How Do you Shoot a Firecracker?

On an extreme scorcher of a day, my mom has been known to say, "it's hotter than a firecracker on the 4th of July". I wanted to show you a hot firecracker on the 4th of July. But even though I have a fancy setting on my new Nikon that says 'fireworks display' under the menu of the scene mode, I am telling you right now getting a perfect shot of a firecracker at it's peak of beautiful explosion takes more skill than I've got. I spent the 4th of July watching fireworks through a 2.5 inch LCD screen on the back of my Coolpix S550 and all I have to show for it is this collection right here. Not exactly what I was going for. But green is in.

Looks like something out of a Rocky Horror Picture Show- I've never seen that show, but this is what I imagine might be seen in that show.Looks like Princess Fiona's *poof* just before she turned into an ogre, so she could live happily ever after with Shrek. Only problem is, she didn't *poof*, Fashionista says she made the change over in a spray of sparkles. I don't know.The spray of Fiona's sparkles?A feather duster as seen under a microscope as it dusts electrons.



You get the picture. Literally. These are them.

The moon was enough of a display for me. Didn't have the correct mode on, I don't think, but..

Maybe someone else has some good firecracker shots? Let's see 'em.

Heidi

4th of July- Celebrate!

Two powerful military jets ripped through the atmosphere, as hundreds of people, who had gathered for the annual parade down main street, stared wide-eyed toward the sky. It was the beginning of the 4th of July celebration - 2009- Anywhere, U.S.A.

Leading the procession were men and women who serve and have served the country- working, fighting, willing to give their life for mine and yours. Their bravery, their diligence and their sacrifices keep us free!

Too frail to walk, veterans in their 80's and 90's rode by in an air conditioned coach and waved through the windows. We waved back wildly and clapped our hands high in the air so they could see. They earned the comfort. I owe the respect. It's my privilege to show lavish high regard, even if the only way to do it is wave, smile and clap. Tears caught in my throat, as appreciation welled up in my heart for these hometown heroes. I do not know their names.

But I know my own father, who served in Korea. I know the kid I graduated with, Roger, who served 27 years in the Navy. I know Cavan, who leaves in one week for San Diego- basic training for the U.S. Marine Corp. We all know someone who is giving up, or gave, something of himself, or herself, that we may live in freedom.

Thank you! Thank you U.S. service men and women, who are serving now,who have served in years gone by.

I echo the words of others I've already read today, that call us to remember the One who gave His very life that we may live- free from the bondage of sin now and eternally with Him- one day. May we all meet again, because of this- His great love for us!

Happy Independence Day, hope it's full of firecrackers!

Heidi