big July 4th!

The largest above sea level canyon on the planet is worthy of celebration, (and a tremendous source of American pride) any day of the week. Throw in the 4th of July, and you have the inspiration for the perfect little holiday barbeque.

Oddly enough, it isn't visions of Mount Rushmore that strike a cord with me on this most patriotic of all U.S. holidays, but thoughts of the canyon.

When I was growing up, my parents talked endlessly about visiting the Grand Canyon. For as long as I can remember, especially in late June as those swelteringly and dizzying 90 degree + 95% humidity days rolled by, it was a hot topic of conversation. (No pun intended.)

"Maybe this will be the summer that we make it out to the Grand Canyon" my father would say, as if he hadn't said it a thousand times before. So, without realizing it, over time I began to really picture the experience. It was etched in my brain.

I began to fantasize about finally getting there, (if for no other reason than it had to be far cooler than my numbingly hot native New York City during the month of July.)

In the summer of 2007, the dream of visiting The Grand Canyon became a reality for my parents as they RV'd across the country and for the very first time, laid eyes on what my father still describes as one of the most amazing natural occurence that he has ever seen.

"It really took my breath away." He would write with each new round of e-mailed photos. I think he sent over 200 photos in all.

The thing that I love most about miniatures is that there is no limit to what you can create.

There was a time when 4th of July barbeques were at the very heart of my family's summer gatherings. There you would find the best food, (Auntie Phyllis' potato salad was heavenly), and my favorite cupcakes always came dressed up for the occasion.

There were always two beverage coolers (the kids cooler and the "other cooler.")

There were seemingly endless amounts of foods and grilling... and just so much wonderful activity. It was a time that was so special that even as a kid, I recognized it for what it was.

So just imagine such a celebration taking place in the canyon, complete with football, skateboarding, and even my 3rd grade neighbor Kelly's naughty little Scottish Terrier, Callie.

In the real world this would be an ambitious undertaking, but it's just another day in my miniature world.