liquid sun

mother nature did not disappoint as i drove to newark yesterday evening. in a tumultuous hour and a half or so, the weather changed a number of times. as i hopped in the shower before leaving home, the sun was out and the birds were singing. the rain had stopped and it was at least 65 degrees outside. even the grass had started to turn green. the robins were feasting on worms in the yard and i found myself wondering whether it was really going to get cold again.

i got out of the shower, dried off, and saw dark storm clouds on the horizon. they were especially menacing looking. these weren't really clouds we see too often out here. i associate them more with big summer storms rolling across the lake in wisconsin. something was about to happen.

the skies opened up as i got in the car and for the first twenty minutes of my drive it poured down rain. the windshield wipers couldn't keep up and water was pooling on all the roads. i couldn't even drive through all the puddles with glee because i couldn't see them all. red clay creek was brimming with water and rushing along the road.

i turned a corner and just like that, the air was clear and the sun came out. clouds rushed above my head on countless levels, swirling every which way. the sun hit each of them at a slightly different angle, playing with light and making me feel a bit like i was in an airplane, instead of firmly planted on the ground. the water that clung to the tree branches shimmered and dripped golden drops. it was beautiful.

i knew a rainbow would be likely and i knew i would be making a turn that would give me a great glimpse of the eastern sky, right where said rainbow should be hanging out. i was treated to seeing the entire one, pots of gold and all. i pulled over and took the photo, then watched the image fade just as easily as i imagine it appeared. the clouds rolled back in and brought a bitter wind and even some snow flakes. by the time we left dinner i was wishing i had my down jacket in hand.

i love this time of year, this weather. constantly changing and making me feel like just about anything is possible.