Genie photo courtesy Metro Creator Images - not an actual photo of Jodi as “I Dream of Jeannie”.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s this – I am a magnet to the peculiar. You may be one like me and understand that sentence. I’m not a magnet in a bad way—just in the cosmic comedy meets divine appointment kind of way. The kind of way where the universe says, “You know what she needs right now? Cherries with a dash of bizarre wrapped in a hug.”
Only a couple of months ago, I told you that I bought a new truck. In that short time since then, I’ve racked up over 8,000 miles. Which seems like a lot… unless you’re me. If you are me, that’s just two solid months of singing to the steering wheel, dodging potholes, and meeting half of America at every gas station, roadside diner, and grocery store from here to next Tuesday. I see many races, faces and personalities.
See, I was born with the “come tell me everything” gene. I don’t know if the doctor slapped me first or handed me a clipboard and said to my mama, “Ma’am, she’ll be hosting group therapy at the nearest grocery store by kindergarten.”
From clinic waiting rooms to grocery store checkout lines or on just a shared bench in the mall – people tell me things. Deep things. Startling things. “Why are you telling me this, sir, we are just standing by the pickles I don’t know you” kind of things.
Which brings me to what just happened at a Cash Wise Foods in Fargo, ND. I only went in to buy one item on sale. (Ha. That was cute.) $150 later, I’m standing by the bing cherries, (because I dream of bing cherries!)
I’m lost in a hunger-fueled daze, when suddenly—out of nowhere—a rather handsome man comes flying toward me like he was launched out of a sitcom. I’m only telling you that he was handsome in my opinion so that you didn’t think he was some kind of sadly diagnosed schizophrenic, unkept – type of fella.
He looks at me, just beaming, and says, “Oh my goodness! I never thought I’d get to meet I Dream of Jeannie in real life!” (Oh no, not again! I was just minding my own business and now this is happening!) Someone turn my magnet off!
Now listen. I’m standing there with my high, tight but messy ponytail and my favorite patchwork hippie jumpsuit on, feeling very casual and not even remotely magical – But, when life tosses you a compliment dipped in 60s TV nostalgia, you just go with it. So I did. I went with it. I crossed my arms and did the classic “I Dream of Jeannie” nod. (You know the one!)
I did it bold. Deliberate. Fully committed even!
He gasped an enthusiastic gasp! He literally clutched his chest, threw out his arms and declared, “This is the greatest day! I met I Dream of Jeannie!”
Now, this man did not look like someone who collects crystals or communes with squirrels. He looked like a completely average, sensible, khaki-wearing man. But he hugged me like he meant it—like he’d been waiting his whole life to find a wish-granting genie in the produce section of a grocery store.
He stood back and looked at me as if he was attempting to see if my clothing was the right size for me. He laughed. I laughed. He walked one way, I walked the other, both of us grinning like fools who just remembered that humans are weird – but not in a weird way – and so very wonderful and full of surprises!
Here’s the thing though – yes, our parents told us not to talk to strangers. But if I had listened, I’d have missed out on some of the best moments—and getting to know some of the grooviest people—of my life. Many of my favorite humans started as strangers. Some even that I met in grocery store aisles.
Not every stranger is a threat. Some are just a hug wrapped in khakis and 60s sitcom references.
So go ahead—talk to strangers. Just maybe not the ones who try to sell you essential oils and animal hides out of their trunk or overcoat. Use wisdom and discernment. But don’t forget to use wonder, too.
I think this hug felt angelic to me! Non-sexual, non-threatening and rawly organic!
I liked that day a whole bunch!
And good grief those cherries on my trip were a delight!
Make a wish, nod and believe!
