Smaller Than the Smallest Speck

"I put up my thumb and it blotted out the planet Earth." - Neil Armstrong

Have you got a moment to spare? It will take about four minutes to join me on a fantastical journey through the planets and stars. Deviating from my usual paths, I set my sights heavenward with help from the newly completed 20-year Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Their short video found on YouTube represents the most detailed 3-dimensional map of the night sky. It measures positions and distances of more than 4 million galaxies and quasars where Earth is revealed to be smaller than the smallest of specks. Such a splendidly designed map is sure to shed better light on the mysteries of the universe. As life on our infinitesimal globe struggles and thrives, it is hard to believe that we alone speculate in the cold vastness of the cosmos. Surely unknown life forms in space and time are also awestruck and wonder about their origins.

Although it reminds me of the suits some medical professionals wear during this pandemic, what better place to share this photo of my husband playing astronaut at the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver, taken for laughs a while back.

Explore more horizons at SKYWATCH and OUR WORLD.

Postscript, August 2: In keeping with the theme of this post, I want to acknowledge that astronauts Behnken and Hurley came back to Earth following their historic 63-day off planet mission. Check out their return speeches HERE.

Still the kid I used to be

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

The power within is electric

Tethered To A String

“Pull the string, and it will follow wherever you wish. Push it, and it will go nowhere at all.” - Dwight D. Eisenhower

The kite flew over Crescent Beach skies at the whim of the wind and the hands below that gripped its strings, oblivious to current realities. Many around the world don't know when classrooms will reopen, when work will be possible, when loved ones on opposite sides of banned borders can be visited. They are like kites waiting for a string to snap so they can break free from the constraints of the pandemic. B.C. carefully started reopening when the curve flattened. Hopefully, citizens will act responsibly as things move along. If we push forward too soon we will need to pull back. Until a quick fix arrives, COVID-19 demands extreme patience, leaving much about life up in the air. Waiting for clarity is uncomfortable but some still enjoy the moments and persevere.

Explore more horizons at SKYWATCH and OUR WORLD.

Still the kid I used to be

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

All roads lead to home when home is the ideal place to hang out. At the start of the pandemic many became devoted to their houses and yards. Windows gleam a little brighter now. Shrubbery is more plump and lawns are less shaggy. We who have a ceiling over our heads where we safely can putter are the lucky ones. Political strife and traumatic conditions result in millions of homeless wanderers worldwide, especially concerning at this time. A peaceful existence in any living spaces near or far (modest or majestic like those my camera captured) can be as illusive as a pot of gold at a rainbow's end. But anyone can dream and imagine a home they would choose.

Explore more at OUR WORLD and image-in-ing.

Still the kid I used to be

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.

When Everyday Is A Bad Hair

“Some of the worst mistakes in my life were haircuts” ― Jim Morrison

I've seen this neighbourhood cat often on my walks. Like many of us, his hair had become a furry mess over these weeks. I think now that more groomers are available, he was delighted with his new do, especially the stylish tail.

My husband and I have been snipping at my hair but I have to say the look is not nearly as artistic as the cat's cut.

Minus the perm and more youthful face, this old picture of me is much like the cut I have now. Although you'd never know it by the looks of the photo, I used to be far more concerned with my hair then than now.

Come to think of it, there were many times when I was unhappy with a professional cut but gave a tip and a smile nonetheless.

It's great that hairdressers can operate again in B.C. but to be honest this pandemic made me realize I'm just as happy doing it myself. Besides, all my cuts devolve into the one (below) when I was five-years-old.

Explore more at OUR WORLD.

Still the kid I used to be

Visit Postcards From Penelope Puddle and Penelope Puddlisms: BC Life Is A Whale Of A Ride to view more West Coast scenes.

Because the state of our planet is the most pressing issue of our time, link up and learn about the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report.