The Advent of Salvation by Water

After 182 days of dry, a record breaker by 1 day in this city, we have finally entered our 'Rainy Season'; first with sprinkles two days ago, then with showers, some heavy, yesterday. This afternoon, a real storm is expected.

The change of our seasons always means a subtle change in ME and the way I live my life!

The Rainy Season brings forth a feeling of wellness in me, perhaps because of my innate tendency to 'nest'. I slow down, don't push myself to 'produce', or at least not in the same way. My 'focus' moves away from the external world, to my world: my apartment, plants, cats, kitchen, etc.

Of course, I continue working. And at my usual pace. It just doesn't seem so hectic. I also won't hesitate a second to take a break to enjoy the current weather, as you have to make room in your schedule for it, NOT vice versa, or you will miss it all. You can't schedule a storm!

Because it is so much cooler once the Rainy Season sets in, I actually cook stuff; beans, stews, chili, biscuits, and other goodies. It's something I not only enjoy, but am pretty good at. Cooking is foolish to try in the heat of the summer; in the summer, real cooking is a chore; in the Rainy Season, it's a joy.

Sleep is better also; I sleep much better to the sound of rain. Not to mention those indulgent afternoon naps, snuggled under a blanket with a cat or two at the bottom of the bed.

I also seem to make more time for reading those mystery novels I love, always with a cat in my lap, or nearby. Reading seems more appropriate during the Rainy Season, and not the time waster it often feels like at other times of the year.

Then there is the hot chocolate, preferably with a big marshmallow floating on the top! In the midst of a storm, or when you've just come in, damp and chilled from the wet; you can have this wonderful treat from your childhood without the guilt of carbs, calories, or cholesterol! I like to take a mug of it out on the partially protected patio, sit and watch the storm do it's thing.

And if you feel you must go out, (cabin fever can set in!) a rainy day is the absolute best time to go to the zoo, Sea World, Disney, or any other attraction! Fewer people go; lines are much shorter. Having to deal with rain gear, and getting soaked somehow adds to the fun.

One of my all time favorite things to do at this time of year, and it's free, is to go to the beach when it's really storming. You can't plan it; you have to be ready, and willing, to go when the right storm happens along. With the wind blowing, the thunder, lightning, rain, and wild high surf, you can't tell the air, from the rain, from the fog, from the ocean. A violent and surreal experience.

But then, my entire life has been exactly that!