Clouds are nice....

Sometimes life moves fast, and we miss opportunities to stop and smell the roses. Something I often fail to appreciate is how pretty our Northeast Ohio skies are in the summertime. Whether it's those long warm nights beneath the moon and stars shining through the fog, or some crazy cumulonimbus formations before a storm hits, taking a moment to look up and appreciate the world we live in is refreshing. It brings me back to my youth, pointing to some fluffy white puffs against a baby blue backdrop and playfully arguing with my brother about what they "are" when either opinion was equally valid.

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all, and the best relief I have found is in the forests and fields of Northeast Ohio. Some of the my favorite places to take it all in include the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Towpath, Firestone Metro Park, the Portage Lakes State Park, or simply just my back yard. Whether it's the grass beneath your feet or a cloud in the sky, try to take a moment today to ground yourself and appreciate all the beautiful nature we are so fortunate to have in our great state!