A Rainy Day

There is a certain feeling, so special that it really defies description. The closest I can get to it in a word is home. For me this is a seasonal feeling, it rises as the temperature falls. Today I feel it.

It is a feeling that seldom ascends to the conscious level, it rests just below the surface of thought. It glows with a subtle light that heightens perception, and allows the eyes to see, and the ears to hear, what is good in the world. It shuts out all the flashing colours and clashing sounds of the outside world. It is a deep knowing of the self, of the force of life within.

Sometimes this feeling does not come upon me until the first snow flies. However, I feel it today, while the the Tamarack needles turn bright yellow, bright leaves flutter down from the trees, and a steady rain falls.

I would first have experienced this feeling with my Mom, in the home she created for her children. She worked miracles almost out of thin air. I felt it also with my maternal Grandparents, Granny and Grandpa. As a tiny child I quite literally thought their home was heaven, as described by the Sunday School Teacher. I suppose I internalized this feeling, kept it safe inside, a secret flame to nurture.

I think truly spiritual people might call this God, others might call it love.

Our day began with preparing for Attila’s medical appointment. Luckily it took place locally, so no driving. While he was away at his appointment, I donned my gear to head out for a walk. I wore my trusty parka, using the hood; my sandals were worn with socks. It was raining heavily when I ventured out on my own. Surprisingly, my feet stayed dry and warm as I walked through the colour of fall and the heavy rain. The hood on my parka kept the rain from clouding my glasses, the parka shed the water.

I think I have waxed “eloquent” about my parka in the past. It was purchased in 1992 or 1993. I bought it for half price, on sale the spring that year, it was a huge investment for me at the time. It is a large men’s Gore-Tex parka, with a machine washable quilted lining. It doesn’t look like much, never did. Looks were never the point of it, it only had to impress me.

At the time I bought the parka I had no vehicle, and walked everywhere, which meant I walked many miles every day, regardless of the weather. Particularly difficult were the days of winter rain, it was even worse when it was a driving rain. When I found the parka on sale I considered it a gift from the universe. It is waterproof, and windproof, and large enough to accommodate layers of warm clothing, including my Cowichan sweater. It has been my only winter coat since 1992/3. Now, over 32 years later, it does show a bit of wear, the cuffs have frayed a bit, the zipper is tricky, the lining around the neck is wearing shiny. I have mended the fraying cuffs, and will eventually have the zipper replaced. I hope to wear only this coat during the winter months for the rest of my life.

This morning’s walk in the autumn rain, made comfortable and possible by my parka, was peaceful and pleasurable.

Attila returned home shortly after I returned from my walk. He decided he would like to roast a chicken for our dinner, I readily agreed. The sound of the steady rain on the roof, the aroma of the roasting chicken, the lamp light in the living room on this dark and dreary day, and the company I am so lucky to have in Attila, all come together today to feel like home. The foundation of this is a blessing handed down from my elders.

Update
At Kate’s request, The Parka.

Worldly

Weather

6°C
Date: 2:00 PM EDT Thursday 30 October 2025
Condition: Rain
Pressure: 100.6 kPa
Tendency: Falling
Temperature: 6.3°C
Dew point: 5.9°C
Humidity: 97%
Wind: NE 33 gusts 52 km/h
Visibility: 8 km

Quote

“Peace at home is peace in the country. Peace in the country is peace in the world.”
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
1881 – 1938