holiday rain*

rain & leaves outside my home, canon digital rebel xti

I get absolutely giddy when it rains. I am the opposite of most people in that I feel lighter and happier in chilly rainy weather. When it gets too hot, I feel lethargic and a bit depressed. I suppose this means that living in the Southern-est (new word) part of California is probably not the best place for my emotional well being. ; )

This morning I woke up to rain and as I looked down at all the gorgeous red and orange toned leaves (my favorite colors), I just had to grab my camera and get wet.

In a few days, I'll be leaving to be with my family in Northern California. My parents live on the bottom of the Sierra Foothills and the view from their adorable house up on the hills is magical. Snow capped mountains and rolling hills with houses draped in holiday lights.

I am craving time with my family. Last year during the holidays, my dear nephew was in a dreadful car accident and we spent all day, every day, in intensive care praying for his life. Today, although his body is not back to normal, he is much improved and buried in studies to be a respiratory therapist. This was inspired by his time in the hospital and the excellent care he received from his RT's. So, this season, we are marinating in the fact that although it was one of the scariest times in our lives, it has also brought some blessings into his life...as well as ours. We have all walked away from this not taking one another for granted.

After being with my family, I'll be heading to San Francisco with Boho Boy and his Boho Brother until the new year. We are house swapping with a friend of mine. It will be Boho Brother's first time in the city. Can't wait to show them my old stopping grounds in Berkeley. That place is home to me. I'm excited to pack my cute rain boots and play in the puddles all snuggled up in hats and scarves.

If I don't get a chance to post again over the next few days before I leave, I wish all of you a peaceful, soulful, messy~beautiful, drippingly gorgeous holiday. Cry if you need to. Dance in the rain. Make love under the Christmas tree when all are sleeping. Belly laugh as often as you can and remember its so not about the gifts but all about the love and comfort of those that get you and even those that don't.

Blessings.