How a kitchen appliance reminded me of magic

August 9, 2011 |
Mixer

I find it harder and harder to believe in magic these days.

Life isn’t easy, you know.  It can be full of tough things.  We learn to suck it up, because no one is going to come along and fix it for us.  Right?  We’ve waited and waited, but with no imminent rescue, we eventually make up our minds to stop wishing, and just do what we have to do.  It’s a long and lonely road, but after some time, we learn to just walk forward – head down, no questions.

Do not want.  Do not need.  Do not wish.  Do not hope.

And this doesn’t leave room for much magic.

I have to tell you: lately, I’ve been living without hopes or expectations.  Time has taught me that expectations, however small, will eventually lead to disappointment – so instead of hoping for good things, it’s easier to just take whatever life deals you.

But my birthday brought me a little magic.

Beyond the fact that I saw a black bear, and climbed Mt. Princeton, and sat on a tailgate of an F-150 drinking PBR and talking about Rebecca Black and O.J. Simpson with a new friend, when I got home I had a huge package waiting for me that said it was from “Your Fan Club.”

My fan club.

And I opened the envelope, and realized who it was from: so many of YOU.  People who I know and have met only thanks to blogging.

And in the box was the hot rod of kitchen appliances: a bright red KitchenAid stand mixer.

I shrieked, and then bubbled over, gushing, saying things like, “AND I DIDN’T EVEN HAVE TO GET MARRIED.”  I have always wanted a KitchenAid mixer, but it’s one of those things seemingly reserved for the espoused – because who would ever be able to justify that kind of money on themselves?

I have burned through hand mixer after hand mixer, only to abandon them altogether and stir things by muscle.  And remember, this is fine – you learn to not wish or hope for anything better or easier than what you have.  “You get what you get, and you don’t throw a fit” is a popular motto these days.

But every now and then, people surprise you.  They pay attention, and take action, and bring you the happiest shock you can imagine.  They conspire behind your back to bombard you with love.  They choose red because they think you’re “a red hot siren” (OMG).  Their kind words are sprinkled like magic, and all of a sudden, a little bit of hope is renewed.

I am humbled and grateful – not only for the KitchenAid (although it is one of the kindest, most generous gifts I have ever been given), but for the reminder that magic is worth hoping for.

Thank you, friends – you know who you are – from the bottom of my hope-filled heart, and my cookie-filled tummy.

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11 Comments

  1. Dani on August 9, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    XOXO

    Reply
  2. Peg on August 9, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Hooray!!! This made me smile this morning. Remember though – you SHOULD justify spending money on yourself sometimes. Soooo much fun when others know you well and do it for you though.

    Reply
  3. The things I try so hard to find: A list | Wrangler Dani on August 9, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    […] Magic. […]

    Reply
  4. Carin on August 9, 2011 at 10:13 AM

    THAT. is awesome.
    xoxo

    Reply
  5. Sarah on August 9, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    That is so stinkin’ sweet!

    Reply
  6. Bree Jeffries on August 9, 2011 at 11:42 AM

    Super rad!!

    Reply
  7. Beth on August 9, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    I love this, Annie! We don’t know each other, but I found your blog through Annie Downs, and I just enjoy reading of your adventures and your beautiful spirit here on the blog. It’s funny, if I only have a little time to “surf the ‘net” as they say, your blog is always one I’ll check. I enjoy your heart and your writing.

    So, Happy Belated Birthday, and from one single gal to another one- trying hard to believe with you- that when hope dies in our lives due to the journey ‘o life- Jesus speaks to me that He is the Resurrector- He is the hope for all my dead hopes- He can somehow breathe and resurrect His life into those places I simply cannot. Thanks, Annie, for blessing us with your words :) —Beth

    Reply
  8. Muggles on August 10, 2011 at 4:50 PM

    SOOOOO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!

    Reply
  9. Janelle on August 10, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    So fun!! And perfect color for you too!! Enjoy :) Maybe you can bless other with baked goods!

    Reply
  10. Lisa on August 15, 2011 at 12:31 PM

    L.O.V.E. this real-life story of magic and renewed hope…and I especially love that it is YOUR story to tell. Praying for much much more to come…
    ALSO, JJ and I are coming to Denver over labor day weekend–can we please please please see you?!

    Reply
  11. Jodie_Velour on August 15, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    …by PBR, do you mean Pabst Blue Ribbon? Because I could’a swore they stopped makin’ that strange brew? A travesty of course, that would be. (Was, in my mind. But I could be wrong. That’s not new territory…)

    Also, what a great gift! Makes me super happy for you. :) And yeah, “they” are spot on. You are a red hot siren. :)

    Reply

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