Oh, the many things that come in tubes!
When a box arrived at my door last night with both ends beaten open, it was nearly a miracle that none of the contents were lost. Although obviously imperfect, boxes are generally considered a handy way of transporting things.
The tube, however… The tube, is a special invention not always utilized or praised as such.
Think about the tube that protects the $10 poster or priceless fine art: It’s sturdy, easy to carry and makes for a great faux weapon or voice-projecting device afterward. When you ship a tube, you don’t worry that the contents inside are going to be damaged, because the cardboard is a special bionic ultra-condensed material and those plastic end inserts fit so snugly in place that the tape around the outside is just an amusing aside.
When I receive a tube in the mail, in fact, I often feel quite guilty that it is serving such a temporary purpose. I feel I need to re-use the tube in a manner fitting its special heartiness… perhaps as the body of a lamp, a table leg or decorative column outside the home.
I think the tube just has that special something we all search for…. A smooth, hug-able core, no sharp ends, and a surprise tucked safely inside. Things that come in tube-shaped containers tend to be good things overall. Take, for instance, pixy stix.
So, just remember when packing, shipping and receiving all those glorious items in bulky boxes this holiday season… Sure, boxes can be great. But tubes… they never let you down.
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which she was built, the rivers that flow through her, the bounty around her and the people who make it their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town after a cleansing rain.
There’s truly something for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and nighttime adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
The tube is so underappreciated. My fondest memories of Xmas are the *sword/tube* duels with siblings and cousins using the wrapping paper tubes.
Thank you Melanie for this tribute to the tube.
And thank you, Sonya, for sharing your fond memories of the tube. ‘Tis the season to be grateful for all the wondrous things in our lives! I’m reminiscing about the human-sized slinky tube we used to put on the staircase and crawl or slide through…