For awhile now the sun burned grass has crunched underfoot when we walk across the farm, tree branches hang heavy with dust, the air filled with smoke from nearby bush fires. But yesterday, the rains came. Not a lot, not enough, but it came, and we’re so thankful.
This morning the air is clear and fresh, smelling of damp earth and soggy leaves, the ground is spongy, sticking to my boots and making me an inch or two taller by the time I get home again. The whole farm is clean and sparkling and dust-free.
It is glorious.
Yesterday I hustled from pen to pen, hastily feeding up as the storm clouds darkened and thickened and thunder rumbled ominously. I made it back to the house just as the first drops fell and quickly decided that all plans for writing projects, laundry, and dishes were off the table. I was going to enjoy this rain.
I brewed a big cup of Earl Grey tea, grabbed my journal and stack of outdated but still treasured Victoria magazines, and went to the back veranda where I could sit and luxuriate in the storm without getting drenched.
I love Earl Grey tea when it’s raining. It just fits somehow. The scent of Bergamot, the creamy combination of milk and maple syrup. It delights me.
Victoria magazine has been my favorite for as long as I can remember. My Mum had the very first issue and we started collecting them, spending hours reading and rereading them, finding nourishment for our spirits as much as inspiration for life. They were like old friends and I missed them deeply when I had to leave them behind when I moved to Australia. Now and then my friend Parker sends me a few issues, and I cherish them, hoarding them for rainy days when I can sit quietly and thoroughly enjoy each photo and article.
And my journal, dearest non-human friend of all. Isn’t it good to have a safe place to pour out thoughts and feelings, frustrations and fears, hopes and wonderings? To work through all the nitty-gritty of life and relationships and somehow, in the writing, come to clarity, understanding, and peace.
I used to reread my journals, laughing uproariously at my dramatic turns of phrase and my passionate “the world is ENDING” moments. It helped me to see all the highs and lows I’d already navigated, to be reminded that most of the things I feared never took place, and even when they did, I found the courage and strength to face them. There’s something about looking back now and then that gives me the pluck I need to tackle whatever is facing me now.
Mostly my old words remind me to breathe. In and out until the racing heart and thoughts calm to a sensible pace. Life is always going to be topsy-turvy. Always. But we’ve been through so much already, we can handle this, whatever this is.
Bear joined me on the veranda near the end of the storm, taking a break from his to do list to rest a while and have a chat. It made me smile.
What is your favorite thing to do when rain falls? xo
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Lovely! I like to sit and listen to the rain xxx
It is so wonderful, isn’t it, @Liz@liz_posmyk:disqus 🙂
Too many years in Seattle I guess, but the rain sends me into a blue funk. . .there is nothing I like to do but dream of when the sun will return! (Pitiful isn’t it?)
No, not pitiful at all, @Jacki@disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus 🙂 I remember feeling exactly the same way when I lived in Washington. I lived for sunshine then like I live for rain now. 🙂 xo
The rain usually gives me a chance to take a nap. But then again just listening to the rain can be relaxing.
Naps and listening, they both sound just lovely, @The@thesurprisedgourmet:disqus 🙂
I’m so pleased you have had some rain. I do love to sit on a verandah while the rain comes down and just enjoy being outside but dry while I watch the rain – it’s particularly good on a hot summer’s evening xx
I stand on our verandah and smell the rain and get spray in my face if the storm is wild enough.
The rain is soft here at the moment – soft and autumnal. It turns the sky grey, but the autumn leaves are just stunning this year, so they provide the sunshine. I love it when the leaves crunch under my feet on dry days, but actually this year, I don’t mind the rain, especially knowing how much you need it!
I love Earl Grey tea when it’s raining, too. Now that autumn is here we get more and more rain. I love to watch it form inside and I am happy for the days I can choose not to go anywhere, but stay indoors and enjoy a hot tea, a good book, or a great blog like yours.
I do love to sit on the upstairs veranda and watch the storm move up the canal.
I love Earl Grey tea, it just seems to relax me. We are just about to get some rain here I think, which would be fabulous for my garden xx
Thanks for sharing xx
Julie
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