I remember the weather first; all my senses engaged help me recall the details.

Salty mist brushed against my cheeks, and droplets welled up on my curled eyelashes as I held my squinted gaze outward to the Atlantic. A Nor'eastern called me to the continent's edge to experience the power and recall my smallness, my fortune to be part of this earth.

A cerulean blue and white wash of sky anchored by a line of the teal blue ocean was my view in front. I heard only the gentle rhythmic sound of the ocean waves as they pushed and pulled the sand and occasional quiet laughter or chat of other people on the beach. A thick warm heat emanated from high above the mountains behind me as I nestled my body deeper into the padded chaise on the small beach in southern Italy. The heat seemed constant, thick as only a light breeze swept over me every once in a while. I felt protected under the blue and white striped umbrella and nourished by my iced limoncello. I read Anthony Doerr's words before I slowly drifted off to a luxurious afternoon nap.

And just hours later, a splendor of changing color fills the sky before the cool dark night is all I see. This was the view from my room as I had a second (or third?) limoncello….

Hiking the foothills of the Cascade Mountain in snowshoes to reach a beautiful waterfall was a meditative workout. Bundled up in down waterproof pants, donning snowshoes, I was ready. The snowfall quieted everything, and I found myself pausing to hold my gaze on one delightful fat frozen water flake seeming to sway in its slow descent to be lost among millions.

We left home early to ensure we'd get the most daylight for the stretch of road with the brilliant hues of red, orange, yellow leaves. The air crisp and sharp; we wore heavy sweaters and thick socks so we wouldn't be distracted by the cold during our hike. I picked up leaves like precious stones to make a necklace. Instead, I twirled the stems in my fingers, eventually letting go, content.

A clear sky is my favorite weather regardless of temperature. It allows me safe passage and better views. However, I need rain and snow in my life to remember the diversity, added beauty, and necessity of water. The changing weather is a quick reminder of my smallness, unlike the stable cycles of the sun, tides, seasons.

Weather holds the key for me to recall in greater details what I was doing, with whom. The weather is often part of the narrative whether a perfect clear day as a back drop for the activity or dramatic scene to be endured or experienced together.