A Fortuitous Meeting 2

Most of the day I was feeling slightly melancholic. For no particular reason I could discern, maybe the holiday aftermath, maybe simple fatigue. Whatever the cause I found myself lethargic and unable to dispel my gloom.

Nicole and I went to the movies, an activity which typically brightens my mood, and when the lights went down two people slunk in and sat in front of us. After a brief moment of frustration at having my view partially obstructed I recognized them. They were our friends Mike and Meg. It was such a pleasant and unexpected encounter, the movie was pretty out there so it was fun to watch them react and grab their shoulders at various points in consternation.

After the movie we went out to dinner, an impromptu double date. We talked, joked, ate, nothing spectacular just a really nice opportunity to spend some time together and gab. Over the course of the evening my mood lightened and eventually my blues dissipated completely.

Now I don't think our random encounter was divinely orchestrated but I do know that Mike and Meg came along when I needed to be shaken out of my apathy. Sometimes all it takes is getting out of the house and the universe does the rest. Although it is quite a small thing, two couples meeting unplanned at a movie, it felt like more than mere happenstance.

A Fortuitous Meeting

And outside the window I saw two friends out for an evening stroll presumably after a pizza dinner at Spacca Napoli. And my heart jumped. Sitting on my couch, alone, in the gathering gloom my slight by budding melancholy vanished. And quickly I got ready and left catching up to my friends on my bike.

After hailing them I think they were somewhat surprised when I dismounted and asked to stroll with them a while. They were agreeable. We casually chatted about our weekends and job searching as the sun set and a warm wind blew in from the lake.

For a time we shared the balmy late spring evening. And even though it was a very small thing my heart smiled and the world seemed full and bright. After a short while we went our separate ways. My friends to their home and me to buy Stephen King's latest- Finders Keepers.

The Norns

I have a grandmother, a mother, and a sister.
As do we all.
One who spins, one who measures, and one who cuts.
Who weave the threads of fate.
Three arcane women behind the curtain.
They see far, hear much, and say little.
Some say they determine.
Others, they simply know.
Nonetheless they are always lurking.
The maiden, the matron, and the crone.

Purpose

I like to think everyone has a purpose.
Some small, some big.
Some broad, some narrow.
Some event that we are building toward or destined for.
Some calling, some gift, fated to be utilized.
Inherent potential in every spirit.

It may be a fleeting moment with unseen far-reaching repercussions.
Or a noble life of quiet service.
A talent cultivated and presented.
A skill practiced with perfection.
Kindness unrestricted.
Or friendship freely given.

Although it may be hidden it brings me comfort.
To think of purpose, place, and potential.
Something meant to be.

When I imagine what lies beyond I don't think of a cosmic bearded man.
The chains of his Divine Plan.
I imagine those Fated Sisters spinning.
Weaving, measuring, then clipping.
In each thread a purpose.
A secret burning ember.

Nineteen

About six months ago I lent Craig Stephen King's 11/23/62 along with a couple other books. We're both big King fans. The thing I love about King is that his books are all connected. Themes, characters, worlds, story arcs- they all weave together. In the Dark Tower Series the characters encounter the number 19 frequently. So much so the characters in the book start using the number as a signal of coincidence and connectedness and fate. A sign of what goes on behind the curtain.

Craig just started reading the book last weekend while he was on his way to Austin. Yesterday Craig was finally back for both Sunday shows. During the Prime set we did a scene in a sandwich shop. Four tornado chasers went to rob a Blimpie in order to raise money for their expedition. Of course during the robbery we all decided to order sandwiches. Scott was the first to order and asked for a "pepinos". We all went nuts over the silliness of the word and repeated it probably 100 times during the rest of the scene.

Later that night Craig went home and was reading before bed. What did he find in the pages of 11/23/62? Pepino's Best.

There's no explaining where inspiration comes from or when it will strike. Stories and ideas are out there swirling in the ether. Sometimes you reach out your hand and grasp them and make sense of them. And other times you only get a glimpse.

Of a pattern immense, intricate, and unknown.