Even though we were tired we sat out on the porch
overlooking the water, across to the Baja peninsula, the Sierra San Francisco
and the amazing show that was happening. From a long dark cloud came flashes so frequent that it was as if someone had switched on a strobe light. Without
exaggeration I would easily say that there were about 6-8 strikes per second and the longest amount
of time between strikes was just under
1 second. The sky was ablaze in flashing lights – right, left, center, higher
from the horizon, lower, it never let up. While few bolts were visible to the
eye, it was spectacular, none the less. Add to it the phosphorescence in the breaking
waves and the shooting stars from the Perseid Meteor Shower and needless to
say, I was breath-taken. Only reluctantly did I go to bed. It fueled me in an
interestingly energetic way. I fell asleep hearing some high vibrating
sound that I could not place into any known category.
Around 1:30 a.m. I awoke to use the bathroom and as I passed
the big picture window in the living room I saw that the storm had moved closer;
the lightening was stronger and more frequent. In awe I awoke Robert to say
that he might want to see this.
After watching from the comfort of the house something told
me that the storm was coming here and that it would rain, but I dismissed it as
there has been no cloud build up as of late and on a normal year our rainfall
measures 3”. To add to that, we have been in a drought for some years now. I crawled
back into bed with only a sheet to cover me. We always sleep with the door and
windows wide open to both enjoy the fresh air and hear the ocean better.
Some 2 hours later I awoke to the sound of pounding rain on
metal roof, which I admit amplifies the noise considerably. It was pouring!
Thought #1: I have to close the windows and door a.s.a.p.! I
know it will flood inside if I’m not quick. Heaven knows how long it has been
raining already!
Thought #2: My studio window is open and my beautiful handmade
papers are right under the open window. This
could be disastrous!
Thought #3: Oh thank heavens Robert sealed the new roof of the
studio just the other day…..
Thought #4: Wow, this
is really cool!
When it rains here, you can practically hear the Earth sing.
It vibrates with a song that speaks of life and renewal. It is hard not to join
in with her, humming your own grateful tune, as all is being quenched and
cleaned. It matters not how many puddles
there might be to sweep up later.
 |
| My newly planted veggie garden |
I know it rained for at least a couple of hours. It lulled
me into a deep sleep and when we awoke later in the morning all the plants
glowed green and vibrant. No more dust! The gray water system, which isn’t yet really
up and going properly had collected an extra 11 gallons or so from just a small
area of run off. (Had it been completed,
Robert says at that rate we could have amassed over 200 gallons!) The tomatoes,
cucumbers, squash, basil, and all the ornamentals were practically singing they
were so happy.
The neighborhood was up and moving, sweeping standing water
from patios, fixing leaks, and generally feeling more lively than usual. Driving
into town the distant buildings shone their true vibrant Mexican colors and
could be seen from the top of the hill in La Beliza, some mile and a half away.
I saw that the airstrip and the road leading in were both under about a foot of
water. Speaking to the cashier in the co-op
it was clear that the beauty of the tormenta
(storm) touched everyone. Even all the campers along the point seemed pretty
amazed by the whole experience.
And now the humidity has risen considerably. For a desert town, it feels very tropical.
But the water has gotten warm and a swim is definitely in order for this
afternoon, if not sooner.
Just when I think this place is magical, it does something
that astounds me even more!
Mother Nature you
rock!
