Sunday February 8th, 2009 The Moon

Carl Sandburg said The moon is a friend for the lonesome to talk to. Tomorrow brings one of my favourite times of the month, the full moon. I love looking out at a starry sky and a hushed wintry world by the light of a full moon. It's surprising how well you can see with a blanket of snow on the ground. I have friends who take their cat for a drive to the marina to watch the moon rise over the lake. I bet Hillcrest Park would be another great vantage point. herever you like to watch from, here's to the moon.

Long Night Moon by Cynthia Rylant

This children's picture book is inspired by the Native American custom of naming the full moons. This beautifully illustrated book features lyrical prose that reveals the magical quality of the full moon. From the Stormy Moon in January that shines on a wild wolf's back to the Long Night Moon of December that waits for morning, this book will captivate children and adults alike. Our copy of this title has gone astray, but we can borrow it from out of town through our Interlibrary Loan service.

Huron Carol

One of my favourite carols is the Huron Christmas carol. When I look at a full moon (summer or winter) I can't help but sing "Twas in the moon of wintertime, When all the birds had fled, That mighty Gitchi Manitou Sent angel choirs instead." I find this carol to be hauntingly beautiful and seeing a full moon just makes me want to sing. The library carries The Huron Carole by Tom Jackson on compact disc. We also carry the children's book The Huron Carol, featuring gorgeous watercolour landscapes by Ian Wallace. It's a treat for both children and adults.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Her neighbour's a werewolf, her boss is a gremlin and she's repairing a vehicle for a vampire. Life is far from normal for Mercy Thompson.As well as being an auto mechanic she can shape shift to become a coyote. After giving a job to a local teenage werewolf, Mercy soon finds herself in the middle of a werewolf clan war when she finds a dead body on her porch. This piques the interest of the local vampires and things start to heat up.


Moon Madness

Many Moons by Diana Brueton has a chapter on Moon Madness that follows the history of the effect that the moon has on mankind. For example, the Egyptians believed that insanity could be cured by eating snake meatballs (yum) under the light of a full moon. This book is filled with interesting facts and folklore. I found an article on the full moon and pets in www.msnbc.msn.com that stated cats and dogs make more trips to the emergency room during this time of the month. I've heard nurses say that it's the same with people. My cat Christopher will tear across the room and jump into the front room window. You'd swear he is pursued by gremlins, when the moon is full.

Moon Over Manhattan by Larry King and Thomas H. Cook

CNN's own Larry King has co-authored this book described as a madcap caper about the bright lights and dimwits of Manhattan. It features a quirky cast of characters -- a political commentator, newspaper columnist, con man, socialite and teenage daughter. The Amazon website shows a lot of mixed reviews for this book. The descriptions range from wildly fun, wacky, fun filled to silly and insipid. I guess you'll just have to decide for yourself.


Moonstruck

Remember Moonstruck? This movie earned Cher an Academy Award for her role as a widow who falls in love with the younger brother (played by Nicolas Cage) of her husband to be, under a Manhattan moon. Why not curl up some evening and enjoy this movie all over again? We carry it on DVD and VHS.

There is an Irish blessing that reads - May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night and a smooth road all the way to your door. I hope you enjoy the remainder of the winter. Keep warm and enjoy the moon tomorrow.

Karen Craib is a Library Technician