Growing up in the Midwest, thunderstorms were a common occurence in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Since I moved to Southern California, I have missed experiencing a really good thunderstorm. But today, while moving into my new house, I had the opportunity to enjoy a decent thunderstorm–something considered to be winter weather here in sunny SoCal.
I was upstairs, moving boxes into what is going to become my new office, when I spotted the first flash of lightning out of the corner of my eye. For a second, I thought a porch light burst–my new place was built in 1925, it is a possible concern. But the roar of thunder moments later proved a storm was brewing.
It had been raining on and off all day. I was in moving mode so I never stopped to check the weather reports. And again, because I am from the Midwest, the rain isn’t a big deal to me. I had no qualms about lugging boxes into the car and out of the car in what Midwesterners would call a slight drizzle (in SoCal it is STORMWATCH).
Under normal situations (for me), I would curl up in a blanket, make a cup of tea, and read a book while listening to the rain. Nothing relaxes me more than the sound of rain. I even listen to a thunderstorm recreation on a sound machine every night in order to lull myself off into dreamland. This is my favorite part of the year, a SoCal winter.
It was a welcomed surprise to experience this light show from the Gods, that progressively got better throughout the evening. I sat down at my new built-in desk and watched the entire show from what I can imagine will be a prime writing spot for me.
As corny as this may sound, I saw this whole experience as a sign that I have finally found my “home.” The storm served as a cleansing, a cleansing of my past as I embark on a fresh new start in my new home, in my new office where I will hopefully let my creative juices flow.