
Almost every day at around 3 pm, the Florida summer gives us some rain. The rain gives us the chance of stillness and mindfulness as it sounds peaceful. One of the things I love to do when it is raining is to drive somewhere. I also love getting caught in the rain on my way home from work. It is a chance to take a moment to reflect on the day and think about what could happen in the future. I usually hate driving to and from work due to the inability to control the actions of others, but the rain reminds me that certain things are completely out of my control, which is okay. I have to find ways to work with them and not against them. The isolated and enclosed space that my car allows me to focus on what is ahead while appreciating the natural ambiance that the earth allows us to experience. In moments like this, I remember that I am happy to be here.
When I think of this photo paired with the image, I feel calm and enclosed in a safe space. I really like hanging out in my car. My car is nothing special, but it is a place where I can think clearly and observe people around me when I am stuck in traffic. The windshield wipers and the muddled audio fits with the distorted photo of the back side of a car. The water and filter of the photo are really calm.
Dahlia,
Okay, I have to admit, the image of water drew me in absolutely, but I played the audio and worked on a book review and it kept playing, and I could have listened to this FOREVER. Absolutely mesmerizing and it transfixed me, so, kudos to you, because I also had the photo you chose in my memory! The rain pattern in Florida seems to be the same as in Mexico from April to October – and it is refreshing. You are able to capture this in your image and sound, which is AWESOME. I also like my vehicle, but even moreso in the gloomy, wet weather as it shields me from the elements outside, and any music is a bonus in that area. Great comment – “The rain gives us the chance of stillness and mindfulness as it sounds peaceful.”
Hello Dahlia:
While listening to the audio and looking at your photo… I feel like I am in the car with you. Sounds like a typical summer in Florida to me. Even the photo alone places you in the driver’s seat while looking at the rainy traffic. However, driving in the rain is the worst for me. I’ve had two accidents due to it (both being rear ended, one sending me to the hospital). The audio compliments the photo so much that I am having flashbacks of those days. Very impressive.
Hello Dahlia! Your picture and audio combination created not only a feeling, but an actual physical environment which I thought was really neat and successful! When looking at the image and listening to the audio you really feel like you are inside a car on a rainy day. We had very similar metaphors for our audio/visual combinations. A reminder/escape from life’s stresses (mine being a paintbrush and yours being a rainy car drive). I agree with Isaiah, it’s interesting that your idea of peace can be something VERY stressful to others (me included). Thank you for sharing!