On storms and calm

the rains came hard last night my friends ⛈️

Dinner last night was a Mexican-inspired deconstructed-rice-bowl, served on the pool deck with a side of thunder & lightening. As we were enjoying the sunset along with our cilantro rice, guac, salsa, pinto beans, chicken and corn - a cacophonous storm descended upon us, drowning out Kenny Chesney and our own voices.

We could not even hear ourselves chew - the thunder and lightening becoming the main event of the meal. I had been praying for rains in the west for friends - I believe my prayers showed up and were answered in the wrong geo.

The darker the sky, the more dramatic the storm. Those crazy gods were bowling hard! We stayed and we ate as we watched and we listened. Just as the wild storm was beyond bearable to stay outside under the lanai for much longer, our plates were empty and we relocated to greater comfort and dry shelter with our glasses.

Rather than watching a tv, we watched the storm from the candle lit room, the sliding glass door opened as wide as possible. Our primary job was keeping Chewy calm, no easy feat.

Kenny handed the microphone over to Willie as we marveled over his longevity (almost 93 and still performing!). The storm reminded us to pray for the safe travels of loved ones as flights were being delayed, cancelled, and rebooked.

A wild storm that pops out of nowhere is Mother Nature’s great reminder that she remains in charge; plans are always made to potentially be broken. As for the calm, that comes before and after the storm with ease, as the sayings go. To be the calm in the storm takes surrender, a bottomless wine glass, a full and happy belly, and great company. 🙏🏻 🌧️ 🙏🏻