Blue Moon – a curious nature

August “Littles” …. Horned lizards and Sphinx moths, a sleepy wasp under the Super Full Blue Moon, and nature through the eyes of a 15 year old!

August was a busy month, filled with high elevation camping in Colorado, and a lot of cool mountain hiking back home. Even though the lower elevations took on a hot and parched look, at 9,000 feet and higher the wildflower season was far from over as evidenced along roadways and trails, where fresh, colorful blooms could still be found.

The highlight of the month was a 3-1/2 day visit from my brother Bob and grandniece Livi. At 15 years of age, Livi is already a fine artist, and took to nature journaling like a pro! It was great fun discovering and sketching nature on our daily hikes. She even got a chance to hold one of the adult ornate short-horned lizards we see frequently along various trails, and then found a baby lizard on her own, hiding nearly motionless under a small plant. Her smiles were priceless!

Despite the high temps, it was a month of good days and nights, ending perfectly with the rising of a rare Super Full Blue Moon! If you missed it, there’s plenty of time to prepare for the next …… which occurs in March 2037.

Once again, a big shout-out to “Made by Fay” for the inspiring “Littles” idea! These pages are fun to create, and remind me of monthly highlights as I revisit my previous “Littles” posts. Hope you’re enjoying them too, along with the ending days of the season.
Stay tuned for the next installment of “Littles.”

September 14, 2023

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!