The magic of a rainstorm. What does that bring to mind? I see my grandson, a wide grin on his face, jumping in puddles. The bigger the splash, the bigger the gin.
For me, it represents cleansing. Not only physical but a mental cleansing. Simply allowing myself to get lost in the rhythmic thrumming of the rain falling gives me a sense of freedom from my day-to-day worries.
I see Gene Kelly dancing in Singin’ in the Rain and Clint Eastwood’s emotional scene in The Bridges of Madison County. How about the movie Network, where Howard Beale stands in a torrential New York rainstorm telling the world he’s mad as hell and isn’t going to take it anymore? Yes, Hollywood understands the magic of rainstorms.
A rainstorm nourishes the earth. Birds serenade mother nature afterwards. Plants, glistening with drops of rain, display more vibrant colors.
Here in Florida, it’s summer. That means every afternoon, like clockwork, we have rainstorms. Sometimes those storms produce thunder and lightning. It might seem odd, but the sound of a thunderstorm relaxes me. I love listening to the waves of falling rain on the roof or watching lightning dance in the sky.
While working on editing book two in the Twisted Curse Series, Entwined Fates, I’m distracted by a powerful thunderstorm outside. Not only are my kitties looking for comfort snuggles, but my imagination is running wild. Here are a few ideas rumbling (pun intended) in my mind.
- Only under the cover of dark clouds can a master blacksmith stoke the flame in his otherworldly forge, causing flashes of light to blaze across the sky. Iron muscles bulge as his arm swings a massive hammer onto the fiery iron. Each impact rings in his ears, vibrating his very soul, or at least what they left of it. As sweat pours down his face, urgency whispers in his ear. Once the clouds clear, his project must come to a halt. He dares to pause for a moment to admire the rudimentary sword destined to bring him his freedom from this prison or his agonizing death.
- Only under the cover of dark clouds can a master blacksmith stoke the flame in his otherworldly forge, causing flashes of light to blaze across the sky. Iron muscles bulge as his arm swings a massive hammer onto the fiery iron. Each impact rings in his ears, vibrating his very soul, or at least what they left of it. As sweat pours down his face, urgency whispers in his ear. Once the clouds clear, his project must come to a halt. He dares to pause for a moment to admire the rudimentary sword destined to bring him his freedom from this prison or his agonizing death.
- Only under the cover of dark clouds can a master blacksmith stoke the flame in his otherworldly forge, causing flashes of light to blaze across the sky. Iron muscles bulge as his arm swings a massive hammer onto the fiery iron. Each impact rings in his ears, vibrating his very soul, or at least what they left of it. As sweat pours down his face, urgency whispers in his ear. Once the clouds clear, his project must come to a halt. He dares to pause for a moment to admire the rudimentary sword destined to bring him his freedom from this prison or his agonizing death.
Throughout history, there were many folktales explaining this magnificent act of mother nature. As a child, I remember being told the thunder was angels bowling and lightning flashed when they got a strike. I’m interested in hearing about stories you were told.
Many cultures viewed thunder and lightning as part of a deity. In Greek mythology, Zeus obtained the thunderbolt as a weapon after he freed the cyclopes from the Titans. Of course, we all know about Thor, the god of thunder. Lightning comes from his hammer and the sound of thunder comes from his chariot as he rides across the sky. I wonder if Marvel will give Thor a chariot at some point.
Some African tribe religions believe lightning is a sign of the ire of the gods. While in Japan, Shinto is a demon who strikes a drum to create lightning.
Our imaginations are an endless repository of wondrous stories. Our lives are richer from the dreams and adventures we allow ourselves to experience. The next time that storm rumbles overhead, take a moment to let your imagination free.
Remember, thunderstorms are remarkable and beautiful, but they are also dangerous. Follow safety guidelines.
