I See the Moon and the Moon Sees Me…
Almost Full Moon
As I drove home tonight the almost full harvest moon dominated the sky. One important way that I am connected to my far-flung friends, relatives, and colleagues is via the moon. Wherever we are and no matter the time zone, we all get to experience the same moon. There aren’t different moons for each continent.
“If only I could show them to someone who knows,
This moon, these flowers, this night that should not be wasted.” – Minamoto Hobuakira (Not certain about this spelling)
There are so many things about Japan that I deeply appreciate and their reverence and love of nature is one of them. What is interesting is how they combine their love of nature with their social events such as how they celebrate cherry blossom season with special food and saki under the cherry trees with loved ones and even strangers. Or in olden times how they would have moon viewing gatherings and write poetry by the light of the moon.
The Harvest Moon
The harvest moon (the last full summer moon of 2022) will be full on Saturday the 10th. Apparently, a good time to view it will be at twilight, just after sunset, in the eastern sky. If you have the chance to see the moon over water it is even more breathtaking with the illuminated path cast by the light of the moon.
Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn,
a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter.
If your mind isn’t clouded by unnecessary things,
this is the best season of your life. Wu-Men (1183-1260)
Enjoy these moons while you can
I know it is hard to imagine that we will run out of moons. But like it or not we are mortal. When we grasp this fundamental fact of life you/me might be inclined to take time to look at the vastness of the sky, the mountains, the sea, and the harvest moon in 2022. As Oliver Burkeman, stresses: “You really, really, really ought to spend more time in nature. We already knew that it boosts mental health. But new research suggests the effects might last for years.”
Notes:
1:) Photos of the 2021 Harvest Moon thanks to BBC
2:) The photos on this blog post are thanks to Rob and Gottfried on beautiful Gabriola Island this past weekend.
3:) You may want to write a moon Haiku. Check out NASA
4:) Next week on the 15th is International Dot Day, live from the Metropolitan Museum of Art If you don’t know the story of The Dot by Peter Reynolds, it is worthwhile clicking on the link and see what the fuss is all about: 19 million people from 197 countries joining the celebration. Go ahead and make your mark.
5:) So many thanks for stopping by. I will see you again next week. Warmly, Trudy
I smile came to my face Trudy. My dad used to sing “I see the moon and the moon sees me” when he tucked me in at night. I had forgotten that lovely memory so thank you for that. And yes, more time in nature and less time in front of tv or computer screens is a much healthier way to live. Missing you on Wed.
I’m happy you had this dear memory, Pat. What a kind father you had. I miss my Wed Forest Bathing Studio too. Hopefully, I will be able to get back to it a little later this fall. Best wishes, Trudy
Good morning, Trudy,
What lovely musings to wake to .
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I love the luna too. It feels good to read your loving words
Kathryn
Thank you, dear Kathryn. It’s so wonderful, to love our beautiful luna. What a gift! I hope you get to see it on the weekend. Best wishes, Trudy
I love this! I often feel connected to others while viewing the moon, especially my daughter in Kingston. I look for it every night after the sun goes down.
For some reason I particularly like the gibbous moon… I even love the sound of the word “gibbous”, and Patterson Ewen’s painting “Gibbous Moon” (which can be seen at the National Gallery).
The moon has many important associations for me… my mother, her mother’s passing, my cat’s name (partly inspired by the song “Au clair de la lune”, which was my children’s and grandaughter’s favourite song), and even my name and astrological planet.
I’ll be looking for the harvest moon this Saturday… and checking out International Dot Day! Thank you Trudy!
What a great story dear Diane. All those moon connections. You just sent me an amazing photo you took of a moon two years ago. Thank you and may moonbeams light your path. best wishes, Trudy
What gorgeous photos dear Trudy and your musings as always. I had the good fortune to see the almost full moon rising across a lake two nights ago and it was mesmerizingly beautiful. Hoping for clear night skies this weekend. love to you, Jan
Lucky you Janice. The moon rising across the water is awe-inspiring. Thanks for letting us know. Fingers crossed for the weekend. Warmly, Trudy
Saw it from the sky,returning from Okanagan.beautiful harvest color; my husband and I had a thing of holding hands and howling at the full moon and I continue this …keeps the neighbors guessing. Also,my sister spent three years in Libya and the moon helped us stay close. La Bella Luna.
Oh Jean: this made me laugh and brought a tear or two. What a beautiful memory to have of your husband. And yes, the idea of sharing the moon with loved ones far away resonates with me. Thank you. Gentle hugs, Trudy