Nothing makes you appreciate the gifts of the universe like having something taken away. Like rain. Live in a drought long enough and rain becomes something sacred, a blessing, a cleansing.  Rain is celebrated — loved even.

So I was downright giggly when I woke up at 4:00 AM to the sound of rain hitting the roof. More rain was falling at 6:00 AM when I padded out to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. There is nothing more serene than sitting in your warm house, in your jammies, sipping a hot cup of coffee, while it blissfully rains outside.

Later, after we’d finished our coffee, Husband and I decided to take a drive in the rain, up to the mountains.  On our way, we took back roads, through acres and acres of farmland, stopping for breakfast at a little, tiny coffee shop.  I never knew about the town of Byron, much less that this little place would be so packed — but we were seated quickly and breakfast was delicious. The decor was eclectic.  Sitting on the counter were cinnamon rolls the size of dinner plates, bottles of wine for sale next to the condiments — and at the other end, a few pieces of sparkly jewelry on display mannequins.  Done in teals and blues, the walls were decorated with a chalkboard sign telling you all the desserts you could purchase (fresh-baked pies and cookies) and a menu of the specials for the day (crabcake benedict made with pesto).

But my favorite sign was a twist on the Serenity Prayer:  “Give me coffee to change the things I can, and wine to accept the things I can’t.”  I’ll take my serenity any way I can get it.

So, today — on November 4th — I am ever-so grateful for a dousing of rain and a little serenity on the side.  What could be more perfect?