I’m not usually nostalgic. However, it’s been 7 years since my last total eclipse, and it’s been 7 years since this blog was created. So, it’s fitting that these two anniversaries should align like heavenly bodies.

Unfortunately, I will not be in the pathway of “No Sun Day on Monday,” but I will virtually celebrate by dusting off the experience that Leah and I memorialized in Corvallis, Oregon.

Happy Eclipse Day, everyone!

Dateline August 21, 2017:

A small corner of the sky captured most of America’s attention and imagination on August 21, 2017. It was the celestial event of the millennia that brought a momentary pause to many people’s lives as they looked up and marveled at the source of our very existence.
Leah and I had our own corner of the parking lot at Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis, OR.

A party atmosphere surrounded us. Some were expecting a spiritual awakening, and some were interested in the science of the occasion, but for most of us it was a social connection. We sat around with family, friends and strangers, looking goofy in our mylar glasses…

We all held our collective breath at the precise moment the moon cloaked the sun. And then there were cheers, with all of us sharing this moment in time as sun worshippers.

For one brief moment, we were all related. For one instant during totality, we had turned the corner to become the human race.

And just like that it was gone in a flash, and a tear passed the corner of my eye.

Sadly, it’s going to be a very long time until our next solar eclipse, or another shared moment of total community.