Thursday, June 30, 2011

Simply A Cloud That Cried Wolf

The simple pleasures party at A Collection of This and That has been on a little hiatus.  I’ve really missed it, too. Funny how you don’t realize how much you’ll miss something until it’s gone.

This week’s simple pleasure is kind of like that.

If you read here much, you know that this blogger is in the middle of a severe drought. It has gone way beyond dry grass and dead flowers.  The roots are showing on the river banks, and the piney stick trees are orange. 

The whole ordeal has turned us into a bunch of sky watchers.  We walk outside craning our necks like owls and do the freeze if we think we hear a distant rumble.

I think it can… I think it can…

But time after time, the little rumble that could has turned out to be the thunder who cried wolf.  Not exactly the story that we had in mind, folks.

And so it was with less than hopeful expectation that I watched the clouds teasing over our house the other day.  I can get a little pouty when hope cries wolf; I admit it. But when the trees started swaying and those rumbles became boomers, I stepped outside to capture the evidence.


 Just in case…

Then I plopped right down on the porch to wait.

And I waited…
And I waited…

And do you know what happened?


 Wolf!


So I put the shiny red Kodak into protective custody and drank it all in.  And if the neighbors just happened to see a little Gene Kelly action going on? Well... that might have been me, too.  

And I thought about the decades that I have spent pretty much nonchalant on the subject of rain. How many times, I thought, have showers fallen in their season without so much as a whisper of thanks?  


I guess sometimes it takes a season without them to remedy that. 

So thank you for your prayers, blogging friends. 
Enjoying the fruit of them was this week’s simple pleasure.

*****
Taking my grateful self to Dayle's place.
Join me for more
 Simple Pleasures

57 comments:

Sharon said...

Oh Debbie - The Rain Man Cometh (yes, a little mixed up there, but you get it)!

What a glorious sight - and it looks like it was a downpour! How deliciously lovely. I would have been out there doing a *Gene Kelly* with you. I was reminded of Deuteronomy 11:14 - the Lord will bring rain upon the earth in its season.

Now if I can just remember that promise when my life gets a little "droughty" (that's not actually a word, is it?)

WOLF!!

Unknown said...

I used to love sending the girls out to play in urge rain-it's such afareeimg. Experience!!
I'm all caught up with you now-and can relate to the delayed anniversary celebration. It's important that you celebrate, doesn't matter when!!!
xo
Lynn

Unknown said...

So much for texting I'm a moving vehicle......(no m not driving..)

At The Picket Fence said...

Imagine trying to remember to be thankful for rain when you live in Oregon! LOL! But truly, I AM thankful for your rain as I know it was so badly needed and I would have loved to see that Gene Kelly dancin' for sure! :-)
Vanessa

Anonymous said...

Debbie - *sigh* I just love it when you yak! So delightful every time! Thanks for never crying wolf when you post!
Joy!
Miss Kathy

Barbara F. said...

I am so happy to read this post, Debbie! It is so true about not missing something until it is gone. Keep on dancin' in that much needed rain! xo,

Miss Char said...

Finally....some rain for y'all down there. I know when it rains hard like that it doesn't all get soaked in as it should so I hope a little more comes your way soon.

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Wow! I know the feeling of needing rain, and I'm grateful right along with you that you got a few showers. Dance on, sister!

Canadagirl said...

I am soooooooooo glad you got some rain. I remember living in Kirkland Washington and there was 3 months w/o rain. Soooooooo unheard of. I remember when I had gone to summer camp and I heard the raindrops starting to fall down hard. I yelled out rain. It was during dinner time and we ALL ran out and stood in the rain, lol. I never thought I would be soooooooo happy to see rain. There was a t-shirt that was sold at the Seattle Center that said..." We Don't Tan We Rust". Enjoy the raindrops my sweet friend.

Blessings and ((HUGS))!
-Mary

Oh PS: could you send some of that sun up here. It has been waaaay too cold and rainy and our garden needs some sun rays. [o=

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

what a picture of our lives. I could just sit and look at the picture with the rain falling, it's so beautiful. Yep, doing without does change perspective, doesn't it?

xo

lailani said...

This is sad, maybe not, but I feel some tears of joy for your beautiful shower. Every afternoon dark clouds have moved it. I know it has rained somewhere - one can see the rain falling in the distance. I have caught the smell of it as it drizzled for 5 minutes. But no measurable rain. While those in the tropics celebrate the fact Arlene did not last long or move up the gulf, I sure did hope and pray it would be a good old down pour for someone(s) in need. May more rain come your way soon!

ps - do send some south of you too ;)

Denise said...

Giggling to myself as I imagine your dancing up your best Gene Kelly. (Especially cause I know you're really afraid of a storm and that took some guts on your part). Got a little shower too but could really use some inches on these crops w/o irrigation. However, we are so thankful for each drop we receive. And, thankful for each post that you share!!

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

Oh I totally know that feeling of looking at every cloud and wishing/hoping it would rain. We went through over 2 weeks of temps in the high 90's with no rain. Then we had some storms roll through. Usually we're not too happy about storms but it rained bucket fulls and that was good. Now we're in a hot dry spell again! I loved your photos!

Joan Hall said...

We are parched here also, but got some rain on Tuesday. I would have been outside dancing if it hadn't been for the lightening.

So happy your area received some much needed moisture.

Decor To Adore said...

How I would love some rain in this 115 degree heat. The monsoons should start soon enough.

Happy 4th!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Debbie, I'm so glad you got some rain! Renaissance Man grew up in hot-and-dry West Texas where "measurable moisture" events are few and far between, so he's ALWAYS watching the skies. After 21 years of seeing him do that, I've learned to appreciate the rain. Before that, I couldn't have cared less. I know -- sad, but true.

Renée said...

You missed the rain and I missed your simple pleasures! What a delightful afternoon in Georgia. We are feeling that way about heat after a long cool Spring. Hope you two are doing as well as we are...just busy, busy like everyone, right?

Southern Gal said...

Yay for much needed rain. And the Gene Kelly part? I'm all about it!

elizabeth said...

I'm so blessed to read this answer to prayer!!!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

Our perspective changes when what we take for granted is withheld. Lovely post and wonderful rain!

Kelli said...

Hot, dusty and dry in SC too! We tend not to even notice the absence of rain until a drought is in full swing. I wish the shiny red Kodak could have captured you singing and dancing in that glorious downpour!!

Sandy said...

Thank you so much for your insightful perspective in this post, and for your comments to me. I am so glad your daughter followed in your footsteps this year, serving in the VBS Missions rotation. That is a really special part of VBS!

Christa said...

Debbie - we too have gone several weeks without appreciable rainfall. Yikes, it gets scary. I am so glad you got a good downpour. Hope for several more for us all... and soon! (Oh and since your daughters are home, I'm sure they would love to film your Singing in the Rain rendition.)

Jennie said...

I can relate! On so many levels...

I have to say, the saddest part is those orange piney sticks. I didn't think those things *ever* got thirsty.

I love that God blessed us with this drought...to help us appreciate the rain. This has been on my heart lately, that no matter what the situation, God is providing for us, and at the very least providing us a learning experience (He's clever like that) -

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ~Philippians 4:11-12

[Whether in drought or flood...]

southerninspiration said...

I hear you!! TX is so, so dry right now, we don't mind at all if it rains and we get wet! We pray for more rain, as everything is so dry and in need of some moisture!! Glad you got some, sure hope we get some, too!!

Take care,
Suzanne

Anonymous said...

We have been having our share of this marvelous blessing for awhile now. It comes for quite a bit then sunshine visits again...

I can almost feel the breeze from the strength of the raindrops! Thank you for sharing.

Maria

Shanda said...

I'm glad you're back. I LOVE rain and love the rain shot. You really caught it!

Ms.Daisy said...

Debbie,
So happy for all you folks down there in Georgia suffering through that awful drought. We got some much needed rain on Wednesday and are very grateful for it. Loved the pictures of the downpour.


~Jean
P.S. Been busy with family here visiting the shore.

Tami said...

Well, that looks like a wonderful simple pleasure. Oh how we need rain too! You're right-I never thought much about rain until we are in such need of it. I hope I never take it for granted again. Those are beautiful pictures to see.

Heart n Soul said...

How true is it that we don't always appreciate something until its gone... but then if our hearts are open to it ... we can soak it all up again with renewed perspective.... which is perhaps God's way of helping us to push the reset button on our outlook on life.

Jedbel @ The Pear Tree Cottage said...

You have a way with words and your post made me smile. In north Texas we also need the rain, its been a mini inferno here since the beginning of June :). Thank you for the sweet comment on my blog. Have a great weekend!

Barbara Neubeck said...

Hi Debbie,
So glad you finally got rain.Your photos are so good.
God Bless
Barb from Australia

Rettabug said...

DH used to joke that we got "Four inches of thunder last night" while waiting for the much needed rains to start in FL. Here in Ohio, we're getting rained on just about every other day!! We've only had to water the tomato plants ONCE this year so far. Thank you, God, for your life giving waters, both here & there at your house, Debbie!

Hugs,
Rett

The Charm of Home said...

Debbie,
I am so glad you got some rain! It was dry when we were in St. Augustine and they were starting to get fires. We have had way too much rain. I'll send some more your way! Take care and have a great holiday weekend!
Sherry

Chatty Crone said...

Funny - we didn't get any rain up in Atlanta - but I sure am glad that you got it there. I think you were a bit dryer then we were.

Your right - how many times have we complained that it's raining!

And I'm happy you got out and danced in the rain.

Anonymous said...

We live in a perpetual state of drought in Southern California and our fire season is about to start. We will take all the rain that God sends our way. Wolf!! :-)

Red Couch Recipes said...

Debbie, I am so glad that you received some much needed, blessed rain. I do think that calling upon the powers of heaven can bring rain. Sooo happy for your area -- I think I would have ran and whooped for joy in the rain. Joni

Gayle said...

Lovely sweet rain after a drought! Today we have the opposite, lovely blue sunshine after a winter of clouds and rain. For only the 2nd time in history has the ski resort been open for the 4th of July. It is all the snow we got in the mountains, and rain on the lower levels.

Angel said...

PTL! Had I been there, I would have danced with you in the street. :)

I can't believe I missed the SP party. :( I've been out of the loop I guess. But glad I got to read your post...funny how you can write about clouds and rain and it brightens my day.

Anonymous said...

Thankful for the rain. We've had one of the driest years here in Florida this year. It's here now too and it sure feels right. With all my blog party prep, I missed Simple Pleasures.

Would love you to join my White Christmas in July Blog Party this month. I am positive you'll have something wonderful to share.

Enjoy your 4th.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Debbie, I would have loved to see you doing Gene Kelly! I'm so glad you got some rain, and I'm so grateful for the way you think and the way you write and that I get the benefits of reading what you write. laurie

bj said...

O, so thankful for your rain. Will you continue to pray for rain for us? Our lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees are all dying or dead...our city is low on water...Please get your GENE KELLY gear on and do a dance for us.:)))

Oh, and the Magazine copy Cat Challenge is going to be a monthly meme, I think, so....stay tuned.

saltbox
treasures
said...

Hi Debbie, So glad you got your much needed rain. So funny, how we, in the northwest, complain about rain. We've only had a few sunny days in June and our roses were in a swamp until June; probably one of our wettest springs. But we are the evergreen state for a reason :). Enjoy your rain.
Happy 4th!
~ Julie

The Polka Dot Closet said...

We were in a serious drought in Florida and then he last week the skies opened up and we now look like a lush tropical forest. I know what it is like thinking, come on rain! So glad you got your share

Carol

Anonymous said...

missing the rain too - here in Cabo I felt one drop in Dec, and Jan - any nothing since -- it normal for them but not for me and I can't seem to get use to it.. the photos here wonderful..I bet the smell of the rain was too

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Wow Debbie....total wow!!!! Love that last picture...and you're right that too often we mis things when we don't have them anymore.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

I know this Wolf feeling about the rain. We need it so bad and it is wonderful to see it really rain...

no spring chicken said...

Hurray!!

Have you ever seen the Sarah Plain and Tall series with Glenn Close? When I watch Skylark I get really thirsty, I want a shower, I want to clean the house really well...

I praise God for water!!

Blessings, Debbie

Tanna said...

We do tend to take our blessings without much thought until they spread themselves out, don't we? I am so glad you got some rain. We had a little bit ourselves... a brief respite from the brutal heat. The smell was heaven itself. Here's a heartfelt thanks for both our raindrops... blessings ~ tanna

Shug said...

A good rain indeed....We are in such need of about a weeks worth of rain...the lake is drying up and everything is turning brown...Need some of those clouds to swing down our way...
so glad you were able to enjoy a nice refreshing rain..
Blessings..
shug

Marlis said...

OOH lucky you.. we have been teased with a sprinkle here and there the last two days, but nothing nothing nothing.. That rain looks fabulous. I would even sacrifice the hair.. one bad hair day for a day of rain! Many blessings, marlis

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Debbie,

I'm so glad you got some rain!!! I've been praying for you; how wonderful to see the answer in pictures! You are so right that when things come on time and in season, we tend to take them for granted. Hoping for more rain to come your way soon.

Denise

Crickit said...

I am so glad that you got that rain! I am just sorry that I missed you "singing and dancing in it". Hope you are feeling better these days too! :)

Sue said...

Hi Debbie,
I am finally back from vacation and having fun catching up on all your posts! Thank goodness for the rain ~ with out it we can't appreciate the sunny days can we? We, too, desperately need some here in TX. Getting kinda crunchy.

FrouFrouBritches said...

RAIN! What a beautiful sight! I love rainy days and they have been so few and far between lately. So glad y'all finally got some. We are soooo far behind. It was thundering the other day and, like you, I was soooo hopeful. It never rained. Guess I need to pray AND do a rain dance - maybe like Gene Kelly.

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh my...should I add to this longggggggggggg list of comments.
I so know the joy of seeing rain after a drought...both in the natural and in the spiritual...both just put my feet to dancing. We are in a drought also with continued 100 plus degrees...weeks of it and everything is drying up...so I will dance in the rain when we get some also...just the smell of rain is worth dancing.

Babs said...

Yay! Isn't it lover-ly? We had the same scenario a few weeks ago but the last two weeks we've been getting rain fairly often. This has been a crazy Summer.
Enjoy the rain,
Babs

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