Ilmo had a grand proposal planned which was to climax with a big flaming heart-shaped hoop of fire. But now he had to figure out how to pull it off with a minimal pyrotechnics budget.

That is where the dinosaur toy that shoots sparks came in. This toy was strategically selected because of its remote controlled starter. The dinosaur toy was dismantled and the spark-shooter extracted and tested.

Now we just had to get a gas-soaked rope to light and we had it. So Ilmo and I found a secluded spot out in the East Bay with no vegetation around that might catch fire. We draped out a couple of different ropes that we had just soaked in gasoline and a couple more soaked in kerosene and started our remote firing tests…

As we were nearly ready to test one of the last ropes we saw a police cruiser roll up and of course we were asked what we were doing. Ilmo was as cool and calm as ever, he politely explained to the cop that we were preparing for his upcoming proposal which would culminate in a flaming heart.

The cop furrowed his brow, pulled down his mirrored sunglasses and looked us both up and down. “Well – how bout you get that fire extinguisher out of your car in case you need it? And y’all have a nice day.” As he drove off he said, “Congratulations…. Enjoy it!”

So instead of being arrested for arson, we tested the last setups and we hightailed it home. Ilmo had an innocent face and an honest delivery!

Joe Gotshall