On a positive note …

Whew! We survived 2017 and that’s all I’ll say about that. We’re being positive, right? So Happy New Year to you, to us, to all those we hold dear.

When I was thinking about what I’d write today, I remembered something my mother used to say (and do) every time I moved into a new house or apartment.

“Fransi,” she’d say, “remember to bring a piece of bread, some salt, some sugar and a new broom with you the first time you go in. And make sure you enter with your right foot first.” It wasn’t enough she’d told me, she always went with me, armed with all the supplies, just in case I forgot or decided to ignore her.

It’s funny because I am superstitious, but I thought it was some kind of silly old wive’s tale until a cousin of mine showed up a few days before I moved into the first house I bought with a broom and a filled paper bag.. It wasn’t just my mother, so maybe there was something to it, after all. Couldn’t hurt, I suppose, so I became a convert.

After my mom passed, I did forget about this tradition/superstition and didn’t follow her instructions when I moved into my current apartment. Maybe that’s why I’ve never really liked it. Note to self — make sure you do all of the above next time.

For those who are curious, here’s the significance of it all:

• The bread is so you’ll never go hungry.
• The salt is meant to replace tears, spice up your life and bring good luck.
• The sugar is there to bring sweetness to your life.
• The broom makes sure you can sweep troubles and bad luck away.
• Entering your new home with your right foot first is so you’ll start off right.

You have to admit, there is a logic to it. And it’s a lovely, loving, kind, positive sentiment. So why not, right?

Anyhooooooo …

Like I said, when I was giving this blog post some thought, that’s what popped into my mind. And then I thought, what a wonderful way to approach a new year, especially after the one we’ve just had.

So as the clock struck 12 this past New Year’s Eve I made sure that the very first step I took was with my right foot. While I left the baggage from 2017 behind, what I did take with me were the things my mother made sure I had every time I’ve walked into a new home — only this time I carried them with me symbolically.

And I said a little prayer for all of you, wishing you the same.

To 2018 — may it bring us all peace, love, good health, good luck and contentment. If we’re fortunate enough to have all that, we will be rich beyond our dreams.