A piano in a storm

There were storms last night, and for the first time ever, I saw the tornado warning map over two streets in our neighborhood. Fortunately, the storm tracked southwest of us, and we only got rain and a bit of wind for a few minutes, and lots of not-too-ferocious thunder. So far as I know, no tornadoes touched down.

There was the thunder, however, and this always terrifies Eli. Auggie’s reactions are milder, but he still becomes distressed. I told my husband earlier, when he’d asked, that I was too tired to play the piano, but as the storm began, we knew that both dogs find it comforting. Auggie was with us in the living room when I sat down to play, and Eli was hiding in his favorite spot in the basement laundry room. But as soon as he heard the music, Eli came at a run and lay down under the piano very close to my feet. I hadn’t planned on a full concert, but he was clearly depending on me. Within fifteen minutes he was out from under the piano and listening with deep attention. Both dogs stayed, calmly, throughout the storm, so I kept playing. It’s a remedy better than any drug. I play classical music in the house throughout the day, and the dogs appear indifferent, so I think the resonance of the piano is what comforts them more than just the music. Maybe I can teach them that one piece in particular is comforting and we will be able to use it when needed. It’s worth a try, but most likely it is the experience of the instrument itself, possibly along with the presence of both humans in the room.

Before the storm, I paid a quick visit to the farmers’ market, and found the first dahlias of the season. I did not buy them out, although I was tempted. This adds a firm commitment to all my Tuesdays until mid-October. They are the most exuberant of flowers, and their saturated colors sing to my soul.

Gardening soulmate, Joe, spent some time working on the perennial beds before the rain. My schedule didn’t permit me to spend any time chatting, but he probably got more done that way. He is gradually transforming that part of the yard into something more beautiful. His preferred style is probably more natural than mine, but we talk things over and usually either convince one another entirely, or come to some middle ground. Whatever it is, I am always happy with the results. I showed him my dahlias, and he told me his grandfather used to grow dahlias and corn, and would sit on the porch all day, waiting for people to stop by and chat. I think I would have enjoyed one of those chats.

The sun is shining on the wet trees, and I have many things to do today, some of them actual work. Eli is snoring nearby, but he will jump awake when he realizes it’s time for our morning stroll.

Happy Wednesday!

These posts are about finding the beauty in daily life, even amid the craziness, uncertainty, and anxiety. Reality is not going away, but these are the only days we get, so we have to relish their small beauties while we have them. If you are a paid subscriber, please know how deeply grateful I am for your support. The kindness and enthusiasm of your comments buoy me and keep me writing, but the paid subscriptions are an extra vote of confidence I truly appreciate. These posts will always be free, however, so if all you can do is share, that is helpful, too. Whatever you decide, I’m glad you’re here.