Way back in 1998 (can that really be 18 years ago?!) a little book called The Celestine Prophecy caught my attention (along with several million other readers). Very true to the book, it wasn’t a coincidence–at least I didn’t think so–that I became aware of this gem at a time in my life when I was searching for a bit of direction and purpose. I’ve gone back to this little treasure several times, most often when I’m looking for some sort of sign from the Universe. If you haven’t read The Celestine Prophecy, I suggest you give it, and some of Mr. Redfield’s other books, a try/looksy.
Thanks in no small part to Redfield’s prose, I’ve become more aware of “signs” and “coincidences.” Sometimes a banana, is, you know, just a banana. But, occasionally I do believe simple objects can take on deeper meaning. For the record, my science-centric son thinks this is all a bunch of hooey, and of course he’s entitled to his opinion, bless his heart.
I can’t help but think that lately, the Universe has been having a bit of fun with me. As I search to find meaning in the random little notes, signs, or messages that come my way each day, it can be downright difficult to decipher exactly what the takeaway is supposed to be. For example…
Tooling around southern Virginia last weekend, we came across this little beauty of a sign. I was instantly intrigued: “coffee pot ladies auxiliary?” There’s always a back story. This could very well inspire a short story or more in the near future.
I came upon this fork in the road a couple of years ago. Proof that someone at the Virginia Department of Transportation has a wicked sense of humor. Or maybe this was some VDOT employee’s “I’m outta here, I quit!” sign off. Or maybe it’s just Virginia. As the great Yogi Berra once said: if you come to a fork in the road, take it. Instantly makes the song “Should I Stay or Should I Go Now” by The Clash start to play in my head.
I’m not wholly sure what the Universe was trying to tell me here: I shouldn’t tell my mom something, or, is my son not telling ME something? Mom’s gonna find out, no matter what. And, is this really a necessary sticker campaign, does any kid ever need to be reminded to not tell Mom??
I spotted this little beauty almost a year ago. Did you know that pecan shellers have a national association? Me neither. But, everyone deserves to find their tribe. For some reason I have to believe that their receptions are quite the throw-down. Party on Garth!!
I can’t wrap my head around how this works. Can someone please explain the process by which you can deep fry butter?? Clear evidence that in the South we will deep fry anything, yep, even butter. Everything tastes better with a little deep fried batter.
I discovered this little gift from the Universe during a trip to Sweden. Fart is funny in any language. For the record, “Utfart” translated means “exit road.” It’s still funny.
Do you believe in signs from the Universe? Have you ever had an epiphany because of some little message with a hidden meaning just for you?
Cheers,
Kimba
Nathalie Villeneuve says
July 26, 2015 at 1:49 pmHi Kimba, That’s so funny! I love the deep fry butter one, too much! I use to pay attention to “signs” a lot more. I now tend to listen to inner signs and quiet whispers. I just bought the book Jesus Calling and I love it. I thinks I’ll get plenty of signs and daily insights in this book. I love your humor and I’m glad I came to visit your blog today. I’ve been so busy giving my painting workshop that I put aside writing. I do still want to write and finding myself here today “Is” a sign that I will become an author 😉 Love ya! ~ Nathalie
Kimba says
August 2, 2015 at 8:44 pmHi Nathalie – have not heard of that book before, will check it out! Your painting is beautiful – I can see why that is your main passion!
Jacs Henderson says
July 25, 2015 at 8:07 amHad a great chuckle at your signs Kimba! I like to take photos of one’s I see that catch my attention in some way too.
I think signs are all around us, if we are watching for them… also, things happen for a reason, which become apparent at some point in the future when sometimes we can see the signs looking back.
Oddly enough, I haven’t read The Celestine Prophesy… time I did 😉
~Jacs
Kimba says
July 26, 2015 at 10:49 amI think you would enjoy the book Jacs. And, when you’re sitting in the middle-aged cheap seats that whole “things happening for a reason” sure does come into focus!
Roz Warren says
July 24, 2015 at 7:48 pmOkay, since nobody else has posted this yet, I just had to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eqCaiwmr_M
You’re welcome.
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 9:16 pmTHANK YOU! Bill Nye, at the end – AWESOME!!
Marquita Herald says
July 24, 2015 at 2:24 pmLike your son at my core I am a “show me the proof” kinda gal. That said, on more than a few occasions the Universe has done just that and in the process taught me to be a bit more humble in my beliefs.
My most memorable occasion by far was in Atlanta when I was there for a week of sales training. I’ve been an avid fan of Egyptology since I was a kid and before arriving I’d learned the (then) head of Antiquities for Egypt Zahi Hawass would be in Atlanta for one night only to give a lecture. By the time I arrived attending that lecture and meeting him had become an obsession. Absolutely everything conspired against me over the next couple of days but I kept pushing to find a way. Then late in the afternoon of the event I found myself sitting on a bench in front of the hotel like a lost waif feeling pretty pathetic with no car and the taxi I’d ordered had no showed on me. And that’s when the Universe took over. A woman I’d only met 2 days prior walked up and asked me what was wrong – I explained. She smiled and handed me the keys to her rental car and simply said “Go!” I rushed out of there and immediately got lost, but just as tears threatened i found the university and lecture hall. So I got to hear the lecture and when it was over – and this is SO not like me – I began walking to the front of the hall and walked up the steps to the stage. Zahi was surrounded by his staff and university personnel and I just stood there staring at him until he looked at me and I stuck my hand out and blurted out I’d come all the way from Hawaii wanting to meet him! OMG I still can’t believe it did that – but there I stood for the next half hour chatting with him and he even sent me a lovely follow up note when he returned to Egypt. There is NO doubt in my mind the Universe – or something like it – was responsible for pulling off that seemingly impossible event. 🙂
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 9:19 pmMarty I love your comment/story here. I think you should definitely share with the world via your site/blog. And BTW, watch the video that Roz posted – it is awesome!
Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) says
July 24, 2015 at 11:40 amYou quoted Yogi! Exactly what crossed my mind when I saw the photo, before I read your words.
Nice article, made me smile. I’ll share it now so others can have the smile break.
Blessings,
Sue
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 11:47 amI LUV to quote Yogi. And happy to have made to smile, thx for sharing.
CAROL CASSARA says
July 24, 2015 at 10:25 amGosh, i haven’t thought about that book in AGES! I agree that there are no coincidences. Nope. None.
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 11:53 amI don think there is a bit of a grand plan, even if we don’t understand it most days.
Mary says
July 24, 2015 at 10:15 amI’m loving that you take pictures of the signs! The fork in the road is a classic, can’t believe that is a real sign…or is it a sign? Have a wonderful weekend!
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 11:57 amOh, the fork in the road I think qualifies as both a traffic sign AND a sign from the Universe.
1010ParkPlace says
July 24, 2015 at 10:13 amI’m from San Antonio where people see the Virgin Mary on a flour tortilla! Yep! Signs are everywhere. Brenda
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 12:04 pmLOL – I hear ya. In the South, Jesus appears regularly on potatoes, potato chips, and the occasional hamburger bun. I think the message may be that we need to give up our carbs.
Doreen McGettigan says
July 24, 2015 at 10:09 amMy husband has me convinced that there are no coincidences and that yes, the signs are everywhere.
He is also a numbers kind of guy and now I am fascinated by numbers too. My best friend here in Philly’s address is 1013, my bff in NC (she passed away last year but,) her address was 1013, my stepson’s birthday’s are the 10th and the 13th and my husbands birthday is the 23rd which is 10 +13. I have seen so many license plates with 1013 on them. It can drive you a bit mad if you let it because it goes on and on…
I don’t know who the coffee pot ladies are but I love them!
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 12:05 pmI know, right? I plan to follow-up with the CPL (coffee pot ladies) cuz I gotta know!
Reba Linker says
July 24, 2015 at 8:55 amGreat collection of signs! Kimba, you would love France, where, upon exiting some towns you are given a choice between “Toutes Directions” (All Directions) and “Autres Directions” (Other Directions)! As if “All Directions” weren’t enough!
I was driving and I almost couldn’t see the road, I was laughing so hard.
xox, Reba
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 12:07 pmOh wow, I have a tough enough time following the road signs here in the U.S. – I don’t think I could handle the French. And the Brits with their driving on the wrong side of the road – forget about it!
Suzie Cheel says
July 24, 2015 at 8:02 amyou are so funny Kimba, you had me laughing and I love the Celestine prophesy 🙂 x
Kim Dalferes says
July 24, 2015 at 12:12 pmSomehow Suzie I knew you would love that book.