Of a Storm, an Umbrella, and a Hot Cup of Tea

Well, it is time that I got this blog off the ground. I have been lacking creativity and inspiration of late and am looking for ways to reignite it, whether through reading literary pieces from others, classic literature, or being out in nature, or spending time with friends, I need things that will fire my imagination. Good writing comes from extensive reading and deep thinking and deep research and knowledge on particular topics. It is the research that I often struggle to do, because it can be a long-drawn-out process, and I’ll admit, I’m not always patient!

Today it is a wet day in Montenegro. Rain drips down my window glass and the sky is full of dark grey ominous looking clouds. There has been thunder and lightning – bright flashes and deep thunderous sounds rolling across the sky. I went out with my umbrella, down the street and across the railway tracks, intent on visiting my favourite coffee shop, and there to sit and work with a frothy cappuccino.

But three-quarters of the way there, I realized that I had left my wallet on my bedside table at home. I could not buy a coffee without it. So, there was nothing for me to do but to turn around and go back. As I walked home, the rain pelted down harder and I held the umbrella over my head as I tried to avoid stepping in puddles and from getting too wet. I wondered if, when I found my wallet, I should go out again. But I decided against it when I saw how hard it was raining. I didn’t want to get sick from the wet and cold. So, when I arrived home, I left my dripping umbrella on the front porch, and went inside, and made myself a cup of tea. I went upstairs, pulled out my laptop, and began to read some literary articles. And here I am still. But now, I am writing.

November has definitely brought a cold spell with it here in Montenegro. The weather is chillier and we are getting lots of rain. Thunder storms are a frequent occurrence. And as we do not yet have a car, if we want to go out, we must use our legs, and, if needed, our umbrellas.

But it is nice, this town nestled between the mountains and the sea. The skyline view from my window is marked by grey apartment buildings, one story stacked upon another. To the left, you can see the double steepled Catholic church whose bells toll many times in a day. And far in the distance, against the horizon, you can see the sea, the cold blue Adriatic.

I have drunk my cup of tea now, and also a cup of coffee. Now I am craving another. Maybe later.

It is just a cup of tea or coffee sort of day. The sort of day where you want to snuggle up in bed deep under the covers and read a book and sip a hot beverage. It is the sort of day where you crave warmth and comfort. Outside may be grey and cold, but inside you are cozy and warm.

Perhaps inspiration for writing can come from unlikely places- a storm outside, an umbrella, and a hot cup of tea. Perhaps that is not so bad after all. What do you think?