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The weather is warm and the draw is definitely to be
out-of-doors. Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, or the folding chaise
lounge and head for a clear open space where you and your family can do
some cloud-watching.
Bring sketch paper, plenty of crayons or colored pencils,
and a large hand mirror so that you can record your sightings. Find a
clear, unobstructed spot to view the cloud; this can be in your yard, at a
park, by the beach, out in the country. Set up chairs or spread the
blanket. Get comfortable; really comfortable. Breathe deeply to relax and
to "shut out" the noise and stresses of the everyday world.
Bring a portable stereo, if you like, and quietly play instrumental or
orchestral background music. |
Focus on watching the clouds
float by. Try to imagine shapes or creatures made of clouds. Can you see a
whale-shaped cloud? Or does the flat one look like a sleeping dragon?
Share your creative sightings by pointing out and tracing the cloud
shapes. Make up a family "add-on" story about the fantasy
images. No imagining is too silly--the point is to laugh, share, enjoy the
sun, and being together.
Place the mirror face up
(looking toward the clouds) and watch the clouds from the perspective of
the mirror's surface. A thin sheet of tracing paper placed on the mirror
will allow you to trace actual clouds.
One of the most important gifts
you can give your family is simply time to relax, day-dream, and
experience the whimsey of imagination. Not only will you end up with fun
pictures of fantastic cloud shapes, but you will provide opportunity for
unguarded conversation, true bonding, and child-like enthusiasm. Enjoy! |
