Monday, October 8, 2012

Jinxed

Good morning. Today I'd like to discuss something I thought was only an old wives tale, but let me share with you my story and see what you think.

When the Monster was a baby she was sick all the time. From ear infections, to sinus infections, a bout with pneumonia, several with bronchitis, the kid was always running a fever for one reason for another. Now, we lived in Rhode Island at the time and naturally I kept in touch with my extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles and what not. Several times we had to cancel plans to go to a family gathering because Monster was either sick, or I was afraid she would get sick. Everyone was always concerned. Including me.

It seemed to me that whenever she was actually doing well, someone would invariably ask, "How's the Monster doing?" And I would always respond, "She's much better, thank you." And right after I said that, she would get sick again. I swear to God, I felt like I was jinxing myself, and I got so paranoid that whenever anyone would ask how she was, I would reply, "I can't tell you. Everytime I say how she is, she gets sick again, so I'm not going to say." (My family thought I was nuts.) But it worked. (I guess, at least that's how I thought of it. Come to find out, she was allergic to something in milk and once I switched her to organic milk, she was fine. If she gets sick now, I'll know it's really me...)

Anyway, I thought the jinxing was over. Ha!

You all know I've been working on the old house trying to get it ready to sell. It's been tough going because a few weeks ago, I shared with you how I've never felt better. Jinxed again. Since I've said that, I've felt really shitty.

Someone asked me last week how the painting was going. I said, "Really good. Moving right along." And it was, until I fell off the ladder. Not once, but twice.

I released my latest book, A ROMANTIC REGENCY COLLECTION. Now with this book, I didn't really promote it at all. One announcement on my Anne Gallagher blog, one announcement here, one day of sporadic Tweets, that was it. And it was selling really well. (Well, really well for me. I don't expect much with no fanfare, but it was having really good sales. Exceptionally good sales.) Until someone asked me how it was going. I said, "Fantastic!" Okay, jinxed again. That next day sales fell off markedly.

Can I really not talk about good things happening to me? I don't get it. I mean, it's not like I'm bragging or anything like that. I just want to share with my friends that things are going well for a change. But then when  I do, it all falls apart.

Is it just me or does this happen to you? Do you believe in jinxes? And if it is an old wives tale, does someone know how to countermand it? Do I spit while turning in a circle, or throw salt over my cat's left shoulder?

22 comments:

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

Life is a four letter word.

So is love and golf.

That's all the philosophying I've got in me.

Laurel Garver said...

Salt over that cat's shoulder, yeah, that should do the trick.

Seriously though, I think our brains like to make patterns even when things aren't the least bit related.

Anne Gallagher said...

Mac -- Golf. Works for me.

Laurel -- I mean, the cat thing might work, maybe. Right? Patterns, I hadn't thought of that. It just seems so weird though.

Jennifer Shirk said...

Ha! You're not jinxed! But it is kind of weird that happened to you.:)

Anne Gallagher said...

Jennifer -- If I truly think about it, it happens more frequently than those 4 examples. Maybe I am jinxed. Perhaps I should spit ON the cat.

Bossy Betty said...

Positive thinking. That's what I am into these days. Affirmations on the mirror and everything. It's cornball and others would laugh at me, but it works! Order from Louise Hay affirmation cards, look at one each day and repeat it. Doctor Betty luvs you. Do it.

Yvonne Osborne said...

Maybe that's why I'm reluctant to talk about my writing, where I am, where I'm going. But seriously, you fell off a ladder twice??

Stacy McKitrick said...

Spitting ON the cat. That just cracked me up!

Sounds like maybe you should write this happening to a character in in your next book. Maybe that will cure you! Or break the curse!

Carol Kilgore said...

A thousand curses on your jinx. Phht. Phht.

There. That should work :)

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Nah, I don't believe in jinxes, except of course, in sports. Seems like every time a sportscaster makes a comment about some player's looooong streak of not dropping a ball, or getting intercepted, etc, the very next play, the long streak that big-mouthed sportscaster just touted comes to an inglorious end. Okay, so maybe I do believe in jinxes. But no matter what, YOU be more careful on that ladder, young lady.

Johanna Garth said...

Yikes! Be careful!! Not sure if I believe in jinxes, but I think I do believe in bad things coming in threes so STAY OFF THAT LADDER!

Sarah Ahiers said...

i don't know if i truly believe in jinxing or not, but i do know i keep my mouth shut about a lot of stuff just in case...

Karen Baldwin said...

Did you knock on wood? Whenever I feel I've been boasting...WHAM! And swabbing Q-Tips with hydrogen helps people stay healthy according to doctor. For me? I ain't saying as I knock on wood.

Anne Gallagher said...

Betty -- Believe me, I positively affirm every day. And I pray. And I only put out into the universe good thoughts. I must have been born under a bad sign.

Yvonne -- Yup, twice. And got right back up. Of course I limped for a few days, but at least I didn't break any bones so that was something.

Stacy -- Hey, that's a good idea. Maybe I will use the jinx in the next book. AND spit on the cat.

Carol -- Thanks. I feel like Tula in My Big Fat Greek Wedding when they spit on her bridal gown.

Susan -- One more ladder trip to go painting the upper part of the hallway. I will have someone in the house with me however. It's 12 feet high.

Johanna -- I forgot about that 3 thing. But I have to go back up there. I'll try and get it all done at once.

Sarah -- Funny, I usually don't talk much about stuff, but when someone asks, I hate to be rude. Or be a downer. People say I'm so pessimistic, I feel like every once in awhile I should have some good news. Now I wonder if I should even bother.

Em -- I've been reading (sorry not commenting) on your ears. I knock on wood when I need to, but hate to use up that juju unnecessarily.

dolorah said...

LOL; I know, I feel the same way whenever I talk about getting a little money ahead in front of my car. Jinxed, it needs a $500 fix :(

......dhole

Linda G. said...

Oh, I'm the Queen of Superstition. Whenever I'm asked how something is going, and I'm forced to admit "pretty well," I always knock on wood. If no wood is handy, I'll use my head. *grin*

~Sia McKye~ said...

I'm not a superstitious person. I'm more of a believer in 'time and unforeseen coinsurance befall us all'. And then there is Murphy. Me and Murphy's Law do quite a bit of dancing--mind you, he's a great dancer but I enjoying sitting out a few.

As for Monster, it's amazing how much allergies play into health. It takes time to identify them and then avoid them. I finally came to the conclusion that cooking from scratch was the safest. There are so many hidden additives in processed foods and my body hates them and reacts adversely. Now, it's second nature to prepare foods. I buy organic or raise it, as much as possible.

Sia McKye OVER COFFEE

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I don't think I believe in jinxes, but, on the other hand, I'm cautious with what I voice. Why risk a cosmic slap-down, right? ;)

And I'm very sorry you fell off the ladder twice. That sucks.

Lydia Kang said...

I am a very science-minded girl, and I always knock on wood. (paper, when it's not around, since it's nearly the same thing)

Bish Denham said...

Here's what you do, Anne. Tell us that everything is going terribly, that sales are in the pits and we'll know what you really mean. :)

I do hope you've recovered from the falls.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

This makes me so sad that you are jinxed! It certainly seems as if you are. The Universe owes you big time now! I do hope things start looking up. Maybe try doing everything the opposite?

Old Kitty said...

Oh I'm all for throwing salt over one's shoulder to ward off the evil influences! LOL!! Seriously - bad things come in threes and I never ever walk under ladders! But black cats are lucky! Yay!

Awwww hope your Little Monster is ok now!

Take care
x