Once upon a time, the theme for this issue was flight. Yet, as the summer wore on and as the material for the issue fell into place, it made more sense to talk about it in terms of the moon.

This issue features several pieces that deal, directly or indirectly, with the moon, such as "Counselor to the Moon", a humorous look at the way we refer to the moon in everyday speech; also, "Couples Counseling", in which two heavenly beings quarrel.

The moon is deeply ingrained into our idiom. We note the phases of the moon. We blame it for irrational behavior. We acknowledge its influence on our tides. Sometimes, at night, gazing into the moon, we send it our dreams and desires.

As the calendar months slipped away, and I balanced editing Wild Violet with planning my late September wedding, it became clear the summer issue would come out at the very tail end of summer. The term "Blue Moon", as in a long-time coming, a rare or unusual event, seemed appropriate.

So enjoy this long-awaited issue, whether by waning summer sun or moonlight.

Alyce Wilson, Wild Violet editor