The stars aligned for this image. For me, it's likely a once in a lifetime shot. As I was taking photos of the Milky Way up at Grassland Observatory Friday night, I thought I'd try a self-portrait. Remote in hand I walked in front of the camera using my best guess as where to stand. I pushed the shutter release button. 15 second exposure-count...1 1000, 2 1000, 3 1000...'woah!!' others exclaimed as a bright shooting star streaked across the sky. Giddy with excitement and awe I doubtfully wonder "Did I get that!?!? Not sure if 15 seconds had passed, I stood a few more seconds before eagerly checking my camera to see what the image showed. As if simply being in this beautiful dark sky place wasn't enough, now there was this awesome little extra blessing. It made my night. I spent the next 30 minutes taking some more shots pausing at times to lay back in the dewy grass looking up and getting lost in the heavens feeling so tiny and yet so connected to that which expands beyond my imagination. How wondrous is this world.

"I can see Your heart in everything You've made Every burning star A signal fire of grace If creation sings Your praises so will I"