Ahhh, the rainy season is here.
It's pouring outside right now. This is our first rain in our new house and its really interesting to listen to the sound of the rain pounding on the skylight, to watch it play out against the backdrop of the redwoods outside my window.
Rain is definitely one of those things you appeciate more from indoors, isn't it? Although I do have to say, I'm ever-so-grateful for whoever
designed the darling raingear for outdoor wear. Have you seen some of the clever boots that are out now? Oh man, I love the edgier rock-star ones. I'd wear them anywhere (actually I'm thinking of making rainboots a standard fashion statement, worn with jeans, leggings, skirts- indoors and out. My daughters are concerned and asking not to be seen in public with me if 
I do, but I think it could catch on. What do you think?)Maybe it's my natural inclination toward footwear, but while I'm all hot for the boots, I'm sort of 'eh' over raincoats. Yes, I realize there are some really chic and fashionable ones, but I just can't get into them. Maybe if they made cuter ones for adults, like they do kids?
But despite my current obsession with rainwear, I'm unfortunately always -ALWAYS- without an umbrella. I don't get it, I own them. Every season I buy at least one new one. But I can never find them - especially when it's raining. So while my feet are comfy and dry, I usually show up wherever I'm
going with wet hair.These are, I'm sure, along with miserable traffic, the reasons that rain really is an indoor delight (and yes, the reason I'm trying to make cute rainboots an indoor/outdoor fashion statement). Indoor rainy days are simply made for cuddling. For quiet pursuits like crafts or baking. Or best of all, for reading. I hear the rain hitting the windows and my fingers actually twitch for a book. Like Pavlov's dog, I'm trained to read in the rain.
There's nothing better than spending the evening curled up next to the fire, with the rain pounding away, a hot toddy
or hot buttered rum and some deliciously decadent baked treat next to me while I lose myself in a wonderful romance. Or, if my daughter is reading with me, reading aloud Harry Potter or Percy Jackson along with some popcorn (or caramel corn if I'm feeling super indulgent) and hot cocoa. I'll even settle for an afternoon with my laptop, writing my own romance while sipping iced tea (what can I say, it's a year-round addiction) and nibbling on something healthy like fruit.The time of day, the drink of choice and the snacking deliciousness are all interchangeable. But it's always about the story, the rain and the deep feeling of relaxation.
How about you? Do you like rainy days? Are they reading time for you, or do they inspire some other form of entertainment? What's your favorite rainy day reading treat to snack on?
And seriously, don't you think cute rainboots could be an indoor fashion statement? Really?????
66 comments:
:D
Tawny, great post! I don't know that I've *ever* had a pain of rain boots in my life. I feel like I'm missing out, somehow.
I'm... eh about rain. Sometimes I like it but I get sick of constantly gray days. I can't really remember the last time I saw the sun. (Maybe 2 weeks ago?) I have to admit though, I love the big "violent" storms - right before, with the giant raindrops and if you're outside for more than 4 seconds you get soaked to the skin. I have to admit I love running around in that. Or more like, a mad dash outside then back in again.
I don't wear shoes indoors, so sorry, the rain boots as an inside fashion statement won't catch on here - but maybe sleeker ones for normal wear? My sister had this great pair of pink/magenta books that she'd wear with jeans, skirts, etc. (They looked more like "regular" boots.)
And it's obviously how little I talk about boots because I keep typing "books" instead O_o
Lime - two days in a row. The GR apparently likes those gray days.
Tawny - I should lend you my magic umbrella. I bought it at Brookstone a year or so ago. It's very compact - small enough to fit in the glove compartment in the car & in the side pocket of my purse. When the forecast calls for rain and I'm heading out - I put the umbrella in my purse and it never rains. Seriously. That umbrella has never been wet.
I love the sound of rain in the woods, or on a tin roof, or when you're high in the mountains. Winter rain always sounds better when you're buried under a pile of blankets - summer rain swinging in a hammock on a screened in porch.
ROFL Lime, boots, books... hey, both are worthy obsessions!!!
You know, its probably a California thing. We're in a drought and have wayyyy to little rain here, so when we do get it its one of those little jump around and celebrate moments.
You know, in cute rain boots *g*
Oooh, Donna, the magic umbrella sounds great for those 'have to travel' days.
Blankets are the perfect addition to the rainy day reading, too, aren't they? I have a gorgeous crocheted blanket in my favorite shade of purple that one of my dearest writer friends made me that I love to curl up under for those reading days.
WE are still in a drought, I've gone and watered my yard, and even washed the car! If that doesn't bring the rain on nothing will.
Hi Tawny!
I was looking on-line today for rain boots since I ended up with wet feet while unclogging the drain at the base of the driveway today during the downpour.
I haven't owned a pair since I was in grade school and those were the kind that you wore with your regular shoes. I think I had a pair of red ones.
I found this pair on Zappos...way cool...
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7458756/c/80.html
Also saw some mother/daughter matching sets too...would that fly with your daughters?
I'm loving the rain! Listened to music and wrote letters today. Very happy I'm not commuting to work anymore.
Hi Tawny,
I usually watch TV or read when I'm stuck at home on a rainy day. I'll either put on a comedy or action flick. Hot chocolate and cookies are great for rainy days.
Congrats, lime!
Sorry, Tawny, but much as I love the cool rainboots I'm seeing these days, NO. Just... no. Please, not indoors. I'm cringing along with your daughters here.
Rainy days can be fun if there aren't too many of them in a row. The best thing to do on them, imo, is to go out on a (covered) porch with someone you love and just sit there, watching the rain fall and enjoying the peace. And the smell, if it's spring. Rain always smells best in spring.
I've been reading the comments on the DA post about unlikeable heroines, and have now had a book that I'd never heard of before bumped up to the top of my TBR list. I blame Christine - she described the heroine as Scarlett O’Hara on crack. Guess what I'll be reading on my next rainy day? (Under a blanket, of course. I read under a blanket in any type of weather. I use sarongs in the summer. Seriously, I cannot read properly when blanket-less.)
Congrats again limecello have fun with him
Tawny I too love the rain and sitting inside with a cadbury chocolate a coffe or some tim tams and reading, my favourite pastime.
It has been strange the weather here at the moment windy a bit of rain we even had hail last week but a couple of weeks before the temperature was soring who can pick the weather these days.
Here in OZ we call rainboots
gumboots and they have so many different patterens on them I don't have any but my grandson Jayden has 3 pairs and wears them everywhere he goes he has a red pair with dinosaurs on them a green pair with skull & crossbones on them and a pair of plain black ones Hayley has 2 pairs both pink one with Barbie and the other My little pony and when it rains they love me to take them outside so they can jump in puddles I just have my big umberella that keeps me sorta dry LOL.
Have Fun
Helen
Seriously....just bought my granddaughter rain boots and a pair of shoes, both in pink & brown (must be this season's colors) and she is going nuts til I can get them to her. My daughter is already telling her she can't wear the boots ALL THE TIME!
I do like rainy days but only as an indoor sport. It is hard to stand outside and read with an umbrella. That is when I get the baking bug and want to go make something comforting.
After a summer of outrageous heat and drought, we've had a rainy October. I love watching movies, eating popcorn, drinking hot cocoa. I fall asleep if I read!
Today we're back to sun and heat, though :P
I hate rain, all that freaking mud and the coldness. Summer rain is nice but fall rain is awful.
And since we take of our shoes, then no on the boots.
I *love* rain. (Although not quite as much as we've had in Atlanta lately.) I grew up in the Pacific NW, and rain makes me feel comfortable and safe. (Well, except if the roof leaks.) I hardly ever use an umbrella... I'd rather get a bit wet. In fact, I *like* getting wet. Lately, though, because we've had so much rain, I actually dug out an umbrella or two and *used* them! Woo-hoo! I also have a snazzy orange fisherman's raincoat from Alaska. It's the coolest garment ever. Neither wind nor hail nor driving rain will rip that sucker off you if you want it to stay on.
Since I wear my snow boots indoors all winter (because there's rarely any snow where I am, sniff sob), I'm totally with you on the rain boots thing!
Tawny, I saw some rain boots this weekend that were shaped like cowboy books. Some were camo, some had skulls on them, some others I don't remember.
I'd like to kick back and read when it's rainy, but if I did that around here this year I'd do nothing but read and get no work done. I mowed the (still wet) lawn for three hours yesterday and barely beat the next wave of rain.
Oh, Tawny, I love rain. When I can stay indoors, that is. :-)
When I have to shepherd my kids to the bus stop in the pouring rain (then wait there for half an hour because the bus is late), it's another story. Even adorable rain boots (and my kids wear the cutest boots) can't save the day then.
But I do love winter nights by the fire with a book & a bottomless bowl of popcorn. Our whole family snuggles up, cracks open a good read & spends time alone together, if that makes any sense. It's one of my favorite things.
Great post, Tawny!
I love the rain - as long as there isn't too much of it!
I love the rain in the Caribbean - one almighty downpour that lasts like ten minutes and then the sun comes out again. Most times, I stay in the sea when it rains - it's a fab feeling.
I also love those bright days when it rains, because you get rainbows.
Lovely hubby has been deperate for rain for his veggies. Seriously, living in England you'd think we'd be overwhelmed (and I think some areas have been) but here in Cambridge - we've barely seen a drop since March! Poor man has to hand-water his crops!
Tawny, you'd be styling no matter WHAT type of boots you wear!
My 5 and 6 yo little girlfriends have ladybug boots their NeeNee got them.
They match the ladybug spatulas I bought them to help me bake cookies.
Alas, Kentucky too has had a LOT of rain this year. It's raining now and yes, COLD fall rain is not nearly as refreshing as it sounds.
But since I'm off work AGAIN today, I'm staying in my jammies, reading and trying to figure out a hiding place for the bag of molasses cookies I'd meant to take to work today.
I'm sure I won't remember where I hide them :-)
Oh yes, wellies *g*. You knew I'd agree with you, didn't you?! Love them. In fact, lovely hubby's daughters and I were discussing how many cute pairs we have at the weekend.
I have the traditional green pair for working the garden and a blue and white polka dot pair from J Crew. They have pink, tartan, blue and flowered. I have my eyes on some rather nice red boots with polka dots too.
I love the kiddies wellies that look like frogs or ladybirds!
Duh, forgot to say that my favourite place on a rainy day, is our conservatory, with a good book (and the hubby!)
I love rainy days, so long as I don't have to go out in them. I prefer to snuggle in bed with a book...or a boytoy, whatever. Both are great entertainments for me on rainy days (or sunny days incidentally).
Favorite rainy day treat? Sometime warm and from the oven most likely. So it could be cake or it could be beer bread with butter melting over the slices.
Timely post, Tawny, as you and I are in the same neck of the woods and experiencing the rain, rain and more rain. Our house definitely got slimed last night, so cleanup is the order of the morning.
As long as the power holds and the fire's going, I'm tucked inside with a nice fire and a good book, I love the rain.
Anyone remember that old round, "If all the raindrops were lemons drops and gum drops, oh what a world it would be?" I always think of that song when it's raining.
But I definitely don't want to be outside in it!
hey Tawny! And Congrats Limecello! :>
Tawny, what a great rainy day post. Love the boots, babe! I want some.
Rainy days for me are great working days. When I can, though, I like to curl up under a quilt with a great book and hot tea and read. Ohhhhh, yeah. :>
Okay...back to the cave!
Hey, Lime, he's with you again!
Tawny, what a lovely post. Loved the picture of the rain pounding on the skylight against the background of the redwoods. Would love to visit one day and check it out. Sounds magical, like Snow White's house or something!
I adore a rainy day when I can curl up with a book. Nothing better. We're heading into our storm season here - we've already had a couple of wild, swirly storms through. Our rainy season is the summer (hopefully!) when we get the tail end of the monsoons from Asia. And the occasional cyclone which can be really scary. I'm heading away overnight to see some friends who have just moved to a ritzy seaside resort called Noosa. So I'm hoping our weather improves over the next few days!
Darn, Natalie, washing the car usually brings on rain. Have you tried cleaning all the windows on your house? I've heard thats the last resort to making it rain. Not that it ever actually worked for me, but I always figured it gave the chore a good cause feel *g*
Pink!!! Those are rockin' boots! I love it, so cute, so hip, so fun. See, now I'd wear those all the time.
Funny you should ask about matching mother/daughter looks. My oldest and I have extremely similar taste in clothes and shoes (the basics, mind you, I really don't dress like a teen) and inevitably would walk out of our room dressed in a similar outfit - or worse, both wearing the same cargo pants or shoes (different sizes, of course). One of us always has to change (not meeeee) because we just can't do that matchy match thing.
My youngest daughter wouldn't care, though. As long as they were pink.
Jane, can you read and watch tv at the same time? I can craft with the tv on, and do some basic computer stuff (cruise the net, etc) but for reading I always seem to gravitate to silence or at the most, quiet music.
And now I'm craving hot chocolate and cookies :-)
You know, after you spend a month or so sitting in a muddy fighting hole glaring through the just-above-freezing water dripping over the brim of your kevlar at your equally ill-tempered fire-team member, a little rain on your hair doesn't matter much.
I figure if I'm not hypothermic, I'm dry enough. My wife tends to disagree, however. Which will be interesting this weekend, since we'll both be instructing on a firing line for ten hours a day in 45 degree(f) rain.
She does look stylish in her combat boots and jeans though. I bet she'll wear that hugely over-sized olive-drab mountain parka too. And she'll probably still be cold.
I'll be standing in the rain watching it drip off my boonie with a grin. "If it ain't rainin', it ain't trainin'."
LOL Lynz, no rainboots indoors, huh? Okay, I hear ya. But darnit, they are sooo cute.
Scarlett O'Hara on crack? OMG how funny. That sounds like the perfect rainy-porch reading book.
Mmmmm, Helen, reading and Tim Tams. That's the good life!!! But wow, your weather does sound wonky. Then again, so is ours. We were supposed to have a major storm this week with rain every day. It rained yesterday. Its sunny and lovely today. I actually want the rain back!
All those rainboots sound so cute. Its starting to sound like me wearing rainboots as a fashion statement would be akin to me wearing high top converse, leggings and a denim mini-skirt. Adorable on someone under 20, just all kinds of wrong at my age *g*
ROFL Dianna. Nope, standing outside reading under an umbrella is more work than one looks for in relaxing reading ;-) Great point.
I'm going to have to give in to the fact that adorable rainboots are a kids thing, aren't I?
Okay, then can kids wear them as indoor wear???
MJ, ugh on the sunny weather ;-) I feel for you, I was hoping for more rain. My flowers really need it!!
Movies, popcorn and cuddling up with cocoa sound like fab rainy-day activities!!
Yeah, P226, that does put it in perspective, doesn't it? :> Have fun instructing in the rain...I'll be sitting, freezing my patootie off at a 10U baseball game. Brrrr. Provided we don't get rained out, which will mean I'll have to deal with mope-y boys and annoyed-at-the-weather Coach Dad.
Bring on the game!!
Tawny, I love a nice rainy day when I don't have to leave the house. According to the weather service, we'll have the next four days to enjoy the rain. The only problem is it's coming with cold. The temps are only going to be in the 40s...burr!
As far as what I do? I love to read a good book on a dark rainy day.
Blodeuedd, I haven't always been a fan of rain, but this drought has me appreciating every single drop. There's nothing that depresses me more than watching my flowers droop or die because we're being rationed.
But constant rain would definitely drive me nuts. I mean, we can't stay indoors and read ALL the time.
Hee hee, I haven't had a pair of galoshes since I was in kindergarten. Back then, I also had the awesomest raincoat. It was blue on the outside, yellow on the inside and it was flippable so you could also wear it the other way around. I was much cooler back then. ;)
I tend to break umbrellas as opposed to losing them. I've only ever lost one umbrella...unfortunately, it was my pretty one. Pale purple on the outside, silver on the inside.
I love rainy days...as long as I get to stay indoors. Reading's a good rainy day activity but so is napping. The sound of the rain sends me to sleep. Does a large mug of hot tea or coffee count as a snack?
I love a spring rain but in the fall not so much. The next 5 days it's suppose to rain but the highs are like 40 and that's on the chilly side for me. I think of hot tea in weather like this - not something I usually drink.
Barbara, your raincoat sounds awesome. I've done the snowboot thing when we go up to the mountains, but I have to admit, those suckers are so warm, I overheat!
Trish, how on earth do you mow wet grass? That had to be a pain!!!
I could so get behind camo rainboots with skulls on them LOL. My daughter is eyeing some that look like bugs LOL. Very chic.
I think you're so right on the constant rain and lack of production. Oddly enough, rain during the day actually makes me want to hunker down and write. Its that 'better to be here working than anywhere else' feeling, I think. Its the rain in the evenings that makes me want to read.
Susan, what a fab statement and image: spends time alone together. I love it!!!
I totally understand, too. We do the same, especially when the entire family (great grandparents on down to 2yo) goes up to the mountains. Its just the sound of the fire crackling and pages turning!
Ouch on the hand watering, Anna. Thats what we're dealing with here, but we're on water rationing, so there just isn't enough to actually do the watering. I'm trying to plan the landscaping, but the idea of cactus just doesn't excite me like roses do LOL.
The Caribbean sounds sooooo gorgeous. My only real exposure is via Pirates of the... but I'd love to go someday and enjoy, rain and all!
LOL JoanieT. What if you hide the cookies in your car to take to work tomorrow? If you're in your jammies, you're less likely to go out looking for them in the rain, right?
And ladybug boots? And matching spatulas?
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
I KNEW Anna would be on my side *g*
YES, all darling and adorable patterns that do deserve extra wear, right? Heck, even if its only to wear them shopping!
Mmmmmm, Ms. Hellion. Beer bread sounds so delish. The perfect rainy day reading accompaniment! Now my mouth is watering.
Jo!!! We were just singing that song last night :-D
Ick on the slimed house. Ours held up really well (first rain in it so we were watching), but I definitely need to get the patio cover, well, covered. Its slats of wood now, and simply lovely. But once it rains, the dogs have no dry place to eat or stand and bark (they feel it's required that they bark at the raindrops), so thats high on my list.
LOL JoanieT. What if you hide the cookies in your car to take to work tomorrow?
{Smack, wipes crumb off lip}
No good. I'm off tomorrow and my car is in my attached garage...rain free
Hmm... I'm fine with rainy days if I get to stay in--in fact, let me park the car outside and please, let the skies open up!! Then my car can get clean while I curl up with a hot drink and something from my TBR ;)
On the other hand, going out on rainy days is low on my list of fun things--everything is damp and the kids drag mud and other icky wet stuff into the car. Bleh.
Perhaps my outlook could be improved with some new rain gear... like Donna's magic umbrella! ;)
Those are pretty cute shoes, Tawny--I'm not sure I've ever had such a nice pair!
Jeanne, we could wear cool matching rainboots!!!
Happy Caving!!!
Anna :-) Aren't I bringing you home with me after Tennessee next year? Methinks I am.
Okay, your rainy season sounds much scarier than my drought. I hate the whole 'be careful what you wish for' thing, because as soon as I start wishing for more rain I see pictures of that kind of weather and freak out!!
Have you been through many cyclones?
Hi, Tawny--We've had rain all day today. When I woke up this morning, all I heard was silence. We never get that in the city, not unless we've had a snowstorm. But for about five minutes, everything was totally quiet, just as it often was in the small town where I grew up.
I like gentle rain, like we've had today, because it doesn't tend to cause as much trouble (flooding, etc.), and going somewhere in it is easier. But if I don't have to go anywhere, I can sort of admire a thunderstorm.
Rain makes the house feel cozy. I find a comfy spot with a cup of chai tea or hot chocolate (the instant kind, store brand, is kind of lowER in calories. And a couple of cookies go well with that.
Tawny, I'm using an umbrella I bought on the street in the rain in NYC for $5 several years ago, and it has held up wonderfully. Umbrella vendors tend to magically appear on street corners when rain starts in NY. In fact, I think I may've bought this umbrella during the NY National conference. I was walking to the PO to mail things home, and the rain started. On the corner ahead was a vendor, and I'm pretty sure that's where this umbrella came from.
ROFLMAO P226!!! Seriously, you and my husband should hang out. He says has the same disdain for rain.
I'm with your wife, though. I hope her parka is cozy warm and she keeps her feet dry!!!
Have a great weekend!!! It sounds like the two of you really enjoy training :-)
Brrrr, Christie. That's the kind of weather that requires a toasty fire in the fireplace to aid in reading fun :-D I hope you get some relaxing time in!
ahhhhhhhhhh Rainy Days!!! Love them, Tawny, but probably for different reasons than all you daylight people. I sleep sooooooooo good on rainy days. When it's rainy outside, the light in my bedroom is a lovely dismal grey. I snuggle into the quilts, (if hubby isn't home, Rocky-the-wonder-dog snuggles beside me) and we sleep, listening to the rain on the window, roof and tinkling into the fireplace!
As for reading, if it's raining in the evening or late night, Yep, I have a book at hand...my snack of choice these days is sea salt roasted almonds or apples with caramel dip. Russian tea if it's cool, a diet coke if it's warm. And since Dallas has been doing an imitation of Seattle this past month, I've gotten lots of sleep and reading done!
I do enjoy setting on my porch swing and watching the rain, but there is such a thing as being tired of rain and we have had a lot of rain this year. It is a very cold and rainy day again today. My backyard has been a mud hole all year. I also live in KY and I am tired of rain. I want some sunny days.
Awwww, Pissenlit your coat sounds so cute!! I had a similar one for my daughter, pink on one side with yellow flowers, the other side was yellow with pink stripes. I'd totally forgotten about that!
Ugh on breaking the umbrellas. At least you know where they are, though, right?
Catslady, that kind of weather definitely calls for a hot drink!!! Tea, chocolate, flavored coffee. They all sound great, huh?
ROFL Joanie - yummy cookies???
ROFL Fedora!!! That sounds better than driving through the car wash :)
The mud and yuck part isn't as appealing, though. I hope my wishing for a lot of California rain doesn't bring a lot of icky mud and mess for you ;-)
Ahhhh, Nancy, thats one of my favorite parts of rain. That sweet silence broken only by the pattering drops of water. What a great way to wake up.
Hot chocolate and a book with gentle rains sounds perfect. I do hear you on the wild fun of the storm though. Like you say, though, as long as its an indoor day.
Umbrella vendors? Wow, thats so cool!!!
Suz, your snacking, reading and rain habits sound perfect. I love how cozy and safe it feels to be under the blankets and napping during the rain.
The snacks sound delish, too- sea salted almonds, huh? Yummmmm.
Virginia, I wish we could share the weather. A few rainy days each, a dozen sunny pretty ones. As always, too much of a good thing, well, sorta sucks.
A gentle rain, hot chocolate and a book. What's better than that. I've never had any rain boots so I don't know about the fashion statement.
Aw, Tawny, I'm late for the party.
I LOVE rain, usually. As long as it's not that blowing, freezing-cold winter rain. I hate that. It's miserable. I used to like to go for walks in the rain in the spring and summer, when the rain is warm and gentle. I absolutely love thunderstorms. Not extra-loud, violent ones, but the kind that rumble easily along.
Now I like to sit inside and listen to rain dripping off the roof and pattering against the windows. I am always inspired to write when it's raining. I don't know why.
It's been raining here all month and I could do with some sunshine, actually.
But rain in the fall always makes me want hot, homecooked meals and to snuggle up by the fireplace.
Sorry I missed your party but I couldn't help stopping in to comment about your rain post. And I want to see the view of the redwoods outside your house. It sounds fabulous!
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