i must admit, summer rains and thunderstorms can be quite refreshing. unless, of course, they get in the way of plans. However i find them long-awaited respites from the sultry seasonal heat waves, As the sun's rays find their way through the soupy clouds and, upon peeking through, shine on the falling droplets, they make them sparkle and glisten before falling into tepid puddles on the ground. Your own backyard can be transformed into a wonderland.
Once upon a time, when i was little, i scrambled up into one of the short, yet seemingly sky-scraping maple trees in the backyard. Daydreaming, i sat there for what seemed like hours as the summer shower cascaded around me, while the tree branches created a safe umbrella above. My childish self fantasized a make-believe game of sorts, that soon had me enveloped in its whimsical tale. I eventually awakened to the thought that if i stayed out too long, i would be missed and cause worry. Slowly, I clambered down out of the tree. Gripping the final branch, i pushed off against the slim trunk with my unshod feet. Upon releasing my hold, I parachuted back down to Planet Earth, landing on the flagstone behind our backdoor with a thud. Rushing up the steps, my feet whispering against the damp, mossy bricks, I swung open the doors to find my world safe and secure. But it was not without some dissapointment, as I found I had unnecessarily left my capsule that had carried me back in time, only to find life continuing as usual and without interuption.
That was many years ago. We have long since moved, and times have changed. Unfortunately, our new backyard is very lacking in the sort of trees that are good for climbing when it is rainy, so i must settle for something else. But what this activity lacks in excersize, it most certainly makes up for with its probability of presenting tales of dashing heroes, mischievous escapades, and swashbuckling adventures that leave you breathless. Rainy summer days are the perfect time to switch off the tele, pour yourself a piping hot cuppa, don your largest hoodie and snuggle into a worn, but pricelessly comfortable sofa, or, even better, take your tea and hoodie into a closet with a bare 100-watt bulb hanging suspended from the ceiling (if there is no light present, a flashlight would do just as well.) Pull the string attached to the bulb, illuminating your little cave. Closing the door behind you, curl up on the floor with a thick and deliciously tantalizing time-worn volume. Let yourself escape the elverlasting grip of time, while the patter of raindrops splattering on the roof above serenades the adventures unfolding before your mind's eye.
After scanning each dog-eared musty and yellowed leaf, you will surely find yourself turning them with all haste, while anticipating the next dripping phrase awaiting you on the following page. You let the story spirit you away to a place that is untouched by the troubles of your world. You let it carry you off, to a 'land lost in time.'
Enjoy the weather. I'm off to go paint. Or try to paint. I tend to get more paint in my hair than on the walls. Sometimes i wonder if i should just try to paint my hair, and then it'll actually get on the intended surface. So long :)
