Playing in Puddles

Photo Credit: Owen Duncan
We played in puddles with our dog today; five of us, ages seven to...much older, and the dog was the star of the show. Our dog LOVES puddles. Today was one of those sticky, humid, warm days with even warmer rain, and not a bit of thunder or lightening. It was delightful. Gus, our dog, pounced around, running in and out of puddles in a circuit, trying, to nip at the huge rain drops in between splashing. My son took pictures, my youngest daughter danced and laughed, and my youngest teenage son ran around with a trash can lid over his head since we seem to be short on umbrellas around here. Our house eats umbrellas, so you know to never bring your very best umbrella when you visit. The dog was soaked...drenched. We toweled him off twice, but it was not enough, and he shook the rain all over the kitchen, several times. No one cared the least bit, although startled cries always go out when you are in the shake zone and getting sprayed indoors. Warm, rainy summer days are one of my all time favorites, and when they arrive on a quiet Sunday afternoon? Well, that is all the better...How did we all end up splashing in puddles? You see, we were on our way home from the food store when it started to rain, good and hard. "Gus would love these puddles", I said to the kids. Immediately they begged to take him on what we call a puddle ride -- a coveted summer car ride splashing through puddles in the streets. He is truly adorable with his love for puddles, so much so, that he cried when we got home again. That's when we decided to let him out to run and play in the heavy rain. He was having so much fun we couldn't resist but to join in. Simple joys-- they are truly the best and most memorable. Finding delight in a warm, summer rain and making a family memory together...all part of balancing simplicity. I hope you can find joy this week in something simple. True delight in warm sunshine on your face or a cool breeze through a window. Each morning when I take Gus outside, I purpose to notice something beautiful and smile about it. Discover some simple joy, and maybe even bring  your dog along for the fun...