Good Morning from Warren Grove, Prince Edward Island
I don’t know about you, but I find it hard to believe it is July 9th!
Where does the time go?
Having just retired, I thought I would have all the time in the world to do items on our wish list, but now, I wonder how I had time for work before.
But….
"We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery." ~ H. G. Wells
I have been researching essay topics I want to write on. Topics include compassion, kindness, creativity, happiness, optimism, faith, hope, growth and change with a plan to share them through my new blog, A Bunch of Good Things.
While researching, I came across a letter written by Jerrie Cobb to President Kennedy, being forthright in her firm and persistent desire to be the world's first woman astronaut.
Born in Oklahoma in 1931 to Lt. Col. William H. Cobb and Helena Butler Stone Cobb, Geraldyn ‘Jerrie’ Cobb was twelve years old when she first took the controls of her father’s 1936 Waco aircraft. From that day, she never looked down. At sixteen, she had a private pilot’s licence; at eighteen, she was a certified ground instructor; soon, she set various world aviation records for speed, distance and altitude.
In 1960, she was the first of thirteen women (the ‘Mercury 13’) to undergo intensive training to determine whether a woman could become an astronaut; however, despite passing every test, she remained grounded, and the programme was soon cancelled.
Finally, in 1963, has brought the issue before Congress to no avail; Cobb wrote this letter to President John F. Kennedy and pleaded to be sent into space immediately.
Three months after she wrote the letter, cosmonaut Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova became the first woman in space. However, it would be another twenty years until an American woman, Sally Ride, left Earth’s orbit.
I discovered this letter on Shaun Usher’s Letter of Note blog; his mission is just to share letters of historical significance. I thoroughly enjoy his blog.
Read: I can be patient no longer. An aspiring astronaut pleads with JFK to be sent into space.
"You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try." ~ Beverly Sills.
“The night skies remind us of our place in the Universe. Imagine if we lived under skies full of stars. That reminder we are a tiny part of this cosmos, the awe and a special connection with this remarkable world would make us much better beings - more thoughtful, inquisitive, empathetic, kind and caring. Imagine kids growing up passionate about astronomy, looking for answers, how advanced humankind would be, how connected and caring we’d feel with one another, and how noble and adventurous we’d be. How compassionate with fellow species on Earth and how one with Nature we’d feel. Imagine a world where the happiness of the soul is more beautiful. Ah, I feel so close to inner peace. I wonder how my and millions of other lives would have changed.” ~ Sriram Murali, Filmmaker
Lost in Light a short film on how light pollution affects the view of the night skies.
When you look up, do you ever wonder how many people are in space?
Take a peek at, How Many People Are in Space Right Now. Once on the site, scroll down to see who is in space right now as well.
As a visual learner, I appreciate Visual Capitalist's website; look at these ‘notable’ women. Which Countries Feature Women on Banknotes?
If you appreciate film, you might find this filtering service of interest. Movie of the Night is a search engine that filters data from streaming services and presents what is available. Try it; kind of neat.
"Among the liberal arts, let us begin with the art that liberates us."
~ Michel de Montaigne
How about a beautiful piece of poetic musical artistry?
Please Forgive Me, Song by David Gray
Every time I look at you
David Gray performs a beautiful rendition of his classic tune 'Please Forgive Me' accompanied by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Breakfast time, I am going to groove at the stooove!
Thank you for being here today. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
I am busy preparing my Sunday evening blog, A Bunch of Good Things, and if you have not already signed up, you can do so here.
With love from Prince Edward Island.
Bruce + Millie
ps. Your Morning Smile
Dad is down at the auto dealership, looking at potential choices. “Cargo space?” he asks.
The salesman, slightly confused, finally replies, “Car no do that... car go road.”
Comments
Allison said:
Light pollution is slowly removing the joy from starry nights on PEI. We used to enjoy looking at the night sky sitting on our deck facing the strait. The only intrusive light being a particularly bright moon but not any more. Neighbours have set up a very bright floodlight that shines across our property and on to the water. The reason being ‘security’ and it keeps the fox away. Ha! Our fox uses it to guide him along the back properties and the beach. Same neighbours have erected a very bright street light (on their land) that shines in our bedroom window necessitating the purchase (not inexpensive) of blackout blinds. Our quiet little space is not particularly prone to crime except the odd garbage raid by marauding fox or raccoon…it’s disappointing but at least he disarmed the motion sensing light shining directly on to our deck!!
July 10, 2022
Julie MacKenzie said:
“Lost in Light” was an incredible video. Thank you for sharing that Bruce. I look forward to reading your blog every Saturday & Sunday. It is a treat! Have a great weekend!
July 10, 2022
Christine Lyall said:
Wow, Lost in Light was very informative and concerning. You always educate us with your Blogs. Loved the Music, also found the article about Jerrie Cobb fascinating. Will be in PEI again in September, can’t wait.
Derinda
July 09, 2022
Kim said:
Lost in Light……stunning and yet so concerning. Thank you for finding.
Kim E-Michigan
July 09, 2022
Victoria Wienke said:
Bruce:
I love your blogs…so varied and so positive! I look forward to them on Saturdays & Sundays! They are a good way to start the week! Thank you for your efforts and your talent! Keep up the good writing!
Vicky Wienke
Hamburg, NY
July 09, 2022