The Cloud Collectors

by Ingrid. Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

Cloud Appreciation Society, Cloud collector's handbook, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, cumulonimbus, photography, cirrus, stratus

Cumulonimbus © Mick Ohrberg

I am so surprised at myself for not writing about clouds sooner. Apologies to those who’ve been waiting, I really love clouds! Really. To mark the occasion, I’ve created a new category called SkyLife. Clever, I know. Many of my past stories have had awkward homes up until now, but I’m pleased to say they now have a comfy sunny spot in the sky.

Back to the clouds. As a kid, I took pride in knowing a Cirrus from a Stratus, a Cumulonimbus from a Cumulus. Yep, I was nature nerd early in life. Yet there are so many cloud types I don’t know. Virga? Pileus? Wow. And tell me, Mother Superior, How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?

Enter the The Cloud Collector’s Handbook by Gavin Pretor-Pinney (who is also the founder of The Cloud Appreciation Society… where do I sign?! Oh, visit the link).

The Handbook gathers spectacular photos alongside scientific commentary, naming criteria and is conveniently pocket sized so you can spot clouds on the go and even award yourself points for clouds correctly recognised. Who needs an iPhone?!

The beauty of clouds is that you can’t keep them, they are momentary, always moving, always changing. Stopping to stare at the clouds puts you in the moment, and hopefully closer to happiness. Pretor-Pinney, summed it up perfectly in the New York Times recently:

“Happiness does not come from wanting to be somewhere else. Happiness comes from finding beauty and a stimulation or interest in the everyday surroundings in which you find yourself.”

Stratocumulus © Ruzuiana Mohd Mokhtar

Virga © The Cloud Collector's Handbook

Altocumulus lenticularis © Ryan Verwest

Stratus © Michele Gruber

Mamma © John Rowlands

Cap © Ryan Verwest

Roll Cloud © Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Iridescence © Hong Gyo Cho

Pileus © Sandra Malone

If you have another spare moment today, I recommend taking a squiz at this clip on the Guardian of more photos set to an endearing VO by Pretor-Pinney.

Now off you go, get your head in the clouds xx

About Ingrid Schroder

A Sydney-side freelance graphic designer, photographer & yoga teacher - I find myself turning to nature for guaranteed revival from the crazy pace of city life - be it digging in my garden, capturing natural beauty through a lens, floating in the ocean, practicing yoga or out exploring this incredible planet we all call home. Follow me on twitter @Cohabitaire

This story published on Wednesday, March 30th, 2011 at 8:25 am. Filed under SkyLife and tagged with clouds, science, sky. Follow any responses to this story through the RSS 2.0 feed.

http://www.thenewpursuit.com Bill Gerlach

Ingrid,

I love this. Absolutely love this. Somehow I missed this post but found it by way of your most recent.

Perhaps it’s strange to say it (though a group called “The Cloud Appreciation Society” certainly validates it) but I find clouds to be some of the most amazing things that grace this Earth. I get lost in them, am humbled by them and in some ways feel a connection to the cosmic divine through them (hoaky sounding, yes, but it’s true).

Many times, I’m blessed to be in the car each day as the sun rises and sets. Its dance with the clouds as it moves through the sky — and the colors the sky paints with — just move me so. It is respite for the soul.

Thanks for sharing. Hope all is well.

Bill

http://www.cohabitaire.com IJS

Hi Bill – I’m so glad you liked this story, I completely agree – clouds truly are some of the most amazing things to grace the Earth!

What I love knowing is that there’s a group of people joining forces in appreciation of such beautiful things that we often get too busy to notice, and mostly take for granted.

Thanks for stopping by as always – well wishes to you :)
Ingrid