Wednesday:) When You Find Treasure

“Riches you hold in your hands are inferior to treasures you store in your heart.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

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“One man’s trash is another woman’s rusty nails and crusted old coins and treasure,”~ME

The other day, I was rummaging through one of my many kitchen junk drawers looking for a spare house key. The drawer is teeming with junk, thus the term junk drawer.

When I moved into my new house over seven years ago, the neighborhood was fairly new, with messy construction on every street. There weren’t sidewalks everywhere yet, so when I went on my daily walks, I would often find rusty construction nails and screws, or other sharp objects in the street. I would pick them up and toss them in a nearby garbage can or toss them when I got home. My sister asked me once! “How many do you find?” I didn’t know, so decided to save them, to count at a later time.

Well, time got away from me as I put them in a drawer or a bag in the garage. I thought one day, I’ll make some kind of art or craft project with these “lucky nails.” I called them lucky nails because I always thought that for every nail I picked up, perhaps I saved someone from getting a flat tire. I know from experience, as I had gotten nails in tires and flats a couple of times.

Afore mentioned junk drawer. That baggie of nails is not even half the size of the bag of nails I have in the garage. (I saved a LOT of flat tires.)

Besides nails, I’d also find lucky pennies or other coins, and on a rare occasion, paper currency.

Yes, a $10 and a $20. I forgot these were in the drawer. (Once I found a really weird counterfeit $100 bill on a sidewalk, but I gave it to my Nextdoor neighbor, a police lieutenant to check it out.)

So, when I was sorting out nails and coins, I picked up one of the pennies and noticed on the back that it was a wheat penny. Cool! When I put on my glasses, I saw that it was a 1954D wheat penny.

I googled it to see if it was worth more than a penny. I guess some are.

Well, it could be worth 99cents or $19,000. Who knows? It doesn’t matter. To me, it’s a lucky penny that I found in the street one day, or on a sidewalk, or in a parking lot. It made me smile because it was a lucky penny from heaven. That’s all that matters. It’s a treasure I store in my heart. ❤️

Riches you hold in your hands are inferior to treasures you store in your heart.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

Thankful Three Penny Thursday

“Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: It must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all.”

William Faulkner

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Well, I’ve been producing, discharging, and using up a whole lot of gratitude these last few weeks. The holidays are always a great time for being thankful, but so should the rest of the year. I just happen to be a little more thankful when spending time with family.

When I went for my long walk the other day, one of my stops was the Ace Hardware store. I was strolling through the parking lot, weaving between parked cars and dodging moving ones. When I looked down, I saw a shiny penny. Wow! It’s been a long time since I’ve found a lucky penny from heaven. As I bent over to pick it up, I found two more right next to it. THREE lucky pennies. I had to laugh because my sister and I have an inside joke about lucky pennies and Mom sending us a sign.

Three lucky pennies. I have two sisters, and Mom always wanted her three girls to get along. Of course, I’m the newer shiny penny. The other pennies are all old and worn🤦‍♀️. “I’m the baby, gotta love me.”

This afternoon, the granddaughters were putting together a gingerbread house. Lindsay had a brilliant idea that she had learned from a friend. Those darn walls are so hard to put together with the icing for the only support. Seeing as this gingerbread will not be eaten, she put the walls together with a hot glue gun. Instant wall construction. Cool!

The girls had a fun time decorating the house. A few. Uncooperative candies. Found. Their way into tummies, but not too many. The icing was pretty sticky and fingers needed occasional licking.

Pretty cool!

A fine looking abode for the holidays.

A very Thankful Three Penny Thursday .

Sunday Sermon and Some Other Stuff

“Is all anger sin? No, but some of it is. Even God Himself has righteous anger against sin, injustice, rebellion and pettiness.”

Joyce Meyer

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Sunday is always a special day for me. A day to count my blessings and the wonderful people in my life. (You know who you are.) Also, a good day to watch Mass in my pajamas.

Gospel, John 2:13-25

Today’s Gospel was the story of Jesus going to the Temple in Jerusalem where He found people selling animals and doves, and there were money changers. Jesus was upset, making a whip and chasing out the offenders saying, “Take all this out of here and stop using my Father’s house as a market.”

“During his stay in Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he did, but Jesus knew all people and did not trust himself to them; he never needed evidence about anyone; he could tell what someone had within.”

My take on it… we never think that getting angry is justifiable, but even Jesus got angry on occasion. People tell you, don’t get mad, always forgive, or turn the other cheek. Some things are just not acceptable or forgivable. ( I’ve said this on many occasions.)

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A penny for your thoughts…

I was doing laundry today, and there at the bottom of the washer , I found a lucky penny. Now, you’re probably thinking that this is not so unusual. It may have been in a pocket of a shirt or pants. But, I was washing sheets and pillow cases. Weird, right? How did that penny get in there? Perhaps a sign. Lucky me.

And as always, the highlight of my evening, a little FaceTime with the cutest little faces in the whole wide world.

Lucky Gamma! ❤️❤️

Tuesday:) Two Pennies and a Feather

“Here’s the thing about luck…you don’t know if it’s good or bad until you have some perspective.”

― Alice Hoffman

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I truly believe luck is in the eye of the beholder. If you tell yourself that you are unlucky, well, then you are. You just said so. It’s your personal perception. Some people don’t believe in lucky pennies or lucky feathers, or signs, but I absolutely believe. They always seem show up when I need them, or just for a quick pat on the back.

When I was in California last month visiting my son Matt, we were walking towards the beach under the huge palm trees. He stopped me and pointed towards the ground. Barely visible in the tall grass were two pennies and a dime. He knows my thoughts about finding lucky pennies, but he really doesn’t believe. I was excited because he found the coins. I didn’t see them. They were meant for him, and I told him so. He just rolled his eyes. But who knows, maybe one day he’ll believe too.

Friday morning, I had a million things to do, but I met my friend Sherri on the Square to sign and witness some legal papers for her. We stopped for a little breakfast at The Red Canoe. I thought, life is too short, slow down, just enjoy the day. Afterwards, I stopped at WinCo to pick up last minute beer and wine and snacks and ice for my party, my 5 year anniversary in my new house and my new life. I pushed the heavy cart through the parking lot to the back of my car, thinking about all the things I needed to get done. I opened up the hatchback, and there right beneath my shopping cart…. two shiny pennies. Someone in heaven saying, “Relax. Have a great party. I’m so proud of you.”

Then Saturday, a few friends and I went to the Cotton Mill for ArtFest. It was a great art show with a lot of good friends displaying their wonderful art. When we walked back to the car, off to the side, sitting on top of the leafy ground cover, was a lucky feather. Another sign? Words of encouragement? I just smiled. Just the fact that such things can make me smile, well, isn’t that pretty lucky? I BELIEVE.

Two Penny Tuesday and “Green Book” Trailer

“As luck would have IT, you would have IT, if you weren’t so busy looking for IT.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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The sun was out this morning, and it was climbing way up into the low 30’s… a heat wave. My sister and I decided to bundle up and walk around the block instead of going to walk at the center. You can’t get real live vitamin D indoors. It only took about half a block for us to realize that the sun was at our backs, so we turned around and walked the other way so the sun could bathe our frosty faces. The sun felt great. Then, further on, we crossed in the middle of the street to avoid the tall shady trees that blocked the sun. A few steps later, on the sunny side of the street, there on the sidewalk were two…not one… but two lucky pennies. “As luck would have it.”

I was so excited. Most of you already know the story of the two lucky pennies we found by the mural Mom had painted and donated to the Elgin library. We had asked her for a sign when she got to heaven, and she sent it. When we went up to see the mural right after she passed away, two pennies lay on the bench beneath the painting.

Today, she sent another sign of two pennies. This one was just a thumbs up 👍 from heaven, reminding us that she’s still up there watching over us. We each put a penny in our pocket. Thanks Mom.

Later, we planned to have lunch, the grocery store, and go to a movie. We decided to see “Green Book.” The trailers looked interesting, and it was based on a true story. That’s always a plus. The reviews we fairly good.

I thought it was interesting, with a little humor and stereotyping here and there. But, it was pretty accurate in showing the blatant and tragic racism that went on during that time. I grew up in the 60’s and I can see how those things could happen. Unfortunately, they still do.

Without giving away the plot or spoiler alert, I think it was a good movie to see, to remind us of the terrible ways people treat one another, and perhaps give us a little hope for the future.

83%

Rotten Tomatoes

8.3/10

IMDb

70%

Metacritic

95% liked this movie

Google users

Dr. Don Shirley is a world-class African-American pianist who’s about to embark on a concert tour in the Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and protection, Shirley recruits Tony Lip, a tough-talking bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx. Despite their differences, the two men soon develop an unexpected bond while confronting racism and danger in an era of segregation.

If you’re a movie goer, you’ll like it.

Saturday:) Signs On the Street and the Sun in the Sky

“I look for a sign. Where to go next. you never know when you’ll get one. Even the most faithless among us are waiting to be proven wrong.”

― Jillian Lauren

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A lazy sunny beautiful Saturday here. So nice to have no agenda, no commitments, no nothin’.

I went for a long walk this evening. The sun felt wonderful on my face. It was a good time to think.

About a half hour into my walk, the sun was shading the side of the sidewalk where I was walking, so I crossed the street. There, in the middle of the street was a lucky penny. I wouldn’t have been walking in the street, but there I was. There was my penny.

Then, on my way home, God painted the sky with beautiful colors to remind me that I only have to open my eyes, look up in the sky or down on the street to see the signs, to see my blessings, each and every day.

Theme Song Thursday:) Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs

“Signs are there to give us direction. We are the only ones who can choose which road to follow.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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My close and personal friends and family know that I’m very much of a…what’s a nice way to put it…weirdo. No, that’s not it. I am influenced and guided by metaphysical and physical signs in my life. 

I have hundreds if not thousands examples. Like when I was looking at new houses, and Linda Grossman, (world’s greatest realtor) said let’s drive around the neighborhood, and the first street sign I saw said Ridgeway. I said, “I grew up on Ridgeway in Chicago. It’s a sign. Turn around and let’s sign the contract.”

I always find lucky pennies or feathers or see butterflies right when I need a sign of encouragement. Yesterday, I was influenced by a sign that led me to act on a personal and difficult matter. But, that’s a long story for another day. So, today I was second guessing and questioning myself. Did I do the right thing? Will it backfire?

My go to solution for every problem is…go for a long walk. When I stepped out the door, a little white butterfly fluttered past my face. I smiled and walked in the warm sunlit morning. A few blocks away, a little yellow butterfly swooped by me and landed on the grass nearby, resting on a small yellow flower. The funny part is, when I went to reach for my phone to take a picture, I noticed my shoe was untied and precariously dragging. That little guy may have saved me from a nasty fall. He sat there long enough to let me tie my shoe and take a picture. Thanks butterfly.

I proceeded around the block, pumping my arms and working up a sweat. There was a car parked smack across the sidewalk ahead, so I needed to cross into the street. Right there where I crossed, there was a lucky penny. I know…right?

My lucky day. My walk continued for another half hour or so. I felt pretty good, with butterflies flitting around and a lucky penny from heaven. When I got near my front door, reaching for my key, there by the front sidewalk, in the grass, next to my brand new landscaping stones, (a gift of landscaping from my sister JoAnn and great work done by Lynard Barbosa) YEP, there it was. A lucky feather!

I think the universe, heaven, angels, or whoever is running the show out there, was telling me…”Ya done good! It’s gonna be fine!” (My universe usually talks with a half Southern half Chicago accent.)

Signs, signs, everywhere signs…

Friday:) Friends, Clouds, and Finding Lucky Pennies

“Here’s the thing about luck…you don’t know if it’s good or bad until you have some perspective.” 

― Alice Hoffman

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I have a pretty positive perspective on luck. My luck has been good…yep, mostly good luck. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve had some pretty awful dark days, that’s why I can appreciate my life and the good days. I have been blessed.

After a steamy morning walk, I hurried home, showered and headed off to the square, we were celebrating Karen’s birthday. Four friends sharing a meal, and fine stories.

After lunch, I visited my friends at the Last Gallery, Orison’s, Sweet Spot Bakery, and the Art Studio. Lots of little Stop’s and visits. McKinney is such a great town with he greatest people. 

When I went for my evening walk, I found two lucky pennies and a few potentially dangerous nails in the road. Some new construction means more flat tires. Lucky pennies for me, finding nails, lucky for the folks who might have gotten one in their tire.  I like to think I’m saving my neighbors from danger. (Where’s my cape?)

The thing about all the houses going up as far as the eye can see is, sometimes the eye can’t see the beautiful clouds and skies. But, I still try and capture the moment when I can.

Yep! It was pretty hot out today!!!

At 6 p.m. It felt like 108. And when you’re walking at a pretty fast clip, it feels a lot hotter than that,

Saturday:) A Sunset Stroll, Lucky Pennies and a Bunny

“A sunset stroll is strength for the soul.”

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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The late night storms passed, and the grey morning drizzle sizzled into a hot steamy afternoon. I was smart and stayed inside my comfortable air conditioned house until early evening. Hot or not, I needed to get out for a walk. 

I strolled around my neighborhood, bumping into neighbors and wildlife. I rescued a wiggly worm that was desperately wriggling across the dry cement sidewalk. I found a stick and placed him in the cool grass. A few blocks away, a happy hoppy bunny was also out taking a stroll.

After a long walk, I sat in the park and called my sister-in-law, Ann. We chatted for a while. As I was heading to my house, I noticed the glowing sunset in the distance. I scurried down the street to capture the magic. I was just getting close to the perfect open spot when I looked down and found two, not one, but two lucky pennies.

Here’s the spectacular sunset. I got my two cents worth.

Another fine day.

Theme Song Thursday:) Magic Penny

All that glitters is not gold

All that’s rusty is not old

Magic lies within your heart

That is where it all will start.

Believe!

~Toni Armenta Andrukaitis

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“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” 

― W.B. Yeats

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I hope that I never stop believing in lucky pennies, the magic of a feather, or a butterfly that stops to rest in my hand. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and a rusty penny can be magical.