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One of the many things I love about spring is having beautiful sunny weather one day and the next, showers to help water the lawn. The latter however, is my favorite type of day, I must confess. The sense of calm that is achieved when the rain comes – people tend to flock back inside, events often halt and for a handful of moments things stand still – or at least slow down. It is also the unpredictability of it all. It is almost as if, at least for me, the rain is a pleasant surprise that calms my nerves just a bit and begs me to stop by a coffee shop and pull a book or my most recently delivered magazine out and stay awhile.
So why not enjoy April showers? Here are a few things I enjoy doing on a day full of raindrops.
As I mentioned above, rain tends to beckon me to visit my favorite coffee haunt. When I lived in Portland, I lived directly above a bustling Starbucks and found myself frequently heading down to soak in the atmosphere of folks hustling in and out. Bring along a crossword puzzle, a book, magazines or pick up today’s newspaper and pretend to read as you people watch.
The lovely unpredictable spring weather provides the perfect excuse to snuggle up on the couch and watch a handful of favorite films. Often times, I find myself choosing a movie I have seen a gazillion times, and allow it to be the background to my daydreaming or journal writing.
Need I say more?
The scent of falling rain is something I truly do savor. Quite often I find myself during a rain storm sitting out on my front porch with a blanket in tow (if necessary) and sitting with my dogs. A peaceful moment to just appreciate Mother Nature.
I allow my mind to wander a bit on these favorite days of mine, and they tend to sway more toward the hopeful and inspirational ideas of my childhood and beyond. However, try to use any moment (rainy or not) where inspiration is percolating and take advantage of it! Pull out the laptop or journal and start getting every last piece of your thoughts down before you forget.
Being “forced” to stay inside is a luxury in itself at times when I’ve been going full tilt in what seems like every direction. One thing I will always do, as long as the ingredients are in the house, is whip up a tasty cookie recipe. Here are a few of my favorites – Chocolate Chip Bars, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate Cookies. Paired with either a cold glass of milk, hot tea or a decadent hot cup of cocoa and I’m ready to put my feet up.
So, of course I’m curious now, very curious indeed. What do you enjoy doing on rainy days? It seems both the west coast and the east coast have been getting a bit drenched, so I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have a beautiful sunny or rainy Wednesday!
Wonderful suggestions and in answer to your question…all of the above, xv.
Hi…I’m bj and just came by from SITS.
So glad I did..You have a darling blog.
My blog is full of how much I love rain. It is my favorite kind of day. I spend a lot of time in my porch swing when it’s rainy. I live in West Texas (a grandmother of 10..and just celebrated my 50th wedding anniversary) and we don’t have a lot of rain. So….when we DO, it is a special occasion…at least for MOI….
hugs, bj
come by when you have time….:))
I don’t mind the rain if I’m comfy and cozy inside with nowhere to be.
Gorgeous post, darling!
I am inspired to do all of these things!
Usually when it rains I stay in and do yoga and read mags 🙂
xoxox,
CC
As usual — you find the best images for your posts!! I love the rain too — especially the wild storms we are getting now with wind, hail, thunder and lightening. We have skylights in our kitchen, which is where I do most of my work. I usually just carry on and giggle or call someone when things get really wild outside!! Thanks for your visits!!
I don’t mind taking a walk in the rain, under an umbrella, or with my hooded rain coat, then coming home and enjoying the warmth and dryness with a cup of tea and a bit of chocolate. A good book, a bit of hand sewing, or baking are great rainy day activities.
BJ – congratulations on celebrating 50 years of marriage! Sitting on a porch swing would be a lovely way as well to take in a leisurely rainy day.
Carrie – Can a one who is looking for inspiration ever have too many magazines? =)
Splendid – skylights would be an amazing way to experience the rain. A few of my friends have them and the way the rain sounds is electrifying!
Lorrie – I love this idea – going out in the rain – enjoying it and then coming back in to warm up with tea, a book, crafts and delicious food. Sounds like perfection.
All lovely ideas. There really is something about a rainy day that is a bit romantic and soulful.
ok i am not a big rain fan, but your lovely post almost convinced me! i do agree that it usually drives me to great creative moments and to relax and get cozy with my love – which is always a good idea… but what can i say… i am a sunny lover
It is so true, a rainy day is a perfect time to get inspired, curl up in bed, watch a movie, do some blogging (ofcourse!!) and just hang out. Really great post!
Thanks for stopping by on my special SITS day.