Summer Storm

It happened! Our first summer thunderstorm finally happened. It was so beautiful, refreshing, and lovely. It was everything a summer thunderstorm should be. It came on with the howling of the wind. A smattering of heavy drops hit like missiles. Then, miracle of all miracles, it lingered. Most summer storms around here whirl in and out within ten minutes. This one though, this the epitome of all fist summer storms, took time to develop, culminate, and later fizzle out. 

During the very beginnings of the storm we threw open the doors and windows of my parents' house. The smell of wet and humid drew us all outside so we could watch the thunderclouds rolling in. They were billowing and blooming at such a clip it was impossible to take it all in at once. They were dark and low. They were heavy with rain. Eagerly we watched their approach and rejoiced when the first drops fell.

The lightening was bright and purple. The thunder was rough and shaking. I buzzed with excitement and took some time to dance in the rain and run wild around the front yard with my little boy and little brother. KB wasn't even scared of all the ruckus. He ran with the wild wind, he took each spattering drop in turn, and ran out for more. We were not drenched when we returned indoors, just a happy damp. We were finally cooled down. We were finally washed clean. 

Then we had Mountain West Burritos and all was well with the world. Granted, their power went out and the registers were down and it took us three stops to find a properly working ATM, but it was well worth it. 

The Smell of Lilacs on a Spring Breeze

Growing up spring often meant simply laying out on the grass in my backyard gazing dreamily up at the sky and catching of whiff of lilac on the breeze. Cool weather would be transitioning to hot. I could practically taste the end of the school year on my tongue. I would just lay there a long moment, soaking in all of those good, warm feelings. 

My feet would likely be bare so I could tangle my toes in the grass. My hair was probably boy cut short and splaying out like a bright, blonde halo. I would mostly be watching clouds roll and glowing, green leaves tremble. I would imag ine visiting the pool, running through the sprinklers, and spending days upon days with my best friend. I was probably quiet and pondering for a handful of minutes. Then its most certain I would spring up and chase my little brother around the yard. Or I would be distracted by the wet, wheezing muzzle of my shar pei. Or I would simply get up and go back inside for some N64 Mario Kart. Oh the simple joy of those springy, breezy days. 

Much to my surprise, I got a little piece of that back today when I wandered into my current back yard and caught the scent of lilac. My neighbors have two of the most lush, amazing lilac bushes acting as sentinels to their yard. They are full, and tall, and blossoming with those soft-as-a-cloud-purple blossoms. I took KB out there with me so we could both just bask in the perfumed air. He ran around on the itchy grass without shoes for a little while. We threw the ball. We kicked the ball. Then I snipped a few of the blossoms that hung over to our side of the fence and took them indoors to savor. 

Oh the power of those lilacs, may it never be underestimated.  

Sun Spot

The weather lately has not been my most favorite. Hazy, lazy clouds going nowhere are always one of the things I hate most about winter. So thank you sunshine! Your bright beaming rays have helped to brighten my spirits, mostly because I was able to slap on my new shades I got from Dillards. Ka-chow!

An Outing to the Mall

Today our little family went on a small adventure to the mall near our house. It was in celebration of fitting back into my jeans already. It took a little stretching when they first came out of the dryer. Fortunately with a few spritzes from my spray bottle things were not so snug and I actually zipped the zip and did the button. Hoorah! I think that does deserve a quick trip to the mall, and maybe some ice cream.