As a kid I loved the rain and would sit for hours watching it fall, thinking deep thoughts. Of course I was only about 6 at the time so those deep thoughts were probably about what was for tea that night and what seemed like hours were probably only a few minutes but at the time the rain was a comforting presence that held me in fascination.
Nowadays it has lost much of its appeal and like many I am beginning to wish it would just go away. One of the good things, though, is that you have a good excuse to curl up in bed with a good book and a hot cup of chocolate and wile away the hours in the world of imagination, so really the rain gives me a reason to read even more. There are also plenty of great movies and music that I can watch or listen to that help push those rainy day blues away.
So if you're looking for something to put you in that summery mood why not try some of the following.
Ah... Tuscany.
Fields of greeny gold, rows of Cypress trees and old houses in shades of terracotta. It's all more than enough to make me want to go there and forget about the world.
Sadly that's off the agenda for the moment (though I live in hope) but this book, filled as it is with glorious photos of some amazing villages that are scattered amongst the region, will have to suffice for now
Wallflower in Bloom by Claire Cook
Fed up with being taking advantage by her famous self help guru brother Deirdre Griffith makes the rash decision to go on Dancing with Stars. In the sober light of day she begins to wonder what on earth she has done, unfortunately it's too late to back out now...
A perfect read for anyone who has lived in the shadow of a more successful sibling.
The idea of running away to Venice and starting a new life is probably something that many of us wish we could do.
In Kate Forest's case she's leaving behind a husband, children, a mother and a job; all of which have left her feeling that running away from her problems is the only solution.
With a place like Venice to run to I can't say I blame her.
One Summer by Roisin Meaney
Raising money to pay for her dream wedding, Nell decides to rent out her cottage for the summer, unaware of how the three quite different tenants will effect her life and her plans for the future.
I've enjoyed all of Roisin Meaney books and this one is no exception.
The Best Disco in Town
I know what you're thinking. Disco music? Are you mad?
The answer to that is most probably.
But if you're looking for something to put you in a feel good mood then disco is hard to beat and this 2 disc CD is the perfect solution to those rainy days when it's hard to get motivated to get out of bed. So put on your dancing shoes and boogie that wintry gloom away.
Lady Got Soul 
Soul music may not be the kind of music you instantly associate with summer but for me there is something about the sultry sounds of these songs that always remind me of warm summer nights.
Featuring a wide range of female artist from Adele to Etta James to Gin Wigmore, this is a perfect tonic to soothe your soul.
My favourite is Feeling Good by Nina Simone. It's just the perfect song to put you in a good mood.
Best of Creedence Clearwater Revival
If you want wallow in the rain (and who doesn't) then this is the CD to do it with. Filled with such great rain songs as Who'll Stop the Rain and Have You Ever Seen The Rain as well as other great classics such as Bad Moon Rising this is the perfect CD to sing along too.
My favourite is The Midnight Special, a great song to sing in the shower if you're in the mood.
To Catch A Thief 
Cary Grant, Grace Kelly and the French Rivera.
Is there a more perfect movie than To Catch a Thief and is there a more perfect way to watch it than curled up in bed or on the couch on a wet and rainy night.
Personally I think not, but then I'm biased as I love this movie. It's light and fluffy and wonderfully romantic.
Under the Tuscan SunI didn't think much of the book (apologies to those that loved it) but the movie on the other hand is a great film to put you in that summery frame of mind.
There's plenty of Italy scenery and the story is fun and quirky and makes you long to run away and live in Italy.
(Mmm... I beginning to see a theme here)
Chocolat
Okay I have to admit I picked this partially because it has Johnny in it.
As you can tell we are close personal friends or at least I like to think so. I love him in pretty much every movie he has made (baring a few exceptions) and Chocolat is, I think, one of his best.
Featuring 'the always good' Juliette Binoche, this is a magical movie that transports you to another time and place.
Cairo Time
Sadly there are not that many movies that are set in Egypt which is such as pity as the country is amazing and the scenery beautiful.
This film festival movie is a rare treat set as it is wholly in Egypt. It's beautifully and romantic and sad and features the much underrated indie film actress Patricia Clarkson who I just love, as well as some of that beautiful Egyptian scenery.
You can just feel the heat generating out of this movie.
PS: I've just finished watching Zen (see For Your Viewing Pleasure) and it was elegant and sensual and seductive and very Italian. I loved it and Rufus Sewell was divine. All I can say is that the man looks good in a suit...
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