Take part in the building of a box kite

     If you know me at all you know I have a thing for kites.  Have for years.  I actually kept a kite in the trunk of my car for years while attending college.  If it was a windy enough day...I would just bust it out and let it fly.  It all started when I received my first dragon kite complete with 25 ft tail as a young child.  As a parent I have purchased many of them for my children.  But today we constructed one from scratch...a box kite.  I've never done this before, nor flown one so I was pretty excited (especially after the especially tough weekend I've been having so far).  My kids each decorated a large roll of paper and I was so kind as to help out with the other pieces that needed decoration.  We assembled them with the help of the kite master, John...using dowel rods and tubing and tape.  They are pretty darn cute and we were all smiles at our accomplishment on this relaxing sunny Sunday. 
     The magic for me with kites goes back to the endless optimism I've seemed to possess.  On a clear, warm day it's easy to do a multitude of outdoor things.  It's the windy day that's tricky and yet that's the day you WANT in order to fly your kite.  The conditions are not "perfect" but they are necessary.  It's also sort of magical to take this object and get it to fly.  You hold on with just a string letting it sway and zip about with the breeze.  You have to hope for a steady calm wind, a delicate landing and a string with no tangles.  It doesn't always work out that way.  Sometimes you have a crash landing and the damage is unrepairable.  Other times you can mend a minor tear or crack.  There are even times when you can start from scratch and build your own.  Whether you purchase a top of the line expensive kite or a cheap five and dime type...the risk is the same.   There is risk...but in the risk comes the magic of the flying.
     The kites are still safe inside as it seems today's conditions weren't the best.  Since it is spring we will wait for the optimum blustery day.  It will take a big wind to hold these kites up...they are substantial.  My only concern is that the time that went into them will seem a waste if they crash to the ground.  Just picking up a dollar store kite might be easier on the spirit but maybe just maybe we wouldn't have run as fast, hoped as much or tried as hard.  Here's to wishing there is a day with the right gust, an energized child, a strong grip and sweet and safe landing.  Here's to a windy day to make the kites fly and the spirits soar.   Sure a beautiful calm sky is nice but it's not as exciting, colorful or bold as a sky holding up the wonder of a kite...