Issue #4 July 2019

Copy of Copy of May 2019 BSD Edition — Get your PDF copy here

“Sometimes the very best of all summer books is a blank notebook. Get one big enough, and you can practice sketching the lemon slice in your drink or the hot lifeguard on the beach or the vista down the hill from your cabin.” – Michael Dirda

When I was in high school, the thing to do on the weekends during the summer was to go to the beach for a bonfire. You would get there early in the afternoon to get a fire pit, or you’d miss out. Once the tide started to rise, and the sun started to set, all the firepits would have a group of people huddled against the cool ocean breeze, enjoying themselves.

Sitting out in the sun all day, you would take shifts with friends to man the fort. These bonfires were your typical high school party. 21-year-olds would be on standby to grab some cheap beer for us, which we would then tip them for their help. Smores weren’t exactly a staple here. There was an awesome pizza place that offered New York style by the slice or if you wanted to venture a bit further was my favorite burrito joint.

When I went off to college up in the Rockies, the bonfire became a campfire, and even more stereotypical than before. They called it “Camptacular,” and the organizers went as far as selling t-shirts, beer cozies, and sweatshirts with beer cozies in the front pocket. The shenanigans were outrageous and I’ll never forget the most memorable moments. Sadly, everyone officially grew up by getting married and having kids.

What I liked best about going to these campfires are the stories people would tell. These weren’t your typical campfires. No, these stories were more like… well, how a friend of a friend got caught with his pants down (no, literally caught with his pants down) as he left a house party back when he was in school.

This month I wanted to hear some of your stories that you told during your summertime fun. Whether they were fictional or true, they were all fantastic. Thanks to everyone who contributed this month!