I write about hockey players. In my research, I’ve been
around a few, and I know how superstitious they can be. I have some fun with
that in my books. All the while, I never put much stock in it until I sat back
and realized how many superstitions I have. I’m twenty-nine. How did I just come to the realization that I’m
superstitious? I was reflecting on yesterday and found myself saying, “My
yogurt lied to me.”
I should give you some context for this. You know how some
people read tea leaves after they drink a cup? The design of leaves on the
bottom makes some kind of prophetic symbol. I have yogurt every morning, and
when I peel back the lid, I look for an image. This is also kind of like
looking for pictures in the clouds or breakfast meets Rorschach. I
realize it’s probably just a reflection of my own brain, but I still look for
those tiny pictures. I usually see a heart or lobster claw, which is another
symbol for heart to me and not because I like seafood. Long story. Anyway, if I
see a symbol on my yogurt lid, I expect my day to reflect it. This rarely
happens, but I still expect it.
So the yogurt got me thinking…what else do I do?
There are a few sets of numbers that have special meaning
for me. Mostly addresses and birthdays. If I see those numbers come up on a
clock, I have to watch until the minute passes. In that minute, I think a good
thought regarding the person attached to the numbers.
I make wishes on stray eyelashes, dandelion fluff, pennies,
birthday candles, and necklace clasps that slide down in front, and I don’t
disclose those wishes because then they wouldn’t come true.
And yet, I manage to function in everyday society. Maybe on
some small level, these things help
me function. I’m a Type A personality all the way. I can only “go with the flow”
on a lazy river ride, and even then I’m probably brainstorming book ideas. In a
chaotic, unpredictable world, control can be hard to come by. If these little
superstitions help me feel like I have some sway in cosmic events, that’s good,
right? All of a sudden, I understand my heroes a little better J
What superstitions do you have?
