyond
free your inner child

My souvenir, a Henna tattoo. I love
butterflies, so it fit with the theme. 🦋

We didn’t stay for the fireworks show, but we have many times in the past. So, the fireworks photo is from a July 4th show on TV. 😊. I hope you enjoyed this haibun/prose, along with the photos from our 4th festivities. And if you live in the USA, I hope you had a fun and safe celebration. 🎆 As always, thanks for popping in to my corner of blogland. Have a wonderful week ahead! 💙🤍❤️

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© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com
This blog content cannot be used to train AI.

Available on Amazon, and Barnes & Noble,
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83 thoughts on “A “Bug-tastic” 4th!”

  1. Post-COVID, our county fair doesn’t offer as much as it used to, so I mainly go to pig out on cotton candy and Indian Fry Bread. That once-a-year indulgence is something to look forward to! I still like to look at the animals.

    Reply

    1. Our fair has also changed post-Covid, Dawn, but it’s still going strong. And the bug theme made it fun this year, bringing nature into the fair experience. And yes, Cheers to the once-a-year indulgences. I don’t get funnel cakes each year, but they sounded good. And then we found out that we could get one to go. They’re so big, great for sharing or spreading over days. 🙂 And the animals are the best! ❤️

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  2. Oh Lauren the fair looks amazing!
    Thanks so much for sharing all your lovely photographs.
    The butterfly 🦋 wow!
    I love them too.
    I always smile when I see one because they are a sign from spirit.
    Lots of love dear friend ❤️😘❤️ with sprinkles 🤗

    Reply

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed, Maggie. I know, the butterflies do prompt a “Wow!” 🦋 We were the first in the exhibit and thrilled to hold one! Thanks for reading and stopping by! Sending love and hugs your way! 💞🦋🐞😍💖🤗

      Reply

      1. They are beautiful and so hard to capture on camera 🦋
        Always my pleasure Lauren to read your posts.
        Have a wonderful week my friend.
        Sprinkles of love and hugs across the ocean 😘❤️😘

      2. You’re so kind, Maggie, and I agree about butterflies. I’m happy with my Henna but wish it would last longer than two weeks. 😊🦋 Wishing you the same, dear friend. 💜💫🌺💗

      4. Haha, Maggie! Here’s my story…I have one tattoo, a treble clef, that was a daughter bonding tattoo when she was diagnosed with a scary medical condition 14 years ago. She’s doing fine. Anyway, I wanted to get one about my son, something outdoorsy, but honestly, my body didn’t like the pain. I gave birth twice without meds, but my little tattoo made me almost pass out. 🙂 So, unless I change my mind, Henna will have to do. Looooong reply to yours! I’m glad your butterflies have stayed with you though! Hugs! 🦋🤗😍🦋🎼

      5. Ooh Lauren, I would say you are a lot braver than me then.
        I cannot imagine the pain of childbirth and strange as it may sound, I never had a maternal instinct.
        I won’t tell you how many tattoos I have but yeah, some were a little ouchy 🙄
        Hugs and much love back to you 🤗❤️🙏🌈🦋💙

      6. You’re so funny, Maggie, and our pain level is all different. I didn’t know in the beginning that I’d give birth without meds. But I was lucky. 🙂 I am also not judgy when it comes to anything. 🙂 But the ‘ouchy’ part is what makes me pause. 😬 My daughter has more tattoos since that one, and so does her hubby. Lots of hugs and love again! 🦋🤗❤️🐞🦄☀️

      7. Lauren I love making you laugh .
        Yes, I agree about pain and the levels we can tolerate.
        My mum hated me getting tattoos.
        All mine have meaning and it is art.
        Perhaps I should have “Unapologetic” tattooed somewhere.😉
        More hugs and more love to round of my Monday (I think you are a few hours behind me)
        🙏❤️🦋🌸🌈🤗💙

      8. Laughter is great, so keep the humor coming! The same goes for my daughter’s, Maggie. I understand the art expression. Yeah, unapologetic would be good! It is almost 4 pm my time, so you may be sleeping right now. 🙂 Have a great Tuesday and I’m sending love and hugs to start your new day! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  5. What fun and such a delightful day, Lauren. I’m delighted you had a great day with fun in the sun and new life. That is what life is all about. I share your feelings here as well! 💕

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    1. They’re fun to look forward to in the summer, John, and the bonsai are so beautiful. The bug theme really made this year’s fair fun, bringing nature into the whole experience. Thanks for stopping by! 🐞

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  8. I LOVE reading between the lines with you, my friend. You described my feelings so well. So many people at risk and more to follow. Thank you for providing a welcome feast of beautiful distractions. Xo ❤️

    Reply

    1. Hi Vicki, I’m glad you understand what I’m saying in between the lines (and you agree). 🙂 I’m also happy you enjoyed this ‘fair’ distraction. It was like being in another world where only butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and fun existed (oh, and good food and drink too). Have a great Monday, dear friend! 💖🤗

      Reply

      1. Yes, yes…I’m grateful to have like-minded and level-headed, tender-hearted dear ones around me. Like you! It helps to know we’re not alone. And you’re right. Butterflies, ladybugs…bunnies…good food and drink. Little gifts. Much love to you! 🥰💕🥰

  9. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    I can read between the lines just fine, Lauren. Probably because I feel the same way. We were grateful to have a relatively quiet 4th in our neck of the woods. Maybe people are finally getting it and realize how many fires happen because of illegal fireworks.

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Pete, and it’s nice to know you’re on the same page. If you weren’t, I would respect that also. There was a huge explosion on July 1st in a warehouse containing illegal fireworks two hours away. Seven people are unaccounted for and others were injured. Such a tragedy. And more illegal fireworks in S. F. It’s too bad. Not to mention fires, but injury and death. Anyway, I’m glad you had a nice, quiet celebration. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good week!

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    1. I know, Jane, those baby animals were so cute, and we just loved the butterflies. Being able to hold one was a first-time, amazing experience. Thanks for your lovely words, my friend, and have a lovely week. 💕🦋🤗

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  15. What a glorious fair. Yes, freedom isn’t free and your wonderful fair pictures reminds us what’s at stake. Thank you for avoiding politics. I wish more folks would do the same!

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    1. Thanks, Jacqui, and you’re right. Being able to attend a fair like ours is a privilege and part of the freedoms we get to enjoy. And you’re welcome. My blog isn’t for politics, but if I’m compelled, then my words will be subtle. Thanks for popping in, and have a great Monday. By the way, I’ve started Endangered Species. 💕

      Reply

    1. I do too, Curt, but I don’t remember them from my childhood, only from taking our kids to this one when they were little. It’s still fun for the ‘older kids.’ 🙂 I also love the pigs, goats, and butterflies. I’m glad you enjoyed, though it doesn’t compare to your backpacking adventures. 😊 🥾🏕️

      Reply

      1. Sure it does, Lauren. Grin. Both take me back to my childhood as well as providing bang up fun now. ElDorado County had a great local fair. We even made it to the state fair on occasion. Talk about adventures!
        One year I spent a couple of weeks tossing dimes into dishes before the fair. After I won five bears in about five minutes, I was banned from the booth.

  17. Love your county fair experience – sounds great. And the cow picture is awesome! I’m with you on the state of the country. Here’s to more joyful celebrations in future years!

    Reply

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this fair experience, Wynne! I’m sure the kids would love it! Aww, I had to get a shot with “Bessie.” 🙂 It’s great that you agree with the ‘between the lines’ and yes, here’s to more joyful celebrations! 💞🐞🦋

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  20. How wonderful you had a fun day at the county fair on 4th of July, Lauren! Wow, what a lovely sight to have the Pink Lady landed on your husband’s sleeve. Probably he froze for a while or your grabbed his arm and not to let him move. I miss my monarchs in California. My grandkids wanted to grow butterfies this year. Most places like Amazon offer Pink Lady. The county fair looks great with the animals, the rides, the exhibits, and food of course. The piglets were so darling. Are they delmation piglets? Haha! It was okay not to stay for the fireworks, Lauren! You would have if you had little children with you. I remember you everyday when I hear my ear (left) ringing. How is yours?

    Reply

    1. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Miriam! It was a fun day, and we loved the bug theme, which made it even more fun. You’re right, if we had grandkids, we would’ve gone later in the day and stayed for the fireworks. But it was great to arrive when the doors opened because it was quiet. 🙂 I am actually doing fine. I think I’ve learned to ignore or tune out the noise, and live with it. Sometimes, I don’t even hear it. It seems louder when I go to bed, but I’m not sleeping with a machine on. I can tune it out and fall asleep. I’m thankful that it’s not super loud or some other annoying sound. Thanks for asking. We have to plow through whatever ailments we’re dealing with, and you know what that means because you’re a survivor.

      Reply

  22. Good to hear about not sleeping with the machine, Lauren. I wore headphones for a while. I fell asleep but the headphones made my head uncomfortable and woke me up. I’m not using anything machine but taking melatonin.

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  24. Well, that was fun!

    First fair Ive been to in over a decade. I wonder how ours has changed since Covid?

    We live very close to the fair grounds. Every year they put on an “Air Show”. The planes fly right over our home, and I can stand on the foot bridge across the street and watch it all.

    I’m glad you had a lovely 4th of July!

    xo🇺🇸🎉xoxo

    Reply

    1. I’m glad you had fun at this fair, Resa! Dynamics have changed without the kids here. But we had a good time this year and loved the bug theme! I love my Henna butterfly too. 🦋 Ours has changed in some ways since Covid, but it’s still going strong. Watching the air show would be so cool! Thanks for stopping by and checking the post out! 💙❤️🤍xoxoxoxo

      Reply

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