Lunam0sity - Lunamosity

The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.

W.B. Yeats (via emotional-algebra)

This Tribute Ann Druyan Wrote For Her Husband Carl Sagan Will Make You Sob

Back in 2003, Druyan reflected on her nearly 20-year relationship with Sagan for The Skeptical Inquirer. The couple met at screenwriter Nora Ephron’s home in New York City in 1974, and were married from 1981 until his death from pneumonia 15 years later.

No matter what you do — or don’t — believe about the afterlife, Druyan’s note is irrefutably one of the most poignant letters ever written about the special peculiarity of love. Here’s an excerpt via Goodreads — but fair warning, get the tissues ready:

“When my husband died, because he was so famous and known for not being a believer, many people would come up to me — it still sometimes happens — and ask me if Carl changed at the end and converted to a belief in an afterlife. They also frequently ask me if I think I will see him again.

Carl faced his death with unflagging courage and never sought refuge in illusions. The tragedy was that we knew we would never see each other again. I don’t ever expect to be reunited with Carl. But, the great thing is that when we were together, for nearly twenty years, we lived with a vivid appreciation of how brief and precious life is. We never trivialized the meaning of death by pretending it was anything other than a final parting.

Every single moment that we were alive and we were together was miraculous-not miraculous in the sense of inexplicable or supernatural. We knew we were beneficiaries of chance… . That pure chance could be so generous and so kind… . That we could find each other, as Carl wrote so beautifully in Cosmos, you know, in the vastness of space and the immensity of time… . That we could be together for twenty years. That is something which sustains me and it’s much more meaningful…

The way he treated me and the way I treated him, the way we took care of each other and our family, while he lived. That is so much more important than the idea I will see him someday. I don’t think I’ll ever see Carl again. But I saw him. We saw each other. We found each other in the cosmos, and that was wonderful.”

In writing this moving tribute for her husband, Druyan’s words perfectly captures why Sagan remains so beloved to this day.

“There is something in his delivery that communicates his genuine enthusiasm and awe for the universe and for science, and that just cuts straight to my heart,” Columbia University astrophysicist Summer Ash tells Inverse. “That letter is something I always try to keep in mind when interacting with students and kids. I want to do everything in my power to fan the flames for future thinkers behind me.”

Happy 83rd, Carl Sagan. From all of us here on the Pale Blue Dot, ad astra.

Source: Inverse

In Poland’s ‘LGBT-free zones,’ existing is an act of defiance - CNN.com

cnn.com

In Poland’s ‘LGBT-free zones,’ existing is an act of defiance

Hundreds of regions across Poland have declared themselves “LGBT-free” — and those inside the zones fear for their safety.

I understand Karolina's feeling of not being able to come home. I live in a society where often I can take my safety more for granted. But this mirrors the culture I was raised in... and that of my family then and now.

“Each person is only given so many evenings, and each wasted evening is a gross violation against the natural course of your only life.”

— Charles Bukowski (via elshalarossa)

Sometimes you just need to go off the grid and get your soul right.

(via aquietcottagelife)

Today I discovered this writer’s tactic to face her fear of rejection and failure, and it’s honestly very inspiring?! This kinda rewired my brain and I feel everyone should read and think about it.

Read her short article here

I’ve never seen more effective use of fantasy animation to promote tourism [x]

The two ADHD moods:

- I can’t do it

- I can’t stop doing it

If you're a pagan of any sort, and you are fortunate enough to be celebrating today with loved ones around you, hold them close through the darkest night.  Never stop welcoming them with laughter, libations, and kindred love.  Don't take what you have for granted, and if you can help it, don't be shy, ok?  Please also open your arms to others today in whatever way you can, even if you're uncertain whether your beliefs are welcome.  Somebody near you is awesome, accidentally solitary, and looking for a little light tonight.