A Sixth Sense
I was reminded of something from my childhood by this great post over at Momo Fali's:
Who Needs A Crystal Ball
If you haven't read it yet, go ahead and pop over. I'll wait.
La-de-da....
Wow... that carpet REALLY needs a vacuuming...
I wonder what I'm going to do on my day off tomorrow...
NOT vacuuming, that's for sure...
Oh! You're back? Cool story eh?
Okay, so here's my similar tale from years ago:
Back in the 60's, our family would visit relatives in Alberta every summer during The Calgary Stampede. On those hot dusty July days, we would be dragged to the exhibits, parades and the huge Western-themed midway. The unmistakable odor of livestock permeated the air, mixed with the aroma of corndogs and cotton candy.
Yummy.
We would spend entire days there for a week on end. The only shade we were afforded came from the cowboy hats required to even gain entry to the Rodeo Grounds.
One year (I was about eight I believe) I remember sitting in the stifling grandstand waiting for the horse races to start. Being the youngest in the group, of course I was fidgety. I really wasn't interested in the actual races, but I did enjoy watching the majestic animals proudly trot around in front of us before lining up on the track. Noting the numbers on their flanks, I took a look at the program and announced to my family which horse was going to win the first race.
Of course this was cause for a few snickers and smiles from my older brother, sister and parents.
That was okay, I just wanted to make a game of it.
When the first race ended and I had in fact picked the winner, it was chocked up to "Luck".
Then all but the final race ended...with my predictions for each and every one spot on. Today, I honestly can't recall if there were six or eight races running that day; but I do remember that the basis for my choice of winner included my affinity to the horse's name and/or silks color ... all very scientific, naturally! But not being a gambling family, no one bet; we were just there to watch.
Needless to say, with each successive race, more and more spectators around us were listening in. Then an elderly gent came up to me and asked who I thought would win the last race. I sheepishly picked a name that jumped out at me and the man left to put his money down.
And of course...
Yep.
...the horse lost.
I felt bad for the fellow, but I think I felt worse that I didn't get them all right.
I think the Gods of Luck just wanted to play too.
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13 People would rather be commenting:
Wow! What a story! That is remarkable you predicted all of those. Even if the last one wasn't the winner. I can relate the the snickers from older siblings. I felt like my big brother was doing that to me all the time.
So funny that you mention this because I have always been able to pick the winner of the Kentucky Derby every single year...except the one year my husband put money on it. I think things like that are best left to be special moments and not things for profit. :)
OOoh the story about that little boy gave me goosebumps! Hey the Stampede! That brings back memories! Did you ever see the pig races? I loved the Calgary Stampede, want to take the boys now....wish I lived closer....wah!
Well, you're post is more relevant than you realize...or did you know that already? We took the boy to the races on Saturday and let him pick a horse for the Kentucky Derby. His pick? Eight Belles. The horse that came in second and then had to be euthanized. I wonder if he knew...
Sandy: Yeah, being the youngest sucked at times...
Vegas Princess: Wow, that is cool! And funny the same thing happened to you! Sorry about the $$ loss, though...
DJ: I don't remember pig races, but I do remember the chuckwagon races, and one year when a driver got pinned between the wagons and had to be taken away in an ambulance. Violent stuff at the rodeo, that's for sure.
Momo Fali: Wow! No I didn't know... I read the headline about tragedy at the Derby and was too frightened to go read more; I feared that is what happened. Your son is really on a roll, isn't he?
How are you at lotto numbers?
I'm convinced that if I ever got a tattoo, it would have to be a three leaf clover. Because that's just my luck!
This was a great story, tho. AND...I got two stories for the price of one!! Thank you for sending us over!!
Cool story! And I love the picture :-)
VE: I actually don't play lotto...
Day Dreamer: Thanks, and you're welcome!
Jeff: Thanks ;) Yeah, I was quite the tomboy (and cowboy too) I guess
Hi, Maureen! Love your stories, as always. Chuckles at the fortune cookie fortunes, and even though I might be one of those blue-hairs, I feel your slow pain. And, I can't stand super glue, so I'm thankful I don't have to use it in a job, LOL.
I think they hire children such as yourself (back in the day) to work in Indian Casinos....to try and get the elderly to part with more of thier social security money.
Cool story! If I were the gambling type and a kid sitting in front of me was predicting winners, I would totally ask him to pick me the next winner. You must have felt pretty awesome to be asked :)
Hi again Aimesee! Thanks.. yeah, believe it or not, I still have about a dozen of those security kits just waiting to be glued, er installed.
Lotus07: Hah! That gent probably thought I was a ringer or something!!!
Huckdoll: Well, I was pretty shy to anyone not in the family; I remember being quite scared, really. It was too much pressure!
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