Blue Moon…written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934
January 2018 gives us the trifecta of lunar events…a supermoon, a lunar eclipse and a blue moon. The supermoon (appearing up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a full moon) occurs when the new moon is at the closest point of its orbit to Earth. This month the lunar eclipse coincides with the supermoon. The Blue Moon rarely makes an appearance, only happening approximately once every 2.7 years when there are two full moons during the same calendar month. There will not be a full moon this February, instead, we will be treated to another blue moon in March. All of this may seem very scientific, but to me, it’s just heavenly. My astrological sign is ruled by the moon and I definitely consider myself to be a moon child.
Who would have thought I could bring shopping into a post about the Blue Moon…but here goes! In the late 1980s, my daughter and I were on a shopping trip to San Francisco. One of our favourite stores was I. Magnin (now closed) at the corner of Geary and Stockton right on Union Square. While we were there the store windows were decked out with beautiful evening wear and piped out into the street was the music to the song, “Blue Moon”. It was dreamy. We must have walked past those windows 20 times during those few days and it was a highlight for us. Days after we left, California was hit by a massive earthquake. I remember seeing televised news reports showing storefront windows around Union Square that had shattered and I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to the music at that very moment and all those exquisite evening gowns.
I live in an older neighbourhood that has back alleys. The road is narrow and slightly windy with mature trees and rainbow coloured fences in a mishmash of styles. The birds, squirrels, and rabbits are at home here, even a porcupine or coyote may occasionally visit. This is my very favourite road ever!! Driving down the alley by the light of the full moon (or even better the super moon) is breathtaking! The light is pale blue dancing in and out of the shadows of the trees…appearing more bright and beautiful during the winter months. I just LOVE this and luckily for me, this phenomenon comes at least once a month!
This truly is an exceptional month for moon lovers. May Mother Nature cooperate with clear skies on the night of January 31 for star gazing and a glimpse of the Blue Supermoon!
xxx Judy