I was putting the tractor back in the shed the other evening (by evening I mean, 4:30!) after hauling some firewood and noticed a bright light in the eastern sky. I thought perhaps one of the New Jersey drones had gone astray and was scoping out our stock of foreign imports. 

But, alas, the bright object was our most recent full moon! I could hear the coyotes howling and feel the hairs on the back of my neck beginning to curl. It's been a while since my semi-annual visit to “Heads of the Harbor” for a buzz cut with Lora.

The moon and I have a love-hate relationship. I am mesmerized by the amount of light produced and at the same time a bit restless during the full moon! It also, so I am told by people close to me, makes me a bit, how do I say, off my focus. I am also told that my astrological sign, Cancer, a water sign, may detect some sloshing about around the full moon. I rely on the reactions of others during this time to help me determine whether I am on foot or horseback when it comes to rather ordinary activities. The jury is still out but past reference seems to indicate that a guilty verdict is all but unanimous.

I seem to recall while teaching in the currently over-droned regions of New Jersey, that times around the full moon often rendered more hall passes that went astray, ending up in unpleasant conflicts in the school yard. I was always told that the moon had nothing to do with these unfortunate activities. But some of my Haitian students warned me of impending events based on their cultural knowledge and experience. I was, after some rather troubling clashes, told that I should be careful and alert. For what it’s worth, my Haitian students did offer some unusual insights, based on their own challenges and familial guidance. I do know that my bacon was saved more than once by unconventional advice. I did not ask too many questions and became grateful for any and all suggestions!

So the recent full moon was the last full moon of the year, not that I am counting. For what it's worth, there seems to be little scientific evidence regarding the influences of the full moon on human behavior. And who am I to question the data. But over the years, for me, every once or sometimes twice a month, I have detected peculiar reflections in the rear view mirror. I don’t keep track of when full moons occur, however, very often when I detect some sort of unusual behavior in myself, I am not surprised to find a bright light in the sky. Science or not, I can feel a little extra pull on the archives and I am happy to be more cautious as are those around me. Suffice it to say that I am willing  to behave. For others, and I know you’re out there, who have similar lunar experiences, stay alert and know that Shaun, the sheep of Wallace and Gromit fame, made the trip to the moon and back in fine shape! There is hope.

The photo included today confirms the effects of the full moon as a dozen or so brave souls entered the 45F water and 28F air at Hendricks Head beach. The tide, among other things, was way out!