Soaking in a hot tub under the starlit sky has always been one of my favorite ways of winding down. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness embracing me in our previous home’s backyard tub, I looked up and noticed the first twinkly star light.

Or so I thought.

Turns out it was the beginning of our neighbor’s encore performance of 4th of July fireworks heading heavenward. Tiny but mighty and then it was over.

Ooh-aah!

Throughout our tree branches, more and more sparkling is going on. But with no ka-boom.

That’s too low for star glow, I think.

When the flashes of golden light seem to envelop our entire yard, it becomes clear that lightening bugs are providing their own fireworks display.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I leap out of the hot tub and slosh into the house to grab a Mason jar. I’m 6 years old again, scurrying around in the grass to scoop up some of the magic and wonder of the moment.

Jumping, twirling, diving, rejoicing when some sparkling critters find their way into my glass house.

Remember those days?

Summer sleepovers with friends always included scampering out to capture Nature’s Nightlight.

Shushing each other’s giggles so as to not get caught.

Dozing off to their mesmerizing off-and-on’s right beside our pillows inside our sleeping bags.

I turn off the lights inside the hot tub, place the twinkling firefly lantern on the nearby patio table, and settle back into the warming bubbles.

Ooh-aah!

I’d love to support you in capturing your twinkly child-like wonder moments to savor or share, whether 4th of July related or otherwise. Let’s chat about getting started today!

And check out the synchronistic firefly show that happens in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each summer. Somehow we missed it when we lived near Gatlinburg, but I’m adding it to my Bucket List!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCWkzQqO7Ro

JOYfully jotting,

Katie

Family PhotoStory Curator

Mini-Stories Writing Coach

Your Legacy of Memories Mentor

Capturing Mini-Moments That Matter…

Energizing & Connecting Families for Generations!