Power of the Universe

For the past 6 months or so, I've been wanting to put a chalkboard in my kitchen.  In terms of art, I'm not much of a drawer, but my handwriting skills are pretty great... Every time I'm in a restaurant that has chalkboard menus, I wish that I'd been the one to draw on them.  Plus, a chalkboard in one's own home would be fun!  The more I've thought about it, the more I've liked the idea - but still, I didn't want to spend a ton of money on it.  I was kind of hoping the universe would just bring me a chalkboard.

Maybe that sounds strange to you: the idea of the Universe [I've decided to capitalize 'Universe'] sending me something - but in my family, it's not strange at all...  
See, my whole life, my mother has been "finding" things: rocking chairs, plants, shelves, homewares - in alleys, in secondhand stores, you name it.  Not everything she finds is needed... nor is there always room in her house for it - but even those who are completely anti-scavenging would probably have to admire a finding or two of hers.  My little brother inherited her gift, and also has quite the artistic/creative vision eye paired with it.  I was talking with a good friend of his once about whether or not we thought Rory could find a huge stone lion.  His friend was pretty sure Rory could, and he said to me, "Rory just has that kind of magic."  Boy is it true... The Universe puts things in front of Rory all the time.  Antique mirrors, furniture, snowshoes (- that he later put to good use in the Blizzard of '11)... Rory and the Universe have quite an understanding.

Now me?  I'm only sort of gifted... But every now and then the Universe pulls through for me, too.  After dropping hints about the chalkboard idea around for months, I'd kind of given up on it.  But I mentioned it again randomly to a guy friend last Friday... and within two days, the Universe put a chalkboard in the alley behind his house.  There I am, sleeping in on a Sunday morning, I wake up to a picture text of a chalkboard that says, "Do you still want a chalkboard?"  Damn straight I do!  Within hours it was in my home.  And just today, a week later, my brother and stepdad helped me mount it on the wall in my kitchen.  It's a BIG chalkboard.  And it is beautiful.  

            

Everyone at my place today - my mom, brother, and stepdad all wrote on it (- as did I, obviously)... and while the result is no great piece of art... it sure is to me.  I see the love of my family.  I see the love of the Universe.  I see the kindness of my friend.  And I see millions of future art works.  Ever-changing art in my kitchen?  I am SO excited.  Next time you're at my place... I hope you draw something.  In fact, I can't wait to see it :)