Why Not . . .Enjoy April Showers?

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.

 Coffee Shop & Words

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.

Snuggle Up & Grab Some Popcorn

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.

Reconnect with Your Significant Other

Need I say more?

Front Porch, Blanket, Good Company

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.

Create – Be Inspired!

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.

Homemade Treats

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!

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