Beside the lake
Soft, quiet, sleepy June evening.
Sitting in the lull of evening after an active day of running here, there and everywhere. I have a funny story to tell you, but no energy to tell it yet.
Birds chirp their night-songs as the sun contemplates its slide toward the horizon. Here in the western Upper Peninsula near Solstice it gets dark very, very late. Even in the forest it refuses to darken completely until almost 11 p.m. (That’s because we’re so close to the Central Time Zone.)
Today is June’s full moon. Has anyone seen it? I’m never up late enough to see the dark sky these days. Although we will be next Wednesday night when we drive to the airport by 11:30 to pick up our son Christopher. He’s flying in from San Diego for nine or ten days.
The Anishinabe (Ojibway) called June’s full moon The Strawberry Moon. Last year, in the 365 day outdoor commitment, I shared the name of the Anishinabe full moon every month. It feels good to think of the moon by its ancient name. It also feels good to taste the sweet red strawberry, which has ripened early this summer.
If you haven’t read the guest blog professional photographer Scott Thomas asked me to write about last year’s outdoor adventures, please click here. It was an honor to share some thoughts and photos on his site. He helped to bring back some precious memories of that year-long experience. (Thank you so much, Scott! I so appreciate the opportunity…)
And that’s about it for tonight. You know how your eyes feel all sleepy at the end of a busy day and your energy is kind of soft and low? Time to perhaps sit a while and listen to the birds, or maybe read for a short time. Then–off to an early bed.
Goodnight, dear reader. Sleep tight, as my mama used to say.
Lake Superior Spirit 
Kathy – I’m tired too. A long, wonderful day of teaching Reiki Level 2. I’ll be to bed early — while it’s still light outside — as I teach another class tomorrow.
Sweet dreams …
Ah yes, every year my bedtime gets earlier. It gets dark around 9:00 pm here, and I’m usually in bed by about that time. I do read for an hour or so, but I’d be in deep trouble if it stayed light until 11:00. Of course, the fact that Shasta wakes us between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. doesn’t help.
I’m still at the computer… Goodnight John-Boy. Goodnight…Laurie. Goodnight…Carol. Laurie, how wonderful that you are teaching a Reiki class this weekend. Carol, I usually go to bed about 10 p.m. But just so tired tonight. What a pretty name–Shasta! Goodnight, friends.
There is a beauty in the air…it soothes away the cares…it sends us to restful sleep, when our hands do the work of our hearts and learns to appreciate the simple things…Dream well!
Julie, ahhhh! Beauty in the air…. Doesn’t it just make you peaceful realizing that? Like you, wanting to more appreciate the simple things…
Kathy, soft and low describes this night so beautifully. Must be the magic of the full moon. I always like to stay up a little longer on these full moon nights. Or let the light shine in over our bed when it’s possible. We Cancers do love the moonlight!
Colleen, did you see the full moon last night? It’s been rainy and cloudy here for a few days, although the sun does pop out at times. So you’re a Cancer too? Me too! Our birthdays will be coming up soon!
I will definitely spend some time this summer scrolling through your 365 project! Looking forward to it. Any chance you might add a permanent link to it here on this site? If it is here already and I’m just not seeing it, kindly point me in the right direction! 🙂
Good morning, Karma! Top ‘o the morning to you! (Doesn’t it usually feel better after a good night’s sleep?) The permanent link is at the top of the page under Opening the door, walking outside. Just click on it and you’ll be in the midst of an outdoor year.
Oh well lookee there! How silly of me to have missed it!
I remember the late summer evening light that encased us up in Houghton. Once evening I had gone to bed and my parents called. As I answered the phone I saw golden red light, looked outside and saw the most amazing sunset. I told them I was glad they had called because I would have missed the sunset otherwise. They were surprised into silence for a bit, as it was after 11 p.m. Thanks for reminding me of a fond memory!
I saw the full moon from way down here in the deep South. It was beautiful here as well! 🙂
Dawn, I am glad to have re-ignited memoreis of summer evenings in Houghton. It’s hard for people to believe that it can be light so late. Glad to hear you’ve seen the full shining moon down there in the “deep South”. LOL!
We watched that moon come up on Friday night – big and orange. Then the cloud beasts ate it all up!!!
Cloud beasts ate it all up? Shame on them! They shouldn’t be eating up that beatuiful big orange full moon!. 😉
Ah, June evenings are late, warm and lazy and happen just before summer gets into full speed with holidays, festivals, travels and family get-togethers. Though I feel more like I should thank you, you are welcome if my request brought back memories of your year long adventures outside.
Take care and enjoy your upcoming time with your son.
Scott, it was a real trip down memory lane looking at some of those old photos. It’s interesting–I hardly ever read the old stories. But do linger over the photographs. Thank you once again! We’re so looking forward to Chris’ arrival. Counting down the days til he gets here!
Thanks for sharing.
Yes, we were at a bonfire last night. Complete with funny stories,s’mores,good food and company.
I did not get to see the moon.
We had huge thunderstorms this morning.
Kim
Kim, we’ve seen those thunderstorms passing by down to our south. And we had a few of our own today! Your s’mores sound so good. Bring back chocolate-y memories!
Your guest blog was wonderful and it’s made me reconsider a 365 project. I started a photo 365 project but gave up after reading an article about why 365 projects are not a good idea. The reasoning made sense to me at the time (and frankly, I was looking for an excuse to quit because life was throwing some pretty big curve balls my way about a third of the way into the project).
I like the idea of a commitment to get outside every day. If you don’t mind, I might borrow it if I decide to go for it on the 365 project.
The Strawberry Moon was particularly beautiful this year. (I think I say some version of that every year…lol!)
Robin, oh my, if I’d have read that article about why 365 day projects are not a good idea…I would have never done it! But maybe it wasn’t the right time for you with those curve balls. The thing that cemented the 365 day project was going public. I am one of those people who will not–will not–back down once I’ve flapped my mouth in public. Before it’s shared with others I’m as wimpy as the next guy. You may, of course, gladly, happily, borrow the outdoor project. Please! It would be a joy to accompany you.