As a child, I was fascinated with clouds. There in Ohio they were billowy white and beautiful. My friends and I would lay on the grass and find images of animals, birds, flowers, and all sorts of things in the puffy whiteness. It was great fun and something I continue to enjoy to this day. Does one ever completely outgrow enjoying the simple pleasures of being a child?
The clouds here along the Pacific Coast are something entirely different and can also be truly amazing. There are times when I am busy taking a picture and then later, looking at the image, I see the clouds I had failed to notice. There are other times when clouds have taken my breath away — so stunning I can hardly believe what I am seeing.
The camera plays games with the color, light, and reflections of things I have attempted to capture. So, even though I think I know how the picture will present itself, I am many times surprised at the result. There have been many wonderful endings to my attempts at taking pictures. I am grateful for these sweet little gifts since my photography skills are still those of a novice.
Recently the clouds have been calling to me more than usual. Perhaps it is because of the season and the storms that come and go. It may be something stirring inside of me that causes me to look up in awe. It doesn't really matter, as it is all good, the things that take me back to happy childhood memories and offer me joys of the present moment. |
