Monday, September 2, 2013

Angry Skies


Rainbows apologize for angry skies.  ~Sylvia Voirol


It was a hazy, hot and humid July afternoon. We were sitting outside on the front step (back at Frank's old place) watching the clouds gather in the sky. Weather was coming.


storm rolling through
The sky was spotty - grey in most parts but here and there, the sun shone through, spilling across the field.





angry swirly clouds
Directly above us, angry clouds were slowly churning. It wouldn't be long.





storm approaching
The clear spots became fewer and farther between and the hues became subtle. You might think that I desaturated this photo but the day had taken on its own black and white effect.





benny watching the rain
It thundered, lightninged and poured profusely. Benny wisely decided to come in out of the rain (where he had been squinting madly to avoid getting water in his eyes) and watch from the sheltered overhang. (Gayle, you recently asked about Benny. How could I not oblige you with a photo?)





after the storm
Once it was over, the sun warmed the skies with lovely rays of light.





sunlight on wet trees
Moistened trees glistened in the sunlight.





rainbow2
And all was well in that magical space between rain and sun.

This was another scheduled post so that you know I haven't forgotten you. I'm just keeping busy while setting up one house while trying to sell the other. More coming up in a few days.

52 comments:

Nortehanon said...

The second photo looks ominous. I stared at it for a while and it was as if the cloud moved. But the light breaking through the cloud gave a relief. And oh, you caught a rainbow! How exciting!

This is really a great series of photos, Hilary. Thank you for being generous in sharing the beauty in your side of the world.

Anvilcloud said...

You always have such good ideas/themes for your posts.

Gayle said...

SUCH a fine way to begin my day. Kissable Bennster. Just look at those tiny drops on his face/chin. He is ever the charmer.

Sharing your pristine morning and rain adds a breath of fresh air. The rays of the sun = WOW!

I think photo #1, mounted/framed, is perfect for any wall! It has such depth and allows for imagination. Wish I were there.

Mmmuwah to Bennst.

A Cuban In London said...

Some people don't think much of storms or they fear them. I think storms are beautiful. Although I fear them, too. :-) Many thanks, beautiful photos.

Greetings from London.

TexWisGirl said...

the clouds and rain looked SO refreshing! and i love that little benny face!

Frank Baron said...

Almost makes me miss the old place.

Sort of almost....

Lisa Gordon said...

It is amazing how beautiful Mother Nature can be when she is "angry."

Love, love, love that sweet little Benny.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Ruth Hiebert said...

Your pictures tell the story so well.

Jackie said...

Awesome photos of the storm-filled sky...and afterward. The clouds always fascinate me...whether they are angry or placid and pink.
Is your dog a J.R.? Cute as a button...
Hugs,
Jackie

Red said...

Very descriptive of weather we often experience. Photos help too. Good luck on all the moving.

Brian Miller said...

love that light busting through there at the end...the third pic in looks like an angry sky for sure....i love a good storm though...so much power...and then the world smells so fresh after...

Leah J. Utas said...

I love grey, angry skies.

Linda said...

Marvelous photos! Nice to see your handsome dog again too.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story! I felt I was right there with you!

Birdie said...

I always love your photos but the Benny shots are always my favourite. He brings a smile to my face and he is thousands of miles away. Please give him a pat and tell him I said he is a good boy and thanks.

Out on the prairie said...

Out on the plains the storm can go right next to you and never stop. Lots of beauty in your pics

Lynne with an e said...

I feel refreshed after that cleansing storm! Love the drama of the weather and your photos.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Oh, the shot of the sun's rays breaking through after the storm is glorious.

ADRIAN said...

This is a great set. I love storms and you captured this one perfectly.

Andy said...

Watching these storms pass through has been the norm this summer. In your case Hilary you managed to capture the beauty of it all.

Jinksy said...

And may rainbows follow your footsteps. ♥

DJan said...

Fabulous pictures as usual. And hello there, Benny! :-)

Daryl said...

love love love the monochromes .. the others are equally wonderful

messymimi said...

The rainbow, and the waters of life they bring, make the storms worth it, at least most of the time.

ellen abbott said...

oh, these are beautiful Hilary. I love those dark churning clouds. we see them so seldom these days.

stephen Hayes said...

I particularly like the first photographs that are nearly black and white but filled with such deep tonality. Very nice.

ds said...

Beautiful. How amazing it is when the sky takes the color out of itself, and then gives it back as rainbow. Thank you.

Maggie May said...

That was angry, wasn't it! The skies, I mean because Benny doesn't look angry and the rainbow looks hopeful after the storm.
Good photography.
Maggie x

Nuts in May

yaya said...

In the second pic it looked like God's hand was going to reach out the break in the clouds!

Barb said...

Magical weather photos Hillary! Without the rain I guess we wouldn't have that rainbow. Know you're especially busy this summer. Hope you can soon settle-in and enjoy your new place.

Nancy said...

I sit in amazement at the wonder and beauty of these shots...Mother Nature certainly knows how to throw a fit as my grandmother would say....and you captured it beautifully...

My Cactus Dress said...

That was beautiful Hilary. At the beginning the weather was so apocalyptic. And as soon as the sun shined it threw rays of hope. The pictures were a visual poem. Loved it.

Kat said...

Wow. The sky is beautiful when it's angry!

Grayquill said...

Your pictures are a great reminder of God' amazing creative side. Your pics are great!

Dan said...

I'm looking forward to inviting myself up to the new digs! :)

Karen (formerly kcinnova) said...

Sitting here with my feet up and grateful that you scheduled this post with your poetic captures of that stormy day -- and Benny! :)

Kerry said...

Such drama in those skies of yours! They are very beautiful. It's fascinating to watch them change in stormy weather & you captured it perfectly.

Geraldine said...

I love when a storm is "brewing" great photos Hilary!

Good luck with all the settling in, hope it's going well.

You are a lucky woman, you're new "digs" look great.

Rita said...

Love seeing rays peeking down from the clouds and the rainbow--but really enjoyed seeing Benny!!! ;)

Haddock said...

Sometimes angry clouds do give a good opportunity to click some good photographs.
Like that close up of Benny - trying to understand the outside world.

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful scenery, and my fave is: Benny. He is out of world.

Ercotravels said...

Amazing captures

Bossy Betty said...

Such gorgeous shots, Hilary! Hope all goes well with the new nest. Love that Benny!

Dianne said...

Benny!!
I love that face
how funny that he squints at the rain for as long as he does

amazing dramatic skies!!

Hena Tayeb said...

gorgeous. My favorite is the third

photowannabe said...

Love the storm and Benny"s closeup.

I do think my favorite is the glistening trees and dappled sunlight.

Keep plugging along with the House business....just keep thinking of the PRIZE at the end.

imbeingheldhostage said...

Those skies may be angry, but WOW are they gorgeous. Love, love love the clarity and detail of the shot of Benny :)

Sandi McBride said...

those are the most glorious and glamorous shots...especially the first one...it put me in awe and I kept hearing How Great Thou Art in head...
hugs
Sandi
ps
love Benny...he is a sweetie pie

SandyCarlson said...

Benny's my Weather Man! What a sky!

Linda said...

I love those storm clouds. Even the fiercest clouds are beautiful.

Benny is wise to come inside. I see several tiny water droplets on his chin. Great shot!

Anita said...

Great little story, Hilary :) I was pulled in wondering what was going to happen with the first 2 photos and then the Benny shot adds to it with his concerned look.
I'm glad it ended well with the sun creeping back out and the rainbow showing up for cheer and entertainment.

Lisa said...

I love the sky and of course Benny is a show stopper to us who love animals. He is a sweetie.. He sure is.