I have news for you.  It’s raining in Belgium!   Even though I miss the snow of Canada, I enjoy the pitter patter of drops on my coat’s hood.

I am surrounded by folks holding a curvy thing above their heads.  I wonder what aliens would think if their first visit was during a rainstorm.  “What’s with all these round colours above each of these strange beings?”

I love curves – in the flow of a street, on the shoreline of a bay, in the beauty of a woman’s body.  Today’s curves are above heads.  Are they a protection?  Are they a holding?  Are they a blessing?

It’s true that umbrellas keep the storm at arm’s length.  But there’s also a sense of sanctuary, of a cozy space beneath.  And when two are under a large umbrella, there is often love.

It’s really pouring now.  I’m tucked into a couch in Izy Coffee but soon I will venture forth.  Do I wish for blue skies?  They’re marvelous but they’re not at home in this moment.  My umbrella emerges from my backpack …

And we’re off!