Just Kidding 'Round
67Nostalgia
Memories flood my ripened mind
Of days carefree and so full of fun.
Innocence and courageous abandonment
Of pain of heart and limb so free.
To be a child of ten again running bases
Or climbing of the trees.
Soothing words from mommy
As she wipes away my tears.
She heals my wounds with balm of love
And sweetly kisses me crying in my bed.
Don’t slam the screen door, she yells
As back to the swing I head.
The beginning
I have put up three rope swings this summer for the kids and myself. The first was in my own back yard in a high and ancient Pin Oak. I used my fishing pole to pull the rope over a limb about 30 feet above my head. I’m too damn old to be climbing trees now, so I must use my brain to get me up there. I cast the line over the limb with a good weight attached (it only took me about four attempts to get it where I wanted it) and tied the line to my rope and within fifteen minutes I had a swing of thrilling fun.
After some tweaking and experimentation the children and I soon learned that we could pull the swing up into my garage via the back door up four steps and launch into the wind. Eight-year-old Nathaniel screamed, “I thought I was going to pee my pants Charlie!” as he flew into the sky and returned safely to me. Now this swing was a two rope one with a nice seat attached and since it was a rope about 80’ long I had just looped it over the limb and used no knots to secure it to the limb. As one would ride it they would twist around dependent on how one moved and then return to the garage giving the impression of crashing into it. This only enhanced the thrill of excitement. Needless to say it became an attraction for all the kids in my neighborhood from 5 to 70. Yes, even my dear friend Jane rode it at 70 years of age. Not from the garage door though.
Well the kids across the street from me wanted one in their own back yard. So with mom and dad’s permission I did it for them. They learned to pull it back onto their picnic table to launch themselves into dreams of flight. I soon found out I was more popular than ever in these parts. Thankfully no one has been harmed and I check on the rope often for wear and tear for safety’s sake.
Acheiving new heights
All summer I would look longingly at the distant Cottonwood tree with its mighty girth of twenty odd feet and great height standing on the bank of a little stream and wondered if I could conjure up a more thrilling ride from its soaring branches. The majestic tree stands upon a 12’ bank overlooking a wee hollow behind my house I have named Skeeter Hollow. I examined it one day and discovered a very nice hefty limb jutting out just above the bank. It was perfect for what I had in mind. I went to my garage and picked up my fishing pole again and taking along some more rope that was sixty feet long and of substantial strength and soon had the rope attached to that limb with a running bowline knot. I soon calculated the six-foot limb was about 48’ from the ground. The seat of the swing would hang about 12’ from the ‘floor’ of Skeeter Hollow. I soon had a new seat attached and launched myself for the maiden flight. Nice.
I heard a voice behind me and Jane said excitedly, “My
turn!” The tree is hers after all and stands in front of her house that joins my backyard. She had graciously consented to have this swing put up.
So now I am the neighborhood hero and word has spread as well as my fame. I have had to put a padlock on my swing for safety reasons. The old tree is wrapped with ivy and I use a vine to hold the swing secure in my absence. No unauthorized use without adult supervision.
First Flight
The thrill of flight
I left a loop of rope dangling from under the seat and when someone is ready for launch I hold onto that loop and run up into the yard, which is uphill. When I leave go of the rope the child is already seven feet into the air. They drop and skim across the brick driveway and sail over the drop-off into eternity it seems. The screams of delight echo throughout the valley along with screams of terror from the first timers.
At the bottom of the little hollow stands a Crab apple tree that is sixteen foot high. When the rider reaches the outgoing apex they will be up to 20 feet off the ground before returning to head for the bathroom for a good cleansing of underwear. This of course applies to those who are under 100 Lbs. I can’t launch an adult that high, as I haven’t the strength to pull them back up into the yard so high. But it seems to give an adult more of a thrill as they reclaim the feeling of child hood again. Some will only look, watch the action, scream with hands over eyes and never get on it. My wife is one of those observers.
I have had three kids wet their britches so far and four adults, and they come back for more. I have lost count of the visitors at fourteen now in week one. The smiles and grins are so rewarding as they fly into space with hair whipping behind. It’s just another summer living vicariously as a kid again for me. Just kidding around. If you want to ride my swing, Deet and Charmin are a must. Now I must discuss this with my insurance agent and attorney after I finish my treehouse.
©2009 CC Riter
The boys
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Comments
Hi Wes. So glad you enjoyed it. Ahhh, the good ole days. Thanks now.
I loved everything on this hub. The poem first of all, the pics and the story! Thank you !
Oh gee X. Thanks. You are most welcome.
Way Hay, I wanna go !! Wot fun. We used to have one across a stream, the number of times we got wet, lol, great fun.
Hi H. How ya doin'. Let's swing from the Cornett tree now. thanks.
You're quite the local hero, Charlie! It just goes to show you that you don't have to rescue babies from a burning building to do so. Great job!
Good on you Me Ol' Mate.
You are having wayyyyyy too much fun, Charlie
Oh wow ralwus - my dad and I were talking about our rope swing on Saturday night. We were laughing whilst being slightly horrified at how high it was. I bet the kids absolutley love it by the way. Despite the fact that ours was probably dangerous we never got hurt and were forever on it. And yes - the good old days!
Great read ralwus :)
Ah well Dohn I'm too old I reckon! I'm so dam sore today from all the fun. LOL Pulled a muscle or two. Slow today. Thanks
Hey Firm. So glad to see you too my old friend. Well I'm on my way to see the doctor, we'll see what he says. LOL Nuthin' serious but I s'pect he'll invade my privates if ya know what I mean. LOL You take care now I must get going. I'll email ya soon.
Cindy, I think you're so right on that and I'm payin' today for all the weekend follyishness. LOL
Hi FD so glad to see your picture. I alomost forgot your gorgeousness. Odd that you were talking 'bout those days huh? Well, not really. Thanks, must get out of here now. have fun all.
Gosh, Charlie--Can Tom and I come over and play????lol
What a neighborhood hero you are--way to go! :)
An old elm and a cut-out tire swing were the best we could do - but it was still high enough to take decent dares on bailing out and such. :-)
This is a fabulous hub. My two-year-old daughter wants to know, Will I take her to swing on your swing? Swings are her passion just now. Maybe she'll be a trapeze artist or something crazy. Or build swings for the neighborhood children in her old age. ;-)
I absolutely adore rope swings! Wish we had some trees that were tall enough to support one... In the meantime, the man-made supports will have to do. :)
Sure Tam, but hurry before it's late and winter grips it in ice. Thanks dear and small hero is better than none I reckon and so much fun.
Hi ButterflyWings, nice handle that. If you are close to Wooster, Oh come see me. Swings are a child's delight, mine too. All the best wishes for your little one now and so nice to meet you. thanks now. CC
Hi Ivorwen. Well brought yerself here dear and swing away back into childhood. Thanks now, must go again. Hugs and peace to all.
ah to be young again! I never tried a rope swing. It seems amazing, I enjoyed reading about you bringing happiness to your little darlings.
Damn, that looks to be quiet a ride, keep that kind of fun a way from me, as I might try it when I am not in the most sober of conditions. What I am I saying? I would still jump on that swing and attempt to touch the clouds!
Nice one Ralwus. The exited laughter of the kids must be awesome.
Great hub once again.
kindest regards Zsuzsy
Oh Briny One...What great sport !! What good, clean fun to fly through the summer air...I loved this Hub...The opening poem set the stage for a rollicking good read....the pics were GREAT !!Thank you, my aged friend, Larry
well done walrus. people our age love kids ,swings, shangi's . Thats because we still are kids and we will never change
AIdy, stay away from the fool things, you'll get hurt. People are nutz I tell ya. LOL thanks hun see ya later now, hugs CC
Thank you sooo much Zsuzsy Bee, Gee thats hard to spell. LOL The children's laughter and screams are my best high. Thanks hun. Hugs to ya, CC
Some dude, I think I know you and it will be loads of fun if you come. We'll do a joint and git on there and really fly high. LOL Who needs clouds?
Hi maven you old fart you. Are we nuts or what? This is dangerous stuff! hehe Gee thanks so much.Peace CC
Again brown my British cohort and friend, thanks for reading my stuff. Always a pleasure to have you around. Yes, I hope to be most youthful until I die at 109. Peace now, CC
Good on yah! You're only as old as the ropes you swing.
Well thank cally2 and 's nice to meet cha. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
You certainly are the neighborhood hero! Can't believe a seventy year old got on that thing?!
Hi ya dear May! good to see you dear. I reckon I am. Hey that Jane is pictured in my other hub about Weenies and S'mores. She is holding my lil toy fox terrier and wearing a pinkish sweat shirt. 'Twas a wee chill in the air. I dint have my camera with me when she rode it and she won't get on it again as it was difficult removing her. LOL She had a death grip on it. hehe She giggled the whole time like a kid again. Thanks hun.
Oh MY! I wanna a ride! What fun!!! You are making are memories CC! Way to go :)
Hi ya Jane dear! So great to see you tonight. I sure am. Thanks hun, hugs and a tickle from the walrus whiskers. CC
Hello everyone. I am new here, and joined only because my friend ralwus mentioned this site to me, and I wanted to take a peak and see just what he was up to. I was interested in reading some of his writings, and I must say that I was incredibly impressed.
Recently I have been lurking, just kinda browsing to see what you all thought of this amazing man who lives across the street from myself, my husband and 6 children who have come to know he and his wife as family. Browsing and learning of this amazing man's writing talent! And I am telling you this man is amazing.
I have been wanting to comment, but have not yet had the nerve because I am not an artist as many of you are.
However, what I do have to share tonight is what I know of ralwas that I think everyone should know.
Your Ralwus, he is an amazing man. He and his wife have made an impact on the life of our family that I cannot ever, in words, begin to tell you.
You all know him as artist, writer. But we know him as neighbor, friend. Now we are learning he has hidden talents we were never aware of before. But we already knew he was amazing.
Ralwus, there is not much that you don't know. You are full of wisdom, wit, talents, deep pools of treasures. And we are blessed to call you and your wonderful wife, family.
The talent you read and view of this man are only scratches to the surface of his character.
My children, as seen in these photos on this swing, only one of his many creations and adventures in this neighborhood, have grown to love and respect Ralwus. He has given them so much, has given us all so much. We are blessed to call him friend. I wish you all could know the depths of his talent and his love. And I am sure you are all already stunned by who he is, and love him for what you know of him.
We love him. We, my 6 children, my husband, consider ourselves blessed to share our lives with he and his wife. They are the most amazing people we've ever known. And my husband, children and I are blessed to have him share his knowledge, wit, and humanity with us. What they have learned in the last few years of friendship with him bring joy to the hearts of my husband and I. He is the real thing. Most people live a lifetime without finding this type of gem.
We're not lettin' go of you, friend!
You two are cherished.
OMG I am blushing now. Speechless too. Jen, you are so sweet and so loved. thanks hun. xox and a hug. *got to hide*
Oh to be a child again! Swing on CC! :)
Oh indeed FP. I am and I will my dear. Come join me sometime. LOL thanks.
Will you come be my neighborhood hero? I love rope swings, went on an excellent one this summer that swang way out over the river. Always a kid... it's a good thing to be. Great read.
Oh my, that;s a long way to come be yer hero. If I were younger I just might and yer kids would love me too. I think I shall remain here for a bit anyway. LOL Of course if you let me pinch those adorable cheeks we might work sumthin out. hehe
Being young at heart is best medicine. thanks dear. Peace, CC
That looks like a lot of fun ralwus,it gave me a lot of good ideas,but I think I'll have to plan them carefully before attempting them,being my first attempt and all....LOL!:D
Well Warren, go for it. Always a first time for everything. Nice to meet you and thanks for stopping by now.
I love that feeling of being sooo carefree!!! Yaaaayyy! Can I? Can I swing too? LOL :)
Hi Rip. So glad to see your smile again gracing my hub. Yes you may swing too. Carefree is what it is all about. thanks now hun.
hi, I wanted to say that I really like this hub.
My sister had a swing like this once, and the kids loved it.
The pictures are great too. It looks like a lot of fun.
I am pleasantly surprized that even older people enjoy it
as well. Thank you for being thoughtful and caring about
others. And your right, I don't know you.
Haha, no ya don't know me. thanks. Nice to meet you cindylee. We older people like to have fun also, and I'm just an old puppy with just a wee less wag in my tale. Thanks for stopping by. peace, CC
I loved the poem, loved the photos and loved the story in fact I loved the whole hub including the comments. In my photo I am swinging on a rope swing.
Well I'll be! So you are. By grace 7, you are over flowing with love, nice to meet you. I thank you for the wonderful comment too. Peace, CC
i use to love the rope swings that we had when i was a kid, you brought back some memories
I'm glad to bring on them memories love. thanks now and swing away happy.
You're a kid at heart Charlie....I loved reading this...took me back to a time of bliss and blue skies. Thanks! :)
Yes, I am a kid, at heart. Age is an issue of mind over matter you know. If you don't mind it don't matter. I just like to have fun.
Glad you enjoyed th e read Tom. thanks now and peace. Go play with Tammy now. Bliss is what it is all about ain't it?
Thanks for that stroll down amnesia lane! Good hub, charlie horse.
Well thank you habee. Peace and drop in anytime if ya recover.
I really like how you began this and than ended it. Well done and something I have been battling is learning how to remember my childhood now dwell on it. Even Though I turn 26 tommarow and I am still young I just need to learn how to grow up but not dwell just remember. Good job man keep up the good work.
Thanks FG. So glad to meet you and thanks for stopping by. It will return to you many years later, it's called nostalgia, an affliction of age it seems. I knew you were young, almost the same age as my young Marine. Don't be in no hurry to capture that nostalgia now, make new memories to go along with your youth. thanks and peace, CC
I might just have to take you up on that offer...
OK Ivorwen, but don't forget the charmin. Thanks
Your seat needs padding?
Oh look at you on a swing! I like that. No, my seat has plenty of fat thanks. LOL
I love this also...really does bring back good memories! love ya!
Hi Pachuca, good to have those memories huh? thanks hun, got to run now. Love and hugs
I will be back to leave a better comment...sometime...
Sorry I am wicked, I didn't have a childhood..My Mommy didn't once have a soothing word for me, and our screen door broke my pinky finger..it's still crooked...your writing is amazing, and I am thankful you exist. There are children in the world, now, with happy memories, thanks to you. I do truly hope it keeps you happy in times of trouble. You are a good man.
Well dear, I am sorry if you had a mother like that. Maybe she had a rough child hood too and a mommy that knew no love. One needs that as a child> I have hurt so many fingers so many times, but so far they are not crooked. No matter, long as your soul is straight. I don't really have troubles, only road bumps, so I installed a good set of shocks, a brand name too, Jesus. Did I say that? well the cat is out of the bag now. My lil hubhunny, I thank you for your kind words. Know that somebody cares and is loving you. Now, go put up a swing and find that childhood you missed. Peace and hugs, CC I don't think you are wicked at all. :D
he he he. But I am wicked.. ;) AND I took a picture of my foot for you today, only it is with socks on..but now I dont know how to send it?
and I know my mother tried her best. She most certianly had an unloving mother..I have made peace, mostly...and my soul is crooked but thats ok. We built a tree house for the kids, and they have fun. I may never get my childhood, but I do have motherhood. It is enough.
sometimes the simplest of stories touch us the most! this just made me smile with happiness and brought back many childhood memories.... (I doubt if there's a kid in the world who hasn't enjoyed the thrill of a swing ride!) And the pictures were beautiful too!
Now rnw, clothed feet are not acceptable. Are you teasing me or what? You are wicked. Motherhood is fitting for you then, but have you joined them in that tree house? I'd hate to tell you what we did in those when I was young. Thanks again dear.
Hi MOW again. Nostalgia is fun, but the swinging is funner. The pictures were hard for me, I'd have to get 'em loaded, launch them and aim for the best as they twisted 'round in glee. From now on, someone else gets to do the launching, I'm getting to oldt for that. Thanks hun.
Charlie - Where does the time go... I remember doing this as a child. The pictures bring back so many memories. We need to capture the memories and hold them dear to our heart! Great Job.
Cheri, I don't really know, but we do let it slip on by too often without really enjoying life as we should. I am doing my best to hold fast to these special moments and I like to share, so there you are. Soon I will hopefully be sled riding with the 'gang' again. I like to use my Dog to pull me back up the hill. hehe This year the other two are large enough to help him, now I have three to pull. Thanks for reading and commenting, CC
great hub, and great pics
Thank you so much mq.
Great stuff. Every so often you come upon a swing hung with ingenuity and care to propel a person skyward in a thrilling arc. It's a wonderful thing to give such joy.
Yes Jess it is. thanks now.
Had to come back read this and Dreadful Boys again. =D
OK Freida. Read all you like. thanks good to see you always
Totally awesome - and I just deal with mostly dogs these days~! Forget the magic of the "real" people...kids!
Hi there akirchner. Well, I love my dogs a whole lot, but yes, the kids are my real magic. thanks for stopping by now.
Wow, brings back childhood memories. Love it!
Hey Jib, so glad to see ya and to give you back some childhood memories. Thanks so much. CC
wesleycox says:
3 months ago
This is great charlie, I am pleasantly reminded of my childhood in reading this. So much fun I had with my friends on a rope swing.