Pandora's Box

My dear friend Peter recently came to town to visit. We've known each other since we both lived in Washington, DC - wow - 13 years ago now. He currently lives in Illinois, but was in town for the week. His friend Matt invited us to watch him practice poi (aka fire spinning). I'd never even heard of fire spinning before, but was certainly curious.

These are some pretty cool photos I found on Matt's blog of Matt spinning fire. After watching Matt, I may need to trade in my skateboard for some poi gear. ;-)

I've certainly had an interesting relationship with fire throughout my life. I learned how to eat fire years ago. There was actually a really cool photo taken of my eating fire (topless - yes, I was a screaming exhibitionist) in the streets of DC. The photo was published in a local DC news rag. If I ever get my home computer back on-line again, perhaps I'll post the photo in here. Hmmm... or maybe not. Anyway... Eating fire was pretty amazing. It's like going against everything your mother ever told you - "keep your hands away from the fire!" Well, not only are you not keeping your hands away, but you are consciously moving the fire towards your face. What a thrill! It's been years, though, since I've eaten fire.

Then of course, I had my more recent episodes of nearly catching myself on fire and then nearly burning my apartment down. Hmmm... considering my track record as a fire hazard, maybe poi isn't the best hobby for me to pick up next. ;-)