Very Superstitious

/ roughwighting

https://pixabay.com/photos/mirror-frame-mirrors-broken-2407292/anaterateWhen the mirror broke, Gwen figured she was a goner. Overdramatic, perhaps, but at 88 years old, Gwen knew her time would be up soon.

Strangely, even though her husband died ten years ago and her best friend seven years ago, Gwen was not ready to be released from this mortal coil.    

But then, the mirror broke. The damn movers moved too fast as she pointed out boxes that were fragile; they ignored her, an old woman who was sadly leaving her house of 32 years, downsizing to a small cottage on her daughter’s property.

https://pixabay.com/vectors/umbrella-blue-rain-weather-158164/And now, Jeff, the head mover, was rummaging in her coat closet. “Be careful,” Gwen warned, “that one …” But too late. Jeff barely touched the button on the base of the umbrella, and it popped open, scaring Jeff half to death.

That settled it. Gwen was doomed.

Noah, the youngest of the movers, was packing items in the kitchen. Gwen raced to that room as fast as she could on arthritic toes and reached for her favorite crystal saltshaker as he was about to wrap and box it.

salt behind your shoulder, superstition, salt shakerNO!” Gwen shouted. Noah, who looked 16 but was probably 26, jumped, particularly when Gwen grabbed the shaker from his hand and tossed salt over her shoulder.

“I’m sure that’s not enough,” she mumbled.

New England fall, driving with the sunWhy did she care if she lived or died? She looked outside at the autumn leaves against the deep blue sky. She listened to the crickets sing their last song. She smiled as Joey the woodpecker tapped at the sturdy trunk of the nearby pine tree. Gwen inhaled the scent of the entire scene.

That’s why she wanted to still live.   

Noah winked at Gwen. “I get it,” he said. He was a cutie, with long blonde hair and intense blue eyes. “Here,” and he urged Gwen to follow him to the dining room table. With his fist, he tapped on the tabletop. “Now you try it,” Noah urged.

Gwen knocked twice.

“I think we need to find one other thing,” Noah insisted. His eyes traveled to the outside window, where a shrub sat just below. “I see it!” he exclaimed.

Gwen followed him outside where Noah walked oh so slowly toward the bush.

“What are you doing?” Gwen asked. For some reason, she trusted this young fellow.

Noah turned his head to look deeply into Gwen’s rheumy eyes. “You need extra luck,” he explained. “I just unpacked your 13th box.”

Gwen sagged against the front porch rocking chair. She didn’t have a chance then.

But he reached out toward a leaf on the shrub’s branch, then touched Gwen’s arm gently. “Here,” he said.

https://pixabay.com/photos/ladybug-insect-ladybird-beetle-349456/ariesa66Like a gallant knight helping a lady-in-arms, Noah placed a dainty red and black ladybug on top of Gwen’s withered hand.

“You’re safe now,” he whispered. “Another five years, at least.” 

eyes, late, Pixabay

How about you? Are you superstitious?

 

 

122 thoughts on “Very Superstitious”

    • That’s exactly what I wanted to show with my Gwen story, Darlene. And that it’s more about goodness coming out of the woodwork rather than superstitious Good luck. And yes, there are so many kind people out there of all ages.

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    • Hmmm,I wonder what your little superstitions are. Again, I’m going to give you an idea that somehow you can put that image of superstitions somewhere in your walks. There’s the old superstition of “don’t walk on a crack or you’ll break your mothers back.” .(Always hated that one .) I wonder if there’s one like that about not walking on seashells. 🥹

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  7. In 2002, I had a black cat and got married on a Friday the 13th. Things didn’t work out with the man (no bad luck involved; he blew it), but my Sozo was a gorgeous boy and he stayed with me til the end! 💕 I love your short stories, Pam! They have an end, but they don’t.

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    • I suppose superstitions are a cultural and generational thing. I remember how scared I was as a girl walking to school and being careful that I didn’t walk on a crack in the sidewalk or “I’d break my mothers back.” I hated that superstition.

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  10. Good morning, Pam! What a delightful story. It’s never nice when someone has to leave a home they’ve known for decades, but in the process, Gwen found a friend who understands her. Knock on wood, she’ll love her new home as much as she loved her old. Have a great weekend, my friend. ❤

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  12. You made Gwen and Noah lovable in a short, short story. Brava!

    The Stevie Wonder song was a nice touch too. So are the berries on your banner. I believe it’s pyracantha. Right? Mom had a bush that proliferated on the border of her front lawn. I wonder if the new owners keep it.
    Happy Thanksgiving, Pam!

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    • Of course you are amazing. I wondered if anyone would notice the photo on my banner. I used to know what it is called and so you must be right. It’s near our house and just made me stop in wonder. Oh! Wonder, just like Stevie. Glad you enjoyed Gwen’s story. Thank you.

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    • I still get so excited when a Ladybug lands on my arm in the summer. They exude sweetness. Yes, that is a photo of one of my crystal salt shakers that was probably a long ago wedding gift. And I decided instead of storing it in the China cabinet I should use it every day, which I do. 🧂 I hope you use yours often as well.

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  14. This was such a delightful read, Pam.
    While not superstitious, I will absentmindedly toss salt over my shoulder if its knocked over, and I’ll knock on wood, just in case.
    Have a lovely day!!

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  16. What a fun, creative story to read. I am not superstitious, so this made me laugh. But my husband’s grandma was exactly like Gwen. Superstitious of everything! She also was the sweetest lady. 🙂

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    • I do wonder if superstitions are more generational, and that there are less in the young set these days. But then again, I think superstitions continue from generation to generation. Maybe because there’s some truth to them! 😇

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  19. Love your short tale—it’s always amazing how superstitions do enter our daily lives, even if we don’t openly acknowledge it. Noah was wonderful helping Gwen and I love the ladybug thought!

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  21. What comes through most for me in this story is how meaningless age is. Gwen’s behaviour around her superstitions are like a child and magic – utter conviction. Though Noah is very young and looks even younger, he almost feels like her father, and she a toddler. There’s such tenderness and humour. And their shared sense that life is achingly precious lingers after reading. Loved it!

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  24. Lady bugs for everyone! Your story brought back a memory of when my son was young (I’m guessing 5) and went to a little girl’s birthday party around the same age. They released lady bugs during the party and many gravitated to the family’s plants and garden. It was quite a sight to see hundreds of ladybugs in such close proximity of each other.

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    • Yikes! It could’ve been a mess for them later to get rid of those ladybugs in the house! I think they’re great when they’re outside though. I keep reading about all the good things they do for the plants. Mother nature loves ladybugs, and so does Gwen and Nathan.

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  25. Oh, how lovely, Pam. I loved this story. How sweet. I’m not particularly superstitious, but I do knock on wood. Lol. I’ll keep an eye out for ladybugs next summer – there are always a bunch of them around. These days, a little luck is much needed. ❤ ❤

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  28. Oh! What a sweet story! My mom lived until 90, and, although she didn’t enjoy strenuous activity anymore, she did continue to enjoy life. She loved beauty and trees and her family. She never said she was done living.

    I’m not superstitious, but I suppose we all have a little of it in us now and then.

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    • Your mom and Gwen would get along so well. I hope I’m like both of them when and if I ever reach the age of 90. I want to appreciate every little aspect of nature and its beauty. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  30. Now whereever did my comment go?
    Take two (unless I thought I did and didn’t actually do…)
    I’m not overly superstitious. I will, however, automatically throw salt over my shoulder if this shaker is knocked over. You know. Just in case!
    I may have rapped on wood more than once, too.

    This was a lovely story, Pam!

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    • I have also. I get so excited when a Ladybug lands on me. And sometimes at the same time, a dragonfly! Double luck. Knock on wood and have a great Thanksgiving and end of November. 🐞💖

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  33. Ha! I’m less superstitious than I thought . . . many of the omens and portents in your tale didn’t “ring true” to me. 😀

    Glad Gwen signed up for another 5 years, with Noah’s help. Nice lad, that.

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    • I had to look up some of the superstitions, Nancy, but when I read them, I recognized ones I learned as a child. More as ‘fun myth’ than reality. But for some, like Gwen, their life depends on knocking on wood and ladybugs. And wonderful people like Noah. ❤

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  37. I absolutely love this story!! I’m happy it was the youngest that understood. I’m not superstitious but I’m not going to press my luck. I’m like Gwen. I want to smell the air and the rain, watch the snow and hope each night for another day to experience everything life has to offer. I tend to try and bargain for more time. Someone seems to be listening so I’m not walking under any ladders. Just Delightful. Having trouble posting again. Seems a broken connection somehow. I’ll research it.

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    • I got your reply, loud and clear. Yes, I was happy when Gwen realizes how and why she loves life. It’s the little things that count. And thank goodness for mother nature! Keep on breathing and living my friend. I’m sending you some Ladybug luck. 🐞

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  42. Sometimes I catch myself tapping on wood, avoiding sidewalk cracks, not putting shoes on a table…memories hit me of my Mom instilling these superstitions at an early age.
    Loved this memory of all these things–thanks, Pam!

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  43. Knocking on wood, avoiding sidewalk cracks, not putting shoes on a table, all of these and probably more were given to me by my Mom at an early age. Thanks for the memories of all of this, Pam–love your writing! Pat

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  47. Loved the story 🙂
    Our days are numbered just like the hairs on our head. When it is our time to go, it is our time to go. These are the words my dad lived by and when he passed last year, he was getting a hair cut. He told his friend who was holding the sizzers, to call 911, he was having a heart attack. Then he passed out and it was over. I am not superstitious, per say…. But I am big believer in the Law of Attraction. Whatever you dwell upon, is what will be attracted into your life. It’s called Physics. I should take my own advice sometimes and remember the way to get the things I want out of this life, is to put in what I want out. This has been my experience more times than I can count. I just don’t always heed my own words.
    I pray you had a good Thanksgiving. We have much to be thankful for! ❤

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    • Your comments are alwasy so “right on” as well as write on. Yes, I believe in the law of attraction also, and thank my lucky stars (a cliche but a good one) that I have attracted, and am attracted to, such great bloggers like you.
      And what a story about your dad. Wowee. Sweet thoughts of him in my mind – after all, he was YOUR dad, so he must have been great.

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  49. Very well written, Pam. This was a great line, ‘The damn movers moved too fast’. It’s a bit like that sometimes with moving, all a hassle but also all a blur. You have a really pretty crystal salt shaker there. If there was anything to take away from your post, it’s that sometimes luck finds you when you least expect 😊 For me, I like having my routines. They keep me in check 😄

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  50. Definitely not superstitious in the “classical” way (LOL), but I do believe we are given signs that may point us in certain directions. So, intuition vs. superstition. But this story is so sweet, especially letting Gwen know that she was understood in her feelings of giving up her home.
    Can you believe – of course, you can – that I saw Stevie do this song at MSG many, many years ago? Know who opened for him? The Rolling Stones! True story. 🙂

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