I’ve got a fixation that I’m having a hard time shaking. When it takes hold — and it often does while the five kids and I are cruising along in the minivan — everyone knows what’s coming. The teens roll their eyes. The young ones sigh. They’ve given up on convincing me this obsession is unworthy. So they simply exchange knowing glances and turn up the radio while I indulge.
“Look at that one!” I’ll say. “That’s incredible!”
Yeah, Mom, whatever.
I’m obsessed with clouds. I’m absolutely in love with the sky paintings I see on a regular basis here on the prairie. And I’ve come to realize, in part through my friends who live in other places, that there’s something to this; that living in “God’s country,” the land of the Big Sky, well, it’s not like this everywhere.
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| Badlands/Medora, North Dakota (Emily Brooks) |
Case in point, the above photo was supplied by Emily Brooks, a friend who shares a passion with sky shots. This one was taken in Western North Dakota near Medora in the “Badlands.” It doesn’t get much more divine than when untouched terrain meets the heavens. Add the perfect time of day when sun provides natural fill light, creating mesmerizing shadows, and you’ve got something; something worth capturing. Because the sun at the right time and place is fleeting.
I’ve been collecting these images over the past months and I can no longer keep them to myself. Since I don’t have a completely receptive audience here at home, I’m hoping you’ll oblige me.
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| “One Summer Evening at Dusk,” Fargo, North Dakota (Roxane B. Salonen) |
Mind you, I’m not a professional photographer –though I consider myself a devoted amateur — and I don’t always have my Canon nearby when the moment strikes. Some of these were snapped with my cell phone. Not brilliant photography, though a brilliant canvas. But even in the best of these, a true echo of reality isn’t possible through the camera lens, though I might die trying.
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| “Luminous Cloud in a Dakota Sky,” Fargo, North Dakota (Roxane B. Salonen) |
Sometimes, the sun acts as a spotlight, zeroing in on one particular cloud that’s been touched pink by its descending rays, bringing it to the fore as the rest of the scene fades to gray.
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| “Tug of War Weather,” Carmel of Mary Monastery, Wahpeton, North Dakota (Roxane B. Salonen) |
Other times it seems as though there’s a Weather Tug of War going on in the sky. Which will win — the gray or the white?
Cotton candy puffs are some of my favorites. I look at them and inhale their fluffy lovely.
But even the ominous ones have their place. They remind me of the might of nature.
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| “Chasing a Storm Chasing the Earth,” Fargo, North Dakota (Rebecca Raber) |
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| “Today Matters,” Fargo, North Dakota (Rebecca Raber) |
The above two were taken by our school’s choir teacher. She’s another who’s been captivated by the prairie sky. Note the sign on the school marquee, as well as the powerfully distinct cloud edges. (Yes, the small things make me giddy!)
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| “Poolside,” Island Park, Fargo, North Dakota (Roxane B. Salonen) |
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| From the Shores of Lake Lizzie, Minnesota (Emily Brooks) |
Summertime clouds can be particularly charming, inducing the viewer into a warm-weather coma.
And airplane clouds never fail to enrapture through their humility-prompting perspective.
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| “Scattered Sky Puffs” (Roxane B. Salonen) |
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| “The Misty Earth Below” (Roxane B. Salonen) |
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| “Sky Vistas” (Roxane B. Salonen) |
Such a great posting to read at the beginning of the day! I will definitely be paying more attention to the beautiful sky and the beauty God blesses us with!!
Anonymous, I promise, you won’t regret it. I hope you’ll come back with a report of what you saw. 🙂
My fascination is with the sun- sunshine, sunrises, sunsets, all things-sun! But truly, the best back drop for sunshine, is in combination with the clouds and they are just as much a part of the “paintings” in the sky.
But I love that you see and hear a message from God in all of this, I hadn’t thought of it in that way… what a glorious way to think of it- thank you for that gift today!
Vicky, absolutely. What would a painting be without the light that brings it to life? The sun is a huge component. What I love about the clouds is that they are always so different, so varied. But it all works together for God’s glory! I’m glad I could help inspire you. Your photos and words certainly have inspired me!
Breath-taking. I also pause to gaze at the sky, night or day, it tells me so much, open my mind and imagination. Those storm clouds gave me chills. The cotton candy clouds made my mouth water.
Happy sky gazing!
I’m so touched by this post, Roxane. How beautiful. I had no idea that you loved the clouds.
Sometimes, when I feel like the world is closing in on me, I look up at the sky. I imagine that there is a tiny person sitting on top of a cloud and swinging his/her legs over the edge, feeling really happy and blessed, and watching over me and my loved ones.
I’ve never shared this with anyone. Sounds silly, I know.
But, these moments reassure me that God is always with us.
Beautiful post. How uplifting. I think i’m a fan of faith fridays! God bless 🙂
Your cloud collection is really lovely! Thank you for this meditation. Here in the southwest, our skies are beautiful. They convey the loving message you describe, in a powerful, colorful way.
Have you ever had a moment to check out Skywatch Friday? I try to make time over my weekend to check out 15-20 of the linked blogs.
It’s amazing to see the different perspectives from all of the world.
I submitted last Sunday’s sky this week.
Wonderfull post and fotos, terrible the natuur,will became strong ,greeting from Belgium
Cloudscapes not on canvas but on our imagination as we interpret the hand of God is nature’s way of letting us know that God wants us to walk with him and talk to him. He has never gone away, has always remained present, and it is only we who forget his presence here with us now, right now, this very instant. God Bless you Roxanne for helping keep us present. Rick
Mary, I had nightmares after viewing those storm clouds….seriously. They’re still powerful and beautiful in their own way. Glad you like the cotton candy with me. 🙂
Marie, I LOVE that visual. That’s so sweet and I’m glad you shared it with me. Now I’m going to think of that little person up there, hanging out, wishing us all the best. 🙂
Kerri, come any time! And by the way, I enjoyed your column a few weeks back. Nice job!
Rosslyn, I’ll bet they are beautiful. My mom said when she went to college in Colorado, she remembers the sunsets were turquoise. Sounds amazing!
Tami, I’d love to see your entry. Tried going over there but got lost. Which number is it?
retriever, welcome! I have a friend who grew up in Belgium so I’ve enjoyed learning a bit about your country through her. Thanks for stopping by!
Rick, you were hiding up there but I did read your comment earlier and found it to be so true. When I take these photos and write about them, I am reminding myself as well. 🙂
Sorry Roxane…I should have linked it….http://www.tamiweingartner.net/2011/10/serendipity-at-kemland.html
Roxanne. I had to get back to you. My methodist church choir sang Haydn’s “The Heavens Are Telling” which is from his oratorio “The Creation” this Sunday and I could not but smile as I sung my bass part thinking of your photo essay and our common heritage in North Dakota (no small part of which is skyscapes). Listen to King’s College rendition of “The Heavens …” on you tube: Franz Joseph Haydn’s The Heavens are Telling from the the Oratorio The Creation Sung by King’s College, Cambridge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwqqfbinUDY God bless. Rick