Day 1: Palmistry

Wandering back from dinner, my dad and I stumble upon Mrs. Sylvia's tarot card reading, fortune telling and palm reading spot. Her daughter, perhaps mid-thirties, beckons us and our curiosity from the front door; Mrs. Sylvia, perhaps 70 some odd years, is inside, "What do you want?"

And for a mere $20 each, my dad and I asked to have our palms read. I was matched with Mrs. Sylvia's daughter; "Two hands read, or one? Two hands will give you a more accurate and well-rounded reading."

"Well, what's the price difference?"

"Two hands, forty dollars."

There's no way I am spending $40 for my first palm reading. "One hand read is fine."

"Give me your right hand."

I place my hand, palm up, on the table; what will she see?

"You are a kind-hearted person. You're honest. You have many good friends. You don't like when people tell you what to do. In your life, you will never be poor nor rich. But you will be able to get along with what you have. Your happiness lies outside of money. You've always known that. You will live a long, healthy life to 88 or 89 years of age. This year will be a good year for you. There are a few love interests but one who you will always, truly love. This one likes you, but needs some time to figure things out. Be patient. Soon he will ask for your commitment. Commit and it will turn out well. I see you having one marriage, no divorces. You will mother more than one child. You are strong and your life will reflect that."

- - -

How often does fortune become the truth when we seek the future laid out by others?


* This is the first of my days on the great Philadelphian/Gettysburg/Valley Forge adventure.

Playing: Bonnie Prince Billy

I like the places where the night
does not mean an end
where smiles break free
and surprise is your friend
and dancing goes on in the kitchen
until dawn
to my favorite song
that has no end...

- BPB, You Remind Me of Something

Playing: Mississippi John Hurt

Now, I'm raring to go, got red shoes on my feet
My mind is sittin' right for a Tin Lizzie2 seat
Hurry down, sweet daddy, come blowin' you horn
If you come too late, sweet mama will be gone

- MJH, Richland's Woman Blues

A video.

gramps.

hugging me at the end.

when I knew it was goodbye.
big screen tv.
bright orange tools.

learning how to walk again.
amputation at 9.11

delirium towards the end. heard traffic as farm sounds.

nintendo.
ahead of his in technology. surround sound. country music I despised at that point.

whiskey the dog. the irony of a name was lost on me as a kid.

tears from his eyes.