And then tonight, while I was watering my flower baskets before bed, I glanced up into the darkness and like an old friend, just as clear as could be - as if it had never been lost - there it was. The Little Dipper. I walked out into the darkness, as if called by the stars and let the moment absorb me.
It's a warm, beautiful night. There is no wind and the air smells like sweet alfalfa as it blooms. There is just a touch of humidity but not nearly enough to call muggy. This is the desert. It doesn't take much to feel the moisture in the air. I can sense the presence of cows more than I can see or hear them. The calmness of the herd is peaceful reassurance that all is well with the world. The crickets and frogs are harmonizing with an occasional hush, just long enough to hear the trickling of nearby water. This side of the planet is tucked tightly into bed, dreaming their dreams, and I feel like I have this moment, of this night, in this spot, all to myself. It's a perfect summer night and I want to etch every tiny detail into my memory.
This is the good life and today was a good day. It may have started way too early but it ended on a perfect note. Though never really lost in the first place, an old friend has been found and all is once again right in the night sky. I can't help but think of it as a sign for stability and happiness to come.
