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Painting in my home by Rob Gonsalves
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Many people are affected
by the moon: “that monthly changes in its circled orb”. Maybe that’s why I love
it. Just like a woman, the moon reserves the right to change its mind. It is
said that Cancerians like me are most affected by its opalescent wiles.
One of my earliest
memories as a tot is looking at the moon in all its pale glory. Like most
children I never had problems sleeping. I would go to bed at night and wake up
to the morning light. Except when it was a full moon. All my life I have awoken
to its gentle luminous nudge. I always figured that this was because the moon
was lonely. I surmised that it would go around gently waking like-minded souls
so they could bask in its golden glow. Can you imagine what Moon feels like
when it puts on its shining grinning spectacle only to have people fall asleep?
Trust me, I’ve performed in shows like that!
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| Painting in our home: The Bedroom by Deloss McGraw |
I guess that’s why I can
never leave Moon wanting. Not that I have a choice, mind. Because the moon
calls on me. I would like to think it’s just me because I am covetous of the
Moon, but I know there are others.
But that’s okay because
when I am up on a full moon night, gazing skyward towards its opaque teariness,
I always feel supported in my quiet gaze.
Maybe that is why I am
such a space enthusiast. When the “Eagle” landed on the moon, I could not
breath. When Neil Armstrong took his first step I was weightless with
fulfillment.
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| My sketch-a-day sketchbook: the moon over The Harmony Hotel in Costa Rica |
If I ever get the chance
to go to the moon, I will take it. There is no way on Moon that it could
disappoint!
The moon makes me feel
whole. I feel like I belong to Moon and Moon
belongs to me. I have
always felt this way as far back as I can remember. The moon does not seem empty, bleak, or
lifeless to me. The opposite rather.
The moon would be my
ultimate quiet place. My email would be out of range and I could get a lot of
reading done despite the fact that I am a very slow reader.
But would I arrive on Moon
and instantly become besotted with Earth? I don’t know. In the meantime, I
moon.
I also know that this is
why I love cheese.
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| My sketch-a-day sketchbook: last night's moon |
Barbara: Phil and I were
driving back from Costco at dusk last night and the full moon had just started
to rise in the east, climbing up through the Toronto skyline, a huge, yellow
disc just peering down at us—almost a portal it looked so huge. It looked
impossibly close, as if it had fallen off its orbit or something. We marveled
at it, eyes barely on the road ahead. And then Phil observed, “Why does our
moon not have a name? All the other moons have names, but ours is just ‘moon’.”
And it’s always been
thus. We wax poetic of moons in literature and examine them in detail in science,
but our moon is always The Moon. Interesting!
PS I am also a moon girl,
a Cancer and a feeler-of-moon-waves and dreamer-of-moon-dust. Thanks for the
lovely ode, Deb.
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| Last night's moon tangled in the trees of our backyard |
Wow....Ive always loved the moon too ! in fact FULL MOON is supposed to be auspicious here in India.....But I have so many memories of just gazing up in the sky at the moon...observing its beauty..Ahhh Solitude!! If you ever get a chance to go there say HI to the rabbit for me !!
ReplyDeleteDeb I love how passionately you spoke about the moon...And I loved the paintings !!! You are such an adorable moon-child ! I'm a Leo but Ive always loved you beautiful Cancerians!!
And Barb...you perfectly described the moon... me and my mom saw Sunday night (wasnt full moon) but it was beautiful!!!so gorgeous...
Thanks Deb for this beautiful Post !xoxo
DeleteShalaka it is no surprise to me that you love the moon! You are a moon girl in spirt despite the Leo in you. And you are right. It doesn't need to be a full moon to be a great moon. Is there anything lovelier than a new moon, blue moon, crescent moon? I look up at a crescent moon and just want to hang a rope swing on it and swing swing swing.
ReplyDeleteAwwhhh....see thats why I love you gals....you always bring out the best in me !!!
DeleteAnd I dont think there is anything lovelier than a MOON !!!! Oh you said it perfectly....whenever I see a crescent moon....I just wanna go up and sit on it like I'm beginning a "Dreamworks animation's" Movie :D
Lovely post; you expressed my feelings exactly. Glorious full moon cloaked in wispy clouds this morning started my day joyfully.
ReplyDeleteWhat an,beautiful moon Deb. I,also love the moon and the stars. They are so peaceful.. I know when I was little, my grandparents would take me in my friends out underneath the stars and we, would play connect the dots and see what shapes
ReplyDeletewe could make out of them
How lovely for you Cari. Good old moon. Lyndsie what a sweet precious memory. Brought to you by moon and stars.
ReplyDeleteDebra You have always been a dreamer & now a moon girl.....love it & I think thats what we all love about you. Don't ever change
ReplyDeletePeggy what a lovely thing to write. I will try not to change! xo
DeleteThat's lovely, Deb. I absolutely agree. There's something about the night that's so mystical, but particularly when there's a beautiful moon shining. It also brings back memories for me, from when my mum had to go into hospital for an operation when I was little. I'd already lost my father at an early age, and I didn't want to leave her there. There was a full moon that night and she asked me if I could see the smiling face upon it. I squinted at it for several minutes before finally seeing it, and she said that the moon would be smiling down on both of us, keeping us safe.
ReplyDeleteLuckily it did, and she's still with me today. That has always stayed with me, though, and I think of it every time I look up at a full moon. I now say the same to my children.
Oh Roz that is so gorgeous. You must love the moon so much. Good old moon kept you both safe. I'm sorry you lost your Dad at such a young age though but it's nice to hear you carried on the Moon message to your children.
DeleteDeb, you've expressed how I feel about the moon much better than I ever could.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up on a farm, I loved to look at the moon - and I could feel the moon's kiss over the wintery landscape - especially when I could get away from the front porch light. The moon's glow wasn't as violent with the snow as the sun is. The moon welcomed me in its embrace, and accepted me for me. I felt alive - especially when I looked at the moon when I was skating.
I still feel this way about the moon. Last night, when I couldn't sleep, I just savoured the moon's glow as it kissed my backyard, and I smile. Thank you, moon.
Yes thank you Moon. And thank you Jo. That was so beautifully put. You are so right. The moon is more delicate than the sun and I love the sun of course. But ohhhhh Moon.
DeleteDeb, you say the moon is delicate. I like to think the moon may appear delicate, but the moon is strong.
DeleteThe sun is the diva. As The Arrogant Worms song goes, the sun thinks it's all about "me, me, me", and others can't even be part of the picture when she's on, and she's "on" every single day, and tries to horn in when others want to have a moment.
The Moon isn't so vain - she knows how to just be. She doesn't have to be "on" all the time, and when she is "on" (a.k.a. full moon), she's not insecure that she has to drown everyone out. :)
Takes strength of character to do that.
Another sleepless night found me standing at the living room window at 3:00 am last night staring at the moon. It is what finally calmed my mind, allowed my thoughts to drift and then to finally sleep.
ReplyDeleteAstronomy is a mutual hobby of mine and my husband and I can't even guess at how many pictures of the moon we've taken through the telescope. It's funny how moons captivate. The first time we were able to locate Saturn and actually get it in proper focus with the right lens what excited us the most was seeing and counting 5 moons, can you imagine 5 moons!
Erin five moons! How wonderful. I would love to see a picture of one of your Moon's. Glad the moon acted as your sleep companion last night.
DeleteDeb, I knew I liked you. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm also a Cancerian and LOVE the moon. I feed off its energy and I sometimes feel as if it's there just for me.
Last night's moon was simply gorgeous. Was in Toronto and saw the low, golden, huge moon early in the evening, then when it was high in the sky, uncloaked by clouds. Such a fantastic night.
And this year, my birthday lands on a full moon. :)
JackiYo that is so special that your birthday falls on a full moon. And being a moon girl it will be even more so! What is your birthdate?
DeleteA beautifully written piece, extreemly poetic and romantic. I love the blue light the full moons shed on the outside. It's so beautiful to lookout into the backyard and just see everything bathed in a blue light.
ReplyDeleteMolly it's true. The blue light. And what a blue.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the many reasons i love you, Deb. You see pretty. You are such a gift to Love! How blessed are we?!
ReplyDeleteI actually was able to witness the moon's strong pull on you. Like a "moon drug", that you were drawn to, taken in, and abducted by! We were vacationing in Napa. AND THERE IT WAS! Seeing you stand in front of that amazing work of art, like a child dreaming of far away places, where the wold is ONE in Love. I remember saying to Bradley, "i wish the artist of this painting could witness this capturing of the heart." Colin knew immediately it was coming home. And we all delighted in watching you find the perfect place for it to live in your home.
"I'm over the moon"... when i say it, i'm standing in the most romantic place in my heart. I feel weightless, and dreamy in LoVe. I treasure knowing that people i love share this same love affair.
Now, (living back at the beach) we look forward to the nights that the moon's light kisses the ocean. Like a spotlight on the world's stage, the ocean waves dance under the moonlight. Simply magical.
Thanks for sharing your moon~Love with us so beautifully!
xoxox
Sean'a
Yes of course Sean'a you were with me when I fell in love with that painting and then was thrilled (like husband had a choice) to get it for Christmas! What a gorgeous description of your love for moon. And how lucky you are to see it dance on the ocean every night. How lucky you are anyway. YOU are Sean'a. xoxoxoo
ReplyDeleteDeb, I will now call you Moongirl. I loved today's post. I love the full moon as well. It lights the sky with it's shine and that lights my soul.
ReplyDeleteIt does Madge doesn't it? It lights the soul. There is something that draws us to it and gives us hope and strength.
DeleteThis was lovely and so whimsical, just like the feelings I get about the moon. I had to go out last night and try to get some shots of the full moon because it was so clear out.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your moon art with us, Deb and Barb. They were the perfect companions for this fun post.
You are welcome Lisa! Did you get any fabulous shots yourself that you care to share? No pressure!
ReplyDeleteI got a few shots. I like this one best. http://www.flickr.com/photos/dcup84/6842229111/
ReplyDeleteThat's gorgeous Lisa. So moody with the shadows of trees and the haze! Thanks so much for sending!
DeleteGosh I love that painting.....still coming back to take a look at it.....and yeah....I can also see your and Colin's reflection in it !!! thats how long Ive been observing it :P
ReplyDeleteOh My goodness Shalaka I did not even see that! Love it.
DeleteI have been highly affected by the moon in the past year. I have always looked upon the glowing orb with wonder but it has taken on a greater significance to me now. Really enjoyed reading your post on it and glad to know there are others watching it in wonder the same time I do.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the nicest part of it Paul? The idea that you are not alone in your viewing. It connects us to the other earthlings and of course to some aliens. Thanks for sharing that.
Deletefirst time commenter because I feel a need to suggest a name for the moon: Luna. call her (yes, "her") Luna. that's what I do. :D
ReplyDeletebeautiful post, Deb and Barbara. I've been reading this blog for a while now--namely every time Colin posts a link to it on Facebook (so you can thank him for sending me your way)--and have been enjoying it a LOT. :)
Yes Cyndi-BELLA LUNA! I will thank him Cyndi and I thank you for sticking with us. It's great to have you here.
DeleteLove Luna!
DeleteI have to say that I love how all the moon gazing has brought out the poets in everyone! Such lyricism. And Lisa -- awesome photo! So ethereal.
ReplyDeleteBarb it's true. It has tapped into all our inner poets. Great observation!
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting me share the photo here, Deb and Barb. xo
ReplyDeletefull moon over our garden in the midi pyrenees of france with snow on the ground was totally magical , not the -10 but it was fantastic
ReplyDeleteWow that sounds heavenly Nicky. And France. France makes the moon sweeter!
Delete:D....lol I kept thinking...whose nose is that below that star in the window????? HEY ITS COLIN !! then I saw the chandelier and you with the cam...:P
ReplyDeleteSo funny Shalaka!
ReplyDeleteOh this post just makes me feel all peacefull inside. :) I remember on cool-ish summer nights lying out with my dogs in the grass in the backyard or lying out on the driveway just to stare up at the sky. I personally love the stars and finding the constellations. I used to love how, depending on the seasons, the constellations would be in new spots in the sky.
ReplyDeleteThe moon and stars bring us all together. No mater where you are in the world you are looking up at the same moon someone millions of miles away will be looking at come dusk.
Beautiful Kelly and what a lovely thought. I remember when the boy was tiny he loved the "Rescuers" and Rescuers down under" I think the song was called "somewhere out there" and it had a lyric that said something like "when you are missing me just look up and remember we'll both be looking at the same big sky". I have muddled it, but that's the gist.
DeleteI love this post. You know, whenever I look up at the moon I think about who else is looking at it. What are they thinking? It really does connect us all. The paintings are lovely and I love your drawings, Deb!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steph I love the paintings and they hold precious memories for me too. (See Sean'a's comment) I adore this theme of bringing people together by looking at the sky. A lovely thought.
DeleteI will be thinking of you tonight when I look at the moon, Deb and Barb! Happy Mooning (you know what I mean!)
DeleteThe Moon painting and drawings are beautiful. Funny how Costa Rica keeps popping in there. ?” I read that a man in Canada won a 16 million dollar lottery and he said he planned to visit Costa Rica. The article is in the Vancour 24 hour news paper. www.vancouver24hrs.ca His name is Steve Murphy. The last posts I read was about dreams and now moons, go hand in hand. As I read the posts and comments, I visualize the sights, nice way for me to take a break from whatever I was doing. When one of grand-daughters was very young, I would say to her, “Oh look, Moon is out, BED TIME! ” Apparently it dramatized her, because one day her Dad said, “Why is it that every time Sophia sees the moon she cries.?"
ReplyDeleteAnd with that I will close... Good night, MOON´S OUT!
Glenda Arlene
Oh Glenda Arlene that is so funny! And you were just trying to make a tradition for her. Yep...MOON"S OUT!
DeleteI looked up to the sky today, and said to my Aunt: Look, it's the Moon!
ReplyDeleteI never thought about it very much. It shines directly in my window, so...at full moon I can't find much sleep (not that I ever get enough sleep).
I once looked at it through a telescope. This was fascinating.
Such nice thoughts on Mr. Moon. And I love that sketchbook! =)
Some moony pictures:
My Moon tonight
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/728/moontoday.jpg
Partial Lunar Eclipse (2010)
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/2/moon2011.jpg
The Moon over the North Sea
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/5542/53655936.jpg
My Grandma had her 3rd surgery today. This sucks so much. It's as if the same damn thing that happened to my Mom happens to her...because she has infections, and now they cut her open again and again. Seriously, I can't take this anymore.
So sorry to hear about your Grandma, Becki. Thinking of you!!
DeleteAnd really loved the moon photos, thanks so much. The crescent over the North Sea: wow.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteBecki the moon pictures are divine. I love the moodiness of the first, the halo on the second and the moon diamonds across the sea on the third. Thanks so much for sharing these. I am so very sorry about your Grandma Becki. It is awful that she has to endure this. But maybe you will look back at a time down the road and understand why. It may make her so much better. We are sending good healing peaceful thoughts.
DeleteThanks, Barbara!
ReplyDeleteYes, this was a wonderful evening. We traveled to my Aunt, who lives on an Island, and we had to catch our ferry (we spent most of the 700kms in traffic jams).
When we were finally onboard, we could watch a very calm sea. The sun set, and the moon rose. It was so peacefuly and relaxing. I have more pics of the sun and the ocean.
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2866/25076723.jpg
http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2758/90525250.jpg
http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1768/97887427.jpg
Stunning Becki, I must have missed these first time around. I saw the others first I guess. Thanks so much for sharing. don't these shots just calm you down? They do me for sure.
DeleteAbout Phil's comment about our moon being 'the moon', it's quite simple really.
ReplyDeleteFor all those other planets, it's A moon. But ours isn't just A moon.
Ours is THE moon.
Little astronomy/English joke. Just thought I'd put that out there.
May your life be interesting,
Sarah
Sarah you are right!!!! So right. I love that it is The Moon. I just hope it isn't the same as "The Donald"!!!
DeleteAlso message to Shalaka, can you share your gorgeous moon photo on the blog? No worries, just thought I'd ask. xo
ReplyDeleteNo Problem honey....I'll post it on today's post ! Love ya xoxo
DeleteAaah!! Been kind of under the radar lately. Busy, busy busy BUSY....so it goes.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what it is about full moons, but I always think they're so pretty! Ironically a few nights ago there was one. I was lying in my bed (I sleep in a lofted bed) and there was still a little bit of moonlight that shone in between the blinds. Normally I can't sleep with any light on...but it was just. awesome!
Yay moons! Anybody ever read "Goodnight Moon" as a kid?
The moon is like our personal night light!
DeleteYes!!! Steph as I fell asleep last night with the moon streaming across the bathroom floor I was thinking just the same thing except I couldn't put it to words. That's it! It's our own personal night light. Awwww. Love it!
DeleteGoodnight moon was a fave in our house Kelly yeah. And isn't it interesting the difference between artificial light and moonlight. The moonlight lulls us to sleep!
ReplyDelete"Goodnight Moon" was my favorite book as a kid! I loved it! The moon has been extremely beautiful these last few nights. It is really cool and comforting to read everyones comments and know that we are all seeing the same moon. It definitely brings a sense of togetherness.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how we are so affected by the moon. I can definitely tell at the hospital, the strangest things tend to happen around the full moon. I must admit that when I have to work the night of a full moon, there's usually some good-natured grumbling going on. But all that aside, the moon's beauty never fails to give me a sense of peace.
~Tomine
Tomine you are so right. The moon can stir and often does the deepest emotions in us. It can even stir mad behaviour but for me when it rises, it brings me peace. So glad it does the same for you.
DeleteThe only prayer I ever said to my daughter was:
ReplyDeleteI see the moon, and the moon sees me
God bless the moon, and god bless me
I think we were still counting her age in months at that time. I doubt she remembers it, but I do, fondly.
The moon has frequently been my traveling companion as I drove home from a show or 30. I find comfort in it, for some reason. Maybe it's because it's the one familiar thing out there with me.
There are times I look up at the moon, and when the clouds are the right type and in the right position, I get an overwhelming feeling of WHOA. (Can you be whelmed? Or just overwhelmed and underwhelmed?) This particular set-up gives me a clue of just how far AWAY everything is.
I just did a tiny bit of research. I am a Capricorn, through and through. (It's like they described me then called it "Capricorn.") It is an Earth sign, but I feel oddly detached from the earth when this happens. For a moment, I "float." (I'll leave them be, in the literal sense. I've no desire to visit. I'll pass my seat on to someone else. Just doesn't fascinate me to GO. I prefer to watch. To see.)
I can't look directly at the sun, and I can't stay out in the sun for long periods of time. But I can watch the moon for as long as I want. I'm grateful I know of places I can see LARGE portions of sky (upstate New York, eg) where the stars stand out, and the moon hangs out with them. More floating happens, and I'm up with the stars and the moon. Cool place to hang out, really.
A very cool place to hang out Dawn. What a beautiful comment. I read it twice. I love the moon poem. Somewhere inside your daughter, she remembers it. I know what you mean by not visiting, just looking. I thought that too. But in my heart I know I want to go there one day. If not, I can just be satisfied to look so that's okay too. Thanks Dawn.
DeleteNote to readers and LINDA: Don't know why your message didn't post to the blog, but we love it so much we're copying and pasting from our email to here. So this is Linda's comment (amazing stuff!!). Thanks, Linda xoxo
ReplyDeleteLINDA: i have just looked out my window and seen a very hazy whole moon. it is amazing to think that all of you guys no matter what part of the world you are in will be seeing the same moon (maybe not as hazy) when darkness falls where you live .
i love the paintings by the way . the sketch book has made me wish i could draw .
i have woods at the back of my house and Barbara's picture reminded me of the view of the moon i got form this room last night .
i have always loved looking at the moon . i can see it from this room in the early evening then from my bedroom window later in the night . i love to see the moon shine in through my bedroom window.
i hope i am allowed post a link to another photographers picture i do this for a reason . it is a beautiful shot of the moon across Dublin Bay to the James Joyce museum Martello tower and surrounding area in sandycove county Dublin Ireland . i chose this picture as it looks really good and i live about half a mile inland form where this picture is taken. by the way , this is not rural Ireland . the area this picture was taken in can be found about 8-9 miles from the centre of Dublin city !
http://www.flickr.com/photos/johncoveneyphotos/5634545316/in/set-72157626398818943/
one last thing talking about the moon put this song into my mind . it is by the late great English singer Kirsty McColl. it's called mambo De la Luna.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGlxz5L9q-w&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL7E7886F445834D17
i hope the link works. if it does check out the other link to kirsty mccolls work . well worth it !
Linda I am so glad that Barb was able to embed this. I emailed her to say how much I loved your comment and photos (LOVED them) but that it only showed up in my email and not on the blog. I wanted others to be able to share. Thanks.
ReplyDeletethanks Deb and Barbara . i thought i had a problem with my comment not showing up but my computer was running slow last night and some sites were not loading properly . i thought thats what had happened here . much obliged to you both for posting my comment .
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome Linda. It was a great comment and we did not want it to get lost.
DeleteWOW Deb- did not know u were a Space program enthusiast- I feel I should include the lyrics to Leslie Fish's wonderful song celebrating that event ( quoted a portin in another topic). There are some folks who feel this as an anthem to the Space program
ReplyDeleteHope Eyrie
Copyright ©1975 by Leslie Fish
Worlds grow old and suns grow cold
And death we never can doubt.
Time's cold wind, wailing down the past,
Reminds us that all flesh is grass
And history's lamps blow out.
But the Eagle has landed; tell your children when.
Time won't drive us down to dust again.
Cycles turn while the far stars burn,
And people and planets age.
Life's crown passes to younger lands,
Time brushes dust of hope from his hands
And turns another page.
But the Eagle has landed; tell your children when.
Time won't drive us down to dust again.
But we who feel the weight of the wheel
When winter falls over our world
Can hope for tomorrow and raise our eyes
To a silver moon in the opened skies
And a single flag unfurled.
But the Eagle has landed; tell your children when.
Time won't drive us down to dust again.
We know well what Life can tell:
If you would not perish, then grow.
And today our fragile flesh and steel
Have laid our hands on a vaster wheel
With all of the stars to know
That the Eagle has landed; tell your children when.
Time won't drive us down to dust again.
From all who tried out of history's tide,
Salute for the team that won.
And the old Earth smiles at her children's reach,
The wave that carried us up the beach
To reach for the shining sun.
For the Eagle has landed; tell your children when.
Time won't drive us down to dust again. (REPEAT X2)
Sharon I have never heard this before. I love it! Yes I am a tad obsessed. Sad to see that it has gone the way of the dodo. Thanks so much for posting this.
DeleteThank you so much, Deb!
ReplyDeleteI don't know...her condition is still serious. I am afraid that she'll die, but on the other hand, I spent so many wonderful years with her. She's a lovely woman. Harms nobody and nothing.
Sometimes I feel guilty, because I couldn't giver her back everything she did for me.
I think, my Grandparents were stubborn (or at least my Granddad). They didn't rest, they always strained themselves.
Oh and yes...it was a very calm and peaceful ambiance. It took away all the stress and troubles.
Also...when we were on that ship, my Mom stood up from her wheelchair, grabbed the rail and looked at the sea. Was a precious moment for me.
Now, I am sick...because of that cold. At least it snowed a little bit today.
Hope you're all fine!
Becki please don't worry that your grandparents never rested. Maybe their hard work was what kept them going. It's that way for some people. I am sorry that you are worried she might die. What a loss it will be to the world to lose such a kind and selfless woman. In the meantime, there is always hope. Feel better soon Becki.
DeleteOk...don't laugh, but when I first read the title of this, I thought it was about...............never mind.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I LOVE the moon. A couple of summers ago I was taking summer classes at school and I was heading back to my dorm, and the moon was really low on the horizon. It was HUGE and so beautiful!! :) I wish I had taken a picture.
The blinds on my window are opened a little, so when there's a full moon, all the moonlight just comes right in. Makes my little shoebox a little...warmer. :)
I think something I love more than the moon, though, are SUNSETS! Oh. My. Gosh. Give me a gorgeous sunset any day of the week!