I’ve set several intertwined goals this past year, all related to rekindling wonder and connection. More time outside, more books on paper, more art and poetry… and sometimes these activities come bundled into one handy package!

The new book Ocean of Stars is composed of lyrical writing by Azita Ardakani and glorious illustration by Rebecca Rebouche (pictured above). At a book event this week, Azita noted that it is so unlikely that we exist at all. What would it be like if we lingered in that miracle once in a while?

We are made of stardust; it’s both poetic and true.

Science and poetry, wisdom and wonder.

The afterword highlights how stories can offer a form of homecoming:

To remember is not to retrieve something lost. It is to come home, again and again, to the mystery that has been here all along, patiently waiting for us to notice and to shine once more

Dear ones,

shine on.

Here are the links to find Ocean of Stars at Amazon or your favorite independent bookstore.

And, Ocean of Stars is also the name of a stunning image from the Vera Rubin Observatory, which can be seen in crystal clear resolution here (and in blurrier form below).