After the rains, I brought my car to the car wash, mostly because the mud on the doors was starting to look like a topographical map. I pulled into the line and felt a mix of impatience and relief. There’s something comforting about knowing the car will get clean without me lifting more than a finger.

As the conveyor belt grabbed the tires, I settled back and let the whole thing happen.

The first splash of water hit the windshield. I’m not in control anymore. And honestly, that’s kind of nice.

The soap started sliding down in slow streaks, like the car was getting a spa day.

I watched the colors swirl... red... blue... none of which exist in nature but all of which somehow feel necessary.

The brushes came next, beating against the side like a giant trying to knock politely. Every time they hit, the whole car shook, and I wondered why that still surprises me.

It’s the same routine every time, yet it always feels slightly dramatic.

The rain had already done half the job, but rain never finishes what it starts. It leaves behind streaks, dust, and that faint film that makes the car look tired.

So here I am, letting machines do what the sky couldn’t be bothered to complete. The rinse cycle washed away the neon foam, and for a moment everything outside looked like a watercolor painting.

The world blurred into soft shapes and muted colors. It’s funny how a car wash can feel like a tiny break from reality.

A few minutes where you can’t go anywhere, you can’t do anything.

You can’t multitask. You just sit.

You just wait. You just watch water do its thing.

The dryers roared to life, loud enough to drown out any thought. I didn’t want to think anyway.

The air blasted across the windshield, pushing away the last drops of water.

I always check the mirrors at this point, even though there’s nothing to see but distorted reflections. The whole process is over in minutes, but it feels longer in a good way.

A pause. A reset. A tiny moment of order in a week that didn’t have much of it. As the light turned green, I rolled forward and out into the open air.

The car looked cleaner, sure, but it also felt lighter. Maybe I did too. There’s something about watching grime get washed away that makes you think about the stuff you’re carrying around.

Not the physical stuff...though I should probably clean out the trunk...but the mental clutter.

The worries that stick like dried mud. The thoughts that streak and smear no matter how many times you try to wipe them off. Maybe that’s why I like car washes more than I admit. They’re simple. Predictable.

A guaranteed transformation, even if it’s small. And sometimes small is enough. Driving out, the sun hit the hood just right, and for a second, the car looked brand new. Not bad for a few minutes of sitting still.

I merged back into traffic feeling a little more put together than when I arrived. Funny how a clean windshield can make the whole day look clearer.

Maybe I should come here more often. Not just for the car, but for the pause. For the reset.

For the reminder that even after the rain, there’s always a way to rinse things off and start fresh.

😍#ilikeitalot!😍

All photos were taken by me with my iPhone.

This is for #wednesdaywalk by @tattoodjay.

This is also a post for the Show us your California of @derekrichardson.

My favorite communities are:
#LadiesOfHive.

#wednesdaywalk by @tattoodjay.
#SublimeSunday as inspired by @c0ff33a and #BeautifulSunday as initiated by @ace108.
Show Us Your California of @derekrichardson of #SoCalHive.
#SilverGoldStackers

#ShadowHunters

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I post an article daily. I feature precious metals every other day, and on other days I post articles of general interest. Follow me on my journey to save in silver and gold.

@silversaver888

Wednesday Walk and A Car Wash

😍#ilikeitalot!😍

This is for #wednesdaywalk by @tattoodjay.

This is also a post for the Show us your California of @derekrichardson.

#LadiesOfHive.

#wednesdaywalk by @tattoodjay.

Show Us Your California of @derekrichardson of #SoCalHive.

#SilverGoldStackers

#ShadowHunters

#OrchidLovers

#FoodieBeeHive

A shout out to #TEAMUSA - @tattoodjay, @dswigle, @wandrnrose7, @wwwiebe, @wesphilbin, @thebighigg, and @coinjoe.

All comments written on any LADIES OF HIVE posts receive staked ARCHON tokens, along with Feathered Friends and Shadow Hunters posts.

Thank you for stopping by to view this article. I hope to see you again soon!

Hugs and Kisses 🥰🌺🤙!!!!

@silversaver888

Thank you for stopping by to view this article.
I hope to see you again soon!