Feb 27 2021 - Snow Moon

 

There are lots of full moons in each year - I wonder what makes the Snow Moon so noteworthy and newsworthy.  Is February typically a slow month for news so we focus on the full moon?  It is likely because it appears so large when close to the horizon, known as the moon illusion.  There's a total lunar eclipse coming on May 26th - we'll be able to see a partial eclipse here. Following that on June 10th is an annular solar eclipse - that happens two weeks after a "blood moon".  This eclipse is good news for us in Canada as we'll be able to see it.  It is where there's a circle of the sun's light - a "ring of fire" surrounding the moon's shadow. Then fast forward to November, on the 19th, is another partial lunar eclipse.  It will be visible to viewers across the United States.   We're cloudy right now, so I don't think we'll be seeing the Snow Moon illusion this morning.  There's one every month to look forward to.  Q: Did you hear about the great new restaurant on the moon? A: The food is excellent, but there's no atmosphere.  Q: How does a man on a moon get his haircut? A: Eclipse it.  Q: What do you get when you take green cheese and divide its circumferenceby its diameter? A: Moon pi.  We walked around the garden yesterday, and the Snow Drops are peaking up with their white flowers starting to show.  There's a Primula with a few flowers unfurling.  Of course, the Hellebore flower buds are tucked tightly against the soil, waiting for some warm days.  We're on track for Spring tomorrow - that is, meteorological Spring! Our Full Moon Chart from the Weather Channel. I made this card with the Marilyn Monroe quote a few years ago.  Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca

Feb 26 2021 - Let's Lantern Tonight!

 

I think we set in our "Western Ways." We mostly ignore an opportunity for a Lantern Festival.  This is the final day of the traditional Chinese New Year.  It is marked with massive displays of lanterns.  Wikipedia tells me that festivals are held in some western cities - in London and various U.S. cities.  New York's is the largest.  But these seem more like a commercial version of the traditional Chinese festival.  At the same time, I realize it is hard to just 'adopt' them.  These sorts of traditions have ancient roots in religious celebrations.  That's what makes our holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and so on so special for us.     On the other hand, it is never too late to adapt.  So let's check nearby.  Niagara Falls is an international attraction so should have something for tourists who celebrate the lunar new year.  Of course it does! And here it is:   "Buy your ticket now! Seasky International Light Show is coming to Niagara. This visually spectacular lantern and light festival will allow you to explore over 30 magical light displays on the illuminated trail that you can walk at your leisure. Light up the darkness and bring a smile to your face!"  The pictures are amazing - great big displays  Here's the website HERE.  However, we're in the COVID gray zone so we're in lockdown, and tickets are on hold right now.  With only two days left, it seems a shame to have only found out about it now - early December was the opening.  However, the opening was postponed, so let's hope for next year to celebrate this event.  What else made me think of lanterns today?  The Snow Moon 2021 is out.  What a huge moon it was - both last night in the east and this morning in the west.   Today, February 27 is the 'big day' so take a look out and enjoy the lantern festival we have. Doesn't this pretty entrance gate look perfect for such an event as the Snow Moon?  This is the Moon Gate entrance to the gardens at Lost Horizons nursery.  The white sign says "Display Gardens". And here's what we would experience at the entrance to the Seasky Lantern Festival 2021. Purchase at: FAA - marilyncornwellart.com Redbubble - marilyncornwellart.ca