Getting Lucky
Middle O’ the morning, to ye on this fine St. Patty’s Day! And middle O’ the afternoon to all me mates on the Emerald Isle!
Welcome to a special Tuesday edition of In Pursuit of Perspective, my friends. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to write about a subject that is near and dear to my 1/8 Irish heart on this most whimsical of days: Luck.
Those closest to me know that I can be a tad superstitious, and while that subject is for a future blog post, it does help explain how I conduct myself on a daily basis. Let me recount the various ways in which I tirelessly toil to ensure my loved ones and I are able to have the best chance at making it through this thing we call life.
The charms
Kissing of The Rings
I wear four rings on my fingers at all times, but not as fashion statements. Each one is special and I kiss them every day, to keep their positive properties energized.
The blue sapphire marks the night I proposed to my Jeannie-Girl.
Then there’s the gold wedding band encrusted with five diamonds.
Next is our ten-year anniversary gold band, inscribed with GUS and a heart.
Lastly is the gold and silver Claddagh ring we both got for each other in Ireland as our twenty-year gift.
Heck, our thirtieth is right around the corner, so it’s a good thing I still have four more naked fingers!
Worrying stone
I’m not much of a worrier, but this lovely piece of green Connemara marble was gifted to me by a dear friend who discovered it in Ireland many years ago. I keep it in my pocket for good luck and to remind me of how much she means to me.
Lucky bowl and spoon
My daughter-in-law fired a ceramic R2/D2 bowl for me as a gift a lot of years ago. Although I eat cereal most mornings, I only use this special bowl when I need to bring some luck to myself or others in need. I’ve paired it with a one-of-a-kind spoon to strengthen the magic.
Motorcycle bells
When I became a biker, I was heartened by the wonderful tradition of hanging a Guardian Bell from one’s bike frame. My brother gifted me that first one, which also doubled its luck. The tiny talisman wards off the many road gremlins along every journey to keep each biker and their passenger safe.
Drinking glasses
Whether emblazoned with a favorite sports team, Star Wars imagery, or Coca-Cola, each glass has its purpose, depending on the occasion, season, or playoff status.
Underwear
Once upon a time, I had a few imprinted, lucky boxer briefs I’d wear when the occasion called for it. Since this is a PG-13 blog post, we’ll leave them off for now…so to speak 😉
The rituals
Knock on wood
It’s a wonder I don’t have callouses on my knuckles or severe arthritis. I have knocked on wood so many times, and for so many reasons, I cannot possibly recount them all for you here. But trust me, they work!
Salt over the shoulder
Yes, if I spill salt, I must toss a bit over my left shoulder to negate the ill effects of the mishap.
Left hand, right hand
Okay, some folks think I’m insane with this one, but really, I’m not! When I’m watching sports, I cross my left foot over my right when it’s time for defense, and right over left for offense. Hey, it doesn’t always work, but what ritual does, right? Right?
The Lego
Writer guy
This is the little minifig pictured above. It was gifted to me by my stepdaughter and her husband last fall, and it’s a crazy-cool way to keep myself inspired while writing.
Patriots
My sister-in-law gifted me a New England Patriots helmet and snowman. Each of them sits near the TV during the football season.
Statue of Liberty
Okay, maybe this isn’t based on luck, but more like hope that we can all find a better way and get along in this world.
Star Wars
Nothing like the speakers on max volume when that theme song rips through the foundation, and a little X-wing or Millenium Falcon Lego sitting beside me fits right in to keep the Light Side of the Force burning bright.
Numerology
Lucky numbers
Hey, I know I’m not alone in this one, darn it! I have a few, but the number 66 is my fav, and it comes up so often that it can’t be coincidence. What are your lucky digits?
Unlucky numbers
Obvi! 13 and all its variants.
Prime numbers
This is a recent obsession fascination for me, but I find myself doing a lot with the number 3 and numbers divisible by 3. Yes, all you math geeks, I realize there are infinite prime numbers, but I like this one the best, so there!
Thanks for hanging in there as I recount my many, many, many (see what I did there?) quirky habits. Most of this is in fun, yet I like to think of each one as helping to keep the Dark Side balanced off. It all runs hand-in-hand with Karma. I believe in doing good things in order to send positive vibes traveling through the universe. That’s one virus we should all pass along. Who’s with me? Let’s do this!
While you’re at it, whatever you are, get lucky and be a good one!
-Dave
