water symphony

It's raining in Western North Carolina tonight!

This is a big deal, as we are in a drought--"extreme drought" according to the experts. All of nature is parched and thirsty, rivers are low, crops languish, and flowers droop.

It's hard to believe that patter of the rain would be such a joyous and welcome sound for me, after leaving Seattle unable to settle comfortably into its seemingly unceasing precipitation. But this morning when I woke up and saw the drizzle, my heart jumped with excitement for the good fortune. I worried that it was only a drizzle, not enough to soak the roots and seep down good and soggy, giving the plants a deep drink of nourishment.

Then tonight I heard the sound of pouring buckets, the cowbell tone of drops bouncing off the eaves, water pouring through the trees in my backyard. Glorious sound! I'm sitting on my deck, listening, letting the shower symphony wash over me, filling me back up after this long dry journey home.

Tomorrow will be green and juicy and full of gratitude.

The Power of Play

I've been half-jokingly calling this summer of transition my "Asheville summer camp". I truly think you'd have to make a sincere effort not to play in such a glorious location. From long walks along the peaceful Swananoa to dancing in drum circles in Pritchard Park, I've been surrendering to the spirit of play that seems to bubble up just from being here.

One of my favorite playgrounds is water, and Western North Carolina has a host of pristine rivers, streams and lakes--though most have been severely affected by the prolonged drought in the southeast. Nevertheless, I was delighted to find a near perfect swimming hole at Hooker Falls in the Dupont Forest. Though hardly a wilderness area, it's a gathering place for all shapes, sizes and colors of swimmers, looking for a respite from the August heat. The squeals and giggles remind me of otters chasing each other through the slippery rocks. What other choice do you have but to jump in too?

In my serious pursuit of recreation, I was also delighted to listen to Krista Tippet's interview with Stuart Brown, the Director of the National Institute for Play. Dr. Brown's years of study in medicine and psychiatry ultimately led him to become the nation's first champion of play when he started the institute at the age of 62. Hear more about the science of play and it's invaluable role in our formation as humans and the hope of the planet. http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/play/

With that kind of scientific backing, I may just play the whole rest of the summer! Y'know, for the good of the planet and all.

Can you hear that picture?

When you look at something do you hear sounds? No, not the sound made by the particular object like dog: barking. It's kind of like when some people hear certain music they see colors. This is the opposite. If so you have a rare form of synaesthesia, interesting article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7545888.stm