The Planets

I have been reading Dava Sobel’s amazing book, The Planets. It makes me giddy, excited. I have to pause every now and then and be still. Let the enormity of waht I am learning sink in. I am awash in awe. True, real, awe, not the overused "awesome" trotted out at every occasion, neutering the true meaning of the word.

I discovered this tonight. I wish I had known about it long ago. But the teacher comes when the student is ready!


I'm listening to London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis "The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity" from: Holst: The Planets

2°

I woke up at 4:00 this morning. Having a hot flash. Nothing like generating more heat than a body can bare to get one out of bed!

I received an e-mail this morning from Suzanne over at Penny Wise Arts. She inspired me to look at Asia this morning. I am getting some interesting ideas for collage or altered book. We’ll see where it takes me.

I am getting ready to go visit a friend I haven’t seen in months. SN. When Willow died, she stayed with me all evening after friends and neighbors helped bury him. She literally tucked me in my bed after putting fresh clean sheets on it and fluffing my pillows.

There is no enlightenment outside of daily life.
-Thich Nhat Hanh

I'm listening to Joel Vandroogenbroeck "Jalan Jalan" from: South East Asia

8 Women...

If anyone out there knows where to find video footage of the opening ceremony of the 2006 Olympics, I would be indebted...

Blizzard

What is a blizzard? Snow with winds greater than 35 mph and visibilities of 1/4 mile or less, for an extended period of time.

Yep. We’re having a blizzard.

Here is what that looks like right now, with only my porch light for illumination...

Canada Geese!

5:46 am:
Just in from looking at the marvelous, early morning pair of Venus and Jupiter. As I was lining up the telescope, I realized the familiar sound in the background was Canada Geese! (Branta canadensis) They are out on the bay already. I don't know if this is the first morning or if they arrived earlier. From my records they are easily a full month earlier than I have recorded in previous years.

Dog Star

I lived with someone for several years. I had, among many, the pleasure of discovering what his name was. A few possibilities I explored were: Sirius, Aldebaran, and Salix. In the end, his name was simply, Willow. Will. He was named after another dog. One who lived with someone who saved my life. Her birthday is this coming Saturday.

A few moments ago I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts (it used to be my favorite TV show, then, my favorite website and now, keeping up with technology it is available by podcast): Star Gazer with Jack Horkheimer. He was talking about Aldebaran. I, began, with no warning, to cry. I was and am missing Willow. I miss his gorgeous, living, vital presence. I miss his golden eyes and his sense of humor.

Here he is, meditating at the ocean.


I wonder where he is now.

He died in my arms in the early morning of the 13th of May, 2003.


The man. The finest man.