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‘Looks a bit cloudy out there. I hope the rain holds off for a bit.’

Howard smiled at his fellow commuter, and considered telling them that due to the height and formation of the clouds, this was unlikely. But experience had taught him that general remarks about the weather from strangers were simply polite exchanges, not an opening for a detailed discussion on clouds.

This had been a hard-learnt lesson. People seemed to get a particular expression on their face once he launched into a dissertation on the ten major cloud types. He liked to support these discussions with photos on his phone, and he had many ready to share. But few people were interested in his high-level overview, and this was a bit frustrating as it was the mere tip of the knowledge that he had amassed on the subject.

‘You should have been a meteorologist,’ his mother used to tell him. Howard had looked into it, and considered it quite seriously for a while. But whilst the study of atmospheric conditions to understand and assist with forecasting the weather appealed on several levels, there simply wasn’t enough cloud time to satisfy him.

‘Got your head in the clouds again, son?’ This had been one of this father’s favourite questions when he came across Howard in the backyard, head tilted up at the sky, a notebook resting on his lap. ‘If you like them so much, you should be a pilot. That way you could spend all day with them.’

Howard had also considered this suggestion. But flying didn’t agree with him. It was staggering to be able to pass through, above and below these remarkable formations of ice crystals and water. He took as many photos as he could during the flight, but his shaking hands meant most of the shots were more blur than cloud. After consideration, he decided that the best vantage point for him was on the ground.

His dream job, he decided, would be as a professional cloud spotter. The opportunity to spend his days identifying and classifying clouds according to their formation and strata, to watch them gather and dissipate, would be the most amazing way to spend his days. And he knew that he wasn’t alone. There were other people out there in the world, like him, who were always looking up into the sky.

Howard found his calling through an international cloud spotting society, becoming an active member. Here, his extensive knowledge was appreciated and expanded. Howard joined online meetings where people from all over the world discussed clouds in intricate detail, sharing stunning photos, experience, and knowledge. It took some time for Howard to realise that connecting with fellow cloud appreciators had helped to fill the cumulus-shaped hole in his life.

I’m participating in this blogging challenge for the month of January, which supports starting the year on the “write” track. You can find other posts with #bloganuary and join in the challenge.

Photo: cloud in a blue sky