Maple on parking lot stripe

October and rain go hand in … umbrella.

Around Philadelphia, this is day 5 of drenching, misty rain. 

We are a soggy bunch.

On days like these, I’ve been tempted to hurry from outside to inside, or to avoid the outdoors altogether. Fortunately, the bright side of fall — and our dog — helped me choose differently.

Leaving church on Sunday, I looked out at a falling curtain of rain. I ducked my head, held on to my hood and started walking quickly across the parking lot. Bright flashes of red, orange and yellow slowed my pace. Against the black macadam backdrop, fallen leaves practically shouted, “Look at me!”

I did, and took in a sprawling canvas of scattered leaves. No artist could do better.

Today, during a brief respite from the wet, I walked with our dog past the ancient ginko down the street. I stopped (for a reason all dog people understand), and then spotted a fallen leaf, festooned with raindrops and lit by that clear October light.

Before long the rain began again. It’s coming down even as I type.

October may be soggy, but it’s beautiful.

Ginko on pebbled sidewalk

Ashleaf maple on macadam