Duct tape is like the force. It has a light side, a dark side, and it holds the universe together.
That quote is attributed to both Oprah Winfrey and Carl Swanzig (whoever the heck he is). But it doesn’t matter who said it, it only matters that it is true! No one is more certain of this than my nephew – the Duct Tape Jedi Master. DTJM for short.
These days duct tape has become fashionable. It comes in bright colors and bold patterns. Brilliant minds use it to make purses and lunch sacks, and yes, even clothes. There are duct tape fashion shows. Who knew? Well, my nephew did.
Long before duct tape took over the world, DTJM elevated it to new heights. He led the charge. He stormed the gate. He took on the anti-duct-tape Galactic Empire and brought them to their nasty knees. But for this Jedi, it was not a weapon. Duct tape was his implement of peace and harmony. Wielded for good, never for evil.
Years ago DTJM used this marvel of resilience and utility to prolong the life of his shoes. Yes, when the soles of his sneakers came loose, he grabbed that silver roll of wonder and wrapped it around the damage, once again adhering rubber to canvas. And be damned if those shoes didn’t last another year.
Then his jeans became a little, shall we say, air-conditioned. No worries! Duct tape to the rescue. His pants matched his shoes, perfect duct tape harmony. Sadly, those clothes are no longer with us, but that didn’t stop him from finding many more uses for that tape.
He has successfully created a variety of play weapons – nun chucks, tonfas, and swords. Repairs were made to watch straps, hockey sticks, the aforementioned shoes and jeans, and, I’ll be darned, even ducts! He has made boxes for his magic cards and pouches to attach to his belt to hold his belongings – a Jedi duct tape fanny pack of sorts.
And when he goes hunting with big boy weapons (I hate it when he does that), he carries a roll into the woods with him. It’s the best way to seal up an open wound, don’t you know.
Such a master of the tape is he that I have bestowed upon him a duct tape wallet, and a duct tape coffee mug. The only gifts worthy of a Duct Tape Jedi Master.
Thank the maker (of duct tape). The Force (of duct tape) will be with you, always. Don’t believe me?
I find your lack of faith disturbing.
This post is in honor of MJ Monaghan who is currently trapped in an alternate universe of duct tape and moving boxes. We miss you MJ! Come back to us soon.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Fun read Julie! Thanks for the memories… 😉
Signed, Mother of Duct Tape Jedi Master.
That would make you a Queen! You know, to more than just me
Awwwwwwwwwww…
My grandfather had complete faith in the stuff – used it for everything!!!
Your grandfather sounds like my kind of guy… LOL
How sweet of you to think of MJ! We love duct tape over here. I have it in a few different patterns so we can make toilet paper roll marble runs for the fridge….the things we do when we have kids. haha! Funny post!
“toilet paper roll marble runs for the fridge” – say what? I’d like to see that in action! I’ve never owned anything but the silver stuff, and admit my uses for it are a bit pedestrian (you know, for ducts). But my other family members are much more ‘out of the tape’ thinkers with the stuff.
Thanks for stopping by. And for commenting! That’s my favorite part.
Great post, Julie. I must meet nephew. He and I would get along famously. If you only could have seen some of the innovative ways I packed things on this trip. And you won’t believe the major story to come out of the move. Post forthcoming.
Thanks for thinking about me. It meant so much and truly kept me going!
Looking forward to the move post. And you are welcome. I don’t move often, but can sympathize with the process!
Very nice! For some strange and inexplicable reason I was drawn to watch a Star Wars movie last night. Then I read your blog post and realized that the force was strong with this one.
There is no strange or inexplicable reasons to watch Star Wars – it is definitely the force. Unless it was episode three. Then it was the dark side. 😀 glad you liked it. It worked – he is free! MJ I mean.