Wet

Hot and heavy greeted me when I opened the door to leave for work. It was only 6:30 in the morning but the day was set, and my quickly expanding hair signaled the need for air conditioning.

The weather forecast was all over the map with the operative word being "possible" --  possible showers; possible thunderstorms; intermittent sunshine. I walked to the gym at lunchtime with an escort of dark brooding clouds threatening overhead. I walked quickly, a trickle of sweat rolling down the middle of my back. 

I kept the sweat coming and worked out hard at the Y. Couldn't get dry no matter how hard I toweled off. The heat I had built up in my workout coupled with the power surges that have been plaguing me rendered me a hot mess. I stepped out of the Frigidaire into the steamy afternoon air. It had just rained; I inhaled the remnants of freshness and lightly leapt over puddles on the sidewalk. The air felt a little lighter, as did I.  

Half way back to the office I felt the first drops and quickened my pace. I couldn't outrun the rain. I got wet, and I didn't mind. I was cool, if only for a moment.

Nachtmusik

Nachtmusik.
Distant rolling thunder lays the bass;
a prelude to the lightshow.
Overtones of pelting rain,
staccato on the window pane.
Symphony of nature
each stanza singing solace;
adagio
lulling me to slumber.

And so I go.

After the Rain

The sky darkened quickly and the sudden cool breeze that blew in was the opening act. Rumbling thunder made it official -- the arrival of a summer thunder storm. The kind that blows in long enough to pick up the humidity before making a quick get away.

It's been sweltering hot the last few days [not a complaint; just stating a fact.] -- the wet, sticky kind of hot that has us dropping to our knees to give thanks for the miracle of air conditioning. I love it though ... it brings me back to those long, endless summers of my childhood and restless nights spent not sleeping on top of the covers, cooled by squeakey fans lodged in open windows.

The storm put on quite a dramatic show. Claps of thunder. Unpredictable flashes and forks of lightening, and a torrential downpour.

Then - as suddenly as it started - it was over. Clouds drifted off, scattering across the sky and within a few minutes, the sun was poking through the cracks.

I love the "after" storm. The air is fresh and smells earthy. All is renewed. All heaviness erased - forgotten.

It's a fresh start ... after the rain.

Dinner Date

I'm a little damp, fresh back from my trip into the city. I met J - my friend of 36 years - for dinner at a quaint little Italian cafe. It poured the entire drive and as I wrestled with my mini microscopic umbrella and walked from the parking lot to the restaurant, it seemed to come down even harder. [reminder to self: get a new umbrella]

I was a little fatigued all day and I wasn't sure I had the energy to go out after work. [don't worry, it wasn't swine flu] But once the day was done, and I was on my way, my second wind arrived and the thought of seeing my friend buoyed my spirits. Friendship is good medicine - cures what ails us.

She had ordered the wine and was casually sipping away when I arrived late. We laughed at the fact that once again she had let her cell phone battery die down hence I hadn't been able to let her know that I was parked on the highway behind one of several accidents.

The chatter was constant; the atmosphere warm and easy; the recognition unmistakable and the bond eternal. We're those same two little girls giggling across the lunchroom tables, finishing one another's sentences.

I'm not exactly sure why I've been privileged with this kindred spirit to accompany me on my life's journey ... in fact, I have been blessed with a special handful. But in the absence of answers I simply try to deserve the special people in my life; to honour them by appreciating their presence. They are the fragrant blossoms in my garden ... my beautiful garden.

Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head

Well, the April showers arrived today - with a vengeance! I heard the pattering of raindrops on the roof when I awoke in the middle of the night. From the warmth of my cosy down duvet the rhythm of the rainfall sung like a tender mother's lullaby and I drifted off peacefully. This morning even the grayness and dreariness holds promise -- these April showers transform and awaken the yellowed brown grass and trees and rouse them into their green finery. I smile knowing that when the first of the showers are over, the view will be a little more vibrant, greener and cheerier.

As for me, I am off to another city to see a Seal concert in an intimate setting. This is my birthday present from hubby who always tries to do something creative for my birthdays. Whatever comes our way, it's always an adventure! I just saw the weather report ... better remember the umbrella ... and keep those raindrops from falling on my head!

Rainbows

I hate to harp on about the weather - but being Canadian the tendency to do so is ingrained in me ... it rained yet again today, as it has most days this summer. The car ride to and from work (about 35 minutes each way) has been an adventure lately. Today I started in sunshine, drove right into torrential rains for about 10 minutes, braved the sea of pooled waters on the roads and just when I was going to pull over -- the sky cleared. AND the minute I started to lower my scrunched shoulders and exhale, I encountered yet another storm - lightning and all!

Strange is an understatement and strange has continued all evening. Our poor puppy sits in front of the sliding doors watching for a break in the rain so he can dash out for a pee. While I sat perched - laptop on hand - on the couch my hubby called me to come quickly. A full arch rainbow had formed just over our backyard with the dark clouds looming like a screensaver. It was as though Mother Earth was smiling on us, reminding us that rainbows follow the storm.

I must remember that!