September 15, 2002
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The town has a dragon in its midst. Most of the citizens don't have eyes to see it sleeping there. Only those with mythic vision know and they can't resist being drawn toward it in fascination.
A yawning mouth - less a gate than a challenge. Waves of heat undulating, baking skin even as it pulls the mesmerized toward it. A glow so bright that all color is extinguished in flame - in which the elements of the earth cry and are reborn.
The dragon is groomed by humans. The men use medieval instruments - iron ladles I could barely lift, sooty prongs that look like the pitchforks of Hell's oft charicatured denizens.
This is a place of the ancients weaving alchemical secrets, their spells influenced by arcane variables such the innate strength of the vessels holding the potion and whether last night's rain storm included lightning. The end of the suffering births a product of beauty with the power to transform light into dreams and color into raw emotion.
The Kokomo Opalescent Glass factory is worth a visit. Can you tell I'm ensorceled by glass? I can't think of anything more magical, mysterious, or incomprehensible than that ordinary sand can be transformed by fire and breath into liquid light.
Dan was a wonderful host and tour guide, I can't think of when I've enjoyed myself more, and not just me - the whole family. The kids played in the McDonald's playland while Tim, Dan and I talked. It was wonderful - adult conversation at its finest. Politics, technology, the philosophy of value, art, and the SIMS. All the way home the kids kept talking about the "next time" we go to Kokomo. (They think that "next time" we should stay two nights.)
We went to the Sycamore Grill for lunch (McDonald's is okay for the playland - but please, don't make me eat there!) We were seated where we could look at the magnificient glass window that I posted in my log on Friday. Rhododendron is 9 feet tall and 5 feet wide. It was constucted in five layers so that it possesses remarkable color and depth. It must be seen to be believed. We were blessed that the restaurant wasn't especting many people so they only had one waitress and one cook on hand. We were able to gaze at the window for two hours without the staff resenting our malingering - we were actually thanked for our patience.
Number one bonehead thing I did - I carried my camera all day long and got NO PICTURES OF US. "Next time" I'll do better.
Comments (33)
and i am ensorceled by your description. and i am so ensorceled by your use of this word, i almost do not care there are no pictures.
enscorceled? I do not think I have ever used that word before--I love it! dammit! I missed lunch and touring with Tim, Terri, Dan, and the kids! geeez! Next time I will be there, oh yes. I will be there.....
Glad to hear you had a good time!
ensorceled...I see Virg and Daff saw it too. I just stopped by to see if you needed a Kleenex® after saying that. (Dontcha just love the Xanga smartasses?)
Wonderful, wonderful comparison...the dragons fires...makes me want to go to Kokomo...
Excellent imagery, interesting word choices, and no mention of our kids using Dan as a climbing wall or teething ring. It looks like you left me plenty of material!
I'd love to see that glass factory... and that rhododendron sounds magnificent.
Pics WOULD have been good
LOL, next time eh? 
Yes, pics next time, PLEASE!
Did you feel any of the unusual vibrations that are said to be felt in Kokomo? I am serious.
This Dan, did he have killer arms and a really handsome face??? There's a glassblower-- forgot his name who I'm dying to meet (my girlfriend met him and went on and on) not just for his artistry, but because he's so damn hot, and not just because of the glass's heat either!!
P.S. finally e-mailed ya my address for the potholder. Did everyone know I won (even by default) I still won.
Hey everybody!!!Nya Nya boo boo!
That girl, she's so immature!!!
awwww, no pics???
Did you check out The Red Balloon yet?
You are such a good writer it's not funny!
very cool
What a great description! I saw a children's program where one of the hosts made a vase...looks easy when done by a master, but the novice had a very hard time...I'll put Kokomo on my list of things to do when I come to the States on a visit!
Spot
Wow... loved the dragon image
MORE! MORE!
*grin*
Ged
LOL At the fast food crack... Made me laugh!
ensorceled .. Now I need the Websters again! LOL Have a great day!
Yup. Bonehead!
The Red Balloon is available on Amazon, I believe.
Good description! Sounds like you had fun.
We must be related. I've done the same thing with my camera before. Hey, you can give my potholder to MyKidzMomZaPotHEAD. I could use a wheat grinder though, ha ha.
I just loved your description. I am also fascinated with the contruction of glass imagery.
You're right - I do like the dragon comparison. Glad you guys had a good time!
(11 days and counting!!
)
God Bless - Dale
Never mind the KOG factory, which is stunning enough. It doesn't compare with your exquisite description. I loved reading it.
Glad you had a good time.
OH my! not sure whether to comment on the beautiful pic of the Rhoda(Friday) or the exquisite way you painted us a picture of the dragon and the way it works on the glass. I love words so I guess I'll focus on your use of them. You were captivating us with your story. I hope you'll write a story some time because I think you could do a great job at this1 I really want to go now!
thanks for a most interesting blog!
Have a GREAT day!
Hugs,
Deb
Nice day for all of you .
Michel
Wow, great imagery. Sounds like a great time.... Too bad about the pics, I hate when that happens.
I've done that LOL - nice camera - no pictures!! Well, you have the mental ones
Wow.. sounds like a good time was had by all there! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Ooooo I forgot to ask Tim how the weekend went!!!! I must do that!
I have a poster of that Rhododendron window that I'd like to frame and put in my office. Glad you enjoyed your visit to KOG. Dan's a wonderful person, isn't he?
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