Cloudy Days Allow Me to Gaze in Awe at the Wonders of Nature

A cloud on the horizon is not necessarily a bad thing

In the English language, cloud is a word with many meanings.

For instance, in their figurative sense, they can imply gloom and doom:

“There’s a dark cloud hanging over her.”

They can express delight and happiness:

“He was sitting on cloud nine.”

Another example is politicians who often live in Cloud Cuckoo Land, far removed from the daily travails of the ordinary citizen.

Some even maintain their positions in government despite being under a cloud of suspicion!

My favorite idiom is having one’s head in the clouds — here’s why:

“Neuroscientific research supports the notion that artists and other creative types often have their head in the clouds, as daydreaming involves the same brain processes associated with imagination and creativity.” — Huffpost, 2013.

Writers and poets fall into the category of “creative types”.

However, over recent weeks, a dark cloud hung over this writer/poet.

I was in a deep funk, worrying about hubby’s health, the increasing cost of living, and the daily power cuts that interfered with my writing goals.

Every poem and essay I wrote was a slow and painful process because I’d lost the ability to think clearly. I couldn’t concentrate and maintain my focus to gather my thoughts and put them on paper.

I recognized the culprit — stress!

Instead of pushing myself beyond what I could manage, (a lesson I learned when recovering from depression), I spent less time at my desk and sat outside on our veranda, enjoying the birdsong and view of the mountains and valley.

There’s more!

The Universe knew what I needed and blessed me with cloudy weather. Now I could gaze at the clouds, as I did in my childhood when reality was too hot to handle, and set my imagination free to see forms and shapes, or let my heart breathe in the wondrous clouds.

My budget Samsung doesn’t have a high-tech camera — only 5.0 MP! Despite that, on 4 December through 25 December, I photographed a variety of cloud formations and publish my selection, which I hope will delight you too.

That’s a wrap.

I couldn’t resist sharing this beautiful song by Joni Mitchell because music lifts our spirits.

I cry each time I listen and suggest you have tissues handy. Joni overcame major health problems and performed this and other of her songs at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival.

Joni Mitchell doesn’t know clouds at all!

I wish you all a blessed year ahead. May humankind unite in love and compassion, blow away the clouds of war, and bring peace on earth.

Thank you for being here.

I apologize for my late response to the nature prompt from Dr. Preeti Singh. However, I wanted to finish what I started six weeks ago and submit before the end of 2022!

A big thank you to the editors and writers on Reciprocal for creating this caring community — I couldn’t wish for a better family.

I found these essays on Roots inspiring and recommend you read!

Dr. Fatima Imam keeps us grounded:

Joyce Nielsen goes on a journey to discover her roots: