Rain has always been one of those weirder natural occurrences to me. As with most things in nature, it can either sustain us or lead to destruction. I’ve always viewed the destruction as providing a great opportunity for a new start, a washing away of the past and the problems associated with it allowing for a new beginning.
Yesterday I was able to stand in one of the those enjoyable rainstorms. I really hadn’t had the chance to do that since my first visit to Savannah nearly 13 years ago. That evening the rain continued for most of the night becoming quite heavy at times. I walked with my then new friends (none of us with umbrellas) back from the riverfront along the Savannah River, up the 250 year old cobblestone stairway near Barnard Street to the bluff of the historic district. We then decided to walk barefoot through the streets of Savannah on a Saturday night, more or less snaking our way through downtown, arriving back at the residence hall where we were to spend the next five weeks of our lives soaking wet but already with an appreciation of the city that we were being given the chance to treat as our home away from home. Once we’d given in to the fact that we were going to be soaked, it became much easier to enjoy being lost in a new town and enjoy the buildings, the trees and the squares.
Wednesday’s storm was not as monumental in my mind; at least I doubt it will ever be as long as that night in Savannah still immediately returns to my awareness anytime I see a downpour occur. Instead of enjoying the rainfall, I was scurrying to find the keys to my car so that I could drop off some film at a one hour photo place and get back to work. This is of course after enjoying the Rickwood Classic at Rickwood Field for the most of the early afternoon. I finally decided to enjoy the moment and slow down for a bit. I enjoyed watching the suds come out of the downspouts as I walked along the alley to get to my car in its secured parking lot. Once inside the car, I watched the drops hit the windshield, giving me a chance to enjoy the music of nature and the sounds of the city. It’s something that I don’t do as often as I need to.
My hope with this blog is to hopefully make myself more aware of those moments that I don’t take a chance to enjoy and maybe share a few with all of you. I think you’ll enjoy the ride and I’m looking forward to seeing where this leads. For those that stumble across this blog, later this week I’ll do the somewhat necessary introduction of myself. I’ll see you on the other side.
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Dre\'s Ramblings 
Once you accept the fact that you are already totally soaked, you can quit worrying about the rain and just enjoy it.
Comment by John July 28, 2005 @ 12:06 pmOn few occasions, we break out of the “run for cover” mentality and accept the situation for what it is and rejoice. We get that feeling of being a carefree child again, when we explored this world with open eyes, ears and hearts. As time goes by, we explore less and start to shut our eyes, hold our hands over our ears and let the select few into our heart. Those rare moments when we let our defenses down, we once again feel like the child that was lost years ago.
Comment by design-geek July 28, 2005 @ 12:33 pmI too remember that day in Savannah,it was indeed amemorable day.I was leaving my firstborn in a strange city so far from home.Hold fast to that memory,in years to come you can look back and revel in it.I too love when it rains it does remind me of my childhood in Trinidad.
Comment by Annie R Natta July 28, 2005 @ 4:54 pmHmmm. It will be interesting to read your thoughts from time to time. I have only met two other people who view rain in such a positive light. Rain and water in most cultures are seen as images of renewal. Somehow we have forgotten the symbolism of rain in our urban, fast paced, efficient culture. The great cinematographers always include rain as a cleansing device. Until your blog, I had forgotten that I once learned to appreciate the rain too.
Comment by BB-G July 29, 2005 @ 1:48 pmYou should try riding your bike in the rain. I’ve actually started to enjoy it. The Cannondale still has fenders and lights, right?–>
Comment by John July 30, 2005 @ 1:30 pmand one cup
Comment by girls2008d September 15, 2008 @ 8:24 am