Then from down the road I hear the sounds of children at play. I smile as I listen to their playful chatter, their voices joining in laughter. A dog barks, a car passes by, disturbing the once settled dust.

Sitting quietly in the afternoon shade, a book lying in my lap, all but forgotten amid the sounds of summer, I watch as colorful butterflies dance in the wind. A bee flies by my ear, it's buzzing almost hypnotic. The world seems at rest, at peace with itself. All the world in harmony with nature.

Suddenly in the distance, I hear the sound of thunder, a summer storm approaching. I look to the sky, the soft, fluffy, lazy, pink clouds have turned dark overhead. Suddenly lightning streaks across the once peaceful sky. The first few drops of warm rain fall on and around me, a warm summer rain which will quickly increase in intensity.

Thunder booms overhead and the heavens open. Sheets of crystal cascade across the lawn, the fat heavy drops, bouncing and dancing on the ground. The grass, the trees, the flowers, drink thirstily. The almost dry creek begins to gurgle, to come to life.

And as suddenly as it came, the storm is gone. Moving quickly eastward, beyond the majestic mountains, leaving behind the fresh, sweet smells that only Mother Nature can provide. Over my head, the clouds again soften, the sun peeks through, a rainbow appears - fresh, soft, reassuring colors.