"Clouds Illusions"

"Rows and floes of angel hair

and ice cream castles in the air

and feather canyons everywhere

I've looked at clouds that way"

Above are the opening lines of the famous Joni Mitchell song, "Both Sides, Now" but I want to end it there because the song ends sadly as the lyrics take on a very jaded view of life.

This evening as the sun had just set, the passing clouds did not fail to provide a beautiful show of color and movement. I might not have even given the sky much attention were it not for the world of wonder where my four year-old granddaughter dwells. She was enthralled at the many hues and shapes and her child's awe made my breath catch in my throat. I didn't want the moment to end but the setting sun is a tease with these lovely departures. I'd like to invite you, dear readers, to listen in on some of our conversation.

Amelie: Granny, look at the clouds! It looks like it might rain but there are so many cute colors!

Granny: Yes. The cloud colors are lovely tonight.

Amelie: Oh, Granny! Look at the yellow cloud! Have you ever seen a yellow cloud? I have never seen a yellow cloud! It's so beautiful!

Granny: No, sweetie. I don't think I've ever seen a cloud so yellow before.

Amelie: One time, I saw a rainbow. Rainbows come out when it's raining and the sun is shining. Have you ever seen a rainbow?

Granny: Yes, I have. Did you know that God puts the rainbow in the sky for a promise to us?

Amelie: I knew that Granny!

Granny: Amelie, do you know that the sky colors are prettier in the Fall than at other times?

Amelie: Yes! The trees are pretty, too!

Amelie: Granny?

Granny: Yes, Amelie.

Amelie: The clouds were very complicated tonight.