Friday, March 25, 2011

clouds got in my way

Clouds.  Illusions in the sky.  Magic moments of whimsy floating by, constantly changing. 

I spend a lot of time looking at clouds.  The things I see in clouds bring me peace, an utter silence in my soul that refreshes my spirit and fills me with calm.

This has been a week of turmoil.  Of worry, just trying to get through the days.  Of exhaustion.  Moment by moment I felt myself slipping away, unable to center myself.

Then I looked at the sky.  Driving home, I looked up.  The clouds were wind whipped and forming shapes that seemed at once like old familiar faces, with new expressions forming and changing from second to second.

And as I drove, I felt something happening.  Fatigue and stress were disappearing as I looked at the clouds.  I began to think of the song by Joni Mitchell, a song that has meant a lot to me over the years, something I often sing to myself when I am troubled.  And I kept glancing up as I sang softly to myself, watching the clouds change.

When I reached home I found myself leaping out of my car and racing to capture the clouds before night hid them from view.  It was a wonder filled moment.  Watching the clouds was like looking at the face of God.  Communion for my spirit, it buoyed me in ways nothing else could. 


I am wishing you a weekend of peace, of strengthening and cleansing for whatever troubles your spirit.  And a week to come of happiness and balance.


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



...cath xo


Have to post the Joni Mitchell version I love...enjoy...xoxo


18 comments:

  1. ''The things I see in clouds bring me peace, an utter silence in my soul that refreshes my spirit and fills me with calm.'' I feel this too- thanks for sharing.

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  2. @KalpanaS
    A kindred spirit...thank you for your comment. :)

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  3. Beautiful! I can remember lying on the grass as a young girl watching the clouds. I should do that more often.

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  4. Hi Cathy,
    This is such a wonderful compilation! I just gave you the versatile blogger award...do check it out at http://hajrak.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-got-award.html

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  5. Thanks Hajra! I put a comment on your blog post too! I was amazed to see this...and quite a wonderful surprise...now I get to share the love... :D

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  6. Such lovely pictures ! Thanks for sharing. One of my favourite childhood pass-times was to look at clouds and try to 'see' faces and objects in them. Even today when I am on a flight, I like to look out at the clouds...it is almost as if they have formed a fluffy cushion for me to float on :)

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  7. Magical... these words, clouds, trees... simply magical. What was the Joni Mitchell song?
    May your weeks ahead be filled with joy, peace, and beauty.
    Warm wishes,
    ~ Debra

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  8. @KD
    I still do that! The child remains alive witin me. :D

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  9. @neanster77
    I do too! I take photos of clouds and trees more than anything else, and never tire of it.

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  10. @The Wanderer:
    I've always seen things in clouds. One of my favorite illustrators, NC Wyeth, created The Giant. Like most of his work, you can see the story in the painting. Check out this link for the background on it: http://www.mainlinetoday.com/Main-Line-Today/September-2010/NC-Wyeth-and-039The-Giant-039/index.php?cparticle=1&siarticle=0#artanc

    And here you can see the painting: http://www.awyethgallery.com/nc/giant.html

    It remains one of my favorite paintings of all time. Thanks for your comments!

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  11. @Debra:
    The Joni Mitchell song was "Both Sides Now" and is a classic...and still runs through my mind when I look at clouds :D may your weeks also be magically peaceful and happy...
    ~cath

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  12. Beautiful. I felt like I was riding with you. And Joni.

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  13. @Thom Brown thanks Thom...music adds immeasurably to the moments of my life...

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  14. Stunning photos! I agree that witnessing the expanse of the universe feels is like looking at the face of God, or maybe the closest I'll get ...

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  15. Hadn't seen this. No wonder it's Most Beautiful.

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  16. @sweepyjean Thanks, I am glad you enjoyed my photos. Sometimes, when I look at the sky, I can't imagine heaven being any better than the exquisiteness in front of my eyes. xo

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