"Starry, Starry Night"

When I was a kid I dreamed of becoming an astronaut. I had a comic book that explained all the necessary training with accompanying images. Apparently, training in a tank of water was required, which I didn't understand, since we were talking about space. Naturally, I had concerns about the fact that I always had to hold my nose while underwater. Then there was my problem with motion sickness. Many a car ride, and even several school bus rides, included a stop along the road so I could get out and get some fresh air. I'd walk around in the ditch for a minute and then we'd try again.

I don't remember giving any attention to the fact that there were no women astronauts back then. I thought anything was possible. Dreams die hard. Eventually, I changed my life-goal to photo-journalism (more about that another time), but I was left with a deep love for space exploration and I followed the space program with what can only be described as zealotry.

Nothing turns me on more than images from space. There is a YouTube video I love which shows Hubble images that are mind-boggling. I'm going to include the link so you can see them, too. Just last night a friend mentioned watching a DVD called "Cosmic Dance." I can't wait to see it. But, I have to say, there's nothing like actually viewing space through a good telescope. It's truly astonishing. I discovered a great website devoted to astronomy http://www.deepastronomy.com/. He sounds like a really neat guy, with a profound love of space. I can relate. He says, "Learning astronomy opens and expands your mind. It tunes your thoughts in ways that allow bigger ideas to pop into your head...possibly becoming life-changing, world improving actions." Check out his site. It's not at all dry or overly-scientific. It's for folks like you and me who simply love this infinitely incredible universe we live in. And I do mean infinite.

Remember the Don McLean song, "Vincent?" It spoke to me of my love for Vincent van Gogh, but it also made me realize that the stars speak to all of us on some level. All those many years ago, Vincent looked up, saw the stars, and wanted to share his vision with us. And he did so, beautifully. Sometimes, in the wee hours, I stand outside, look up at the vastness of the universe, and open myself up to what it's telling me about myself, about the infinite life expressed there. I will never stop being amazed and delighted by what I 'hear', what I feel. It's quite simply this: it's home.

Take a look at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ocSQUKN1Kc. The final image is not of stars, it's of individual galaxies. How wonderful is that?

"Your mind, this globe of awareness, is a starry universe. When you push off with your foot, a thousand new roads become clear." - Rumi