Into Each Life…
You can't have this kind of verdant landscape and not get rain from time to time. And I'd much rather live where it's lush and green vs. a desert mountain where, as a friend said, "makes you appreciate the different colors of brown."
Given how beautiful this place is, it's breathtaking even in the rain and clouds. And even if it's raining, you still feel a compulsion to be outside.
Yesterday I went hiking and it started to drizzle. Instinctively I thought maybe I should turn around. But I fought the instinct and kept on. Guess what discomfort resulted? No, not being wet. I got a sunburn on my neck! I should have worn sunscreen even in the clouds. Live and learn.
On a less literal basis, I faced some "rain" the past few days. Cigarette smoke was emanating from the person living below me. Now, I'm a very open, accepting and non-judging person, but I draw the line when one person's "rights" conflict with another's health and well-being, and this smoke was not only infiltrating my place, it was settling into my lungs and sinuses. Oh, no, I thought! Will I have to move? I've only been here a week, so the person below has probably been here longer. I love my place! Love the location, the view, the everything. Even how small it is! And especialy the clean, mountain air.
Thankfully, I found out this is a nonsmoking building. And I also found out that it's illegal. Yay! Problem solved. I hope.
Some more pictures taken yesterday:
Here are some songs and poems about rain, covering a range of emotions:
The original poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:
The Rainy Day
The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the mouldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the mouldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast,
And the days are dark and dreary.
Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.
The song performed by Ella Fitzgerald and the Ink Spots:
Sad and beautiful Joe Cocker cover of a Randy Newman tune. It makes me so happy I'm not mourning the loss of a relationship right now…
And both a live and studio version of one of my favorite songs by one of my very favorite artists, Sara Barielles. Sing it – Sing it LOUD. Like an anthem!
And – in anticipation of the Fourth of July tomorrow (and because it's a metaphor for the smoking incident):
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