Today was a rainy day. When I woke up, the sky was grey and by mid-afternoon a light drizzle had settled in, cozy in its new location. The trees have started turning here and the sidewalks were filled with nature’s confetti.

I’ve developed a “hankering” (to borrow a phrase from my days in the South) for walking – taking time to stop and appreciate the scenery as I meander through brick lined sidewalks. Today was no different except that I had a sidewalk lined with nature’s golden carpeting that was too soggy for me to enjoy a “crunch” underfoot but still beckoned to be treaded upon.

As I walked out the door of my office building, I experienced a moment’s hesitation – should I brave the rain and walk home (as I normally do) or stay dry and take the T with the rest of the masses. (The T is Boston’s subway…I’ll have to make note to post about this in the near future.) As I reached the critical “fork in the road” I opened up my DC art umbrella and decided to take a stroll through the rain. And boy, am I glad I did.

As an aside, my grandmother – Sally, we called her – liked to use the term “boy.” She was born in 1916 and grew up when the term had its heyday. I can actually hear her voice in my head saying “oh boy” as I type…I think she would have enjoyed Boston. (Note to self: does my family know if she ever visited?) But I digress…

The Public Garden was empty save for the ducks that huddled into themselves as they floated on a rainy pond.

Periodically, I’d see a kindred spirit, umbrella in hand, braving the elements to enjoy the park. But not many stopped to look around and take pictures as I did.

Even Mama Duck seemed more hurried, urging her ducklings out of the rain…missing the little ones who normally play here.

Trees hang low, heavy with water, framing the bridges, ponds, sculptures, and city. It’s a bit melancholy but beautiful if you stop to look.

And if you do stop to look…brave the wet…you might just spot a brilliant display peeking through the gloom. When I lived in DC I said, “I never want to lose the wonder I feel living here.” I didn’t, and I have the same feeling in Boston. I think I’m succeeding.

Xo
Marley