Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with creating a manifesto reflecting wonders, curiosities, and delights currently captivating me – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words.
N is for…
nubivagant – wandering among the clouds; moving through the clouds (pronunciation: nU-bi-‘vA-gant)
I’m charmed by this word from the 1600s.
What a fabulous shift in perspective to think about wandering among the clouds. I like to think about this several ways. First, as myself, a cloud wanderer in cloudland. So many adventures to be had! Of course there is actual flying in the sky – and I’ve certainly seen the most incredible clouds from airplane windows, and had some nothing less than numinous experiences.
But it’s also lovely to expand our thinking as Diane Ackerman invites us to:
“Look at your feet. You are standing in the sky. When we think of the sky, we tend to look up, but the sky actually begins at the earth. We walk through it, yell into it, rake leaves, wash the dog, and drive cars in it. We breathe it deep within us. With every breath, we inhale millions of molecules of sky, heat them briefly, and then exhale them back into the world.”
Isn’t that exciting? We are nubivagant creatures!
I love thinking of clouds as cosmic travelers moving hither and yon, allowing us to sometimes catch glimpses of them on their journeys and yet, really just going about their own business. Delivering rain sometimes; providing a bit of shade sometimes; shape-shifting at whim. Even with storm clouds hustling wildly, I imagine cloudland to be an inherently spacious place of peace.
There’s no hiding the fact that I’m utterly enchanted by clouds. It’s so hard to wrap my mind around them, no doubt because they are so ephemeral. Science can explain particular types, but I always think of them as some peculiar shape-shifting tribe of ethereal magic.
Cloud watching is the quintessential pastime inviting us back into slow time. It’s an opportunity to connect to wonder, to engage our imaginations. It can be a reminder to hold things loosely – as we watch clouds morph and shift we can allow some spaciousness and perhaps loosen our own grip on things we might be holding too tightly.
Lightness of thought doesn’t translate into lightness of weight though. Wispy appearance can be deceiving – even a small cumulus cloud can weigh as much as two elephants.
We don’t often think of elephants as nubivagant creatures, but there’s a charming tale suggesting that elephants once had wings. One elephant, tiring after a long flight, thought he’d rest a bit by landing in a large very old banyan tree. But alas the tree couldn’t support his considerable weight, and the branch he landed on cracked and fell upon a meditating yogi sitting under the tree. The man lost his temper and cursed away the wings of all elephants, who thereafter had to resort to walking.
If you love clouds you may wish to become an official member of The Cloud Appreciation Society. (Bonus points for the Society because they have a manifesto, and obviously I love manifestos). I mentioned my love of Van Gogh in an earlier post in this series, but did you know there were actual Van Gogh clouds, more formally known as Kelvin-Helmholzt clouds. Take a peek here for some examples.
I couldn’t resist creating a little cloud art of my own. Ages ago I made some of the softest paper ever – truly as soft as clouds – and I’ve saved every little scrap of it remaining from the original project. I’ve included a bit here.
While I like to imagine everyone likes clouds as much as I do, I think these are very wise words of Konrad Adenauer:
“We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon.”
But from where I stand…
I delight in my nubivagant nature. Clouds can be such a helpful reminder of how energy moves; how things shift; how not to hold on so tightly; and how to be both powerful and dance lightly.
What about you? Are you a card-carrying member of the The Cloud Appreciation Society? More of a feet-on-the-ground or head-in-the-clouds kind of person? Do tell – you know I love to hear.
It’s pouring out this AM, such clear evidence that we live in the clouds… this post definitely helped my perspective this morning.
Beth
https://bethlapinsatozblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/novel/
That’s one of the joys of A-to-Z isn’t it? So many opportunities to shift our perspective. I love that!
Hari OM
Ackerman is actually talking about atmosphere, the sky being that which is above us; it’s from the old Norse/Middle English meaning … wait for it… ‘cloud’… and transmuting into meaning ‘the heavens’. Forgive my take on semantics – for it does not detract from my love of clouds and your sharing of your love for them! I sit in my Hutch and look out at them over the hills – often coming down to wrap the earth like blankets. Walking in the Scottish hills means many encounters with clouds. When walking in the Himalaya, cloud is often below – THAT is when one feels as if walking in the sky! To watch the clouds is as soothing and calming as to watch the ocean… so I guess the opening of my response shows I am ‘grounded’, yet the rest shows I have my head reaching every upwards &*> YAM xx
LOL – nothing to forgive about your take on semantics Yamini. And clearly it serves you well in your teaching capacity, where such things are often critically important.
I, on the other hand, am perfectly delighted to think of everything literally above the Earth’s surface as cloudland.
I hope some day to walk the Scottish hills and share your cloud experience – it must be wonderful. But truly the epitome of delight for me might be some day to visit the Himalyas. I dream of walking there often, and perhaps that’s as close as I’ll get.
…if you find yourself heading to the Bonny Land – give me a yell! I can no longer climb myself but can ensure experiences not to be forgotten! Yxx
Sounds wonderful Yamini.
Oh, certainly I am. I love watching them and love the fact that they are always, always different. i have aFacebook friend who posts clouds that look like other things all the time and they are wonderful. Great word, great theme! I think I visited before… Liz http://www.poetryroundabout.com
Now that’s a fun thing to post on FB – I’m sure it must delight everyone who sees them.
Thanks for stopping by again Liz – and happy cloud watching!
Hi Deborah – what a great word … but not much use for me today – thick grey full mist and rain cover … but oh yes … to wander lonely as a cloud through blue skies with ever changing thoughts … nubivagant … delightful word. I’ve heard the chap who started the cloud appreciation society speak – and am always bemused by him … and can believe what you said about Vincent’s clouds … just bought the DVD for friends to watch – so another chance for me … cheers Hilary
I love the idea of being bemused Hilary – and I suspect that’s exactly the proper response to all cloud appreciators. In fact, if I were in charge, I might make that a membership requirement. Bemusement all around. 🙂
Enjoy the film again. I’ve yet to see it, but I’m quite looking forward to it.
Just this morning when we went for a beach walk, we commented on the clouds and their interesting and beautiful configuration against the blue sky. Also last evening although there was little light, the sky looked inviting with its strange clouds forming halos of – light. Now as it’s turning to dusk, the setting sun is casting light among the sky awash with clouds … it’s quite beautiful ..
I love the tale of how the elephant lost its wings! As well as that a cumulus cloud even though small can weigh as much as 2 elephants! Lovely post thank you Deborah!
Sounds like some beautiful cloud watching is happening for you – how wonderful Susan! Our clouds have been spitting out snow all day – I think they must be tired of still carrying winter’s load. 🙂
My new book of folktales includes a tale about a boy who wanted to walk on the clouds (and he does achieve his goal). It is one of my favorite stories to tell, so I made sure to publish it in English too 🙂
I love the elephant story! I knew it in a different version.
The Multicolored Diary: Weird Things in Hungarian Folktales
I hope someday to actually hear you tell that tale. But in the meantime, while I won’t wish April to speed ahead more than it already is, I am looking forward to May when I’ll have a little more time to devote to reading your book.
Hmm, I thought I saw you walking ’round near my cloud wanderings! Nice to know I’m not the only one nubivaganting out here.
Thanks for a wonder-ful word!
LOL – how fun to bump into you – with a gentle cloud bump of course! Thanks for stopping by.
You have given me a wonderful word picture–all in one word, nubivagant. I have thought of this on foggy days, with a lot of wonder and awe, that the clouds would come down to our level as if to greet us in the morning before being driven away by the sun. I will think of it on clear days, now, as well. Have a wonderful day!
Heather Erickson Heather Erickson Author
I love your fog imaging Heather – absolutely delightful! Wishing you a wonderful day as well.
Asolutely delightful post with the very best saved for the last – about the handmade softest paper. Made me want to touch it 🙂 And I enjoyed learning about the Cloud Appreciation Society.
Clound watching is truly specially, especilly in the mountains …
Do check out my #BlogchatterA2Z submission for letter N:
https://lonelycanopyblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/15/nothing-like-school-memories/
Thank you for your visits and kind words Seema. May you always have beautiful clouds to appreciate!
We’ve had flighty clouds in the skies for almost three days now. They fly away and drop no rain. I wish they would stay and rumble and tumble a few drops down. It’s been a very dry year so far.
What’s not to love about cloud watching?
When our daughter was in primary school, one of her favourite books was Cloud Busting by Malorie Blackman. My grade four class loved it being read aloud to them. We are all cloud lovers:)
Diane Ackerman’s quote is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
I’m reading your post after watching Susan’s elephant video and wondering how we’d video them if they still had wings–maybe we’d have flying safaris then.
O is for Overheard at Old Harry Rocks
I’ll be checking out Cloud Busting – thanks Arti. And one good kid’s book recommendation deserves another, so I’m recommending Cloud Tea Monkeys.
Monkeys and elephants all enjoying the clouds too – how fun! LOL – can you imagine what a delight flying safaris would be. I’d vote for going by magic carpet.
I like clouds and cannot fathom a day without looking up into the sky. Of course it’s overcast here often so seeing clouds that are discernible and interesting can be a challenge. But I try. There’s a joy to releasing expectations while watching the show above.
Indeed Ally, there’s real delight in settling back and opening to whatever magic the clouds deliver.
I agree that your choice of word to represent your letter n is great, nubivagant, it is not a word that I was familiar with before. Clouds are great to watch, so relaxing especially in the summer sun.
Great post, thanks for sharing.
https://writingiscommunication.wordpress.com/2018/04/16/nevermore-the-space-between-bookstore-presented-by-a-to-z-100-word-stories/
Thanks for stopping by Shari, and happy cloud watching!
[…] Deborah Weber, who’s doing the A to Z Challenge, used this line in her post for the letter “N.” I liked it so much I said I’d use it today. Thanks, Deborah! […]
I appreciate the shout out John – thank you!
As a native Washingtonian, I love blue sky, but I’ve also noticed the beauty of cloud formations. It’s always important to look up! Clouds also make for some of the most gorgeous sunsets.
Clouds and sunsets seem like perfect dance partners to me. It’s always fun to see what choreography gets captured.
This is such a beautiful word though I am stumbling a little on the pronounciation; shall look it up! Is it French in origin?
Secondly I share your delight in imagining a cloud land where I could fly ofcourse; more importantly the clouds would be like bouncies to bounce on from one end to the other. Some would be mushy and would let you sink through and then wrap themselves around you.
Elephants with wings – that is some picture being painted in my mind 😉
It’s actually Latin in origin – Latin nubes (“cloud”) + vagant- (“wandering”).
I love your imaginings about a cloud land filled with all manner of clouds – I like the idea of sinking in and being wrapped up. That would be fabulous!
The idea of winged elephants makes me laugh every time I think about it. It’s a most wonderful image isn’t it?!
That is a fantastic thought, walking through clouds by looking at the ground. This is going to stay in my mind for a long while. Love it!
I really love this too Patty.
[…] a quote from Konrad Adenauer in one of Deborah Weber’s A to Z Challenge posts and decided to use it for my one-liner. Thanks again, […]