I saw the first Aurora Borealis in my life last night! Back in May when I heard the Northern Lights maybe seen locally, I got so excited! We followed the guidance of the experts and drove to the most prominent place, dark sky with no light pollution, facing north, after 11pm, wrapped in warm jackets. We waited until the wee hours, only to come back with nothing but a distant dream.
Two nights like this, then we gave up on chasing Northern Lights, thinking it is only available in pictures online, and on someone else’s sky.
Last night, we arrived home late, around 1 am. I went to backyard for a stroll, noticed it’s so cloudy I couldn’t even see a star. Fortunately because of the clouds, it’s rather warm for October. Then I looked up, suddenly I saw the unusual magenta light glowing on the dark cloudy sky. Aurora Borealis! Right away, I recognized it, since I’ve seen so many different versions online. This is not dramatic as those soaking the entire sky; nor did it fit perfectly on a water reflection or shine for a saguaro silhouette. But it’s real, I can see it with my naked eyes, from the front yard of my home, at the least expected time, I didn’t even pay for the waiting or parking!
Someone said, “Joy doesn’t come with fanfare, or ride on red carpet.” Indeed, it arrives at your least expected time, least expected place.
Now I can have my own Aurora Borealis in my dream, a little magenta glow. Like joy, such a vibrant messenger, dancing and shining through the clouds of life. No need to chase, It’s already there.