This cloud appeared late afternoon.
It was one bright streak
coming out of a gloomy gray cloud.
What does that say?
Nature always gives us messages
in their art,
telling us to look
and to think.
So I looked, and I thought.
I felt hope and goodness.
I smiled for a long time.
I thought of Anne Frank’s words,
In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart.
I thought of E.B. White’s words,
Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.
Look up, because nature is waiting for you to see, and hopefully feel.
Jennie
About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
My wife sees faces and messages in clouds, and she firmly believes they are real. I rarely see the same things she points out, but I can see what you mean about the one in this photo.
Best wishes, Pete.
Hubby and I often see different things, too. I’m with Julie! I’m glad you enjoyed this, Pete.
Yes – if we only look and observe.
Exactly!
a lovely message; I was in need of optimism and found it ; thank you 🙂
I’m so glad! You’re welcome.
we all need this right now, thank you for sharing the message
I think so, too. Glad you enjoyed.
Jennie, I enjoyed your sparkling words this morning. A lovely way to begin my day. Hugs!
I’m so glad! Thank you, Teagan. Hugs!
I think this one is kind of like the old adage about finding the silver lining. There is light to be found even among the gray, and appreciating the small things when the big picture is sometimes difficult to see.
Hear, hear!
Lovely post Jennie!
Thank you!
I love clouds and the way they talk to us. I often see pictures forming, and sometimes actual words. I was out walking with a friend one day and the clouds seemed to be forming the word ‘Hello!’ We both saw it, so I know I wasn’t going crazy!
Your story is wonderful. Thank you.
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I got 6 big windows in my ‘room’ and numberous birds and animals that make me feel life is worth living.
I get it, Don. That makes life worth living.
I love this, Jennie. When I get my sanctuary established, I plan to use inspirational quotes integrated into the landscape. This one by E.B. White is on the list. 🙂
I love your sanctuary plan! I’m glad you’re including White’s quote. Thank you, Alethea.
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I love those two quotes, Jennie. Your post made me smile. 😊💓
I’m so glad! Thank you, Deborah. 🙂
You’re welcome, Jennie!
Just as I used to tell the kids, ‘look up, down and around because there’s so much to see’. We did it Steve the Curbside Classroom and it’s amazing how amazed they were. I hope they continue to do it. I recently talked with a dad of two of my ‘kids’. One just graduated from Army ROTC and the second is close behind. I guess we’re in good hands.
I remember you told the kids that! See, you made a difference, as the ROTC kid’s dad confirms. Yes, we’re in good hands!
I immediately saw a ‘light at the edge of the shadow’ in your messaging clouds…and this song came to mind. (I think you might like because it’s country-style!) 😉
keep lookin’ up!
Great song, and I loved that movie. Isn’t it wonderful when nature brings music to mind?
Yep!
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The clouds and the sky can tell us so much. As a kid on the prairies I often observed the clouds and found stories and messages in them. As an adult I seldom take the time. Maybe I need to change that. I love both quotes, thanks, Jennie.
I’m glad this reminded you of your childhood cloud watching on the prairies. I hope you rekindle doing that. Thanks so much, Darlene.
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Thank you for the uplifting post, Jennie! I greatly appreciate it.
You are welcome, Liz!
wow
I know…💕
I love watching the clouds and take lots of photos of them.
I’m so glad, Marlene!
The sky has been a great solace to me of late.
I’m glad. Me, too!
Beautiful reminder to look up, gawk, wonder, and look for the messages. Until my husband retired, he never thought about clouds. Now, every day, we sit on our front porch and he points out shapes and figures and, yes, now and then, a message. ❤
That is just wonderful, Pam! Thanks for telling me. 💕
I love watching clouds and the shapes they form… love it when something recognisable suddenly emerges…♥
Yes! It’s always a wonder. 😍
That’s a lovely photo, Jennie. It’s hard to look up at that and not see something good.
I feel the same way. Thanks, Dan.
Love this post, clouds are fascinating.
They are! Thank you, Resa.
You’re most welcome.
Hi Jennie, thank you for this wonderful and uplifting message and reminder.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Robbie.
Hi Jennie, love this!! I’m one that constantly has my head in the clouds!
I’m so glad! Thanks, Debbie.
first of all – that cloud arrangement is amazing – and then the hope it inspired in you was felt over here – and excellent quotes
Yes! It was, and I’m glad you felt the hope, and enjoyed the quotes. Thank you, Prior.
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That is pretty darn beautiful.
Thanks, Jacqui. It is!
Beautiful and wonderful messages one gets from clouds. Fabulous poem Jennie 😊
Yes, very much so. Thank you, Kamal!
Beautiful Jennie. One of my fav pastimes when outside is cloud gazing. There are many stories in clouds. xx
Yes, there are so many stories in clouds. Sometimes I wonder what made me look up, and then it is there, telling me so many things. I believe clouds are God’s messengers. Thank you, Debby.
Me too Jennie xx
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You are always welcome dear Jennie. Have a wonderful day ahead 🌹🌹🌹
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According to this wonderful event you created a wonderful poem, Jennie! Thanks for sharing with us. Here sometimes it´s better to look at the sky. 😉 xx Michael
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Michael! Yes, look up and you might see wonder. Best to you.