Mature oak trees with rain laden branches

White impatiens and vinca in shady areas under the trees

Variegated monkey grass rising from dark, rain drenched earth

Birds playing in the water puddles left by the rain

Masses of pink begonias and Hostas encircling a birdbath

Rain darkened concrete and fence boards

Purple coneflowers, yellow day lilies, black eyed susans, fuschia Gerber daisies

Water droplets on the tips of drooping bald cypress branches

A Mandevilla  plant, heavy with pink blooms, twining around a copper trellis

Rain intensified colors

The scent of magnolia blooms in the rain-washed air

An old aluminum wash kettle full of pink geraniums

The quiet and stillness that follow the rain

The first tentative rays of watery sunshine

Beads of water glistening on the grass before they evaporate

Dueling cardinals, mockingbirds and song sparrows

Squirrels chasing each other through the trees

The return of the blue sky and puffy white clouds

The satisfaction of muscles that ache from real work

The honesty of sweat and soiled knees and dirty fingernails

The thrill of blooming, thriving flowers and plants

Time for reflection and contemplation

Time to nurture my office weary soul and spirit