August 2023 – a curious nature

Super Full Blue Moon of August 30, 2023 …… The Sequel

August 31, 2023

Incredible Super Full Blue Moon viewing last night!!! In case you missed it, here’s an out-of-this-world photo Roy snapped last night from our home shortly after moonrise (7:45 pm MT). I found it hard to tear myself away from this beautiful view.

In case you missed it ….. not to worry. You’ll have plenty of time to prepare for the next Super Full Blue Moon that will rise in January 2037 (and will reappear in March 2037!).

Until then, here will be another opportunity to view a Super Full Moon (that won’t be “Blue”) on September 29th, making the 4th Supermoon in 2023 (#1: July 3rd; #2: August 1st; and #3: August 30). And get ready to view the next Full Blue Moon (that won’t be “Super”) on August 19, 2024.

Oh my …. This Blue Moon stuff is getting confusing (for me) so I sorted this all out again. Here’s a mini refresher:

There are 2 Types of Blue Moons

Calendrical or Monthly Blue Moon – when 2 Full Moons occur in a calendar month, the 2nd one is referred to as “Blue.” The next monthly Full Blue Moon will rise on May 31, 2026
Seasonal Blue Moon – when 4 Full Moons occur in a season, the 3rd one is referred to as “Blue.” The next seasonal Full Blue Moon will rise on August 19, 2024

While revisiting this information, I uncovered a few more Blue Moon legends and superstitions to share :

In Eskimo folklore, it was believed that the Blue Moon reflects the sadness of the Moon needing to keep his distance from his lover, the Sun. The Moon was thought to be afraid of overshadowing the Sun with his reflected glory. This need to stay apart made this mythical Moon sad, or “Blue.”

There are other color meanings that relate to nature, such as the blue hues of sea and sky. These colors are considered to be unifying and tranquil, representing loyalty and trust …..as in a “true blue” friendship.

And a few superstitions associated with the Blue Moon …..

Gazing upon a Blue Moon will bring you abundance and good fortune; and

Turning a coin over in your pocket during a Blue Moon will bring you good luck!

Remember to look up!

Chapter 230830: Flambé’s latest Misadventure ………………. Super Full Blue Moon

Keep on reading to learn more about the August 30th Super Full Blue Moon, blue whales, bluefin tuna, bluebirds, Flambé’s labyrinth challenge and ear worms!

Which Way Did She Go?!

August 24, 2023

Double Take!

Reptiles Rule

Another pure, 100% colored pencil piece to go with my “Ribbit!” Tree frog posted August 2nd. Had so much fun with the frog, instead of putting away my Polychromos, I allowed the crazy music to play, and let my pencils dance.

This little iguana took about 12 hours after my initial sketch. My materials consisted of a dozen or so Faber-Castell oil based Polychromos colored pencils, and a sheet of 9×12” Canson 120lb mixed media white paper.

A little more shading and he’s finished!

There’s something looking back at him, stage left! What do you suppose it could be?

Until next time ……. be curious

Ribbit Repeat!

August 23, 2023

Hello!

Little brother of tree frog #1 is now hopping in to wish you happy hump day!

Another pure, 100% colored pencil piece. Polychromos still lying about, needing exercise. These charming frogs are loads of fun.

This little 6×7” finished piece took about 6 hours after my initial sketch. My materials consisted of a dozen or so Faber-Castell oil based Polychromos colored pencils, a sheet of 9×12” Canson 120lb mixed media white paper, and more Three Dog Night tunes with, of course “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog” still is my favorite.

Smile!

Until next time ……. be curious

Rocky Mountain High!

August 10-14, 2023

After sitting idle for many months, The Felix was begging for a short adventure! So we loaded up and off we headed …… north into high elevation Colorado, to enjoy some cool temps and breathtaking scenery.

A quick 822 mile loop in 4-1/2 days met all of our goals plus we enjoyed afternoon thunderstorms and a few rain showers.

Follow the link below to read about our trip as I narrate my daily journal pages.

Excitement on all levels! Welcome Big Rain and Big Bugs.

August 8, 2023

Was it just 2 days ago when I posted “this year’s monsoons didn’t materialize.”??????? This is headed our way! The skies are grumbly, full of lightning, big fat rain beginning to drop. Wow! This is what we had seconds before posting. We’re that little blue dot east of the big red!

And if that isn’t enough excitement ….. Big Bug Alert! you should’ve seen this giant root borer that paid us a visit a few days ago!

Ok! I’m posting quickly before the lightning wipes out the Wifi on Sandia Mountain.

Thanks for sending rain!

The Forecast: Scattered Green Mixed With Dry Brown Dust

August 6, 2023

Sharing my pages from today’s short hike up Cedro Creek, on the fringes of the Manzano Mountains. The water shortage here and all around us has become dire; soils are cracked and dry and beginning to take flight with the barest puff of wind.

Since we last hiked this area (a few days shy of a month ago), the scattered shallow pools of water have either evaporated completely or made a retreat underground, where there may be just enough water to wet the riparian area. All the tender flowering plants have disappeared; many have been able to set seed in hopes of a wetter year to come. With this premature wrap up to the summer season, the birds, bees and butterflies have moved on; hopefully up in elevation where food may still be found.

Our summer monsoon season just didn’t materialize (yet?). But despite the hot and dry conditions, we did manage to find a few leafy green shrubs. The massive cottonwoods appear to be doing well (must still be sufficient groundwater). In the cooler parts of the canyon, there are berries hanging on the 2 species of juniper trees. Acorns have begun to mature on several oak species, even though there are many that have withered; is all of this earlier than usual?

At the trailhead, tucked in a swale where water (when it comes) can collect, I was surprised to see some very stunted smooth sumac. Already showing off their clusters of juicy red berries, the plants are barely a foot tall. This species can rapidly grow to heights of 16 feet. Maybe flowering and fruiting on such short plants is a type of survival mechanism this sumac exhibits when conditions are not favorable? I will be able to watch this little grove over the coming years and maybe answer that question.

Then further up the canyon, about 20-30 feet above the riparian area, Gambel’s and Wavyleaf oaks are growing their acorns. That’s encouraging news for the squirrels who collect and cache them in overwintering nests.

It’s been a challenging year.

What differences in nature have you been noticing where you live? Do you think our changing climate has played a role in driving the changes? Have you observed not only negative but positive affects? I’d be very interested in knowing!

As always, thanks for following!

Ribbit!

August 2, 2023

Hello!

Just hopping in to wish you the best day ever!

A pure, 100% colored pencil piece. Sometimes I have to dust off my Polychromos, play some crazy music, and let the joy happen! What an awesome way to calm my mind as the pencils work their magic.

This little 6×7” finished piece took about 8 hours after my initial sketch. My materials consisted of a dozen or so Faber-Castell oil based Polychromos colored pencils, a sheet of 9×12” Canson 120lb mixed media white paper, and hours of Three Dog Night (of course “Jeremiah Was a Bullfrog” was, and still is my favorite).

Hope he makes you smile from ear to ear!

Until next time ……. be curious

Chapter 230801: Flambé’s latest Misadventure ………………. August’s Full “Sturgeon” Moon

Have you ever seen a living dinosaur? If you’ve seen a sturgeon, then count yourself among the lucky few. If not, a visit an aquarium where these 10 foot + fish are on display, will amaze. There are more than 2 dozen species of sturgeon worldwide, but in celebration of the August 1st Full Moon, look close as it rises and imagine an image (or 2) of the North American species of sturgeon swimming gracefully across the Moon’s smiling face.
Keep on reading to learn more about the August Full Sturgeon Moon and Flambé’s encounter with not one, but two of these incredible fish!