Clouds

As a child I was enthralled by clouds. They held a whimsical nature that captured my imagination. I loved to lay in the grass and pick out the best riding cloud, a cotton candy fluff ball that slowly sauntered through the sky as I dreamed of riding the cloud to unknown adventures. When I wasn’t day dreaming about riding clouds, I would visualize animals floating by.

My dad taught me not to be afraid of impending storm clouds, we would go to the front porch and watch the storms brooding with emotion.

The past couple of days I have looked up from my watching for animals and flowers to notice the clouds. Some were definitely riding clouds, others were pregnant with rain. There were clouds that we slow moving and some were running across the sky. Some were as white as snow and others were enveloped in the colors of the setting sun. All held awe.

They reminded me of Joni Mitchel’s song, Both Sides Now.

Rows and floes of angel hair
And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons everywhere
I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on everyone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall
I really don't know clouds at all

Today, look up and let the clouds tickle your imagination.

When not looking at clouds I saw a few animals

The wild flowers were fabulous

I am floating on a cloud of gratitude, gratitude to be immersed in the wonder of God’s creation. I am grateful for the privilege of having the time and resources to be steeped in such beauty as I am mindful that there are people who live in the midst of cement and smog who will never have such an opportunity There are people who do not know the vibrancy of flowers and blue sky on a daily basis, who do not smell the freshness of the pine trees or the sweetness of sage. I do not take this privilege for granted. I am grateful and will tend to the gift of creation.