Hush

The irrigation water has been turned off for the season

The canal is quiet

Sounds are traveling differently now

Wildlife will alter their paths

A point in time has been marked

As we head toward winter hibernation

Star Light, Star Bright...

Standing out on my deck, looking up at a sky most abundant in glittering stars, I said to myself, "Was that just my first shooting star of the season?"

It was one of those out of the corner of my eye ones.  A little hard to be sure if it wasn't a twinkle atop my desire to see my first shooting star of the summer.

Passing by the Big Dipper, turning my head toward the northeast, there they go!  Two shooting stars, almost side by side, as if to say, "We're here!"

Very cool.

Full Buck Moon

July is the Full Buck Moon.  It is said July is the month in which the new antlers of the bucks start to push out of their foreheads, velvety, anew.

The White-Tailed Bucks shed their antlers after rutting season, sometime in the early months of the year.  They can be without their antlers during these months because they are not fighting for territory or the affection of does.

I could be a buck. Ready to grow new antlers which emerge covered in what seems like velvet.  This "velvet" is full of blood vessels that feed the antlers the vitamins and minerals they need to grow strong and healthy.  I am a buck.

Just before walking to the barn tonight, my sister Laurie sent me a thoughtful pre-sleep text message.  In response, I told her I would catch a star and send it to her; it would light up her dreams.

The barn is east.  Walking east, I saw what is left of the Buck Moon rising.

It seemed to be exactly half of the moon, like a generous slice of watermelon.  It isn't coincidence that brought me out to see this momentary slice of wonder.  I am a buck.  This is my moon.