The Beauty of Togetherness

Ryan and I love where we live.  We are blessed to live in an apartment complex that comprises families and those enjoying their retirement. 

We often see our neighbors pass by in which we both share a "hello", but usually that's what our conversations consists of.

This past Tuesday the Glen Burnie/Baltimore area news stations had forecasted severe thunderstorms.  Well, it hadn't even began to thunder when our electricity went out.  Mom, Ryan and I immediately found the flashlights and began to light the candles.  A few minutes later we went outside to see how the skies were looking (the clouds were beautiful, but unfortunately I hadn't pulled out the camera yet).  To our surprise there were several other families that had come to enjoy the storm.  We began to talk and share stories with one another (I was of course excited, because two of the mothers had little babies that I was able to hold).  We all took turns walking outside to check on the weather (and the BGE truck) then returning to our little get together.  We were with one another in our little lobby area for about an hour and it was wonderful.  It's amazing what a storm can do. 

An hour later we received our electricity.  We all departed and returned to our apartments.  Several minutes after coming inside the lights decided to go out again.  We called BGE and they said it would be another 45 minutes before the electricity would be restored.  It was going to be some time before our lights returned so... we lit the candles once more, turned on the flashlights and I shared my "dancing talent" by doing the Macarena, much to the amusement of Ryan and my Mom.  Mom left soon after to assist one of our neighbors while Ryan and I sat and played cards together.  Finally after a while our lights came back on.  This time for good.

While losing electricity is frustrating it does have some positive aspects:

1. We were able to spend quality time with another
2. We created bonding friendships with our neighbors
3. We came back to enjoy a very nice scented apartment as we had almost all of our candles lit (gotta love those Bath & Body Works candle sales during Christmas) throughout the house for several hours

The storm itself was a beauty.  It began with the wind, thunder, lightening and rain and then... calm.  After the storm I walked outside...the atmosphere had a beautiful after rain scent followed by a bright rainbow and marvelous sunset.  It was a perfect night!