Partly Cloudy

Weather Moods

“Weather is a great metaphor for life—sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella or choose to dance in the rain.”

Terri Guillemets

It's dark and raining in Birmingham today. Saturday, on the other hand, was a near-perfect day—about 70 degrees and sunny. I worked in the yard; planted some purple petunias in memory of my grandmother; added a few tomato plants and herbs, painted a chair and generally got dirty and sweaty in equal measure. After a shower, I napped, dressed and went to the symphony with my friend, Rebecca, to hear an incredible performance of Carmina Burana. In my world view, it just doesn't get much better than that.

Interesting how our moods reflect the weather, isn't it? When it's sunny, we're sunny. Rain has its merits—I don't have to water that newly planted garden today, and I have permission to stay inside. It will be quieter, less boisterous. An “inner-energy” as opposed to an “outer-energy day.” I don't know why it surprises anyone that our moods change with the weather. We are part of the ecosystem we inhabit, after all—like the trees, and the birds, who love to dance in the rain. Perhaps we could take a lesson from them.

Poetry reading is great for rainy days. This one is “Summer Storm” by James Russell Lowell, written in 1839:

“Suddenly all the sky is hid

As with the shutting of a lid,

One by one great drops are falling

Doubtful and slow,

Down the pane they are crookedly crawling

And the wind breathes low;

Slowly the circles widen on the river,

Widen and mingle, one and all;

Here and there the slenderer flowers shiver

Struck by an icy rain drop's fall”

If it's raining where you are, I recommend an umbrella. It's still a bit chill for dancing—unless, of course, you're a bird.

                                                                       In the Spirit,

                                                                            Jane