I really like fortune cookies. When any friend and I eat at a restaurant that brings fortune cookies to the table after our meal, we read them. Sometimes, I get the one that my lunch partner should have and my lunch partner gets the one that I should have. So, of course, we trade.

I bring both fortunes home and keep them in a small plastic bag affixed to the hood of my kitchen range with a magnet. And, at times like today, I take them out, read them again, and send them along to you. First, though, let’s talk about this 27^th day of October 2026.

The day began with a call from Daughter #1 who wanted to be sure that I knew we had fog – I like fog! Not, of course, having to drive in it. At home, it gives me a feeling of closeness and comfort. About 9 am or so, the fog was gone, leaving sunshine and a very few clouds.

I have one of my precious visiting dogs with me; she goes home, tomorrow. But, Paisley (an Australian shepherd) has been a companion. My other visitor, Kate, is more independent than Paisley; she seems to prefer her own “space,” but is always amenable to doing what I ask of her. Paisley prefers to be with her humans – all of the time – and, I do mean, all of the time! Sweet and wanting to please, Paisley had her breakfast of kibble and, then set about making my day very nice.
I’m involved in a month-long poetry workshop that is taking up a lot of my time. With a poetry prompt every day (we can choose to write or not – I always do -I paid my money so I write), and generative workshops (another prompt, with opportunity to discuss with a couple of other attendees), plus special speakers, the workshop is worth every penny that was spent on it. Authors Publish sponsors the workshop. We have two excellent, knowledgeable facilitators working with us; we learn a lot if we participate as expected.

Today’s special event was to share with participants who wanted to be part of this event, our favorite poem, explain something about the poet and why we love the poem, etc. And, so, I prepared information about my favorite poet, Ted Kooser. I was ready to present one of his poems from his collection, Winter Morning Walks: One Hundred Postcards to Jim Harrison. At the time he wrote these poems, his doctor insisted that he walk out of the sun, so he took a walk each morning and, when at home, wrote a poem, put it on a post card and sent it to his friend, Jim Harrison. The poem that I chose is the very first one of his that I ever read; clearly, it spoke volumes to me. When I talk with friends and they tell me they do not like poetry, this is the poem that I share with them.

I think another reason I like this poem (which I will share with you below) is that – I HATE METAPHOR! I don’t willingly or knowingly write poems with metaphor. And, as nearly as I can tell, there is nary a metaphor in the poem. It does not have a name. For these poems, Kooser always reported the date and the weather at the top of the poems.

I did not get to share my selection. I’m old, and often do not understand the computer things I’m supposed to do in a situation like today. So, I will share the poem with you, instead.

On to the Chinese fortune cookies. It always seems to me that the writers of these tiny bits of life must have a philosophical gene in “there” somewhere. If the recipient of the fortune in the cookie will take at least a part of the narrative to heart, some really good stuff might come from it.

Here’s one that I like; it makes me feel good. However, I do have a question, based on what my shoulder surgeon said the last time I saw him. Fortune: People gravitate towards your winsome personality. Now, isn’t that a nice idea – to have a winsome personality? However, my doc said, as I was leaving his office, “Never stop being so ornery.” Hmmm … How does that fit with a “winsome personality?”

Fortune: Do not settle for less than the best. I think we must never settle for less than the best – of anything. I live in a free-standing house. It has a yard that, at one time, was carefully kept by husband Larry – an incredible gardener. Today, it lacks his attention. I’ve probably said this before, but … I think the reason that I am able to live in my home is that I am surrounded by incredible people. Daughters #1 (close by) and #3 (miles away) do this incredible job of being daughters, helping when needed. My medical staff (that now numbers about twenty-one with two more in the wings) are the best. Who would settle for less than the best medical folks? Not I!

And, then, there are my incredible neighbors and others who help me get things done. My community seems to delight in helping the “old lady” do whatever is needed to help me live where I do and do all of the things that I have been able to do. All of these, family, medical, neighbors, and helpers make up my community. I appreciate their help. I love them!

Fortune: You may have a fantastic opportunity coming soon. Be open to it. I cannot imagine what could be more fantastic than living my life at my age with everyone that helps. Maybe, I will win the lottery – yuh think? I could do a lot with that!

Fortune: Call a friend – your voice will bring a smile. This fortune is a really good one for all of us. What can we do to make someone smile or laugh? I have a friend – a long-time friend – with whom I occasionally have lunch. We always warn the wait staff that they must not be surprised at the amount of laughter that will be coming from our table. We laugh a lot! I always feel better after having lunch with her. I hope she does, as well.

This past week, I was at our Denny’s restaurant, waiting for the arrival of a friend. Across from me was a somewhat elderly woman (it seems that I always judge their appearance by comparing what I think is their age to mine; I’m always older, of course!). I could see that she was struggling to get out of the booth. I did nothing. Two young women approached her. One of them offered her hands to assist the lady in her efforts. I thought, I could have done that. Why didn’t I do that – simply stand up from my table and offer her some help? If I see that happening, again, I will.

Maybe, that fortune cookie should have read: You may have a fantastic opportunity to help someone, coming soon.

Be Safe and Be Well
The Cranky Crone
Thoughtful comments are very welcome!

As promised, Ted Kooser’s Poem

“November 18. Cloudy, dark and windy”

Walking by flashlight at six inthe morning,
my circle of light on the gravel
swinging side to side,
coyote, raccoon, field mouse, sparrow,
each watching from the darkness
this man with the moon on a leash.

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