If you’re feeling jaded about the state of the planet, whether it be environmentally or politically, I urge you to take a moment to do the following internet search: Scott Kelly Photographs. You won’t regret it.
As an astronaut and three-time commander of the International Space Station, Scott Kelly has spent a great deal of time gazing at our planet from outer space. In the process, he was kind enough to take many stunning photographs of what he saw, so we could share in the beauty and wonder.
There are two other great ways to see his spectacular work. You can read this article about him in the New York Times, or you can buy his book, entitled Infinite Wonder: An Astronaut’s Photographs from a Year in Space. This book is making me struggle to remember that I’m trying really hard not to accumulate more stuff. I want it, I want it, I want it…
But whether it winds up gracing my coffee table or not, I’m really thrilled that these photos exist in the universe. Because no matter how horribly we behave as a species, we still, it seems, haven’t quite managed to muck up the planet beyond all recognition. These photos are proof positive of that.
We live in a gorgeous place, full of color and wonder and infinite majesty. There’s still a slight hope that we can preserve what’s left, and these photographs, more than anything else I’ve seen in a long time, give us all the reason we need to do so.
And dare I say it? They’re a testament to the fact that the earth is not flat! If you believe otherwise, you’re a fool.
Anyway.
Earth. What a gift!
(Join me in gazing up at the International Space Station as they gaze down at us. Learn now, here. It’s fun!)
Portable gratitude. Inspiring pictures. Claim your copy of my first collection of favorite posts! http://amzn.to/2mlPVh5
The View from a Drawbridge 
First thing that came to mind: Bette Midler’s song… ‘From A Distance’ and then remembering ‘The Earth From Above’ photos by Yann Arthus-Bertand. The patterns were mesmerizing and some landscapes looked like beautiful abstract paintings. He did a video called ‘Home’ in 2009 highlighting the bruises left by human indifference that’s a closer view. It left a lasting impression too. Here’s a preview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5nY5NtltLs
Thanks, Lyn!
OK, so the earth isn’t flat but it’s not round either. It is an oblate spheroid. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figure_of_the_Earth. Some what on topic… heard two professors making an argument for doing away with time zones and everyone going by Greenwich Mean Time. I’ll move to London when this happens. 🙂
As long as we could adjust pizza delivery times accordingly, I’m sure I’d adjust. 🙂