RAIN WASHED AWAY any lingering snow from the Kitsilano seawall where my daughter and I walked last weekend. At first glance the horizon was colorless as we strolled puddleless paths barely dampened by an earlier soaking.
Although southwest BC can get dreary this time of year, the winter rain cleared the air and mellowed the beach scene at Kits Point overlooking English Bay.
A soft silver hue dipped in a shade of blue glowed through a dull curtain of gray. Pinkish-purple twigs blushed a promise of early blooms.
Sea vessels were anchored in the harbor while on land ...
soggy moss was firmly attached to a knobby old tree.
My daughter pointed out this rock carving of a duck splashing in the only puddle I noticed that day. She and I are not the only ones who find magic in the drops that keep Vancouver green.
On another side of the stone we discovered the inscription by Vancouver author Regan D'Andrade who in December of 1999 expressed what many locals feel. Her sensitive message is as powerful as the rock in which the beautifully crafted words were etched.It was a delight to pause a moment and read the writer's thoughts aloud in the outdoors:
"Vancouver is famous for its rain. It can rain here for weeks on end, but it does not usually bother me. However, several years ago I found myself coming close to being thoroughly disgusted by the rain.
I walked home from work one evening in the pouring rain, mumbling under my breath the whole way that this weather was only suited to ducks. The building I lived in was large and square, and it surrounded a brick courtyard. I came around the corner into the courtyard and there, to my amazement was a beautiful Peking duck in a huge puddle in the middle of the courtyard, quacking and splashing with obvious delight. I had to smile, glad that such joy could be found in the gray wetness of such a day.
I have often thought that we do not have nearly enough words for rain, especially as this was once a rainforest. There is booming rain, whispery rain, rain that lulls you to sleep, and rain on the leaves which sings you awake; there is soft rain, hard rain, sideways rain, rain that makes you instantly wet, and rain that leaves soft kisses on your cheek, like the wings of a butterfly.
Rain brings us all the shades of gray, but it also brings us the wonderful greenery that surrounds us and blesses us all." - by Regan D'Andrade
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Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms
This time of year I welcome a little snow to cover drab browns and greys but I think the beach in your photos looks just fine without it!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the words by writer Regan D'Andrade. How grand that a splashing duck improved her attitude about rain!
This post clutched at my heart. I love the inscription on that rock and it felt so good to go along with you on your walk. I could feel the soft breezes...soft to me, anyway, although yesterday the temperature went all the way up to 8C here!
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you'll be seeing crocus and snowdrops in various areas soon, if not already. I'm hoping for an early Spring! xx
I loved the words written by Regan D'Abdrade. Now I view rain in a different light. Loved your shots from Kitsilano. The comment made on my blog today, yes you were right. :-))
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all these shots so much. The moss is wonderful as I love moss. I also like the writer's words on the rock so much.
ReplyDeleteLooks like spring has arrived!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteGreat captures, sounds you had a nice walk:)
ReplyDeleteOh, this is wonderful, Maria. I love the hint of gold in the sky behind the trees in the first photo, and the shot of Kits Beach and English Bay, but I particularly love the duck carved into the rock and the words of the woman whose day brightened at the sight of a duck splashing joyfully in a puddle. I hope I always remember that when I think "Great weather for ducks"!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and interesting post for the day and a great look at your world! I, too, enjoyed the words of Regan D'Andrade! A wonderful reminder for those of us in the northwest who constantly complain about too much rain!! Love the splashing duck! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Surprising to see a no snow in BC! The beach scenes are lovely with a little touch of soft pastel hues to make it a pleasing landscape!
ReplyDeleteThe beach looks lovely as does that wonderful mossy tree!
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing out this rock with the "rain" message on it. How true it is that rain has so many moods. Beautiful pictures and words,
ReplyDeleteI don’t dislike rain. With each rain in March, it gets warmer and the nature gets greener. I like the sound and the smell of the rain. How I loved jumping over or splashing the puddles wearing water-proof as a child!
ReplyDeleteI like to see the high-rises beyond the bay and the ships on the horizon. Looks different but somewhat similar to my hometown Kobe.