I received a present in the mail the other day. No, not candy this time (darn!) but a very nice pair of pruning shears along with a little note. I promised to use them well and have photos to prove it.
I headed out with the shears, my camera, and a tripod, waved to my rather nosey new neighbor, and headed into the woods (can you tell yet how much I love being outdoors?) I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to find anything resembling a good switch because 1) the woods still look pretty dead and 2) I’ve never had to cut a switch without someone along to point out what one to cut.
I couldn’t find anything other than dried out twigs on the trees and was about to give up when I discovered some sort of plant sporting nice thorn-free, switch-like shoots. Just the right diameter, flexible, perfect. The shears worked beautifully to clip and trim my find.
Now since I was out there alone, I didn’t have anyone to actually test out the switch on my bottom. I made a valiant effort to test it on myself but a switch isn’t easy to control when swatting at your own backside. I ended up missing my butt and having it wrap around my thigh on impact and that was quite enough of that! The next time I head out to make use of the shears, I’ll be sure to bring along someone to help me out. 
April 6th, 2007 - 5:56 am
you obviously didn’t grow up in the south…as a child, you kinda learn which are switches and which aren’t…
and yes..it’s the worst thing in the world to do to a kid
not so fun as an adult either 
April 6th, 2007 - 11:18 am
Sticks his hand up to volunteer….. for the sake of art, of course
April 6th, 2007 - 2:24 pm
Anonymous – nope, I’m a Yankee bred kid. Although I was spanked growing up, I never had to go out and pick my own implement!
Richard – how thoughtful of you to be willing to volunteer all in the name of art. I’m touched. *sniffle* I really am.
April 6th, 2007 - 2:49 pm
ha… sure the line of volunteers would be a long one. Love the outdoor pics. Doesn’t sound like you can use a switch on yourself very well… but you sure know how to take a great pic of yourself.
L)
~Todd & Suzy
April 6th, 2007 - 4:54 pm
The next time I head out to make use of the shears, I’ll be sure to bring along someone to help me out.
What that line of people extending off over the horizon…?
{big grin}
Mark
April 6th, 2007 - 8:46 pm
Ohhhh man. Do you have any idea how many folks are lining up or waving their arm saying “PICK ME PICK ME I’ll help you get a good switching next time.” ?
So who was the cameraperson for this shoot?
The pics alone are just stunning as always but that last pic of your bare bottom….heaven.
April 7th, 2007 - 9:52 am
So one of these days I’m going to head out into my usually secluded woods only to find a line of helpful volunteers? Can’t wait!
007 – my cameraperson was Canon T. Tripod. Just me and a timer!
June 18th, 2007 - 10:56 am
Nothing quite compares with the sting of a switch. Count me in to be near the front of that line.
From what can be seen in that pic, looks like you did a nice job of picking a switch for a Yankee-bred kid. 
September 15th, 2007 - 9:53 pm
Pixie,
I’m way too late to volunteer. How about a raffle?
Tim