Clement C. Moore Was Right!

"The moon, on the breast of the new-fallen snow, gave a luster of midday to objects below..."



While Clement C. was referring to a very special night in December, I must express my humble opinion that to me, the January moon outshines December's, giving it a run for it's money!  I've always felt that way--admiring, connecting with, and loving the January moon!  I've written poems about it over the years, spent time walking under it's bright light, relishing in it's ability to reach way deep inside me, even through the layers upon layers of clothing keeping me warm from the cold night air.  Perhaps it is that crisp, cold, thin air (the temperature was negative four degrees during this photo shoot) that allows the moon to shine with vivid clarity and causes everything below, that's covered with snow, to stand under the spotlight and shine with a brilliance similar to that of a midday sun.

No longer full, but so bright I could not capture the detail of the craters, here's this morning's moon taken around 5:00 a.m.

Looking toward the night sky, I noticed the snow-covered, outstretched branches of this tree (along with a few twinkling stars) standing out brightly against the darkness.

My backyard was aglow!  Looking upwards at the hill, dark shadows were cast on the blue-white blanket of snow.  Many a January morning, the moon lit my way as I hiked up the mountain under it's light.  Today, I just stayed where I stood, looking around me in all directions.

                      Icicles, hanging off the snowy roof, sparkled and shone in the moonlight.

   Diamonds in the snow, shining nearly as (if not more) brilliant as those under sunlight, were a delight to see!

What you cannot see in the bundled self-portrait I couldn't resist taking, where I and my shadow are waving a cheery "Good Morning!" specifically to you, are the sparkling diamonds in my own eyes (or the frosty fog coming from my smiling mouth) as the glory of this dark-yet-bright and cold morning in itself, brought me great joy that I wish to share with you! 

Have a nice day!

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