The astronauts have returned to earth from a circle about the moon – our nearest gravitational companion. Reportedly the precipitous re-entry to earth – when 80,000 kms above landing – was like falling backwards off the Empire State building. Neither was it overlooked by the astronauts that everything depended upon efficiency of the “device” in which they were encapsulated. They spoke of mechanical glitches when in space; they spoke of the automated features (such as control of ventilation) which arose upon recognition of a fire alarm; they spoke of the importance of communication with family (and a father’s delight at having worn a bracelet made by one of his daughters); they spoke of sleeping together while 8′ apart – and longing for greater proximity.

The average distance from Earth to the Moon is approximately 384,400 km, which is about 30 times the diameter of Earth. With Earth’s diameter being about 12,742 km, you could fit roughly 30 Earths side-by-side in the space between the Earth and the Moon.

I have never had a craze to go sky-diving or bungee-jumping off a bridge. Similarly I am uninterested in a bolt into the atmosphere – whether to the Moon or Mars. I am satisfied to limit my experimentation with machines to my car and computer.

A common acknowledgment of the astronauts was the overwhelming sensation of power of the universe – while at the same time recognizing the indisputable mystery of humanity and our need to work together. Clearly abstraction diminished differences. Nonetheless I continue to resist the exploit – though I accept the drama without the spectacle. Yet obviously there are those who are willing to attempt such historic feats without proof of diversion of any nature. I bow to their adventurous inclination. Danger was never among my preferred amusements.

Indeed only this afternoon I have resolved a minor dilemma in my uneventful life. Certainly it had nothing to do with a return to earth from the sky; but I feel as though I have trodden upon smooth territory, that I have regained substantial direction and discovery. As I sit at my desk and stare upon the remote patterned cultivated fields, I sense a new-found stability and organization.  So much of my world already surrounds organization and clarity; accordingly the most minor irritant to that obsession is commensurately annoying. Once relieved of the contamination, I am at liberty to regard my own universe with greater precision and certainty. The distinction – though admittedly inconsequential by most estimates – is for me “worlds apart”.

Now I am returned to a meaningful composition. The various parts of my life – my partner, my family, friends, music, photography, blogging, driving, espresso coffee and peanut butter – have once again combined to afford extraordinary advantage. The multiple parts of the puzzle are re-aligned and returned to their picturesque image from which I derive my essence and definition.