Camping Out, Way Out

(Fair Use)

Jackie Gleason must have been onto something when he repeatedly shouted, “To the moon, Alice!” 

Here it is, a mere 70 years later, and NASA is planning to make it happen. Not just for Alice, but eventually for anyone with the means to vacation far from the RV crowd.

Twenty billion can buy a lot here, not to mention a space base there. With that wide a wad, NASA is figuring on pioneering lunar land within the next seven years. Astronauts can then set a spell rather than orbiting above.

You and I may have to wait awhile for some timeshares to develop.  In the meantime, we can fruitfully focus on inner space instead.

Resources

https://www.iheart.com/content/2026-03-24-nasa-planning-to-build-a-20-billion-base-on-the-moon/ 

Give a Beneficial Dam

Salmon Run
(Public Domain)

When it comes to preserving the natural environment, beavers give a dam. In doing so, they reshape “rivers into wetlands” that “may help store huge amounts of CO2 – offering a simple, wild solution to climate change.”

Humans, however, have somewhat created a dam nation by indiscriminately blocking the flow of one vital river after another. This not only submerges Native American sacred sites, but also destroys the habitats of salmon, trout, and other prized species.

The film, DamNation, says it better than mere words ever could:

https://www.patagonia.com/stories/damnation/video-79847.html

Additional Resource

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260322020245.htm

 

  

Big and Bigger

(Photo by Michael Gabler)

If you grew up in North America singing, “Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam,” you may not know the difference between buffalo and bison.  Although distantly related, buffalo actually inhabit Africa and Asia, whereas bison inhabit North America and Europe.

My Mythos explains that the bison archetype includes the following strengths:“groundedness and stability, resilience and perseverance, loyalty and protectiveness.”  As a spirit animal, “the Bison’s steady presence may encourage you to slow down, to be present in each moment, and to appreciate the simple gifts of the earth.”

Consider how bison effectively face severe prairie storms.  Their intimate relationship with this vast and fertile land enables them to literally stand their ground during violent upheavals.  With "unflinching endurance,” they do not flee the blizzard, but turn “to face it, a dark immovable island against a sea of white fury.”

Yet they, perhaps like humans themselves, are not cut out to withstand the fury of onrushing technology. Three European bison were recently killed by something even bigger than them: a speeding locomotive.

Resources

https://news.yahoo.com/news/articles/herd-stop-train-kills-3-105930823.html 

Beetles of Our Lady

(Photo by Francisco Weller-Schultes)

Ever wonder how so-called “ladybugs” got their name? According to National Geographic, these hungry critters have been known to devour up to 5,000 other insects per lifetime. European farmers had been praying to the Virgin Mary for help with keeping crops healthy.  When these eye-catching beetles came along and did their part, they were gratefully named “Beetles of Our Lady, “ later shortened to “ladybugs.”

Clairvoyant Janet Rae Orth claims that ladybugs, known to fly amazingly high (up to 3600 feet) and fast (up to 37 mph), are therefore thought “to fly to the gods and carry our wishes to them.”  Psychic Aycee Brown observes, “Ladybugs are small but carry big energy, signaling that good things are in motion even if you’re not aware of it.”

You might not be aware of it just yet, but ladybugs could be hiding within your very walls.  They, like miracles, can manifest when good and ready.

Resources

https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a62546265/ladybug-meaning-symbolism/

https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/ladybug

 

There are Ghosts, and Then There are Ghosts

(Fair Use)

Not all ghosts are disembodied.  Some are in the flesh right here and now.  They are the ones about whom you can say: “Now you see 'em, now you don’t!”

In the dating world, ghosting has become rampant. When someone wants a break, they no longer give you fair warning.  Instead, they simply vanish from your life.

What’s worse is a new trend called “ghostlighting.” This occurs when a dating partner simply disappears for a while, then suddenly reappears as though nothing happened.  If you question this phenomenon, you’ll be told that it’s all in your head, and that the interim void was just their compassionate way of giving you the space that you needed.  They will then seek to slide back in without missing a beat.

Therefore, beware!  Not all ghosts are as friendly as Casper.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-ca/movies/reviews/there-s-a-toxic-new-dating-trend-called-ghostlighting-it-s-even-worse-than-ghosting/ar-AA1X3fyQ?cvid=69a0bcb6222644fd8fa0f650d489e2c1&ocid=MicroHP

 

Holy Cows!

Sadhu and Calf
(Photo by Abdel Sinoctou) 

Back in 1960, Joan Baez released a poignant song called “Donna Donna.”  Its lyrics reference a mournful calf on a wagon ”bound for market.” In stark contrast:“High above him, there’s a swallow winging swiftly through the sky.”

A later verse states, “Calves are easily bound and slaughtered, never knowing the reason why, but whoever treasures freedom, like the swallow has learned to fly.”

Perhaps calves are young and naïve, but grown livestock may have figured out what awaits them. Three such cows were recently in a trailer “bound for market” when they made a break for dear life onto the New York State Thruway.  They seemed willing to risk being mauled by traffic in order to be free at last.

As the winds above were “laughing with all their might,” the cows were said to be “safely removed from the scene.”  But safety is a relative term, and humans often apply it only to themselves.

Resources

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2026/02/24/cows-New-York-State-Thruway-Blasdell/7571771945673/  

 

Healing or Squealing?

Return of the Prodigal Son
(Rembrandt)

There’s an old maxim concerning these “Three Gates” through which wise speech must pass: “Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?”

The Buddhist Vaca Sutta adds: “Is it spoken at the right time? Is it spoken in truth? Is it spoken affectionately? Is it spoken beneficially? Is it spoken with a mind of good will?”

Nevertheless, there are those who believe in the efficacy of letting it all hang out. A recent obituary writer and her TikTok champions seem to be of that ilk.  This daughter who was allegedly wronged by her father stated within a widely-published obituary: “I am pleased to announce the passing of [name] at the age of 74. After suffering multiple strokes, one, thankfully leaving him unable to speak, the abusive, narcissistic absentee father/husband/brother/ son finally kicked the bucket.”

Social-media fans responded gleefully with the following comments: “This is amazing. I am proud of you.”  “He’s lucky you even said anything at all.” “You are legendary.”  And finally: “It’s OK that you shared this. It is part of your healing.”

Yet we can't help but ask: Is it truly healing to engage in this sort of a meanspirited catharsis?

Resources

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/canadian-woman-shares-late-fathers-brutally-honest-obituary-karma-161243905.html

https://newbuddhist.com/discussion/25328/the-three-gates