We have a wedding to go to in a few hours, but it’s one of those kind of days when I’d rather wrap up in a turtle neck sweater, thick warm socks, my leopard Snuggie and never leave. Kind of odd attire for late April, but today’s weather necessitates it. It’s been raining since a pre-dawn thunderstorm and is rather chilly.
With this rain I’m thankful to have gotten my little raised garden planted last night. I’ve decided to refer to it this year as my salsa garden, since it only has tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro planted. I bought some seeds a couple weeks ago, but by the time I finally got around to planting, I couldn’t find where I’d put the bag of seeds. Oh, to be so organized.
Today has been the perfect day to write after multiple perfect weather days demanding outdoor activities, and I had the support of my husband. Deciding to change location for a different inspiration, I tidied up the little den in our basement and positioned myself there. Hours later the only thing I had to show for it were some FaceBook entries, a few written emails, and a tidy den. My son’s electric guitar and my husband’s workout music get the blame for running me out. As if I need an excuse for my nonproductive writing time. So I retreat to one of my favorite places of all, my front porch.
Yes, it’s cold outside, but I do have that leopard Snuggie. I’m watching a wren that flew out of its nest in the decorative pail beside the door check me out to see if it’s safe to fly back to her eggs, or if this giant feline with a black hoodie is waiting to gobble her up. Okay, she decided I was a tame leopard. I can still tell that my son is playing his guitar in the basement which is essentially underneath where I’m sitting, but it’s muffled and subsidized with the rustling of leaves and the lovely patter of raindrops hitting the leaves. I kind of wish I could cozy up here in a hammock with warm blankets and a good book, but I’m supposed to be writing one, not reading one. If I keep at this pace, I will have piddled the entire day away, and it will be time to get ready to go to the wedding.
I’m glad it was my anniversary week and not my wedding day, and I hope the bride doesn’t freeze to pieces in this unusual weather. But then there is that old saying, “April showers…” So why does a slow, rainy day in April feel so unusual?
The last two weeks have been chock full of middle school and varsity baseball games, an overnight trip to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary, meetings, carpools, a writing workshop, yard work, on and on. Perhaps, THAT is why a slow day in April feels unusual, rain or not.
God, thank you for the chance to slow down today and listen to your water works.