Fortune Cookies
When we were in Dallas a couple weekends ago we stopped at one of my favorite restaurants for lunch before heading home--P.F. Changs. At the end of the meal you are always given fortune cookies with your ticket. I just love fortune cookies. I love the little message inside. I love the magical feeling of cracking open the sweet shell to find that hidden piece of paper with it's special message, that message meant just for you. Sometimes I've been disappointed in my fortune (especially those times when someone else at my table got the exact same one) but when I receive a fortune that speaks directly to or about something I'm currently experiencing the euphoria of that moment is delightful...more than delightful. That Sunday in Dallas my message-from-the-Universe-wrapped-in-sweet-crisp-cookie-goodness was one of those euphoric moments, so euphoric that I immediately tucked my tiny strip of paper in my wallet for safe keeping.
I've had some really exciting things happening in my world within the past few weeks, things I can't wait to share with you when a) I have more time and b) I'm not so dang tired. These very exciting things tie directly into the message I received in my fortune cookie at P.F. Changs. My fortune that day read...
Don't be afraid to take that big step.
While I can't say I'm not afraid I can say I'm doing it anyway...even with the fear. The fear can tag along for the time being. I know it just wants to keep me safe, that it wants to protect me. But eventually it's going to see that I'm okay, that I don't need it's protection, that it can go find something better to do because I don't need it hovering around like a young mother's watchful eye when her child is just learning to walk. Eventually it will see that I've got to do this...I'm going to do this...so instead of protecting me it might as well get on board and work for me instead of against me.
do you ever have one of those moments where it's like a bell goes off and you know that you were in the right place at the right time? this was one of those moments and this was one of those posts and thank you, michelle, for guiding me a wee bit.
i cannot, cannot, CANNOT wait to see what your sumptuous-goddess-creative-spirit has thought up now. you go ahead and do whatever it is you do, but please let us in one the secret..soon?
Posted by: bee | March 27, 2007 at 09:58 PM
It all sounds wonderfully delicious ~ praying for some rest and gentleness for you in your time of creative explosion :-)
love bb x x x x x
Posted by: becoming amethyst | March 28, 2007 at 12:32 AM
i do believe that we get the right fortune, just for us... my good friend was proposed to at PF Chang's. her now husband had slipped his custom made fortune to the waiter. so when the check came vinnie picked up the right one and handed in to whitney. whitney was upset, because you CAN'T pick someone else's fortune. so she put it back and mixed the cookies up. she then reached back and cracked open... "will you marry me..."
you're too strong and too amazing to let a little thing like fear stop you. so let go, laugh, and press forward on your path!
Posted by: jenica | March 28, 2007 at 01:03 AM
BIg step...I am afraid to take that step..for fear of unknown..but yes..I will take it.
Posted by: Masd | March 28, 2007 at 01:27 AM
Michelle - I love the part where you say "The fear can tag along for the time being." We often try to break away from fear, but I NEVER considered letting it tag along. Often it's better to take the path of least resistance.....even just for a short time.
Then there is your great and positive way of seeing fear as a protection and not something that will hurt! OH WOW!
I hope you (and Dennis) won't mind if I print your wonderful bitty pieces and stick it into my "Book of quotes?" Naturally giving you all the credit!!
Ka
Posted by: Karen | March 28, 2007 at 02:53 AM
Yeah!
Can't wait to talk to you...hear your sweet voice. I really need it baby doll.
Smooches and snuggles brave one
Posted by: Colorsonmymind | March 28, 2007 at 04:05 AM
That's great! A step into a positive direction. Whatever it is, I can't wait to hear and I'm wishing you luck along the way!
Posted by: bella | March 28, 2007 at 05:23 AM
wheeeee!
i can't wait to hear
what the plans are...
and this was a fantastic
post by the way...
i love the part about the
fear working for you
instead of against!
you go!!!!
Posted by: gkgirl | March 28, 2007 at 06:41 AM
There you are! I was about to start a search party...:)
But I can't wait to hear what's afoot for you! Something big! Something good! And Fear, just hit the road, Jacky baby, because you're going to be hitchhiking from now on!
Fortune cookies are always a good thing - they make me laugh, most of the time, because we do that goofy "in the bed" thing at the end.
Posted by: Sam | March 28, 2007 at 07:20 AM
Oooh, I like this. You sound strong and determined and very excited. The idea of the fear going somewhere else or getting on board is good - it completely shifts the power.
Posted by: deirdre | March 28, 2007 at 07:25 AM
YES!!! I 'm so glad to hear that good fortune has found you (but you know it wasn't really good fortune at all--it's you all the way, bay-bee!). Can't wait to hear what you're up to.
Posted by: Star | March 28, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Eagerly awaiting your good news...the world needs this. I hope that fortunes keep treating you kindly.
Love,
D.
Posted by: Delia | March 28, 2007 at 09:05 AM
I know what ever you chose to do, you will be successful and greatly blessed.
Thank you for sharing your news.
Posted by: Lianne | March 28, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Honey, I am over here clapping and dancing and singing for you!!!!!!! This is so exciting, it makes my heart feel happy, and brings good tears to my eyes.You are taking the big step...this is what you have been working toward, and you are doing it.
Sending a huge supportive hug!!!! xoxoxo
Posted by: ceanandjen | March 28, 2007 at 09:39 AM
YES! I can hear that ROAR happening deep within this post! Please tell as soon as you possibly can - LOVE YOU!!
Posted by: megg | March 28, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Nicely said. I love your description of fear here, and the way you are taking charge of it so that it'll work for you--so that it'll push you outwards and upwards, not inwards to hide.
Bravo. And "bon courage!"
Posted by: kodachrome | March 28, 2007 at 01:27 PM
What did I tell you about being on the verge of something BIG!!!
xoxo~
Sue :)
Posted by: Sue Mannel | March 28, 2007 at 02:33 PM
I can't wait for the news either. I always tuck my best fortunes in my wallet. (=
Posted by: Kristen | March 28, 2007 at 05:30 PM
hi there - i've heard a bit about you too! you and denise are soooo sweet - i guess i still have a hard time believing that my pictures are anything other than ones that anyone could take themselves...I soo know the fears and self doubt of trying to start things up - would love to share my path thus far - and to hear your story and experiences...too much to write; too late to get my thoughts together...yeah it's only 9; amazing how w/ 2 little ones the energy is gone by this time of the night! I'll email you!
-genine
*can't wait to look at your pictures and blog!
Posted by: genine | March 28, 2007 at 06:07 PM
Courage is not the absence of fear, but doing it despite the fear anyway...
Posted by: nel | March 28, 2007 at 10:00 PM
how I love when the universe sends clear, simple messages like that.
Posted by: Irene | March 29, 2007 at 01:28 AM
i love fortunes, i save them and put them on the bulletin board. every once in a while one will be on the floor, and it's like the magic of opening the cookie all over again.
can't wait to see what you've been doin' :)
Posted by: angela | March 29, 2007 at 04:50 AM
oooh, reading this gave me such a warm feeling. I love that you are acknowledging your fear, and doing it anyway. Can't wait to hear more! xoxo
Posted by: Schmoops | March 29, 2007 at 10:15 AM
yummy lettuce wraps! While they say that first step can be a doozie..who's to say that doozies cant be fun. Fear is doing nothing. Courage is being scared, and doing it any way.
Posted by: wendy | March 29, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Perfect. Doing it anyway is what is known as courage.
Posted by: MB | April 02, 2007 at 05:31 PM