Thunder rings out, rumbling like a wave, a concert baritone in full voice. Lightning not far behind. Rain is falling steadily, as easy as breathing, the sun rising or time moving forward. A summer afternoon in Florida.
(Please use common sense and find cover and safety when lightning is in the area.)
I returned from my walk a short time ago, a personal indulgence in my quest to become a better me. Part of the reason we chose Florida as our new home was the indulgences; sunny skies, lovely weather, plenty of activities for an active, healthy lifestyle. It’s taking some getting used to, but I’m getting the hang of it.
The final steps of my walk were met with the first drops of rain, and while I thought of rushing in, my body pulled back instead, taking in those drops as if oxygen and craving for more when I got inside.
Sitting now at the table where I work, I’m drawn more to the outside, another clap of thunder, rain a steady stream, richer, brighter greens washing anew the trees, grass and even parking lot of our rented condo building.
Not far from where I sit people are clamoring for yellow Mickey Mouse ponchos, others for Shamu or Harry Potter. Some are rushing for the cover of indoors, not so much for the ride or show there, but seeking instead this artificial protection rather than risk those drops of rain.
As I walked inside something in the back of my memory took hold; a song from days gone by, a time of playing in the rain without question or thought. A time when getting wet wasn’t a burden, but a lighthearted joy to be indulged with as many smiles as eating candy or playing with friends.
Where do those days go?
Sitting down I opened YouTube and found what I’d been hearing in my memory; Neil Sedaka singing about love, life, and those simple pleasures we all too easily release into a world of “have to” and “must.”
Ooo, I hear laughter in the rain, walking hand-in-hand with the one I love. Ooo, how I love the rainy days and the happy way I feel inside…
Florida is classic for rainy days… rainy season runs the length of summer, bringing to life the richness of her flora and fauna. Beyond her shores we watch for signs of more; hurricanes forming, drawn to the coast and hopefully avoiding.
For most, rain becomes a burden to be dealt with. Visitors wishing there would be no rain during their vacation, locals cursing another drive home in a rainy rush-hour.
Yet the rain is as all things in nature, a gift. A moment in the endless bounty of earth’s time for which she washes herself clean and refreshes herself for more.
If we could only learn what Mother Earth, little kids and lovers know – that rain is that gift we too easily forget to enjoy – we’d all live more joyous, happy lives if we simply eased ourselves into it.
So here on a rainy afternoon I’m thinking of the ways to enjoy a Florida rain…(Florida is the lightning capital of the world, common sense and safety must be exercised when lightning is in the area. Lightning can reach up to 30 miles from its source.)
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Walking hand-in-hand with the one I love
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Getting on more rides at the theme parks – outdoors and in
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Splashing along the beach and not caring
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Washing the car
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Playing on the swings
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Taking a bike ride
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Playing golf
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Playing miniature golf
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Kayaking along a waterway
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Sitting by the window and daydreaming
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Dancing in the rain
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Taking a nap in a hammock in the rain
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Reading a book by an open window
Ooo, how I love the rainy days and the happy way I feel inside…
