Chasing Eclipses

“When the sun and the moon cycles come together,

that’s been a really important moment

for many civilizations.”

— Tok Thompson?

I was standing on the shore of Lake Erie with friends and neighbors when the moon blocked the sun, and the noise grew quiet. I can still feel the goosebumps and experience the sense of excitement. This?was the culmination of weeks of television coverage and fun ways of preparing for the only eclipse I can remember?–?where was I in 2017?

More effort went into emergency planning than I recall was made for the leap from 1999 into 2000. I made my own plans, sourced eclipse-themed food and beverage. Delighted in how many songs are celestial inspired. Acquired the right glasses. Planned to have house guests. Decided what to do with the dogs. Encouraged clients to make the most of the event for their employees and customers. And followed the television coverage.

The day arrived with clear skies. No real effort was needed to organize. Nature took center stage. It didn’t happen like my mind had planned. It just happened. I put my glasses on and there it was – a moon carving the sun into smaller crescents. Each of us let out a sound of surprise and glee.

As we walked to the sandy beach of my Lake Erie cottage, we discovered a tribe of people sitting in lawn chairs in semi-circles, eclipse glasses on, heads titled back; music, dogs, and children moving throughout – I felt like I had discovered a hippie commune. And all of us were experiencing the same trip.

Space being shared, breathing in the beauty of the water, skyline, and the show in the sky. Even though we knew it was coming, the darkness was a surprise, and the total eclipse a gift. Time stood still, we stood still, our differences melted away, and the world seemed very small and close. I want to hold on to that feeling.

The feeling that we have more in common than in conflict and that we can share and contribute to something bigger than ourselves. In describing the effects of the eclipse upon me, it is what I wish for and work towards every day.

Now, I want to feel it all the time. I can look at the many pictures taken from all over of others having their reactions. I can memorialize it in my mind. As nail art on my big toes. Maybe even a tattoo. But mostly, I want to see another eclipse.

I am too young to have been a deadhead following the Grateful Dead concerts throughout the U.S. and the world. I now have a sense of why they felt compelled to follow as I now want to follow and find another eclipse.

Chat Gbt helped me to write a song to sing as I make my plans to follow the sun and moon as they share their magic around the world:

(Verse 1)

In the heart of Cleveland, under skies so wide,

We gathered as one, for the cosmic ride.

Talkin' 'bout the eclipse, that day in our lives,

When the world stood still, under darkened skies.

(Verse 2)

Crazy predictions, none of which came true,

But we surrendered ourselves, to the heavenly view.

A common experience shared across the land,

Binding us together, with nature's guiding hand.

(Chorus)

It was a pause in our lives, when time almost stopped,

Differences melted away, as the shadow dropped.

Nature took center stage, in the celestial play,

We shared a moment of delight, as the sun slipped away.

(Bridge)

Now I'm drawn to the vortex, of this cosmic dance,

Chasing eclipses, with every chance.

From Cleveland to Spain, and beyond,

Seeking moments of unity, in the great human bond.

(Outro)

So let's meet in Spain, for the next event,

Underneath the stars, where our souls are sent.

In the embrace of nature, we'll find our way,

Chasing eclipses, come what may.

I haven’t lost my ‘cookies,’ but I have found a fun way to share something special and unique. Want to travel with me?

Want to share your eclipse experience?

Leslie

Little darling

The smile's returning to the faces

Little darling

It seems like years since it's been here

[Chorus]

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun

And I say, "It's alright"

— George Harrison