April Rain

I read somewhere that a writer should never start a novel or short story with the weather, but sometimes the weather is so absolutely perfect you can't start with anything else.

I was going to do the treadmill today, but after going outside I decided to enjoy the gorgeous spring sunshine by working in the yard. An hour of trimming, weeding and raking left me sweaty, but feeling great. I had almost given up yard work the last couple of summers because I just didn't have the energy for it. Now, after 6 months of Spark People, and 40 pounds lost, I can enjoy yard work again.

And, I was wearing my size 14 jeans and cute ocean blue polo shirt from LL Bean that I bought at the mall yesterday. Life is indeed good.

The following poem is by Langston Hughes, who is a favorite poet of mine. I enjoy this poem because it sounds almost like a benediction to me.

April Rain Song

Let the rain kiss you.
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.
Let the rain sing you a lullaby.

The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk.
The rain makes running pools in the gutter.
The rain plays a little sleep-song on our roof at night—

And I love the rain.

Langston Hughes