RenoVous

  Just 20 days ago we got a new view of our home from the moon.  A side by side 54 years apart. (Apollo's photo was taken during the day whereas Artemis caught nighttime with background illumination). NASA's endeavors into space has created what's been called the "Overview Effect," a profound shift in awareness when viewing Earth from outside of it.  Astronauts have reported intense emotions, awe, and a heightened sense of responsibility and interconnection. In fact, "Earth gazing" from the International Space Station is known to have positive psychological effects in coping with the demands of spaceflight. The term was coined by Frank Wright, who wrote the book in 1987 following many interviews with astronauts.  He argues that this effect on them has an effect on us as well. Space Exploration and Human Evolution "Let us preserve and increase this beauty, not destroy it." -Yuri Gagarin

 Go Planet! I saw a post today that said Captain Planet isn't real, but his enemies are.  The assaults on Gaia, Mother Earth. "I urge everyone to treat every day of the year as Earth Day.  Planet Earth is the only home we shall ever know, yet we are relentlessly harming it." - Dr. Jane Goodall The theme for this year is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, to unite around renewable energy. With all the new homes and apartments being built, I can't help but wonder why solar panels aren't just incorporated in.  It's all insanely expensive anyway.  And having them spread through a community seems a bit safer to birds than entire fields of them. On an individual level, we can all try to do better.  My biggest failure, I think, is to-go boxes.  So that is my Earth Day Action pledge. Site

  Invest in Our Planet Here  you can check for local events and ways to get involved. Topics range from climate change to sustainability, the latter of which plays a part in what we eat as well as what we wear. NPR  has a 50 minute listen on what led to Earth Day (1970). Today's  Google Doodle addresses climate change. NASA shared some images to "shine a light on our wondrous planet." Malaspina Glacier, Alaska Lake Carnegie, Australia Ugab, Namibia Jau National Park, Brazil Sahara Desert, Chad NASA/JPL-CalTech/NOAA

April 22, 1970 was the first official Earth Day, so we're celebrating 50 years today.  The Earth, of course, is celebrating much more than that. NASA is using #EarthDayAtHome to acknowledge this year, since we can't have the usual gatherings at local parks and whatnot.  They have a few activities suggested  Here . Earth is my favorite thing to photograph - there is so much beauty in the land and the plants and the sky.... Here's a shot from the desert from last weekend, looking towards Peavine Peak.  That mountain was the background of my childhood... "Mother Earth, you are my life support system.  As a soldier I must drink your blue water, live inside your red clay, and eat your green skin.  Help me to balance myself.  As you hold in balance the Earth, the sea, and the space environments.  Help me to open my heart, knowing that the Universe will feed me.  I pray my boots will always kiss your face, and my footsteps m...