Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Coincidence

I've been reading, "Change of Heart", the newest Jodi Picoult book (avid readers take note:  this book may keep you up at night..) and while I'm now finally nearing the end (I like to read slowly, taking characters to heart and memory), I came across something earlier on that I thought was interesting enough to share.

I know there's something in journals that goes around once in a while ~ a meme of sorts, asking us to grab the book we are currently reading, flip through to page 123 and record the first, second and third sentence in paragraph three.  I dunno... just 'cuz....

So when I reached page 123, I couldn't help but read with mild curiosity, the words found there:

"one two three, one two three.  There was a rhythm to fly-fishing, like a ballroom dance.  I waited until we had both unspooled the long tongue of line over the lake, until the flies that my grandfather laboriously tied in his basement had tightly come to rest on the surface."

Just coincidence... 1,2,3...   No big deal, but kinda cool.

Because who DOESN'T think about all the coincidences in their own life ~ and the "not coincidences"?  I've always been a firm believer in the notion that everything happens for a reason.  Of course, there are many problems in the world that make me question that as well:  Natural disasters, child abuse, disease, addiction, loss... quite a substantial list of things that makes anyone of us shudder to think about. 

Not believing in coincidence makes me nuts, really.  I am CONSTANTLY searching for reasons and answers.  Very rarely, do I just simply let things be ~ just because they ARE.  I need to be fully engrossed in something, not to let my mind wander to the how's and why's. 

I am so ready for summer. 

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I believe there is a reason for everything. Enjoy your evening.
Missie

Anonymous said...

If it is true, which I question in of itself, that things happen for a reason, I believe that I should not dwell on it as it will not effect the outcome anyway for it must be  destiny that determines one's coindidence.
Nancy

Anonymous said...

Gosh! We are like 2 peas In a pod! lol. Love Pam xx

Anonymous said...

Chelle,
Huh.  I would have missed that one-two-three coincidence.  I could read that passage over and over and never make the connection to a page number.  What a blockhead, right?  I would have become ensnared - or should I say hooked? - in the rhythms of Picoult’s words as that line was flicked back and forth across the stream.  One-two-three.  The scene is too visual to take me to a page number.
Uncle Bill

Anonymous said...

M.  On the top of page 123 in my book, by a Polish/German philosopher, it reads:

    Oh, my ice soul you sundered
    With a spear of flaming beams,
    To the ocean now in thunders
    To the sea of highest dreams.

                                                      D

Anonymous said...

icy soul

Anonymous said...

it thunders

Anonymous said...

I've never read Jodi Picoult's books. After reading your words I think I'm going to give them a try. As for coincidences...I've been finding quite a few in my life lately. Words written that seem to have been echoes of your own. Finding yourself on the same exact path in life as one of your friends is traveling, understanding the same emotions and discreptancies of life.

As for your comment about constantly searching for reasons and answers. I just today said to Rebecca in an email searching and discovering all we can about life - how can we not? I think those of us who go deep, the deep thinkers (I consider you one of them) in our searches perhaps grasp more of life than most do. Why? Because we hunger to get all we can out of life. We are never satisfied to just be. Some would think that is a bad trait. Me? I think it's a marvelous deal breaker that gives you everything you seek out of life. (Hugs) Indigo

Anonymous said...

Love the way you ended your entry!  "I am so ready for summer."  I don't know why that made me smile, but it did.. :)

I believe things happen for a reason, too.  It took me many years to realize that, because I always tried to over analyze everything.  Finally I came to the conclusion that things happen the way they are supposed to.  Often times it's to teach us about life... and how to deal with it.  I don't question things as much anymore.. I just move forward and deal with them the best I can.

I'm reading Dean Koontz, right now. It's called 'The Good Guy." Has me on the edge of my seat.  He is one of my favorite writers.  

Always good to hear from you, sweetie!  

Hugs and love
Jackie

Anonymous said...

i have had loads of moments in my life where i say fate had a huge hand in them even happening.....i am very atune (sp?) to the moment as it happens. I love your writing.
I want to read that book now. I hope you have a happy summer and take lots of pics to share.
LOVE YOU so

Anonymous said...

Well as you know I do believe, as you do, that everything happens for a reason.  We've spoken about that.
Oh...I ended up taking off today.  Maybe we'll talk later.  I'm really ok though and you helped a lot.   Shanti, however, is another story.  Maybe you can talk to him next.
; /

Love you,
Nance

Anonymous said...

... I share your sentiment about coincidences ... right now, some good ones keep my apples up and my eyes on my prize ... just as other ones have been dark and portents of something ill coming ...

... but to be avoided ...

... and yes dear, you are not alone in being ready for summer ..!

Anonymous said...

I am a firm believer also in the "everything happens for a reason" theory. And I always say that we may NEVER know the reason but there definitely is one.
I think I am going to read this book; I am almost done with what I am reading right now and I think I need to find more time to read since summer is coming ! I am looking forward to those lazy days of summer! Have a great day!!
Maria

Anonymous said...

Oh, I agree with everything happens for a reason.  Mostly lessons for how you live your life, feelings and thoughts shaping the person you are and are to become.  The only constant in our lives is change, and it's how we deal with change-those coincidences leading the parade-that form us.  I've seen books by Jodi Picoult, may have to try one, but right now, I have 3 on my next to read list.  I'll add her, the more the merrier.
                                                            Smiles,  Leigh

 

Anonymous said...

... so I am going to guess that you are a teacher ... and man, to have such a role in the life of a child ... it is a thankless task, but for people like you, children like J have the chance to live their dreams ...

Anonymous said...

I've read just about every single book Jodi has put out. She is an amazing writer. Coincidence is an interesting aspect of life, one that should be given thought too, I'm glad you found your coincidence in your day.
Rebecca