Stargazing
Stargazing has always been one of my favorite pastimes! I especially enjoyed it as a child when we visited relatives in Oregon. They lived way out in the country. There were so many more stars to see without city glare. My cousin Earl and I watched them for hours in sleeping bags beneath a magnificent canopy of stars so magnificent they put diamonds to shame. We were entranced by their beauty and grandeur, and especially enthralled and delighted by “shooting stars.” We’d talk about everything and nothing, thinking great thoughts and asking universal questions, sometimes wondering if we were the first who’d ever spoken them, and dreaming aloud, unaware how blessed we were to be able to do all of those things with each other.
Gradually, when we no longer could keep our eyes open sleep arrived bringing another type of pleasant dreams.
Earl and I recently reconnected after many years. We now have conversations on the phone a couple of times per month that meld memories of two young boys with the stories of our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We’re amazed that our stories now span four generations of children who stargaze and dream.
In honor of the role Earl played (and still plays) in my life and the memories we made together that still bring smiles to my face and joy to my heart 50 years later, I dedicated my most recent book to Earl and his wife Nancy.
With love,
Russ
Russ Towne's A Grateful Man 
The stars are my favorite creation. And my reminder that there is a greater God.
Thank you for your comment and reminder, Kenzie. May you always feel welcome here.
Russ
What is it exactly about stargazing? I remember the first time I saw the night sky unobstructed by city lights ~ I was vacationing in the country. Mom and Dad took the 4 of us kids to a movie. When afterwards we walked to our car in the parking lot, I looked up and my breath was taken away by the stars carpeting the sky with twinkling majesty. I was 10 years old and I will never forget that moment. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing one of your own unforgettable stargazing moments, Joan!
Russ
I love this connection Russ 🙂
Thank you, Colleen. I do too.
Russ
i’m so glad for your happy reunion with earl and for your communion with the stars. everything in the universe is connected.
Thank you, Beth. I’m grateful for the connection between your spirit and mine.
Russ
I like to s it outside on a hot summers night just looking at the stars, not now though as it’s winter and bloody cold outside at night at the moment
May your memories outhouse hot summer nights help keep you warm during your cold winter, Joanne.
Russ