Thoughts from Dr. Joe: ‘Rocketeer’ is fueled by memories
I spent a night earlier this week meandering underneath the freeway on the corner of Hampton Road and Foothill Boulevard. This time of year that corner teems with scores of volunteers who are frantically on a mission. With a sense of urgency, the volunteers are in constant motion with movements from that of an artist’s touch to a maniacal mechanical production. Amidst the flurry of noise and a deadline, the event progresses as a symphony with each part joining in to produce a masterpiece.
This is the 39th year La Cañadans have pulled together to create a float for the Rose Parade, shepherded by the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. The whole concept, well, I have no other way to describe it than to fall back on one of my favorite phrases, “sheer pageantry.” I immediately loved the concept of this year’s float, “Backyard Rocketeer.” It’s not accidental that our city, home to JPL and its execution of deep space missions would imagine a backyard rocketeer living the dream of space travel.
Incidentally, our float complements the 2017 Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ parade theme, “Echoes of Success,” which celebrates the people and places whose selfless contributions have helped us achieve success. Success is subjective and yet personal. Of the endless perspectives that define success, I agree with the Tournament’s contention: “Success is measured by our own personal satisfaction in knowing that we achieve our utmost by doing our best when facing challenges.”
When you see the smile on our float rocketeer’s face, you’ll understand the Pasadena Tournament’s message. However, success is inclusive and is a product of family, teachers, friends and those who have supported us along the way. The vision of our rocketeer must surely evolve from the “Echoes of Success” promoted by a community of rocket scientists.
I studied the design and evolution of the La Cañada’s rocket, which has been given the name Enterprise. It was being crafted in silver leaf with black bean highlights. I felt as though I had crossed this path before. Then it hit me like a southpaw from Philly. When I grew up, it was every kid’s dream to build a rocket ship and sail unencumbered into space. We were inspired by the comic strips of Flash Gordon, which set the standard for science-fiction adventures in space.
In the ’50s we built many spaceships using the discards of the city. Brett, the young rocketeer depicted on La Cañada’s float, built his rocket from a lampshade, an egg beater, trash cans, bottle caps and whatever else he found around his backyard. Just like Brett, although we never left the ground, we’d also travel to the stars and planets and confront aliens.
Our Backyard Rocketeer — with his trusted dog Morgan tailing behind — sails through space propelled by the floral flames of the Enterprise. He confronts a friendly alien named Robbie. The adventure is set in the universe of sweeping nebulae, planets and stars.
I meandered through the buckets of camellia leaves, black beans, onion seeds, peach lentils and scores of other materials. It was freezing cold; subsequently the doughnuts and hot chocolate I found hit the spot. The LCF Tournament of Roses Assn.’s feat of imagination and know-how to produce such a sublime caricature of our collective need to expand our knowledge and travel to the stars was extraordinary.
When astronaut Mike Mulhane was asked by a NASA psychiatrist what epitaph he’d like on his gravestone, Mulhane answered, “A loving husband and devoted father.” Then jokingly said, “In riding rockets, I would have sold my wife and children into slavery for a ride into space.”
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JOE PUGLIA is a practicing counselor, a retired professor of education and a former officer in the Marines. Reach him at doctorjoe@ymail.com. Visit his website at doctorjoe.us.
