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The Collins Dictionary defines the word pluviophile as “a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days.” It’s a word I can identify with, even though it seems to be a new, made-up kind of word, since I can’t find it listed in any other online dictionary. It was probably made up by fellow rain lovers (or those who love them), but it’s a great word and I don’t mind using it one bit.

It seems El Nino has sent its storms to us at last. I know it’s a huge mess and inconvenience for those who don’t like the rain (or whose property is damaged) but most Californians I know are happy with the novelty, at least. We’ve been in drought it seems forever, so a couple of real storms in a row are pretty exciting. The rain is nicer if you can avoid driving on the freeway, though.

I took yesterday off from seeing Vernon. I avoided the roads. I listened to the rain, I drank hot tea, I made soup, I worked on an art project, I even watched a program. When the kids came home, we went record shopping to spend Maki’s Christmas gift certificate.

I could feel myself being refreshed  even as I spent the day indoors. I had no where I needed to be, except for school pickups and drop-offs and a sneak-away to the gym in the evening. Even though we just got out of the holidays, it had felt like a long time since there wasn’t anything I HAD to do.

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Maki, still thawing out from a day of being waterlogged at school. He’d gone off yesterday in what we thought was his dad’s waterproof jacket. Lately, whenever Maki needs a new item of clothing, we try to find it in his dad’s stash. A lot of stuff is starting to fit him at this age, he’s even been wearing his dad’s shoes.

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Its so nice being together with nothing to do.  Funny how the rain lets you feel that way.

I got a call from Lois Bechtle last night, offering to sit with Vernon today. Maki was under the weather after yesterday—literally. So I took another day off from Vernon. And today it rained even harder.

I got a coffee with Sandy, and we ran some small errands. We went to the art supply and  a used book store…can you think of a better way to spend a rainy morning? Nor can I!

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She found some Pablo Neruda books, and I found the next of the Chronicles of Narnia to read to Vernon (and Justine.)

I worked some more on my latest endeavor, a linocut that I’ve committed to. A little nervous how it will end up, but its very therapeutic as it slows me down and keeps me in one place for more than five minutes. I’ve been on a printmaking jag for a month or so now. It feels good to do something out of my comfort zone.  Thanks for the inspiration, mom. I keep thinking I’d like to try  my hand at woodcuts too, something I’ve never done.DSC_7275-2

It just happened that as I was straightening a bookshelf today, I noticed this book of Vernon’s: Letter Carving in Wood by Chris Pine. It struck me that maybe carving is something Vernon could start doing. He’d have to sit at a table (which is something he is only allowed to do with me when I’m at Mesa Verde, which is only twice a week, because of his dialysis schedule.) I happened to pick up a soft rubber block at the art supply this morning that I will bring up tomorrow with my cutting tools. It’s worth a try. After witnessing him unwrap a chocolate coin the other day, I could see a focused ability to use his fingers emerging. It struck me that if he has a reason or a real desire to complete something or at least manipulate something, he puts his focus toward it, despite his disability. I have tried lots of things and then I drop the ball because of his lack of interest or frustration, but then sometimes I forget to have them try them again at a later date. So tomorrow I’ll bring this up. We’ll see if he’s ready for it.

I’m not sure if its going to rain tomorrow. I wouldn’t mind. I’m happy to go out in it. I miss Vernon and I’m curious to see if he’ll be up for this idea. Two days of torrents have washed the blues and fatigue away. I’m ready.

 

 

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