Summer weather is stalling here in the Pacific Northwest. A day here or there. Maybe two. Yet we are still waiting for warmer days.
Weather predictions of an atmospheric river brought in rain showers last Friday. The large magnificent rhododendron blossoms we had watched open didn’t last long. Intermittent heavy rain showers changed them quickly.
Atmospheric rivers seem to carry buckets with them to gather up large amounts of tropical moisture. That moisture then creates a rain-filled storm. What started out as light rain showers and a breeze changed into heavy downpours. Our cooler days act like magnets to draw that rain
I sat in our family room watching the raindrops attack the rhododendron blossoms. And then I saw them hitting the leaves on a vine maple outside a window. The tree’s graceful limbs and the falling raindrops had the vine maple dancing in the rain.
During a break in the rain in the late afternoon, I spied a hummingbird at the feeder outside that same window. Her wings were flapping fast as she hovered at the feeder. She was attempting to load up on the nectar. Wonder if she has a nest nearby with babies waiting?
We have had a mother hummingbird nest on our front porch for three consecutive summers. She stopped returning about four years ago. We miss the opportunity to watch a new family come into this world.
The hummingbird wasn’t intent on dancing in the rain. She was here to gather food. As I sat here the image of a ballet performance came to mind. Dancing trees waved their branches in time with rain. And a hummingbird came to feed with flapping wings keeping time.
Occasionally we need to take a deep breath and stop the busyness. Taking time from the ordinary tasks opens a chance to sit back and take in God’s creation, and all that we can find in it.
Celebrating nature,
Featured Image Attribution: Bud Logan
Sherrey, thank you for letting me join you in your contemplation of your nature. I love how you see the dance of the maple trees, the ballet of the hummingbird. I would love to see the latter in real life as they truly seem to be a miraculous small bird! Enjoy you spiritual quietude … and may the warmth and sun of summer finds its way to you soon. Just so long as it’s not the crazy heat sweeping across parts of Europe but thankfully not here in the South-East of England. A gentle warm sunny day of 21 degrees centigrade. Perfect to relax with a lunch in the garden and take in all the flowers! Xx
Annika, you’re welcome to join me here any time. Due to some chronic health issues, I’m not always johnny-on-the-spot to get my blog posts out. I’m hopeful some of these issues will resolve themselves or just go away! The warmth of summer has come, stayed a couple of days, and then the coolness returned. But it wasn’t the crazy heat sweeping across parts of Europe! We had that last year and lost several shrubs and plants to the heat. The weather you describe in your location sounds perfect! Come back any time!
This right here: “Occasionally we need to take a deep breath and stop the busyness. Taking time from the ordinary tasks opens a chance to sit back and take in God’s creation, and all that we can find in it.” I’m fortunate that my little computer corner has a window looking out onto our back deck where I have several potted plants. All of the plants are attractants for butterflies, bees, and sometimes even hummingbirds. In fact, as I’m writing this comment, a rubythroat is enjoying the nectar from a red Penta plant. That makes my day!
Indeed you are fortunate to have your writing corner in such a good spot. A place to watch and enjoy some of the greatest of the summertime joys! Thanks for stopping by, Marie.
I am taking a blog break but making an exception for you, Sherrey. I know I’ll always find comfort and calmness here.
If summer has stalled in the Pacific Northwest, believe you me it has installed itself hot and heavy in the Southeast. Thanks for your peaceful reflection. 😀
Marian, you don’t know how much it means that you come to my blog for comfort and calmness. Those two words made my day!
Family in Tennessee have been keeping us up-to-date on that heat wave. Sounds uncomfortable. Last summer our hottest day was 116! Burned new shrubs and plants Bob had put out. Glad you found peace for your day.
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