Day 959 Cheerful

 

There’s something truly magical about being inside on a day that’s cold, rainy, and dismal. Outside, the world seems stuck in a dull, grey limbo, yet indoors, spring is already pushing its way in. It’s amazing how quickly a few days in a warm, sunny space can coax buds to bloom and bring a little brightness to an otherwise dreary day.

One of the simplest joys right now is the forsythia. While it will be several weeks before the cheerful yellow blossoms make their appearance outside, inside, they’ve already begun to bloom. I’m planning to cut a few branches to create small centerpieces. These bright yellow flowers instantly bring a splash of color wherever they land. In a space where the weather refuses to cooperate, it feels like a breath of fresh air to have spring right at my fingertips.

But step outside, and it’s an entirely different story. The cold rain, coupled with the absence of sunshine, makes everything feel so much chillier. Even my grocery delivery, usually a quick and easy task, was an hour late. But can you blame them? When it's pouring rain, everything seems to slow down. Time itself feels a little more sluggish when it’s storming outside, and the day just drags on.

Still, there’s a silver lining. All this rain will be great for the spring blossoms. The flowers, the garden, the lawn—they’ll all thrive in the wet, nourishing soil. And while my rain barrel is already full, there’s no harm in topping it off. A few more gallons of rainwater won’t hurt, and I know I’ll appreciate having it when the warmer, drier days hit.

Spring cleanup is on the horizon, and before long, I’ll be back outside tackling projects that will keep me busy well into the fall. As much as I’m itching to get started, for now, I think I’ll appreciate the slow pace of today. There’s a strange comfort in a day like this—time feels a little more flexible, and I can ease into the slower rhythm of life.

Tim and I decided to make the most of the dreary evening by hunkering down for a few episodes of my never-ending zombie show. The characters are always struggling to survive—fighting enemies, scavenging for food and weapons, and meeting their untimely demise at a rapid pace. It’s become a bit of a game for me not to get attached to anyone, knowing full well they’ll probably be killed off before the season ends. But with each new episode, new characters emerge, keeping things fresh (and keeping me on my toes).

So, while the weather outside is far from ideal, inside, it's warm, cozy, and full of little reminders that spring is on its way. The rain may be slowing things down, but there’s a certain beauty in the pause. And soon enough, the world will burst into bloom, and I'll be outside, tackling my long list of spring projects. Until then, I’ll take advantage of the calm and enjoy the rainy vibe. After all, even the greyest days have their own kind of charm.