Watched, listened to and smelled the rain today--all day. On my trek home from Kent's this morning it began to rain. Big, beautiful, heavy, long-awaited drops of rain. At first they splattered down on the dusty windshield of my car but by the time I got home the sparse drops transitioned into a heavy downpour, making me thankful for my electric garage door-opener (not to mention that I made the drive home with almost nothing on but my pj's from the night before....yikes!).
Once inside, I realized I was starving and devoured what seems to have become a rather typical meal for me: an avocado, cottage cheese and pretzels (ranch-flavored). Of course, I couldn't help but treat myself to a little dessert of homemade chocolate chip cookies and milk. Yesterday afternoon, I hurriedly baked up a batch of ccc's for Kent's clan as a snack for their roadtrip to Florida. Since it's the first homemade anything that I've made in months, I couldn't help but hoard a few for myself....not a big deal really considering I've lost a couple of pounds lately, probably due to my slaving in the yard in 100 degree heat! 
But, as the day wore on, I revered in the rainfall, thunder and lightning (well, no, I was not actually 'in' the rain....just enjoying it through the window), It was actually dark enough in the house that I could turn on a little mood lighting via my country french chandelier and admire my tablescape that I created yesterday, complete with rooster pottery stoneware, vintage corning glass roosters and 'tortoise shell' wine goblets. I also opened all the blinds (which I have recently kept closed as I strive to lower my electric bill) and admired my well-manicured yard which I have diligently kept up with this month--again, another effort to reduce my finances as I struggle in my 'roommatelessness' and the necessity to pay the rent on my own.
In spite of the weather, I had a true feeling of satisfaction and underlying joy. Could it be because I'm very close to acquiring a new roommate (is there anything like financial worries to dampen one's merriment?) or the love and happiness (and finally a genuine comfort level after 6 months) that I have found with my beloved beau, or the fact that I do not have to work for the next couple of days and I am finally going to get some downtime just for me....or ALL OF THE ABOVE!?
The first 6 months of 2009 proved to be a huge challenge with my share of heartbreak and up and down emotions and worries--none of which were planned or expected. However, I seem to have a new-found faith, hope and a hunch that things are going to turn very bright, very soon. Today proved to be quite the paradox in that the dark skies only served to brighten my mood, my heart and my outlook.
Note to self: just realized how this morning started with a major, yet unintended, trip down memory lane. I shared with Kent my happy recollections of a special clock that my family had while I was growing up. Then, as I was helping him get ready for his roadtrip, I started singing every song I could remember from the Sound of Music soundtrack (yes, that's right--the one with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.) My rendition of "Sixteen Going on Seventeen," "Climb Every Mountain," "My Favorite Things," and more! When I was 9 years old, I bought that album from our local A&P grocery store with my own funds --not even knowing what it was really about. Then, my memory of my parents taking me and my brothers to the swanky movie theatre at Richmond/610 (long since torn down), with it's royal blue plush seating and giant velvet screen curtain, to actually see the film. I knew every word to every song and I felt quite confident I was the only little girl in the entire theatre who could say that!!! (or should I say, 'sing' that!).
p.s. Thanks for the clock pic, Dad!
