Embracing the wet weather

A3

Editor's note
Candice Mac Lean

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Most people cringe at the sight of water droplets falling from the sky.

As soon as the dark clouds roll in and rain starts to fall, a collective wince is felt all over by sun lovers who hate to pounce over puddles and dread feeling damp. Some of them just stay in bed.

It seems, as reluctant as I am to admit it, that I am not part of that group. I like rain.

There’s something about a dim, rainy day that breeds creativity, keeps you on your toes, and makes every outdoor colour seem more vibrant. Grass is greener when it rains.

I’m not talking about drizzle or fog. In this climate and in this part of the world, there are all kinds of types of rain and some are much more alluring than others.

Any kind of mist or drizzle is miserable. It’s still warm enough to be outside, but the humidity feels like a warm blanket and the moisture takes over. Light or heavy rain – even a thunderstorm or two – is welcome in my world.

Why is the notion of rain so negative? It feeds plant life, it has a soothing sound and it gives us an excuse to wear those cute rubber boots that are everywhere right now. It’s also romantic.

In other parts of the world, the rain is greeted with glee and people even dance for it. Just last week I watched with content as our cover subject Carol Taylor washed a piece of her clay in the rainwater she collected in a bucket at her stoop.

With rainy days come images of board games, crafts, painting and reading – all inviting indoor activities with no chance of getting a harsh sun burn or feeling faint.

The Kennebecasis Valley is blessed with high temperatures and beautiful, cloudless days. Rain doesn’t fall too often, but when it does, embrace it. I have.

Candice Mac Lean is the editor of KV Style. Reach her at maclean.candice@kvstyle.com.