A Little 4th of July Story

(the names have been withheld to protect the privacy of my friends)

Several years ago I was invited to participate in a wonderful southern Norman Rockwell 4th of July celebration.  Pot luck in the south is incredible - no one would consider bringing less than his or her best offering - be it main dish, side dish or dessert.  That being said - let me set the scene!

Small southern village - community park surrounded by oak trees dripping with Spanish moss - gazebo - community center on the property where an generous buffet would be set for the entire village!

I accompanied my friend, art teacher and mentor (with her husband). 

Eight or nine of us stepped into the gazebo and sang patriotic songs (Dixie included) - a local pastor blessed the food and it was on!

The highlight of the event was a portrait unveiling!  My friend had painted a portrait of the village's founder which would hang in the local museum!  How wonderful (how Norman Rockwell is this getting?).  

Then the desserts were offered - one of them a red - white and blue confection (the blue being blueberries) was being consumed by my friend, when a reporter from one of our State's most prestigious newspapers introduced himself to our table, to interview her as the artist (this was a big deal)!  

When she lifted her head to acknowledge him, and smiled - she displayed a set of bright blue teeth!  I am sorry, I started having one of those inside laughing spasms you have in church - and it finally exploded.  

There was nothing I could do until the end of their conversation - by this time I had excused myself - !

Well, that is the end of the story - one of the funniest things I have ever witnessed.  She was a good sport about the entire incident, and no photos were taken of her - thank goodness! 


Hope you had a fun, happy, patriotic and safe 4th of July!