A Morning Steam Lift

I noticed warm steam puffing gently from the top valve of the electric kettle on the breakfast counter. That upward draft looked like the perfect engine test! I grabbed an empty fluted paper cupcake liner from an open baking tray and an unbent plastic-coated paper clip. With quick twists, I looped the wire into a small suspension harness underneath the pleated paper bell, making an ultralight miniature hot-air balloon basket. Holding my glitter dumpling securely in one arm, I reached out and guided the rig directly over the gentle mist spout. The warm air caught the pleated cup instantly, lifting it an inch clear off my fingertips before hovering like a buoyant cloud!