A Walk in the Rain

Yesterday the skies were dark and grey, threatening of rain, and there was a pleasant sort of undecided breeze and a touch of misty fog. These, of course, are my very favorite conditions. I decided that I must be part of them and so, with my younger sister in tow, I set out on a walk. I desired a walk in a completely secluded place, maybe a hill with trees, or near a small stream somewhere. But I live in Pleasant Grove, and although it still resembles something of a small town, lovely houseless hills and secluded streams are difficult to come by. I went to the next best thing: the canal!
I headed North on the canal, a direction I had not been in for some time, and was very pleased by what I found. Emma and I walked on the damp earth next to the very full and beautiful canal. At this part of the canal the sides are not made of concrete, but of earth, and a variety of flowers and greenery line the water. It was beautiful to walk amongst it. We noticed a beautiful and large garden in a nearby yard with 6 or 7 chickens poking around in it. We tried our hands (or mouths) at making chicken calls, until Emma became afraid of the big old rooster who was calling back and giving us menacing glances. We walked on, this time next to an orchard and a charming field. The canal turned and winded and as we walked on, occasionally hearing thunder from across the valley, we took it all in. It was beautiful, I cannot say it enough. I actually had to stop, open my arms wide, and embrace the beauty of it. We heard a clap of thunder quite nearby and rain began pouring down on us! I could stand in the rain for a very long time if given half the chance. But, having a 10 year-old in my care, I figured mother would want me to return her in a semi-dry fashion. We began to run back along the way that we had come, laughing as the rain splashed on our arms and faces. We chanced a glance at the menacing rooster, who had now taken shelter under a large cherry tree near the garden. Emma and I reached our yard and ran up the grass, Emma tripping once. I couldn't help but think of that scene from Sense and Sensibility, though luckily no Willoughbys appeared.
It was a beautiful walk. I'm the sort of girl that is crazy about 18th-19th century England...you know the type. My favorite authors (Jane Austen and Beatrix Potter being among them) are all British. Anyway, for so long I have longed to somehow someday visit there and feel what it is like. I've only read, seen movies and pictures, and imagined, but somehow my walk yesterday felt like a taste of somewhere I would love to go someday. That is how life seems to hand me blessings: I am given tastes of the things that I would love to hold and have forever, and someday, if I keep moving forward as I should, they will forever be mine. I mean, right? :)