A Rainy Afternoon

Today has been a rather gloomy day. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that I must have woken up in Seattle. However, I’m still in the Sunshine State, even though that nickname seems highly ironic as the rain continues to stream off of the eave outside. In honor of being stuck inside, I made a list of things to do when you’re rained in.

1. Put on a cozy sweater. It's always a little chillier on a dark and rainy day. I much prefer to be warm and comfy.

2. Read a book. If you're like me, you probably don't have much time to read anything that you actually want to other than a quick magazine article or blog once in a while. Take advantage of time stuck at home, and use it as an excuse to read for pleasure.

3. Watch a favorite movie or a marathon of your favorite TV show. Personally, my favorite movies to watch on a rainy afternoon are Disney classics, like Beauty and the Beast or The Little Mermaid, and romantic comedies that I've already seen about a million times but still manage to make me laugh, like 27 Dresses, When Harry Met Sally, and You've Got Mail (to name a few). If I were to sit down for a marathon, I'd probably opt for The Office, Grey's Anatomy, or Pretty Little Liars.

4. Try a DIY project. I love being creative and artsy, but again I rarely have time for that anymore. Rainy days are the perfect opportunity to push aside the to-do list and try something new just for you.

5. Make hot chocolate. When poured into your favorite mug, it's like a cup of heaven. Need I say more?

6. Wrap yourself up in a soft blanket and watch the rain. It sounds boring, but trust me, it's probably the best therapy you can ask for if you're constantly on the go.

7. Throw on some rain boots and splash around in the puddles outside. I have multicolored polka-dot rain boots and a hot pink umbrella. They instantly brighten up gloomy days like this, and nothing makes you feel more like a 5-year-old than jumping into a puddle.

8. Catch up on some sleep. Just thinking about the soothing sounds of a storm makes me yawn. I'm pretty sure I get my deepest sleep when it's raining.

9. Try a new recipe. I really love baking and cooking, but I never seem to have time to. Take this opportunity to experiment in the kitchen, or at least whip up some Pillsbury brownies.

10. Write in a journal or catch up on your blog. Writing is a great way to clear your head, but let's be honest... How often do we actually have time to write? Go ahead, vent, weave beautiful poetry, write a song, doodle, or just put your musings to paper.

Here’s to making rainy days a little happier!

Amy

Once upon a time...

Once upon a time, there was a little girl with hair the color of honey and the spirit of a songbird. She lived in the land of sunshine and spent her days dancing amid orange blossoms and oak trees. She believed in fairytales and wished on stars. She chased butterflies and collected lady bugs in a mason jar. Letting the tide wash over her feet as she watched the sky change to the most beautiful shades of violet and tangerine, she knew that magic surrounded her. She loved and laughed with everything she had, never holding back. And she dreamt of exploring far away places, finding her prince charming, and living happily ever after.

Seasons changed and years drifted away like a dandelion in the wind. That little girl grew up and the world began to change. There were days when she felt she was being followed by a dark cloud, tormented by endless falling rain. She ran and ran for cover, but the storm raged on. Until one day she stopped, turned her face up to the clouds, and remembered how to dance in the rain. She twirled and splashed and gave in to what life had dealt her. In that moment, the sun began to peek out and the clouds subsided. She had found all the protection from the rain that she needed in her own spirit.

Now, I am an older and wiser young woman. But inside, I’m still that little girl who is in awe of the world. I still find magic washing up along the coast and a songbird still lives in my heart. I still wish on stars and dream of venturing out into the great unknown and finding my prince. I know that every once in a while, the rain is going to pour and that’s okay because I know how to create my own sunshine. I also know that whatever comes, I’ll live happily ever after. The end.