Puffy Stuff

Clouds and Pillows

This past week my eyes have been drawn to the clouds. They have been gorgeous! It could be that the rainy season is beginning to exit, leaving the large and alluring whites floating in a sea of blue, soaking up sunlight, forgetting to pour, skipping their storms.

Maybe it's my new birthday camera from my husband that has made the clouds particularly attractive. I have a sense though, that it's related to my getting (a little) older and a certain song that comes to mind.

Below are some puffy thoughts that floated through my head while perusing the lyrics of one of my favorites about clouds, Both Sides Now.

It definitely could be a grandma song. We have seen both sides of our offspring, first as babies, then as a parents. And in the drama of the days, the conclusion oftentimes is...as the song goes..... I really don't know clouds at all. We have our illusions of perfection, we have our disappointments. We've had enough moons and Junes to realize that everyday is a gift, a fresh chance to learn something and absorb a bit more of life. Getting older and being Nana is teaching me that tears and fears will never disappear, life has painful days and happy days. It has circus rides and lost friendships. Love, like a cloud is something we never get a complete grasp on, sometimes because of our innate selfishness, and our pride. Life, like a cloud can show a dark side, one that might bring rain even on a bright day. Wouldn't life be missing something without those beautiful white clouds that bring moisture to the earth? (end of puffy thoughts)

Both Sides Now

Bows and flows of angel hair and ice cream castles in the air

And feather canyons everywhere, I've looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun they rain and snow on everyone

So many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way

I've looked at clouds from both sides now

From up and down and still somehow

It's cloud's illusions I recall

I really don't know clouds at all

Moons and Junes and ferris wheels the dizzy dancing way you feel

As every fairy tale comes real, I've looked at love that way

But now it's just another show, you leave 'em laughin when you go

And if you care don't let them know, don't give yourself away

I've looked at love from both sides now

From give and take and still somehow

It's love's illusions I recallI really don't know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud, to say, "I love you" right out loud

Dreams and schemes and circus crowds, I've looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange they shake their heads, they say I've changed

But something's lost but something's gained in living every day

I've looked at life from both sides now

From win and lose and still somehow

It's life's illusions I recallI really don't know life at all

(Written by Joni Mitchell)

I LOVE MY NEW PILLOW

My creative quilting sister Mar made me a pillow for my birthday. She knows I love Mary Engelbreit She's made me small pillows before, but this is my favorite. I love everything about it. A pillow is a great gift. I know you'll enjoy looking at the pictures of it, as much as I love having it under my head each evening. I love the softness of my new pillow and I love ... both sides of it. Thanks Fifth Sister.