(a.k.a. a response to a random writing prompt)
I like a rainy night even better than a rainy day, since it helps me sleep, and I don’t have to worry about going outside and getting wet. Lately, though, I’ve been doing a lot on rainy days. Here in North Carolina, the late summer storms snuck up on us, and we were unlucky enough to get caught in torrential downpours at the most inopportune moments, such as when we were walking into church a few weeks ago. That was a really long walk, and we got there looking like drowned rats. Cliché, I know.
I don’t like to drive on extremely rainy days either, but I try not to let anyone sense my anxiety in the car. Of course I’d much rather be at home in our driveway, teaching our son how to jump in puddles, and making sure he doesn’t try to eat any worms. He likes to watch the rain out the windows, and he doesn’t seem to mind getting wet outside.
As for me, I’d much rather be curled up with a book on a gray and rainy afternoon. Or watching a movie that I’ve been meaning to see. I think that I use the weather as an excuse not to do things, so that I don’t feel as guilty about wasting a non-sunny versus a sunny, beautiful day. Every day is precious, though, so maybe I’ll make more of an effort to truly enjoy even the soggiest of days. A little rain never hurt anyone.
It’s a great time to enjoy the cooler weather and the bright autumn colors. I love the contrast of the red, orange, and yellow leaves against the Carolina blue sky. Even the grass is still bright green. Most of the month is nice, but towards the end the days get more gray and cold. At least we can look forward to Halloween. Every year I try to figure out how (or if) I want to celebrate. I can’t remember the last time I wore a costume, and most years we stay home and just hand out candy to the trick-or-treaters.
