Loonar Eclipse

A few fortnights ago, similar to our counterparts back in the Real World, us Looners also witnessed a rare and glorious sighting - a Loonar Eclipse! Yes, remember the Lunar Eclipse you studied about in Science class back in Junior High? No? Remember the terms Umbra and Penumbra? Or do you at least remember how your mouth resembled that of a fish when you said Umbra and Penumbra in rapid fire succession? Umbra-Penumbra-Umbra-Penumbra-Umbra-Penumbra! Still drawing a blank? Not to worry, let me re-enlighten you. Only this time, it will be better than how your Science teacher taught you… or didn’t bother to teach you! The Science behind the Lunar Eclipse is no rocket science! In a nutshell, this phenomenon occurs when the Earth becomes sandwiched between the Moon and the Sun for a limited period of time. Back on Earth they call it a Lunar Eclipse. On the other hand, we Looners, refer to it simply as a Loonar Eclipse – adding a pinch of the Loony Effect to the term. 

So why is the Loonar Eclipse so important to us Looners? Well, throughout it's duration not only is it a unique, pleasant sight, but a pinnacle of peace for all of us. This time of year, I decided to camp out on the hills close to Loony Lovers Point just in time to witness the Moonrise followed by the main event - the Loonar Eclipse. Since the sun only rises and sets here in the Loony World and doesn’t linger around in the timeframe in between, it was dusk already when I set up camp. Initially, from where I was sitting, I could see an endless array of uneven grassy hills, surrounded by towering pine trees and lush green foliage. Luckily, the sky wasn't shrouded with dark grey clouds, but a few strands of clouds were scattered here and there. After a few moments, I watched in awe as the Moon slowly rose from among the uneven hills, making its way on the horizon. At first, it was pale yellow in color, not the usual bright white. As it ascended higher, it transitioned into a pale orange. Eventually, the Moon turned into a fiery red color, which was the ultimate sign that the Loonar Eclipse phenomenon was taking place. As a result, everyone and everything in the Loony World came to a standstill. It was like I was frozen in time for a few moments. All the kids stopped playing and frolicking. Babies stopped crying. All the Loony Hooligans immediately ended their shenanigans. Couples making out on Loony Lovers Point ceased making out. The music around me stopped playing. It was a scene of pure dead silence where everyone focused all their attention on that marvel of the universe taking place in the night sky. I was left astounded by the sudden serenity. Never has my soul felt so relaxed and free of worldly troubles. All in all, it's fascinating how a mere heavenly phenomenon can soothe your soul for just a few moments. All you gotta do is take these few moments of tranquility and make them last forever in your mind.    

The Windows of the Night

If only you could know what the atmosphere is like tonight here in the Loony World, you would never want to return back to the real world! As I am now standing at Hazy Peach Avenue, I must tell you that... it's snowing!!! Yes, fluffy, delicate pieces of vanilla frosting are falling from the heavens all over the place here! One can't help but stick his tongue out and tirelessly attempt to catch each of them as it comes down from the grey, overcast sky. Moreover, cool, pleasant winds are blowing from the Northeast not too distant from where the Loony Lovers Point Observatory is located. Anyhow, I am headed towards Loonardo's Cafe and Bakery, which is situated at Crystal Lake View Hills. It's a nice, spacious cafe with large windows and a large skylight. The skylight has to be the most remarkable feature of this cafe. On a clear starry night, you can actually watch the twinkling stars thru the skylight as you lay down on of the many comfortable couches of the cafe, indulging yourself in your favorite hot beverage. It's too bad that the sky tonight is blanketed with dark, grey clouds and the skylight is definitely covered in snow by now. Ah, there's Loonardo, my dear loyal waiter! Hey Loonardo! Look at that cheery fellow, welcoming me in. As I enter the cafe, I can smell the beautiful aroma of the many Loony beverages and bakery items on display that would just excite your senses. There's Loonesca, Loonardo's humble, soft-spoken wife, sitting in her usual corner knitting woolen sweaters for her 3 kids: Loono, Doosro, and Teesro. Loono is the smart one. Doosro is the troublemaker. Teesro is the quiet, shy one. They're all tucked in bed at this hour, which explains all the tranquility here. Loonardo is signaling me to my favorite spot next to the large windows that give you a fantastic view of the majestic Crystal Lake. Once again, on a clear moonlit night, you can see the moon rising over the lake, with each ray of moonshine falling over each and every ripple of the lake. I take a seat and fixate my eyes on the breath-taking view outside these large, clear windows. I can see the snow falling over the freezing Crystal Lake, surrounded by snow on its shore and snow-covered pine trees. There are small cottages with snow covered rooftops with smoke blowing out of their chimneys. Also, each cottage is separated by glimmering streetlamps. Oh and within minutes, here's Loonardo serving me my favorite beverage - a hot cup of Loonuccino, with a dipped dark chocolate wafer and garnished with dark chocolate sprinkles. Thank you, Loonardo! *Takes a sip* Mmm...perfect taste at the perfect temperature! In addition, there's a perfect view from these large windows too! As I am enjoying my Loonuccino, Loonardo has now cranked up the heating a little bit, by adding more firewood to the fireplace, which has made the place even more warm and cozy than when I had walked in. He says it's almost time for him to lock up and turn in. He also says there's a chance of a blizzard tonight and so he is offering me to spend the night here, if I want. I thank him for his hospitality and succumb to my desire to fall asleep here on this comfy couch amidst all the warmth here. Until next time...goodnight and sweet dreams fellow Looners!!