In Illusions, Richard Bach describes my attitude about the sky, weather, and clouds, “the sky is always changing, but it is always a perfect sky.” I keep my eyes on the sky. I unabashedly claim the title of weather nerd since all my life I have been interested in the weather. I would have been a meteorologist if I had had any confidence in my science and math ability. Not having pursued that career, I revel in my amateur status as one who loves looking at clouds.
My fascination with weather began on the farm. I learned early from my dad that every endeavor in farming was influenced by the weather. A farmer’s eyes were always on the sky. The failure or success of crops as well as livestock management depended on knowing what weather might portend. Dad taught me to read the weather—what clouds meant, what wind changes might ordain, and how to smell coming rain and/or snow. I kept a cloud chart on my childhood bedroom wall. I have amused my friends over the years with my “predictions” of impending weather that often, not always, come true.
My professional career was little influenced by the weather. Weather had more to do with my personal activities, although most of the time clouds and weather did not slow me down. If I bundled up, I could run in subzero temperatures in Wisconsin. A little rain was often a refreshing experience in the heat of running in the South, as long as it was not a thunderstorm. In Colorado I refuse to let the wind in the winter dictate how much time I spend outdoors.
Carolina skies are blue, and Colorado skies are bluebird blue. I have more access to the wide-open spaces making my sky observances easier now than when in the tree canopies of North Carolina. I am still learning to make sense of the weather patterns often mitigated by the presence of mountains and upslope winds. I continually look to the sky to see what it forewarns as well as the splendor it offers. 2015 was my “year in clouds” on Facebook. I shared photos of clouds that thrilled me, whether they were breath-taking sunrises or sunsets, or just interesting cloud formations. I am always mindful of the ever-changing perfect skies.
When I think of clouds and the sky, I sometimes reflect on the words from Joni Mitchell’s song, Both Sides Now. The metaphor seems to be that clouds are equivalent to life. I cannot agree more. The lyrics note, however, “so many things I would have done but clouds got in my way.” Yes, sometimes life got in my way, but clouds generally have not deterred me.
To take Mitchell’s cloud symbols further, I believe skies have taught me to reflect, “It’s cloud’s illusions I recall. I really don’t know clouds at all.” I am learning that the beginning of wisdom is when a person comes to wonder just how much she does not know about clouds (or life). I continue to learn about the world, and part of that learning is to be conscious of the beauty and awe of the skies.
Karla,
I, too, am fascinated by the sky, and I, too, considered meteorology as a career path early on. I enjoyed this read.
I am beginning to think that after you do this for a year or two, you will have ample content for a book of “Wanderings and Wonderings.” If you haven’t thought about it, please do. I think lots of people would enjoy it. I think the benefits of a farm upbringing permeate your writing. You began life living closer to the land than most. Indeed, I cannot remember for sure, but if you have yet to write about it, your orientation to, and relationship with, farm animals would be an interesting topic–you know, talking about the reciprocal relationship between animals as both a food source and as earthly companions. Just a thought.
As always, thanks Dan. I have a couple ideas about (farm) animals that I will pursue at some point. A book someday? Maybe, but right now I am just enjoying trying to share some of my thoughts as broadly as possible in “bits.” My inspiration for the farm stuff comes a lot from the books and blog that my former chair and mentor at Wisconsin, Jerry Apps, has written. And as I hope you know, my desire for story telling was nurtured by your writings!
Oohhh, I like this one a lot. You are the Queen weather nerd for sure, but like you, the farm life made me attentive to the skies and of course, the Weather Channel has always been a favorite. Some of my most favorite pictures I’ve ever taken are because of the focus on the sky features— clouds, light, color, framing, shimmers/glimmers, and bursts… night sky, dawn or dusk, sun, storms, fog, snow— they are all worthy of wonder and awe. 🙂
Love this Karla. I have never been good with words or expressing my thoughts as you obviously are. I do know that there is so little in this world that I truly understand. But each day I wake up with a desire to learn and explore the natural world around me for that is where I find my peace.
I am glad you enjoyed the entry. I write a lot about growing up on the farm, so you can imagine a bit what I am talking about. Best wishes.
Loved this Karla. As an artist I always strived to paint or sketch when I was younger. These days the sky is captured with photography, clouds and the colors that manifest at dawn and dusk.
Keep up your enjoyable thoughts.
Thanks Robin. I love your photos and other creations, and especially your music making!
Karla, thank you for sharing.😊
My father was on the Navy, and he taught my five siblings and I much about clouds and sky. Your references to one of my favorite artists Joni Mitchell are spot on. ☁️🌤️🌧️
It’s great to here that other fathers, besides farmers, teach their kids about the skies. We miss you here in Estes Park!
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
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