Head in the Clouds by RIta DiCarne

“When we feel stuck, look at the sky.  The clouds remind us that everything changes.” ~ Enkiquotes


During the last few weeks of school, I begin planning my summer writing life. Many times I set myself up for failure because my goals are too lofty, too broad, or too rigid.  This summer will be different.  This summer I am taking my cue from the clouds.

A few years ago I was obsessed with clouds.  I took pictures of clouds in all the different seasons and was going to create a writing project around those photos. That didn’t happen, but I am continually drawn back to them. 

As a young girl, I would lie on the grass looking up at the clouds and imagine all different scenarios based on what I saw - a castle, a dog, a giant - the images changed slowly or quickly depending on the wind. Just the thought of it brings me back to the velvety lawn, warm summer breezes, and the abundance of time to think, to dream, to create.

This summer I have no specific goals other than to read and write.  I am going to channel my inner child and give myself permission to be present in the moment and take time to notice the world around me. 

To that end, I am determined to change up my writing venue.  I will try writing at the library, the coffee shop, the playground,  or a restaurant - anywhere I can sit and observe the small things.  If I start to lose sight of my goals, I will look to the clouds for a reminder - a reminder that I have to allow my ideas to float like the clouds and watch what appears. 


What are your writing goals?  Are they realistic and manageable, or lofty and overwhelming?

Give yourself permission to daydream, to explore, to breath, and the ideas will take care of themselves. 



Rita DiCarne teaches 7th grade ELA at Our Lady Of Mercy RCS in Maple Glen, PA and is a PAWLP Writing Fellow.  You can follow or get in touch with Rita on Facebook - RitaDiCarne, Twitter - @RitaDiCarne or at her blog, “Practicing What I Teach” - ritadicarne.com.