Like When We Were Kids
When I was a kid, man, could I ever dream a dream. To the moon and back was just as much a reality as discovering a long lost civilization. Rescuing P.O.W.s on enemy soil was just as real as speeding after criminals on my motorcycle. I was a swashbuckler, a detective, or a superhero. All of these were “games” and imaginary worlds I created in my kid imagination.
BUILDING WITH IMAGINATION
One of my favorite imagination games to “dream” was the fortress. You know the secret lair, the hideout, the fort.
Remember when we were kids and we’d build those put of just about anything we could find? Plywood, tree branches, tarps – you name it, we used it. All in an attempt to create a place where bad guys couldn’t get us. Or where we could just hang out and be ourselves.
Remember when we had friends over on a rainy or cold night and we couldn’t really stay out in the night so we built the best table, chair, and blanket lair inside that we could.
I remember. I loved those times.
WE BUILT A FORT IN THE LIVING ROOM
Friday night, my wife and I built a fort in the living room. We slept in it the past 2 nights. While building it, I was transported back to those times of my childhood where imagination was bigger than mortgage, insurance, or even dinner. I didn’t care about what I was going to wear or even what was on t.v. It was all about dreaming the dreams and running free in the worlds we created.
Mark 10:13-16 One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him.When Jesus saw what was happening, he was angry with his disciples. He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and placed his hands on their heads and blessed them.
Location: Living room
Materials: 10 Sheets, Duct Tape, Christmas tree lights, Mattress and pillows, TV Tray, TV, 2 Retail Store clothes racks (haha, we have them for yard sales!)
Here’s some photos of the fort that took me back.
almost finished.
Sophie supervising from the couch. In the tunnel Hanging lights.
Looking into the entrance tunnel.
Mattress, pillows and TV for Saturday Night Live!
Looking back towards the entrance tunnel. Sophie checking out the mattress.
“Stars” lighting.
The original MacGyver on SNL’s MacGruber inside our fort!
Looking back towards the entrance tunnel.
The fan keeps us cool inside the fort.
Part of the FORT BUILDING FRENZY over at Tam’s place!
Again, Happy Birthday.
Our fort is kind of like a Beverly Hillbilly version compared to yours!
Well done!
that’s simply awesome! I wanna do that again… :)
This is totally great. What a cool idea. I miss those days of building forts in the living room as a kids. I’ve built forts with my boys, but never with my wife. Maybe I’ll surprise her and try it sometime.
This really is a great way to live intentionally and have some fun in this crazy life we all live.
Thanks for sharing!
@Toby: No way you guys had a blast! That’s what makes it a megasuperwondrous fort of forts!!
@Graham: go for it! The sad part is tearing it down.
@Bill: Thanks Bill! And thanks for stopping by to comment I appreciate it!
My mom and I LOVE your fort. Hahaha. I’m a bit inspired to make a fort of my own…
” a plant for oxygen ”
ahaha!
THAT just might make you the winner russ!
ive watched 2 videos so far and saw one pic submission…and i have to say…i have the biggest smile on my face. almost to tears, even.
im so blessed that you took the time to do this. i know for our family…and i’ll talk about this on my blog too…it was great to escape. to be kidlike, to live outside the “norm”.
this definitely needs to be a more frequent occurrence!
WELL DONE!
@Kayln: Thanks!! You should build one FAST!!
@tam: thanks for giving us the idea! We had a blast and slept in it for 2 days!
OH my gosh. This is far superior!!
Happy Birthday and what a cool fort you guys built!
@Mandy: Thanks!
@Pokinatcha: Thanks for the Bday wishes!
Wow! You have the mansion of forts! Plant for oxygen! Brilliant!
Building forts in the living room is something that my kids and grandkids used to do a lot at our house. I was never much a fan of that… until now. You never cease to amaze me young man.
Warmest regards,
Jimmy
@janaki: ha! Thanks!
@jimmy: thanks for commenting and I appreciate all your hard work and help @hoj. You’re amazing!
Ok, this fort is an inspiration to all fort builders everywhere. I am going to pimp out a similar one for the kids this weekend.
Very nice my man.
@Chad: Thanks! Have a blast with the kids!