Rain!

Quote of the day: “Or I would be the rain itself, wreathing over the island, mingling in the quiet of moist places, filling its pores with its saturated breaths. And I would be the wind, whispering through the tangled woods, running airy fingers over the island’s face, tingling in the chill of concealed places, sighing secrets in the dawn. And I would be the light, flinging over the island, covering it with flash and shadow, shining on rocks and pools, softening to a touch in the glow of dusk. If I were the rain and wind and light, I would encircle the island like the sky surrounding earth, flood through it like a heart driven pulse, shine from inside it like a star in flames, burn away to blackness in the closed eyes of its night. There are so many ways I could love this island, if I were the rain.”
― Richard Nelson, The Island Within

Rain Moves Over Lake Minnetonka

Today I went out to Norenberg Garden to make portraits. I arrived early so that I could make some photos of the flowers and landscapes and scout out likely locations for portraits. The sky was gray, the air moist, the light magnificent. Absorbed in photographing I failed to notice the clouds thickening and darkening. When the first raindrops fell on me, I lingered enjoying the welcome coolness of rain in my face. After a record hot summer, the rain felt like a gift from heaven. Surely the trees and flowers are happy to receive this much-needed moisture.

I noticed that the rain approaching over Lake Minnetonka and hurried to the shore to make some pictures. Suddenly the downpour  slammed into me. Laughter! There’s nothing else to do when one is caught in the rain in the summertime. Because my camera was unprotected from the rain, I sheltered it with my shirt and ran for the car. My hair and clothes were soaked but my camera was ok.

My portrait subject had arrived and was sitting in her car. I joined her and we sat for awhile waiting to see if the rain was going to stop. The windows steamed up with moisture evaporating from my soaked clothes and hair. I wiped the rain off my face and still beaming with joy, laughed and suggested that we try again tomorrow.

Norenberg Gardens Before the Rain

Norenberg Gardens Before the Rain

Chipmunk Eating Flower Bud

Norenberg Garden Before the Rain

Flowers Before the Rain

Flowers Grow with Abandon