whatever the weather...

When I tell people I am considering taking up residence in the Seattle area, an amazing amount of first responses go something like, "What about the weather?"

I have this theory about weather. When you move to a sunny place, whenever there's a gray or rainy day you are inevitably disgruntled by the disruption of your fair weather. However, when you move to a place with the expectation it will be gray and rainy most of the time, when the sun comes out you are overjoyed with surprise.

It's all about expectations, you see. Which would you rather be lulled into taking for granted -- the rainy days or the sunshine? Would you rather be surprised by rain or by sun?

In my nearly two months of Puget Sound living, I haven't had a week without at least a little sunshine. And when the sun comes out in the pacific northwest, people know how to enjoy it. There's no staying indoors with the windows tightly closed to conserve the air conditioning... No putting off that picnic because the sun will still be out tomorrow. It's windows flung open and sunny day activities only -- lawn mowing, kite flying, and only absolutely necessary indoor occupations. It's about making the most of a good thing while it lasts.

There's also something satisfying about living in a place where people aren't dependent on weather conditions for their cheerfulness. I'd like to be included in that camp of people who don't read their moods off the weather forecast. Sunshine comes in more colors than yellow -- after all, where rain meets sun there are rainbows... Much of my island sunshine these weeks has consisted of visitors from near and far (wearing specifically the colors orange and green) -- they bring more brightness to my life than the longest day of sunshine.

I read something somewhere about life being best lived by contrasts. It's one of the reasons I want to live where there's four seasons, and unpredictable weather, and people who still know how to appreciate a sunny day.

I probably couldn't prove it, but sunshine is definitely brighter after the rain.

:: "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." – Anthony J. D'Angelo


[PHOTO BY RECENT SUNSHINE VISITOR STEPHANIE ZITO]

island spring...

It's in the air... today I sat on a bench overlooking Holmes Harbor and breathed in the smell of the world waking up from winter -- fresh pine and new grass, blossoming pink trees and dewy soil and the hazy blue bay... A place for breathing.

I'm a firm believer that there is beauty everywhere. But in some spots in the world, it's much easier to see than others.

In the spirit of spring, I decided to try to resurrect the sad-looking shrubbery at my domicile this week. Nevermind that I haven't really gardened since I grew giant radishes as a little girl -- but my mother's garden has always been impressive so I know it must be in my genes somewhere. It was a bit like an archaeological dig searching for intentional plants beneath the overgrowth. Was that one dead or only half-dead? Which ones are weeds? I had to call my mother to ask what a dead rhododendron looks like.

I'm only about a third done and this morning I woke up and almost couldn't move. Or maybe that was from the yoga? I don't know if it's the fresh air or the dirt on my hands or the sore muscles, but gardening is very cathartic. Especially when you feel literally unable to make decisions about anything else.

I have as many questions as I've ever had -- maybe more. I don't have answers or directions. But I have beauty and peace and fullness in the moments I am in. That's enough for now.

:: "Do nothing here." – advertising slogan for Whidbey Island