I grew up spending my summers outside under country skies. During the day that meant camping out under a tree or at least a hat to avoid the heat. However, at night that meant enjoying the starry sky. Often, as a prelude to star gazing, my brother and I would chase after fireflies and put them in empty jelly jars. I loved it because I felt like I held my own piece of the sky. Then when it grew dark enough, we would lay flat on our backs looking for as many constellations as we could find. My grandmother’s farm was my favorite place to admire the night sky because it was far enough away from city lights to coax the MilkyWay out into the open. It is still the only place I’ve been able to see that splendid, twinkling arm of our galaxy.

The farm was also the first place I experienced the wonder of moon shadows. During one visit, I was greeted by the full moon when I went out to star gaze. I was frustrated at the moon for blocking out all the stars until I realized that it was brighter at night than I had ever seen it. I grabbed a book, blanket, and cup of tea from the house. That night I read and sipped tea by moonlight. It was enchanting. That was about five years ago. Since then I have only seen moon shadows three times; once walking to my friends’ dorm building in the middle of night and twice at the camp I worked at one summer. Each time I see them I am filled with delight, wonder and hope. Moon shadows remind me that no matter how painful and broken the world may be, light can find its way into the darkest moments and make them beautiful. Moon Shadow Press was created as a way to remind us that beauty is powerful, simple pleasures can bring much delight, and hope is always present.