Cotton breathing when the sea winds

Spring finally made its way to Syracuse. After snowy treks and torrential downpours, the sun is here to hopefully stay. With it comes time to sit outside and ponder the future. And don’t you know that clouds for some reason draw out the desire for future-pondering? Why is that? Does anybody know? There’s something about the vast sky and magical floating water above our heads that makes us feel wonderfully small in our big, beautiful world. So we sit and think about our place in it, and wonder how we would like to spend our days.

Once again, National Geographic turns out some stunning photos.

Altocumulus Undulatus Clouds

Fluffy altocumulus undulatus clouds stain the sky red above a row of trees, and often herald an approaching storm.

Mackerel Sky Sunset

A “mackerel sky” adds to a striking sunset scene in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England. Ripples of altocumulus or cirrocumulus clouds resemble the markings of a king mackerel.

Winisk River Sunset

Colorful clouds and calm water create a striking sunset scene for canoeists on Winisk River in Ontario, Canada.

Goodness, I’m such a wistful daydreamer these days…

Take a peek at more NatGeo cloud pictures. They’re definitely worth the look. I also recommend lying in a big open field, Relient K’s “Savannah” on your iPod, and feeling the rhythm of your breathing while staring at the clouds above.

Water’s edge

I can dream with the best of them…

Sunshine. Clear skies. The sound of water lapping against the decks. Bright storefronts. Lazy, hazy days.

The smell of mountains. Warming green shutters juxtapose a stark countryside and cold, hard stone buildings.

Orange skyline. Cold, moist sand on bare feet. Floating clouds carry dreams. Peace come over you.

Photos via Flickr, Flickr, and National Geographic.

Tourist envy

England, my long distance lover. Be mine.

xoxo,

Bethany

 

Check out these amazing England photos by NatGeo readers. They are truly gorgeous.

Water is magical when it falls

Elakala Waterfalls Swirling Pool, Blackwater State Park, WV

I need to stop being wowed by National Geographic photos. They are just consistently breathtaking. And envy-inducing. Seriously, I want nature like this where I live. If  you were just driving through, you would probably consider where I live to be a pretty rundown hick town. And for the most part it is. But there are times of the year when I’ll be driving through some place I’ve always been used to and I’ll be struck by how gorgeous the leaves on the trees are or how adorable a particular stone wall is. In fact, we have some very gorgeous waterfalls nearby. Of course, they don’t even compare to this West Virginia photo.

Real life dreams

Namibia — In a scene stolen from a dream, a house succumbs to sand in Kolmanskop, once a thriving settlement for diamond miners. Winds have helped desert dunes reclaim the site, abandoned for more than 50 years.

I found this photo today in National Geographic.

Life in the English countryside

Last night I was talking about a fantasy year-long vacation I’ve concocted in my head: Live in a stone cottage in rural England. Spend days taking long walks through the countryside. Venture into the cities to look at architecture, libraries, museums, art and cafes. Spend nights drinking tea by the cottage fireplace.

I swear I’m not an old lady, but the idea has always held some kind of appeal for me.

The dream is realized! This morning I stumbled onto these photos by National Geographic of U.K. National Parks:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

So pretty. See more photos by National Geographic of U.K. National Parks.