In other versions, fog and steam were already existent before Awonawilona. The new combination of light, clouds, and air allowed for vegetation and made Awonawilona the "essence" of life as s/he created the universe.
In some other scenarios, fog and steam existed prior to Awonawilona. The amalgamation of light, clouds, and air facilitated plant growth, making Awonawilona the "essence" of life as she fashioned the cosmos.