March 5, 2015- Episode 34
Busy, busy, busy. Calendars date back tens of thousands of years. Host Jennifer Ellsworth discusses the moon's role in Muslim, Jewish and Chinese calendars. She also reads a story about Wanda, and this new nurse's first day on the job.
"I was twenty-two when I met the doctor in the lobby at the County Hospital. He’s not very attractive, and he wasn’t then either. I didn’t know it at the time, but he’s part Indian. His grandmother was a full-blooded Wabanaki and they’re short, dark people. If we were ever standing toe-to-toe I’d be able to kiss his eyebrows. To be fair, I’m not delicate. In my younger days I could work the hay crew just about steady with most men, and complain a lot less..."
Moon Astrology: Full Sap Moon in Virgo: God is in the details.
Halaqims, yin wooden sheep and clouds delaying the month's beginning.
Episode 33- February 18, 2015
The second New Moon after the Winter Solstice is the unofficial start of Spring. Host Jennifer Ellsworth salutes the Sap Moon and the Sheep- this year's Chinese Zodiac Animal that begins its reign today- Chinese New Year. She also reads a short story about two men that have a funny way of showing their affection. It's called "A New Mailbox"....
"...It started with the Valentine expected from Sidney LaMontagne. Though she was incarcerated down in Windham, Dave started bragging about what was on the way. Dave and Sidney started writing when he'd been in jail...."
Moon Astrology: New Moon in Pisces. Dare to Dream.
Chinese New Year, Reverse Osmosis, maple scented spa treatments and strong sheep.
February 8, 2015- Episode 32
Where did our celestial companion come from? Host Jennifer Ellsworth investigates the Giant Impact Hypothesis, and what our corner of the Universe looked like 4 1/2 billion years ago. She also reads an essay about two dramatic daycare providers: "Goldfish at Cedar Street Daycare."
"Hank had just had his first round of shots, but I knew I was in trouble if I didn't make it to the Ladies...."
Moon Astrology: Waning toward the Last Quarter in Libra. Go in peace.
Theia, dust to dust, and our wild beginnings.
Episode 31- February 1, 2015
How do the Chinese introduce their babies to the world? Host Jennifer Ellsworth explains a traditional Full Moon Celebration and reads a short story about an aging woman with one last battle in her: "Burdock War."
"The war declaration came the first day of February. I was sitting alongside the wood stove waiting until it was time to make my biscuits, staring down along the pasture to the orchard. The pasture was scattered with snow-covered people...."
Moon Astrology: Full Moon Tuesday in Leo: Come Alive!
Red egg and ginger party, baby head shaving and a restorative confinement.
January 25, 2015- Episode 30
It's all in the timing when it comes to Moontime. Host Jennifer Ellsworth discusses the significance of whether a woman cycles with the the New Moon or the Full Moon. She also reads a short story about a man reentering the Waldo County dating scene: Nolan's Speed Date.
"We didn't break up, she just stopped spending the night, saying her plants were suffering. Then she stopped calling or texting, saying she needed longer unplugged periods before bed...."
Moon Astrology: First Quarter Moon in Taurus tomorrow. Paw the Earth.
Red Moon Cycle, White Moon Cycle and where all that energy goes.
January 18, 2015- Episode 29
Tuesday brings the first new moon of 2015- the Hunger Moon. Host Jennifer Ellsworth explains how surviving this moon helped shape generations of Mainers. She also reads a short story about a man in the doghouse called A Dream of Jeanie.
"I'm not the quickest carpenter, especially when it comes to our own place. There's no shame in this. Every tradesman knows his place comes last..."
Moon Astrology: Nearly New in Capricorn. Put in a hard day's work.
Mixed Husbandry, cooperating farm neighborhoods and Eighteen-Hundred-and-Froze-to-Death.
January 11, 2015- Episode 28
We all know the moon causes tides. Today, host Jennifer Ellsworth explains the science behind this dependable and elegant water movement. She also reads a flash fiction story called Rhoda's Towels.
"My old towels could sand off a bunion. Rhoda's were still soft as kitten bellies when they came to me in an old Reny's bag...."
Moon Astrology: Waning toward 3rd Quarter in Libra. Weigh your relationships.
Gravity, inertia and one really big wave, Baby.
January 4, 2015- Episode 27
To make New Year's Resolutions or to not make New Year's Resolutions- that is the question. Host Jennifer Ellsworth philosophizes about what the moon can teach us about self-improvement and reads a poem called Family Portrait.
"In the portrait before the portrait
we were a chorus of impatience..."
Moon Astrology: Full Moon in Cancer. Tend to the homefront.
New Year's superstitions, a fortune cookie message and lessons from celestial cycles.
December 28, 2014- Episode 26
This week host Jennifer Ellsworth reads a short story about a recent widower who rediscovers his faith at Hollywood Casino in Bangor, Maine.
"Cancer sucks. That was Betty's lesson for us this past year. In February we'd gone ice fishing just as always. Despite good sun, she caught a chill and before we'd had even one flag..."
Moon Astrology: Waxing Half Moon in Aries. Wrap things up for New Year.
A seasonal love story. Crab rangoons. Peace be with you.
December 21, 2014- Episode 25
This year the Winter Solstice welcomes the 13th new moon of the year- the Wolf Moon. Historically wolves have been loathed by humans, but host Jennifer Ellsworth explores ancient connections between humans and these canines that are worth celebrating. She also reads a poem about believing in Santa.
"This is what I heard:
bells across the rooftop..."
Moon Astrology: new moon in Capricorn. Tackle the to-do list.
Wolf eradication, evolution and our canine education.