“Pennies from Heaven”, a phrase that is seldom used, even as a cliché, but had meaning back in the mid 1930’s because of the popular Frank Sinatra song.  My parent’s generation using this term when they received a small unexpected gift that brought them pleasure.  “Thanks, it’s like receiving pennies from heaven.”

 

About a year ago, while walking from the parking lot to the grocery story, I occasionally noticed an accidentally dropped coin.  Being a bit superstitious, I looked to see if it was head’s or tail’s up.  Sometimes I cared, but often picked it up.

As the months went by, my search for coins became a game.  It didn’t always find one, but I was always amused when I did.  I might put it in the coin holder on the dash of my car, and other times I’d drop it into a small slot in my handbag.

A week or so ago, I was walking back to my car and glanced around for abandoned coins.  It’s been awhile since I’d found one, so when I didn’t I felt a bit neglected.  I’d come to anticipate finding them more than I realized.

Because I’d had so much fun with this little game, I decided that instead of looking for coins in parking lots, I’d leave them.  It’s like paying back, and then forward.  Since I often find myself in parking lots, I often grab a coin to leave behind.  Sometime it’s a penny, maybe a nickel, dime, or even a quarter.  I don’t give thought to the denomination, but I do wonder who finds them, and if it makes them smile.

Early last week I stopped by a music store on 4^th Street in Santa Rosa.  I’d decided it was time to retrieve a guitar that I’d dropped off over 8 months earlier, repaired or not.   When I walked in, I headed for the repair department.  I told the fellow behind the desk asked my name, and what instrument I had left.  I told him a Framus guitar.  Turning to his right, he looked over his shoulder, and said “I think that’s your guitar, and I believe it’s ready to go. I’ll check with Steve.”

I was stunned.  This wasn’t what I’d expected to hear.  Ten minutes later, Steve looked toward the chair I’d found, and with a huge smile said “hey, I’m so glad to see you.  I just have to remove the clamps and put on a new set of strings.  Your guitar will be ready to go in no time.”  What were the odds, after 8 months of waiting, that it would be ready that precise day?  Not only did he not charge me for the repairs, or a new set of strings, but he asked a clerk to prepare a $50.00 gift certificate for the most patient customer he’d ever had.  I walked away that day feeling like I’d been showered with pennies!

The next morning I went for an eye exam, had breakfast at a local diner, and did a few errands.  When I looked at my watch I decided I had time to make it to the matinee showing of “American Sniper.”   I arrived home about 4:00.  I checked my cell phone for messages and found an email from my web site consultant.  “Can you call me at 3:00?  I have something I want to discuss with you.”  That time had passed, but I sent her an email saying “I’m available, and will be home the rest of the day.”

About forty minutes later she called.  After a few pleasantries she asked me if I was working yet.

I said “no, but I’m looking.”

She said “Great! How would you like to work with me on some web related things?  This really took me off guard.

“Well, I love to write, and I would really enjoy creating web content.”

She said “Perfect, I just gained 4 new clients, and really need help.  You’re sort of a creative geek, and that’s exactly what I need.”

Talk about another ‘out of nowhere’ coincidence.  I’d been looking for work, but hadn’t found an engaging opportunity. Diana and I enjoy each other, and that’s a huge plus.  I couldn’t be more excited!

A few days later I had dinner with a couple of friends I used to work with.  We had so much to talk about I’s forgotten to mention the new work I’d been offered.  When I gave them a brief description of the job, the gals were thrilled and wished me their best.

Earlier that evening, while leaving the car to walk to the restaurant, I had retrieved a couple of coins from my dashboard holder and dropped them outside of the car.   As my friends and I were leaving the restaurant I told them about the fortunate occurrences that I’d experience the past couple of days.  I mentioned the coins that I’d found in parking lots, and decided to return the gestures by leaving some instead of looking for them.

We all puzzled about this for a moment, and they agreed that the timing was quite intriguing, and maybe there is a connection.  They could use a little treasure from heaven once in awhile too, and thought they might try the coin theory.

I haven’t really drawn the conclusion that these two unexpected experiences are associated with my little game of leaving coins in parking lots.  I simply enjoy giving back something that had given me pleasure.  Maybe there is a connection, but I will continue to leave coins with a great sense of abandon in hopes that they might brighten someone’s day.

© Shari Adams