crescent moon

The Big Dipper – Day 1093

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
The Big Dipper in the early evening sky – Photo: L. Weikel

The Big Dipper

I managed to get in a long walk this evening. I refer to it as evening, but in reality it was closer to 5:30 p.m. or so. The joy and peace feeling that settled into my heart as I watched the stars becoming brighter and brighter was just what I needed. The Big Dipper took up such a huge swath of sky, I just had to take a photo of it.

I walked an extra loop tonight because the weather was simply too perfect. Karl and I took the pups on the initial two mile walk around, but then I did some separate hoofing because it I needed more contemplative time.

I have to hand it to the puppies. Yet again, they walked all the way around all by themselves. Lately, Brutie’s been balking at the whole concept of a walk, dragging his heels in a most hilarious manner

Moon and Venus – Photo: L. Weikel

Moon and Venus

It was hard to keep my eyes off the sky tonight, to be honest. The moon, even though she’s only just past fingernail status, is a brilliant beacon. And lining up with Venus, it really was hard to tear my eyes away from the utter clarity of these celestial beings.

Jupiter and Saturn were also joining the lineup, with the four heavenly bodies lining up in a most dramatic arc across the southwestern sky.

There was something deep and quiet about tonight’s walk. The temperature outside was incredibly pleasant. It almost felt as though I was cheating somehow – being able to immerse myself in such loveliness on the 8th of November.

Walking at Night

It occurred to me as I was walking in the dark, illuminated only by the crescent moon and burgeoning starlight, that I’m not afraid to walk in this way. I’d hear deer scrambling in the brush beside the road, or perhaps a fox or opossum scurrying across the road.

I realized that I am not afraid of Nature as I walk by myself. The only thing that really engenders fear in me is the prospect of encountering other humans.

That truth made me sad. But I guess it’s not surprising.

Crescent Moon through the Trees – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-18)

Another Moon Shot – Day 738

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Waxing Crescent – two days on; Photo: L. Weikel

Another Moon Shot

I wish I could figure out how to take great photos of the moon (with my phone) once the sky has darkened to the tones and shades that waver between deepest navy and just-shy-of-black. While I’ve managed to capture the waxing crescent moon over the past few days while the sky sported a Mars-like hue, I’ve met with decidedly less success once all vestiges of sunlight disappeared. And so it is, I’m sharing yet another moon shot or two with you.

I took the photo above with the simple desire to show how much the crescent had grown in just two days. Of course, this growth is inexorable. It happens every day, every week, every month without fail. Why I’m so taken with its observation at the moment escapes me.

Maybe it’s because I am feeling caught between the tug of realizing just how profound the change has been to so much of our lives in the past year, while also feeling stuck in limbo or a never-ending Mobius strip of repeating insanity. (OK, maybe that’s a little dark and dire. But some days I do ‘go there.’)

My point is that I’ve been reveling in the moon’s reflection of the constancy of change.

Woefully inadequate attempt – Photo: L. Weikel

Different Moods

I love the photos of the moon that manage to be in focus, capturing her beauty as she starts to ‘show.’ But then, every time I catch a glimpse of her after darkness has settled, my heart swells even more. I wish only to convey the awe that fills me when I witness Grandmother Moon’s sickle of golden light, supported by her companions of these last many months, Jupiter and Saturn.

And so I dance around, my feet clad only in socks, trying to cajole the phone’s camera to focus just right and reflect the beauty before my eyes. Brr. My reward is cold feet and frustration. But the sense of the night lives within me, even if I don’t quite know what to make of the utterly different mood that’s conveyed.

Unease

I’m not even sure what I’m writing about tonight. The moon, the vagaries of my iPhone’s camera, slow and almost imperceptible change, or a sense that nothing will ever be what it was again. Which of course it won’t be – but in a profound way; and sooner than we know.

Arcing Ripples of Beauty – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-373)

An Old Refrain – Day 737

Posted on by Lisa Weikel Leave a comment
Waxing New Moon – Photo: L. Weikel

An Old Refrain

Whoosh, what a blast of chilliness blew into our area last night! While I haven’t seen or felt any yet myself, a coating of flurries was due to arrive sometime this evening. And in spite of an urge on both Karl’s and my part urging us to forego bundling up and venturing out, we pushed through. We did it, and it was the highlight of our evening. Hence, I’m launching into an old refrain: when you’re feeling glum or defeated or overwhelmed with the state of the world, take a walk.

Yes, the air was crisp. Tonight was the first time this season we had to bundle up and break out our neck gators. Aaaah – made of Turtle Fur, I must admit, I adore how soft and warm they are. They make all the difference when contemplating braving the elements. Keeping your neck warm is essential.

The Real Good Stuff

But enough of my late fall dressing tips. What was really important for us over the past two nights of walking was the gloriousness of the night sky. First, the sliver of a moon last night, which became noticeably larger and brighter crescent in the passage of just one evening.

As you can see, I managed a lovely shot of that tiniest of new moons last night – dangling enticingly in the burnt orange sky.

While tonight, although she was dramatically brighter and a noticeably more pronounced waxing crescent, I couldn’t for the life of me get a good shot of her. I did try; and I could share them with you. But nah. They didn’t do her justice.

Vast Beauty of the Night – Photo: L. Weikel

Starry Cloudy Night

So I turned my attention away from the setting moon and onto the clouds parting directly above, revealing a thick blanket of glitterati.

I’ll confess: Karl and I had both been in a bit of a foul mood as we cajoled each other into taking our evening constitutional. It’s helpful, as always, when Spartacus gets wind that we’re “going to take a walk-y.” His enthusiasm is sometimes the only thing that drags or guilts us into setting out – especially when it starts getting cold out.

But we did tonight. Thank goodness.

The spiraling crisis of the pandemic as it starts to devastate the Midwest and Southwest, as it starts to raise its ugly head again here on the East coast, is sobering. If we’re paying attention, we can see the irrefutable proof that gathering with anyone beyond our own household for Thanksgiving or the Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanza holidays (not to mention New Years) could result in rampant community spread, hospitalization, and potential death.

We walked. We reveled in the recollection and appreciation of just how precious our lives are in this moment. Gazing upon the growing young moon and boundless stars has that effect on most of us. But it’s easy to forget. It’s easy to talk ourselves into staying home, hunkering down, and ducking for cover.

But I promise you. There’s still plenty of time to cuddle and cocoon upon your return. But there’s no substitute for a dip into the vastness of Mother Nature to remind us that life is fleeting. It’s healthy to expand our horizons and remember just how precious these moments are.

Starry Cloudy Night – Photo: L. Weikel

(T-374)