The unexpected forecast last weekend was for dust in the wind—at least in my hometown.
Not coincidentally, just a couple of days ago I looked much like the young boy you see pictured here.
If you read my recent blog on romance and all things related, you will remember that I wrote a letter to the Universe. In it, I described in specific detail the man I would like to add to my life. What I did not mention in that blog was that the closing to this little ceremony involved burning the letter. I was then planning to cast the ashes into a moving body of water. For those of you not at all into New Age energy, this may sound slightly nuts. That’s OK. You don’t have to think it was a stellar idea. Just stick with my story for the laugh.
I had the best of intentions—disposing of these ashes at a beach that had been a favorite of mine while growing up. But the Universe, ever my foil, decided to have a bit of fun with me yet again.
One of my oldest and dearest friends met me for a quick meal while I was in town so we could catch up with each other. I then suggested we head to the beach, as it was a beautiful day. Plus, I had mentioned to her my desire to conduct a little ritual with the ashes. She, accustomed to my crazy ways, acquiesced and accompanied me.
When we arrived at the beach, I decided the pier was the best place to disperse the ashes. Children were playing in the shallows and it didn’t seem right to sprinkle them with my soulmate requests. Plus, their parents might object slightly to a grown woman wading amongst them and scattering ashes. I joked to my friend that I should yell, “Bon Voyage, Grandma,” as I scattered them. People might think I was slightly off but not as off as if I shared that I was scattering the remains of a letter to the Universe asking for my soulmate.
Kelley waited on the beach as I stepped over the downed fence that was supposed to keep people off the pier. I ignored the sign telling me not to walk on the pier, as I had since I was a teen. It was just the gulls and me as I opened the small bag of ashes I had brought. I found the perfect spot in the middle of the pier and decided to dump the ashes into the choppier side of the water, thinking more movement was better.
I bent over from the waist, legs slightly apart, as I opened the bag and let the ashes drop. Only they did not drop—they flew into the wind, a steady westerly gust, and directly into my face, my clothing and all other bits of me. I never was very good at wind direction. Perhaps a finger in the breeze might have helped prior but it was too late now.
I heard Kelley before I could see her (my view being obscured by—you guessed it—ashes). She was laughing so hard, doubled over, that I was worried she was going to tilt into the water. After my initial stunned reaction, I couldn’t help but match her laughter. As I collapsed on the pier with giggles and she doubled over on the beach with the same, the people around us looked first with curiosity and then could not help but smile themselves. I’m not sure they knew exactly why we were laughing but it was contagious.
This must have gone on for a good five minutes before we could stop, happy tears flowing and stomachs hurting from the exertion. When she finally caught her breath and wiped her streaked makeup, I believe she told me it looked like a cloud of smoke passed between my legs. I can only hope it then fell in the water at some point, instead of smacking some poor swimming child in the face.
Here we are after we cleaned up. We could barely look at each other for awhile because it sent us into gales of laughter all over again.
I find it beautifully ironic that the Universe threw my wishes for a soulmate back upon me, as a reminder that I’m always my own best companion. But, also not lost on me is the fact that my wishes were released with one of my best loved amid peals of laughter. I have to believe that wishes in the wind, released with such joy, can only bode well.
candidkay 
That does sound incredibly funny
Oh, trust me. It was:).
Such a great story. There must be some message there, but I’m too caught up in how funny it was. Maybe your soulmate will come to you on a wave of laughter. You never know.
I hear you:). At the time, the message definitely took a backseat to the comedy. I haven’t laughed that hard in years!
I have enjoyed that type of cleansing, crazy, never-to-be-forgotten laugh three different times with the same dear friend. Even though we now live two states away from each other, we are bonded forever by that laughter. What a happy, life-affirming post this is, Kay. Thanks for the memories.
So few people in laugh we can share with like that–those are the keepers:). I’m glad you have one!
We are our best companion. I love that.
And when we finally realize that, and delight in it, I think that is usually when our other best companions show up–because who wouldn’t want to join that party? 🙂
Truth!
Oh boy…you gave me an idea! Not about burning my letter to the Universe either! Another letter that I need to write someone! xx
I thought of you, Lee, when this happened :-). I was hoping that you were not having a similar experience!
Hilarious! And now for the good stuff you’ve earned and so richly deserve.
Yes! Released the future to a much wiser brain than mine:).
I think the universe was coating you in the ashes making you a beacon to the man that was meant for you – this makes it so much easier to find you when you are wearing the ashes – yes I know you washed them off (hopefully not all of them) but he will see the residue & you
Hmmm . . . I don’t know how I feel about a man who wants a woman covered in ashes:). I’ll have to think on that one . . .
That is the best energy yet!! Now be sure to completely let it go so the Universe can send him to you quickly. I have to admit, having spent years on the water, I totally saw that one coming (same exact thing happens on boats). And I love that you both howled with laughter. Great story.
See? I needed you there as wind advisor and cheerleader:). Yep, I’ve let it go. The ritual was symbolic but it really allows you to disengage!
Oh, my dear friend, this is PRICELESS!! I’m still chuckling!! You are a bona fide delight! Let’s face it: Life can get too serious. Maybe the Universe is preparing to send someone who will make you laugh. If ever there was an incantation to conjure up the perfect mirthful soulmate, surely yours was it!!!! ✨ xoxox
I felt the same way! I felt like the universe wanted to be sure that when I released my wish, it was with nothing but pure joy and laughter :-).
In your face, eh? 😀 Maybe the Universe is saying that the companion you’re wishing for is right ‘in your face,’ in your midst, under your nose… That you don’t have to look far or elsewhere…. Make sense?
I do like also what you wrote about the “reminder that I’m always my own best companion.” So, so true, eh?
Thank you for sharing this amusing story! 🙂
Much Love & Blessed be! ❤ 😉
NadineMarie
I wondered the same thing! If this was also a way of saying, he’s right under your nose. Although I’m truly not sure who that would be :-).
Yeah….we just never really know. It’d be interesting, and I’d be curious to find out how this unfolds which I’m presuming you’ll be posting about. 🙂
Like a Phoenix , he will rise from the ashes! I love your wit and charm in all your writings. The honesty and boldness of sharing your self! What’s not to love?
Thank you! Very kind words. Let’s hope the Phoenix shows himself soon :-).
Careful of what you wish for. Great story.
I hear you! I was supposed to be very specific and the thing that worries me about that is-what did I forget? :-).
Man, you were answered nearly before you let the cat out of the bag…so to speak. I usually have to wait a while 😀
I suppose some people are special 😀
And in reality, it is when we accept ourselves that we will attract another person who is accepting of themselves as well 🙂
Or maybe its a hint to keep on the look out for someone with ash all over their face…ash-mates (soul-mates) 😀
Great share Kristine, I’m laughing hard over here too, thank you for sharing the path of your love 🙂
Groan. Cat out of the bag:). You caffeinated!
Sorry, I drink de-caf, I go troppo on full strength and really ‘lose it’ 😀
And this is just a feeling…but I think he is closer than you think.
Let go, and he will come along faster 🙂
I do too! Don’t need the caffeine:). Hmmm. Close. Interesting.
Probably more to the point…it was the universe giving you a smudging ceremony. It removes any bad energy and cleanses you for your future journey. It’s usually done with a burning incense stick with lovely scents etc, but hey, it was laced with your wishes, it couldn’t get any more powerful than that Kristine 😀
With the energy in that, you’ll probably end up with some hunk of a movie star, rich, strong but gentle, easygoing but adventurous, and a million other things. What are you going to do with that? 😀
Anyway, you weren’t going to do it, so the universe did 😀
Oh, I love that thought! A smudge:). I don’t think we had met in the ether when I wrote of the one I did after my divorce–in case you need another laugh this week: https://candidkay.com/2013/03/25/you-missed-a-smudge/
And rich, strong, gentle, easygoing, adventurous–that sounds pretty darn good:). Thanks, as always, for your kind thoughts and light.
No, I hadn’t read that one Kristine. It, as usual, was a laugh from the beginning to end…I loved it 😀
The things we used to do…and now do from a much better place 🙂
I think you have now been officially smudged.
I think I might go get me one, time to distract the neighbors too 😀
Oh so funny but so perfect! I absolutely love your ritual and would have suggested to do the same thing! i agree with the universe, and maybe when you believe and see, you are what you are looking for, he will arrive on the next wave! 🙂
It was perfect:). At least the laughing part.
So wise! May your merman arise soon … hmm, maybe in the next wave. In love and joy!
Ooh, a merman:). Now you’re getting creative. Why didn’t I think of that?!
I have a feeling he’s close since… your wish ended up smacking you in your face. So heart and eyes open… I’m smiling thinking about it and have my fingers crossed for you. Who knows… maybe he’s done the same ritual looking/waiting for you.
If he is doing the same, he’s as crazy as I am:). Two peas in a pod.
Great story! A reminder to us to be careful what we wish for ❤️
So very true!
Delicious. By the way, the universe may send you something even better.
Thank you! I love it when I write something delicious :-). And something better? Well, that is beyond my wildest dreams. But I sure hope you’re right. Thank you for the kind words!
I think it’s a sign your wish will stick!
Oh, that’s the best interpretation yet:). I’ll keep it!
Best end to the ritual EVER. *howling* 😀
Oh yes! I definitely am being prevented from taking this ritual too seriously:). I mean, really.
This made me laugh out loud. Hope you are well!
I’m glad! It was a certain beach in Rocky River I know you remember well:). I still can’t think of it without bursting out laughing. I hope you’re doing stellar, my friend!