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.