Ramblings

Somedays they say - are just made for the rains. Welcome to today.
I dont know whether it comes from being a Scorpio- but rains make me wonder. I think like most water signs - I am thoroughly enchanted, humbled and mesmerised by the wonders and the fury of the rains. They quench my soul with a desire to introspect and attribute meaning to bypassing events from days long ago.
This morning I lay in bed and looked out of my window at the torrents lash the green lawns of student village one. It reminded me of other mornings - from years long gone where I would do the same. Life was much different back then. There was excitement and comfort and the kind os nervous energy that only a new place fosters. There was also much love and much faith. There were phones that would ring with random cheer and impromptu plans to watch movies and explore coffeeshops.
Different time, Different place, Different people. Same me.
Amongst other things - rains make me feel immensely thankful. Its such a privilege to be indoors on stormy days as these, drawing inspiration from the odd cup of masala chai, warmth from a blanket and perspective from a good read. It makes my heart ache for the people who will be getting soaked on the outside with no shelter to protect them from these september slushes.
Rains make me crave for old friends. There is something strangly comforting about spending a rainy sunday afternoon with a old friend in a torrential thunderstorm.
When I was a kid - I used to love getting soaked in the rains. Nowadays - theres all kinds of fancy protection - from umbrellas to jackets to what not. The crazy thing is - my heart gets drenched anywhichways.
A long time ago - I used to work at the student activities center at UF. One fine sunny day in August of 2002- I was given the all important task of drawing a chalk invitation graffitti for a soccer match on the tiled pathway of Reitz Union. I saw this a chore aptly fitting my so called artistic abilities. Spent the entire afternoon making the worlds largest ornate design. Unfortunately - it started getting windy and dark and 15 minutes later - the rains washed away my days work. No graffitti - no pay. I remember standing in the rains - crying my heart out.
It was weird but I knew in my heart that I had been crying for everything other than the doomed graffiti. Made me smile afterwards.
Then an hour later - I quickly got back and drew a second much uglier hurried graffitti. Best 10 bucks I made in my life.
It comes back to me - on mornings like today. When I am all comfortable, secure and smiling at the wonder of it all. I remember the passion, the force and the weight and the eye of that storm. But the reality is that if it werent for the changing weather, zillions of people would have nothing to talk about. And even when it rains and soaks the crap out of your plans -rains do a darn good job of wiping tears away.
So while it may be the best to be happy and secure indoors on a day like today - I'm going for a walk in the rains.