All text and photos by Kelly DuMar 2017

Waking up to a rainy Friday in Southern California I am

overtired, disoriented. I must muster the optimism I need to put on wet shoes, a raincoat.

I follow the same route as yesterday, a mile and a half, splashing through deep puddles toward the beach. 

Along the street, quiet and serene, the planted succulents collect raindrops on waxy foliage. I am becoming a succulent with raindrops beading on my waxy rain jacket.

On the beach, yesterday's puffballs are storm clouds hanging low and ominous.

I know what day it is today.

Tomorrow is unknowable.

Heading back, puddling along the streets, the bird-of-paradise's bright wings are wet and poised

for an extravagantly boisterous flight