Tuesday, August 4, 2009

In the Stars: Serendipity and Bob Johnson's Blog!


Thinking back, I remember writing a post or two on the idea of coincidence, or synchronicity. Whether you attribute the coincidences in your life to God, to accident, "just the odds," fate, luck, ESP, or some kind of Cosmic Jester, it's interesting to contemplate how these events effect our lives.

In one of my posts I described what I thought was an interesting coincidence in my life, relating to a family trip to Bussana Vecchia, Italy. And now I have another for you.

One evening a little over a week ago, my husband and I stole an hour from the ongoing saga of our house construction, to spend out on the lake, watching the changes of twilight. I shot a lot of too-dark water-garden type images, enjoying the process in my usual fashion.


Then the moon caught my eye, and there I sat in a moving boat, clicking away at the rising sphere. I knew I wouldn't get good results, but I had to try it anyway. I remembered Bob Johnson's wonderful Black Holes and Astrostuff blog, and all the great sky, moon and star photos HE has taken. I had mentioned him before, but there in the boat, I sang Bob's praises to my husband, for his enthusiasm and expertise in teaching us about the heavens.

My thoughts turned to autumn and the anticipation of living in our new space, the house we have been rebuilding for ten years. Why did it take so long? Because we used our own labor, mostly my husband's, and did as much work as we could fit in over each summer. Soon I will have high decks to sit on, I thought. I told hubby that it would be fantastic to sit up there and look at the night sky with a telescope, as the Maine nights (when they are clear) are like black velvet, studded with diamonds. He agreed.

In the comments on my blog a day or two later, came a message from no other than Bob Johnson. "Hey Lynda, you won something, come see..."

I went to Bob's blog for a wonderful surprise! I had won, along with two other of Bob's randomly chosen blogging friends, a TELESCOPE! How unbelievably timely! A "Galileoscope" by name, with what Bob says are very good optics for the money.

Now I can stargaze from my deck, and learn more about astronomy. Bob even recommended a few books on the subject. I can't thank Bob enough for his generosity and for trying to awaken in his blogging friends, the same mindfulness of the heavens that he feels! KUDOS to you, Bob, for your inspiring and informative blog, and for sharing! As Bob knows, I've named my Galileoscope "The Bobascope" in honor of him. Thanks for enriching my life, Bob!

If you aren't already familiar with Black Holes and Astrostuff, stretch your horizons with a visit. You will also find his posts on his recent trip to China there, along with commentary on the sky show he saw from across the world. Don't forget to wish him a Happy Birthday, as I'm pretty sure it's this week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOB!


Above is one of my BAD moon shots from our aluminum 17-foot boat, which was rocking on the lake, of course. I know I will do better, with a little help from my blogging friends. (Who says we don't build community? )


If you would like to view more of my art or make a purchase, please visit Lynda Lehmann Painting and Photography or my gallery at Imagekind, where you can choose from several sizes and paper types or buy my prints plain or matted and framed.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Add to Technorati Favorites

26 comments:

  1. gorgeous photos! i definitely believe that the universe brings us these experiences.

    x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congrats on winning your Bobascope. I hope you enjoy many nights star/ moon gazing.

    Tender loving care has gone into your home and I can only imagine good times and memories will be made when it's finished.

    Glad you guys were able to catch some free time. Those pics are great. Have a wonderful night.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations, Lynda! How wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congratulations again Lynda! I happen to think your shots are just wonderful.

    I was just visiting Bob but did not know about his birthday. Thank you for that input!

    Big big hugs,
    Jackie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Lynda this is so cool, you will really enjoy star gazing. And who does not know Bob these days. Me too I find myself sharing Bob's knowledge with my husband and appreciation for the universe, and what it has to offer, even if it is far far away. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post Lynda, and congrats again. Anna :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, Lynda, thanks for the mention in your beautiful post, you have such a way with words, and I love the colors in your Moon image. What great timing, it was meant to be, you'll have to take pictures of the Bobascope on your new deck when it is finished, let me know when you get it and again congratulations!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey Lynda,

    Congratulations for your Bobascope (great name) :D!

    Bob is such a marvellous person; I simply adore him.

    Now, let me check your moon photo: it is not that bad! Ok, it is not like Bob's or Anna's (have you met Anna?)....but it is beautiful. I think you have the Moon-potential ;)!

    I also loved the second picture: is it a sunset? Gorgeous!!!

    Lynda, I missed reading your post so much...your inner-peace and generosity is overwhelming...thank you for sharing yourself with us!

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  8. thesydneygirl...Nice to meet you. I agree: I think maybe we are meant to have these experiences we call "coincidences," as well as to perceive beauty in the world.

    MICHELLE - Thank you for your warm and supportive wishes. We will make precious memories, I'm sure, if I can just get my husband to SLOW DOWN!
    Enjoy your weekend, Michelle!

    ANNE - Thanks! I was and am still, pretty excited!

    ReplyDelete
  9. JACKIE - I think I saw in on Facebook. I have to get over there to visit and read some of his new material on his China trip.

    Hope you had a wonderful day, Jackie!
    And enjoy your weekend! Big hugs back at'cha!

    ReplyDelete
  10. oh I had goosebumps when I read your story Lynda...
    congratulations on your good fortune....
    and how generous of Bob :)
    I love the photo with the lone cloud :)
    your home sounds wonderful...I imagine you will have many happy hours there...
    have a beaut weekend Lynda :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Awesome story! Fate, coincidence or whatever, I love when those kinds of things happen. Enjoy the telescope!

    ReplyDelete
  12. ANNA - I seem to remember you did some pretty good moon shots, yourself! I know we've both been reading Bob's blog for quite awhile, now. he does a great job with it.

    Soon Matthew wiil be toting his own camera and shooting alongside you, on your walks.

    I'll be over soon to read your new post. I can always use the lessons you provide!

    ReplyDelete
  13. BOB - I will let you know when my BOBASCOPE arrives, and I'll let you know when the deck is built and I can get out on it.

    Don't thank me! I am the one who should thank YOU! ...for your great blog AND your generosity.

    Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. Can't wait to read your China adventures!

    ReplyDelete
  14. MAX - Indeed I have missed you here and at FB, and I hear your new post calling me back to your page for some much-needed mental stimulation!

    Welcome back, my dear.

    PS - I'm really not that generous; I just like to acknowledge quality, good efforts and good deeds.

    I'm so glad to know you, among my blogging friends!

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  15. KIM - HAPPY BIRTHDAY WEEK to you and Charlotte! Have fun and enjoy every minute of your time with family, in honor of both your birthdays!

    Here's a big hug! ((((((((( )))))))))

    ReplyDelete
  16. LANA - I've been thinking of you. Did you go on your cruise?

    I haven't seen you in awhile and I've been meaning to get over there! It's been so busy here, with doing this house. I can't keep up. And no art, lately, at all!

    I know how you love your hikes, and I know you relate.

    I'm so glad you see you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Awesome frames :)
    Great captures, colorful... Makes you want to go out to nature :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Lynda - I love Bob's blog too. Congrats on the Bobascope! The color of your moon shot is gorgeous. Bet you can't wait to be on that deck - sounds like it is going to be just perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  19. You won a telescope!? I've got to hang out at better blogs...

    ReplyDelete
  20. Lynda:

    Unbelievable pictures. Really striking. And a great comment about Bob Johnson. Congratulations on winning a telescope. Or, should I say, a Bobascope?

    I don't know it was Bob's birthday, so I'll have to stop by his place to offer best wishes.

    Good luck on the house---big job.

    Happy trails.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I believe so much in syncronicity and fancy that I needed a reminder. Lovely photos and a great inspiring post too!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Congrats! That will be great to use on those clear Maine nights. I have one but with all the ambient lights in suburbia it is not all that effective so it sits in a closet. Lovely photos.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ilan - I ALWAYS want to be out in nature. Too bad I'm so often stuck in cyberspace, instead. Bad for the circulation!

    KATHY - I know this will add a dimension to my photography. I've always wanted to do photo-micrography too, but haven't gotten to that yet, either! I've been visiting Bob for a long time. He blogs with a passion that's contagious!

    Rick - Yes, I guess you DO need to do that, lol... :)

    ReplyDelete
  24. SWUBIRD - You would not believe how big a job it is, unless you have done it! I'm way off track with my other interests, art among them. Can't wait until this is finished. It's been far too long in coming... Almost ten years!!

    Hope you have a great week, Swu!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Debra - I think synchronicity makes life SO much more interesting, and one really HAS to question its nature. Thanks for coming over and sharing this with me!

    ReplyDelete

I try to respond to comments whenever I can. I ALWAYS appreciate your visits and friendship, and I will reciprocate with visits to your site. Thanks for sharing parts of your blogging journey with me. I value each and every one of you.

NOTE: Please, no more memes, schemes, or awards. They're fun and they may help us to know each other better, but I'd rather spend the time reading your posts and having you READ mine!

Happy blogging!

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.

Buy My Art!

My most popular images for sale at Shutterstock:

Comical and Endearing Bird Ritual....