Chasing Down the Moon: Part 2

Well, I had it all planned (and remember what God does with plans?). Camera ready, shoes on, warm sweater–my husband even offered to drive me up to the top of the knob. So up we went just after 5 o'clock. And we watched over the distant hills to the east and we waited. The distant purplish dark was there, advancing slowly our way. Behind us the sun was setting over Green River Knob. But, no moon.

"But I was sure it came up on South Fork Creek at 5:30 last night!"

To make a long story short: no moon in over a half-hour of waiting. I wanted to hold out but I had a hungry tribe in the car (and a husband who had offered to take us to dinner before errands). So, off to Somerset we went. I was sure we would see the moon rise along the parkway and yup, what do you know? Of course the entire time we were getting closer to the lights of our local "big city" and the strip. Had I waited on our knob it would have been too dark to get the landscape and the moon in one shot–last night would have been perfect as the moon rose at the same time that the sun was still setting. How often does that happen?

It has been an energizing moon and that is much needed in this darker time of year. But I'm ready for it: projects in process, some writing assignments ahead, the holidays (kind of ready for them too, or welcoming them this year). Everyone healthy so far this season. Allergies GONE (or at least dormant)!

I started to think on the way home about my favorite scene from one of my favorite movies of all time, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life (and I hope Hollywood doesn't add this to its remake trend because it should be left alone as the brilliant film that it is–lovely, nostalgic, innocent, life-affirming–perfect Depression-era fare). I cry every time I watch this movie as provides some kind of catharsis for me. Meanwhile, Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed are perfectly paired.



GEORGE: What is it you want Mary? What do you want? You, you want the moon? Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and pull it down. Hey, that's a pretty good idea. I'll give you the moon, Mary. [MARY: I'll take it. Then what?] Well, then you could swallow it and it'll all dissolve, see? And the moonbeams'd shoot out your fingers and your toes and the ends of your hair..."

Just lovely and what could be more romantic?

Today I had some posts from new blog readers and I was appreciative to learn that Wendy's blog, The Red Teapot Diary, has a Moon phase daily checker. Wendy is also chasing the moon these days. So I incorporated it in my blog along with a calendar that I really like, too (both in the left column).

NOTE: These vintage postcard images are no longer under copyright and were found on this nifty website: Vintage Holiday Crafts.